How to Become an RN in Indiana: 4 Steps
Ready to learn how to become an RN in Indiana? Indiana’s workforce of over 130,000 RNs needs you. Nurses in the Hoosier State are in demand, so becoming one could lead to opportunities in specialties like intensive care, pediatrics, labor and delivery, and more. If you want to get started in this career path, here’s how to become a registered nurse in Indiana.
What Does an RN in Indiana Do?
Registered nurses work in hospital systems, clinics, government organizations, and private companies. There are many paths your career could take once you complete the steps of how to become an RN. In Indiana, nurses work in various roles, including:
- 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.
- Advanced practice nursing: You might choose to pursue additional training and education, perhaps as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse midwife.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Indiana?
Completing the steps of how to become an RN in Indiana will take between two and four years. Much of the process is the same between states — you’ll either need to attend a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, your educational pathway could be shorter via a direct-entry or accelerated program.
While either an accredited ADN or BSN program will prepare you for licensure and early practice, it’s worth researching the differences between these degrees to know which path is better 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 opportunities in leadership, research, and more. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Check out these highly-ranked BSN programs in Indiana:
- Purdue University – Main Campus
- Indiana University – Indianapolis
- Purdue University – Northwest
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- University of Indianapolis
If you’re seeking a shorter degree path, here are some well-regarded ADN programs in the state:
- Bethel University
- Ivy Tech Community College
- University of Saint Francis – Crown Point
- Vincennes University – Jasper
- University of St. Francis – Ft. Wayne
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 first step in learning how to become an RN in Indiana is a prelicensure degree 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
With this full workload, many nursing students look for flexible jobs so that they can bring in income without sacrificing 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
RN licensure 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.
Once your state application is complete, you’ll apply for the National Council Licensure Exam (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 registered nurse.
Step 3: 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:
While you’re thinking about job applications, you might be wondering what nurses make in Indiana. The average nursing salary in IN is $82,700 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:
IntelyCare has roles at some of the leading acute care facilities in Indiana. Learn more about nursing jobs at these top-notch institutions:
- Indiana University Health Medical Center
- Deaconess Hospital
- Franciscan Health Indianapolis
- Community Hospital – Munster
- Parkview Regional Medical Center
- Adams Memorial Hospital
- AMG Specialty Hospital – Muncie
- Ascension St. Vincent Anderson
Step 4: 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 October 31 in odd years. Follow our article on three steps to renew your Indiana nursing license.
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.