Indiana MSN Programs

Anderson University: RN to MSN Program Review
Anderson University, 1100 East Fifth Street, Anderson, Indiana 46012
Anderson University is a private Christian institution that is affiliated with the Church of God. The University was named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest. The Princeton Review also recognized Anderson University as one of the best schools in the Midwest. It was founded in 1917 as the Anderson Bible Training School. Today, undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

There are four different specialty tracks available that lead to a masters degree in nursing. These are the MSN-Education Track, MSN—Administration Track, MSN-MBA Track, and Informatics Track. An additional option offered at Anderson University is the Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing program.

The School of Nursing’s MSN Education Track provides training in educating future student nurses. Students also learn to facilitate staff development in healthcare facilities by developing program curriculum and evaluating learning outcomes. This 41 credit program takes about 26 months to complete. The MSN Administration track focuses on management and leadership in nursing. It requires 37 credits and can also be completed in 26 months.

The Registered Nurse (RN) may want to earn two full degrees with the Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration (MSN-MBA) dual degree program. Students learn advanced nursing practice as well as advanced business basics as they prepare to enter leadership role in nursing management. The Nursing Informatics Track integrates nursing with computer science and information science. This program consists of 35 credits and may be completed in 24 months. Admission requirements for the MSN program include submission of an application and three recommendation letters. Also, an admission essay is required.

The RN-BSN program is designed for the nurse who does not have a bachelors degree in nursing, but who has a bachelors degree in another field. The applicant to this program must show evidence of having Bachelor of Science in Nursing essential knowledge. Applicants must also be a Registered Nurse (RN) in Indiana or be eligible for licensure. At least one year of work experience is required, except that the MSN-MBA program requires two years of work experience. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 on their undergraduate coursework. An admission essay is required, along with the completion of the University’s bridge courses.

Ball State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Ball State University

2000 West University Avenue

Muncie, Indiana 47306

Ball State University (Ball State), located at 2000 West University Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47306, is a state-run research university. It was founded in 1899 as a private normal school to education teachers. Ball State’s School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing program. The entire masters in nursing program is offered online and can be completed on a part-time basis. Registered Nurses may pursue one of the advanced nursing roles that the program prepares them to fill in the future, such as Adult Nurse Practitioner Track, Family Nurse Practitioner Track, or Leadership Track.

The Adult Nurse Practitioner Track requires 43 credits to complete. Students receive training in best practices as they learn to provide primary care to the adult from adolescence to old age. Fifty credits are required to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Nurses who complete the program are advanced care nurses who provide primary care to all members of the family. The Leadership Track Plan of Study (Educator or Administrator) prepares nurses to fill roles of educator, teach student nurses or facilitating staff development. Those who choose the Administrator track focus on management and leadership in healthcare facilities.

Admission requirements to the masters program include having a bachelors degree in nursing, but Registered Nurses who have a bachelors degree in another field may be accepted into the program. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 2.80 or a grade point average of 3.0 on upper division courses. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of practice is also required. At least one year of clinical experience is required before enrolling in clinical courses, and three to five years of experience is preferred. A professional reference must also be submitted.

Bethel College: RN to MSN Program Review

Bethel College

1001 Bethel Circle

Mishawaka, Indiana 46545

Bethel College is located near South Bend, Indiana at 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545. A Mennonite group founded Bethel College in 1947, and today it is still affiliated with the Missionary Church. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at Bethel. At Bethel College, classes are small and students work closely with faculty as they prepare for an advanced nursing role. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers two concentrations. These are Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator. The MSN program consists of five semesters of coursework and one summer of specialty practicum. Students attend classes at Bethel one night each week with two classes each evening for the first three semesters.

Bethel College School of Nursing offers their Masters of Science in Nursing for nurse educators for experienced nurses to develop the skills needed for teaching positions. Training in curriculum development, learner assessment, technology in nursing, and other topics are the focus as the nurse prepares to teach student nurses or to provide staff development or patient education. A thesis is required for this program. The Nurse Administrator track provides preparation for nurses to fulfill roles in management in many different kinds of healthcare facilities. At the completion of the program, students are prepared to enter positions as educators or administrators in the community.

Goshen College: RN to MSN Program Review

Goshen College

1700 South Main Street

Goshen, Indiana 46526

Goshen College (Goshen) is a private Mennonite college that was founded in 1894. Today, it is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA. Located at 1700 South Main Street, Goshen, Indiana 46526, Goshen is a small liberal arts college that was the first liberal arts college in the state to offer a bachelors degree in nursing program in 1950. Today, the college offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a family nurse practitioner track. The program is designed to be convenient for working Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing. Classes are held one time each week in the afternoon and evening.

The nurse who enters this program completes 48 credits that include 642 hours of clinical practice. The emphasis of the program is on providing nursing care in a culturally diverse society. Students receive training on providing primary care to all family members from the youngest to the oldest members. At the completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination to be licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Admission requirements include a grade point average of 3.0 and a bachelors degree in nursing. Applicants must also have active Registered Nurse licensure and must submit a curriculum vitae and three reference letters. They must also have one year’s clinical experience and submit an essay to the college.

