Indiana RN to BSN Bridge Programs
We at BestNursingDegree.com want to help you find an RN-BSN program that is right for you, which is why we have compiled a list of the accredited programs in your state as well as the online nursing programs in Indiana. Request from multiple nursing schools in Indiana to ensure you find the program that best fits your needs. Also, consider online RN to BSN programs as they offer a way to expand your nursing education, without compromising your learning experience.
Find out more by requesting materials from the nursing schools below.
As a nurse, you can rest assured that the outlook for nursing careers in Indiana is favorable through 2020. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development stats obtained in 2013, registered nursing numbers in Indiana are excepted to increase by more than 16,000, a 27.2% increase. This is higher than the expected growth nationally.
As the number of nursing jobs in Indiana grows, you will want to position yourself well within the market. Attending one of the RN to BSN nursing programs in Indiana can help by expanding both your clinical and theoretical knowledge, making you a valuable asset to employers.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Indiana
There are a number of nursing programs in Indiana, at both the state and private level, that offer RN to BSN programs. The eight state campuses together have created a flexible path of study that allows students to complete study full-time in 12 months or part-time in 18 to 24 months. Clinical experience is embedded in the lecture–based courses and tailored to an individual’s career goals. There are also a number of private nursing schools in Indiana with BSN completion programs as well.
Additionally, there are several accredited online nursing programs in Indiana where RN to BSN bridge programs are available. These programs are often ideal for the working RN and one who has family commitments. There is an array of flexibility, and you have more control over the pace of your education.
Several universities allow you to apply in fall, spring, or summer semesters. General education coursework must be complete, and the minimum GPA is usually 2.5. A current RN license is also necessary. Required nursing courses are very similar between universities; however, some universities offer a variety of electives for specific career paths.
Some of the basic nursing courses include:
- Communication for Health Care Professionals
- Data Analysis in Clinical Practice in Health Care Research
- Nursing Research
- Professional Nursing Seminar for Health Policy and Informatics
- Nursing Management RN BSN
- Community Health
- Clinical Nursing Practice Capstone
In addition to the above courses, there are several electives available, such as Global Health Issues in Nursing, Genetics and Genomics, Pharmacology and Gerontological Nursing. This allows the BSN student to tailor their education and areas of interest.
Careers for BSN Graduates in Indiana
Indiana has more than 60,000 registered nurses, but they are still dealing with a large nursing shortage. According to the State of Indiana, nursing shortages in the state are estimated to reach more than 8,000 as 37% will reach retirement age by 2015, and 59% by 2020.
A Registered Nurse’s annual median salary in Indiana is $58,320 according to 2013 data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nursing experience and education are always determining factors for salaries, which is why as a career RN you can enjoy the rewards of earning your BSN from one of the many ground based or online nursing programs in Indiana.
Despite the nursing shortage, patient satisfaction goals show 75 percent of Indiana hospital patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family. There are several good hospitals in Indiana that have technologically advanced integrated healthcare systems in place. The nursing employee benefits are excellent. Many hospitals offer RNs tuition reimbursement as well.
BSN degrees expand skills and knowledge beyond the clinical aspects of nursing, as they are provided with a background in evidence–based practice, patient safety and integration to technology. It can also open new doors in your healthcare career, as well as potentially improve your earning potential. There are opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses to work in a multitude of environments including hospitals, private practice, home healthcare, schools nonprofit organizations and private companies.
BSN Nursing Programs in Indiana to Consider:
- Purdue University Calumet: Located near Gary, Purdue’s Calumet Campus School of Nursing program offers an online option for nurses transitioning from RN to BSN. The program requires completion of 62 semester hours in science, humanities/social science, nursing courses, and electives. Students complete evidence-based projects in lieu of clinical rotations.
- Goshen College: Goshen’s BSN degree completion track takes about 19 months. Cohorts of 10 to 20 nurses progress through the program together. Classes meet on the Goshen campus or at Elkhart General Hospital one night per week for four hours. Certain courses require clinical experience on other days of the week.
- Ball State University (Muncie): The Ball State RN to BSN program offers either a three or six semester option. Some of the classes such as Community Health take place in clinical settings, while others such as Research in Nursing are largely classroom based. Students may take prerequisite classes through independent learning or Internet study.
