Indiana State University BSN Programs
Indiana State University’s School of Nursing has been a leading institution in nursing education since its first class started in September 1962. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways help students at different points in their academic and professional lives.
Students without RN or LPN licensure can join the traditional four-year, campus-based BSN program. The program’s excellence shows in its results – during the second quarter of 2023, all graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first try. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on clinical experiences that prepare students to work in pediatric care, emergency nursing, labor and delivery, oncology care, and home healthcare.
The Accelerated Second Degree Hybrid/Online BSN track serves students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. This 15-month program runs through consecutive summer, fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students can manage their other commitments while getting complete nursing training through a mix of online classes and practical clinical experiences.
Licensed practical nurses can advance their careers through the LPN/LVN to BSN track. This online program lets students transfer their credits and finish their degree through distance learning. Students complete their clinical rotations in their local community. Some courses can be completed through equivalency exams, and students don’t need to visit the campus.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) has granted Indiana State’s nursing programs the maximum eight-year accreditation. The Indiana State Board of Nursing also accredits the bachelor’s degree program, which ensures students get education that meets professional standards.
The job market looks bright for Indiana State’s nursing graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects registered nurse employment to grow 6% from 2021-2031. The university’s nursing graduates earn a median salary of $72,381 per year. The School of Nursing’s steadfast dedication to developing skilled, caring professionals helps prepare leaders who make the most important contributions to healthcare.
Available Program Tracks
Indiana State University gives you multiple ways to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Each path fits different educational backgrounds and career goals.
The Traditional BSN Program delivers a complete four-year, campus-based education for students who don’t have nursing credentials. The program blends theory with hands-on experience through a balanced mix of nursing concepts, support courses, Foundational Studies, and electives. You’ll develop key skills in a realistic clinical setting at the Learning Resources Center (LRC). This center bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-life nursing practice. After graduation, you’ll be ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam and step into leadership roles in healthcare settings.
Licensed nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher can choose the Accelerated Second Degree Hybrid/Online BSN to speed up their path to nursing. This intensive program spans just 15 months through summer, fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students learn through a hybrid model. Most theory classes happen online asynchronously, while clinical training combines virtual simulation, campus skills training, and community practicum experiences. The program’s rigorous nature requires full-time dedication from students.
Licensed practical nurses can advance their careers through the LPN/LVN to BSN Track. This online program lets you transfer credits from previous education and finish your bachelor’s degree remotely. Your clinical rotations can be arranged close to home, so you won’t need to visit campus. You can also speed up your progress by taking equivalency exams for certain courses. Once you complete the program, you can take the NCLEX-RN through the Indiana Board of Nursing.
Indiana State University’s program tracks show its steadfast dedication to developing skilled, caring nursing professionals. The university achieves this through innovative teaching, hands-on learning, and community participation. Your chosen track will prepare you for leadership roles in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Flexible Learning Formats
Indiana State University’s nursing education philosophy prioritizes accessibility through various learning formats. Students who aspire to become nurses often balance multiple responsibilities, which makes flexibility the core of their educational approach.
The School of Nursing combines innovative distance teaching modalities with experiential learning and evidence-based clinical preparation. This combination maintains quality education while developing practical skills. To cite an instance, the LPN/LVN to BSN Track lets students earn a fully accredited Bachelor of Science degree online without campus visits. Working professionals find this format valuable as they advance their careers without location restrictions.
The Accelerated Second Degree Hybrid/Online Program shows Indiana State’s innovative approach to nursing education. Students can access course materials at convenient times since most theoretical and didactic components are delivered asynchronously online. Clinical training blends online simulation, on-campus skills development, and community-based practicum experiences to create a detailed learning environment.
The university adapts its learning formats to match specific program needs:
- Traditional BSN: Campus-based setting with experiential learning, research opportunities, and community engagement
- Accelerated Second Degree: Hybrid model combines asynchronous online coursework with in-person clinical experiences over 15 consecutive months
- LPN/LVN to BSN: Fully online format with clinicals arranged in your local community and selected courses satisfied through equivalency exams
Students find the online platforms accessible and easy to use. These platforms make collaboration with peers and faculty natural. More importantly, dedicated support services help online learners throughout their educational experience.
Working nurses can continue their employment while pursuing advanced education thanks to this thoughtful design. Some programs offer 8-week online courses for additional flexibility, especially when you have busy work schedules. Indiana State University’s adaptable learning formats reflect its steadfast dedication to making nursing education accessible while maintaining high academic standards.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
Students who want to join Indiana State University’s BSN programs must meet specific criteria through a competitive selection process. The university reviews each applicant’s overall cumulative GPA from all collegiate institutions, science GPA (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology and accompanying labs), and admission test scores.
Successful applicants have set high standards, with an average overall cumulative GPA of 3.52 and a science GPA of 3.23. Students should know that a cumulative college GPA below 2.75 or science prerequisite GPA below 2.5 makes them ineligible to apply.
Admission to Indiana State University must come first, followed by a separate application to the nursing major. The nursing program follows a dual-deadline system—May 1 for fall entry and November 1 for spring entry.
Students must complete all prerequisite courses within the previous ten years or be enrolled in them when applying. Any coursework older than a decade requires repetition to meet current standards.
A complete application needs these additional items:
- Criminal background check (completed within three months of deadline)
- CPR certification for healthcare providers
- Detailed immunization records
- Signed acknowledgment forms for drug screening policies
- Honor code agreement
LPN to BSN applicants need an unencumbered license in a recognized state. The university accepts transfer credits only from regionally accredited institutions, and courses must have grades of ‘C’ or higher.
It’s worth mentioning that meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission—the selection process stays highly competitive for all BSN tracks at Indiana State University.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Indiana State University
Indiana State University’s BSN programs offer much more than basic nursing education. These programs excel at preparing students for real-life nursing careers and delivering exceptional academic results.
ISU nursing graduates prove their professional readiness through outstanding NCLEX-RN pass rates. The program achieved a remarkable 100% first-attempt pass rate on the national licensing examination in the second quarter of 2023.
Students practice clinical skills in state-of-the-art simulation facilities before they step into actual healthcare settings. This hands-on experience substantially improves their confidence and competence with patients.
Faculty expertise serves as the core of excellence at Indiana State. Students learn from instructors who blend academic credentials with extensive clinical experience. This ensures education aligns with current healthcare practices and emerging trends.
ISU’s nursing programs encourage valuable connections with healthcare facilities across Indiana. These connections create pathways to clinical placements and future job opportunities. Students enter the workforce with strong professional networks.
The curriculum blends technical skills with compassionate care principles. Students learn to address their patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs. This integrated approach to nursing education produces graduates who deliver complete, patient-centered care in various healthcare settings.