How to Become an RN in Indiana: 4 Steps
Ready to learn how to become an RN in Indiana? The journey involves three key steps: earning your nursing degree, passing the NCLEX exam, and applying for state licensure. Each step comes with its own state-specific requirements — and this guide breaks them all down in detail.
With more than 124,000 RNs already serving across the state, Indiana’s healthcare system continues to grow — and more nurses are needed every year. From hospitals and clinics to med-tech companies, Indiana’s healthcare system is full of opportunities for motivated nurses ready to make a difference. If you want to get started in this career path, here’s how to become a registered nurse in Indiana.
Becoming an RN in Indiana: A Snapshot Into the Role
There are many paths your career could take once you complete the steps of how to become an RN. In Indiana, RNs have a range of opportunities across clinical and nonclinical settings alike. From fast-paced acute-care hospitals to post-acute, home health, and community care settings, nurses here can find meaningful work opportunities that align with their skills and passions.
For those drawn to education, innovation, or leadership roles, Indiana also offers numerous non-bedside opportunities, such as medical coding, public health, and research — fields where RNs work behind the scenes to help improve healthcare systems.
There’s a broad range of nursing specialties available — here are some to consider:
- Community health nursing: Working to educate the public, implement social services programs, and improve large-scale health outcomes.
- Oncology nursing: Supporting patients as they undergo cancer treatment, such as administering chemotherapy, managing symptoms, and coordinating care.
- Cardiac nursing: Monitoring, assessing, educating, and creating care plans for patients with a range of cardiovascular issues.
- Interventional radiology nursing: Guiding patients through specialized minimally invasive procedures and providing post-procedure care.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Indiana?
Becoming an RN in Indiana typically takes two to four years. You can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, your educational pathway could be shorter via a direct-entry or accelerated program.
Wondering which options are best for you? The ADN is faster and likely less expensive, but the BSN could make you a more competitive candidate and open you up to further career advancement opportunities. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Interested in exploring four-year programs in the state? Check out these highly-ranked BSN programs in Indiana:
- Purdue University – Main Campus
- Indiana University – Indianapolis
- Purdue University – Northwest
If you’re seeking a shorter degree path, here are some well-regarded ADN programs in the state:
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Bethel University
- University of Saint Francis
- Vincennes University
- Fortis College
Whichever type of degree you choose, be sure that it is on the Indiana Board of Nursing’s list of approved schools. This will ensure you are qualified for licensure after graduation.
How to Become an RN in Indiana
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
The journey begins with completing a prelicensure nursing program. Whether you opt for an ADN or BSN, nursing school will combine real-world clinical rotations with didactic coursework. You’ll take challenging classes such as the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Pediatrics
- Maternal and newborn nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
Some RNs in training seek student nurse jobs that provide income without interfering with their studies. In Indiana, you can apply to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) after you pass your Nursing Fundamentals class with a C or higher. Learn more about CNA jobs in Indiana.
Another option that will help you gain work experience is to complete a student nurse externship. Programs like these have you rotate to different units, experiencing a range of specialties. You can gain clarity about the specialty you’d like to pursue, while also getting to know hiring managers and potentially giving yourself a leg-up when it’s time to apply for your first RN roles.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure by Exam
Wondering how to earn your RN license in Indiana? The process is managed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. To get started, you’ll submit an application by exam along with a $50 fee. If you’d like to apply for compact licensure, there’s an additional $25 fee. Here’s the information you’ll need to provide:
- A personal statement and any court documents to address criminal charges, if applicable
- Documentation of a name change, if applicable
- GED/high school education
- Nursing program information
- Verification of any previous licenses, if applicable
- Citizenship or noncitizenship documentation
Once your application goes through, you’ll also need to submit to a criminal background check. To do so, you’ll use Identgo to choose a location for your digital fingerprinting and set an appointment. There’s an additional fee you’ll need to pay, and remember to bring a government ID when you go for fingerprinting.
Most students begin the application process before graduation. If you do so, your school will need to send a certificate of completion to the Board after you graduate.
Additionally, Indiana’s temporary nursing permits allow new grads to accept roles and begin working before their formal licensure process is complete. To gain a temporary permit, you’ll need to complete all of the application requirements for licensure. Temp permits are only valid until you take the NCLEX or six months have elapsed. A failed NCLEX score will mean that your temporary permit is revoked.
Step 3: Take the NCLEX Exam
Once your state application is complete, you’ll apply for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE. The fee to take the exam is $200. Now it’s time to start your final NCLEX prep. Consider purchasing an exam study package, attending an online or in-person NCLEX review session, and taking several practice tests to assess where you can improve. If you don’t pass on your first try, you can reapply at any time, but you won’t be able to retest until at least 45 days after your last exam date.
Once you pass the NCLEX and your state RN application is approved, you’ll receive a digital copy of your license via email. There’s no additional application in the process of how to become an RN in Indiana — once you pass the NCLEX and receive your license, you’re a licensed RN.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to find jobs for new grad RNs? Consider entering the profession through a new graduate residency. These programs offer additional support and training for new nurses as they enter the profession and learn to practice independently. You’ll be paired with one or more preceptors and take training on facility-specific policies in a group of other new grads. Residency programs are commonly offered at acute care facilities and hospital networks.
Before you start applying to RN jobs in Indiana, you’ll want to put together your resume. Need help? Check out our resume examples, and be sure to include essential skills from the video below:
Check out roles at leading Indiana acute‑care facilities across the state:
- Adams Memorial Hospital
- Ascension St. Vincent Anderson
- Columbus Regional Health
- Franciscan Health
- Indiana University Health Medical Center
- Majestic Care of Saint Anthony
- Methodist Hospitals
- Owen Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Once you’ve completed the steps of how to become an RN in Indiana, it’s up to you to maintain your licensure requirements and renewals. RN licenses expire on October 31 in odd years. Refer to our article for the three steps to renew your Indiana nursing license.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Indiana?
While you’re thinking about job applications, you might be wondering what nurses make in Indiana. The average nursing salary in IN is $85,850 per year. What you earn will depend on your specialty, level of education, and experience, as well as any specialty certifications you choose to earn.
Where you live also has a big impact on your income, so if you’re willing to move after graduation, you could increase your earnings. Check out nursing roles in the largest cities in Indiana by population:
Let the RN Jobs Come to You
Now that you know how to become an RN in Indiana, you might be curious about open roles for nursing professionals in your area. IntelyCare’s nursing job notifications will alert you when roles open up that match your license, skills, and scheduling needs. Learn more today.