Indiana State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana State University

Landsbaum Center, Room 222

Terre Haute, Indiana 47809

Indiana State University (ISU) is located in Terre Haute Indiana. The University was established in 1865 as a normal school. It has been rated by the Princeton Review as one of the “Best in the Midwest” for many years in a row. Also, U.S. News and World Report rated Indiana State University’s graduate nursing program as among the “Top 75” in the United States. A Master of Science in Nursing program is offered at ISU with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.

Nurses who want to pursue an advanced nursing role as a Family Nurse Practitioner may want to apply to the University’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Students may choose from a culminating experience from an evidence based practice, culminating project, or masters thesis. A total of 48 to 51 credits are required to complete the program plus clinical experience practicum hours. Students are prepared to take the national certification exam that leads to licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

A Nursing Administration concentration is also offered at the University. This program prepares the Registered Nurse (RN) to fill leadership roles in healthcare facilities, including community agencies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. A total of 35 to 38 credits are required to complete the program, including clinical hours and a culminating experience of the student’s choice. The Nursing Education concentration provides training for nurses who want to teach student nurses, healthcare staff, or patients. This curriculum consists of 35 to 38 credits that include a culminating experience of the student’s choice.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. A RN license in the area where the student will complete the clinical practicum is also required, along with three reference letters. The applicant must have one year’s experience working full-time as a Registered Nurse. A passport photo is also required.

Indiana University-East: RN to MS in Nursing Program Review

Indiana University-East

520 South 9th Street

Richmond, Indiana 47374

Indiana University-East (IU East) is located at 520 south 9th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374. It is part of the Indiana University system and was founded in 1971 as a public institution. The University partners with Indiana University-Kokomo to offer a Master of Science in Nursing progam with two tracks. These are Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. There is a great need for nurses with masters degrees in nursing in the State of Indiana, and this need is expected to continue.

The MS in nursing Nurse Administration tracks provides training for nurses who want to pursue management positions that require an advanced nursing degree. They work in surgery centers, clinics, hospitals, and in many other community agencies. The Registered Nurse who enters the Nurse Educator track will learn the basics of teaching student nurses on the undergraduate level. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The applicant must have a Registered Nurse license in the state where the practicum will be completed. In addition, applicants must have at least one year of nursing experience. Applicants must submit a statement of essential abilities, a person statement, two reference letters, and either a curriculum vitae or resume.

Indiana University-Kokomo: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana University-Kokomo

2300 South Washington Street

Kokomo, Indiana 46904-9003

Indiana University-Kokomo (IUK) is located at 2300 South Washington Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46904-9003. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at this public university that was established in 1945. Indiana University-Kokomo’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with to concentrations. These are Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator. Students who enter the MSN Nurse Educator program are qualified to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator.

Students work in cohort groups to complete their masters degree in nursing at IUK. Courses are presented in a hybrid format, both in-class and online. After completing the mandatory core courses, nurses then take classes that are focused on their chosen concentration. Core classes meet on Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with some classes offered online. MSN students must complete a culminating project or nursing study and practicum of 225 contact hours.

An advantage of this program is that study abroad opportunities are available for interested graduate nursing students. Service programs in Guatemala and Korea are available through the School of Nursing. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0. A current Registered Nursing license in the state where the practicum will take place is also required. One year of experience working as Registered Nurse is also required, and applicants must submit a personal statement, two references, and a curriculum vitae or resume.

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

420 University Boulevard

Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a large urban school that is a combination of two universities. Indiana University is the managing partner. The address of the college is 420 University Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered at this large public university. Indiana University and Purdue University formed a partnership merging the two institutions in 1969. The School of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master of Nursing program. Eight tracks of study are offered, including the following:

Other programs offered at the University are the following:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (online)

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Leadership in Health Systems

Nursing Education (online)

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

IUPUI is the only university in Indiana to offer a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a PhD and DNP. The graduate program in nursing was rated as Number 15 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Rankings were Number 3 for adult health, Number 6 for mental health/psychiatric nursing, and Number 11 for family nurse practitioner.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include a copy of the applicant’s Indiana Registered Nursing license. A goal statement essay must also be submitted, as well as three professional references and a current resume. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Two years of clinical work experience are required for Nurse Practitioner majors, and RN to MSN applicants must have the equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the past five years. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Leadership in Health Systems, and Nursing Education majors with a bachelors degree in nursing do not need to have two years of work experience. The GED exam is not required for the MSN programs at the University.

Indiana Wesleyan University: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana Wesleyan University

4201 South Washington Street

Marion, Indiana 46953

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), located at 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana 46953, is the largest private university in Indiana. This evangelical Christian school is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church denomination. The University was started as a normal school in 1890 and was known as the Marion Normal College. IWU has been named as “One of the Top Masters Universities in the Midwest” by U.S. News and World Report. It has also been named as one of the “Top Ten Conservative Colleges” in the U.S. by the Young America’s Foundation.

The nursing school at IWU provides undergraduate and graduate programs for students at the Marion campus as well as for students completing weekend programs and online programs. The Division of Graduate Studies in Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with Nursing Administration and Nursing Education concentrations offered online. Primary Care Nursing is offered at satellite campuses in Indiana and Kentucky. Both the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education programs provide training for advanced practice roles in leadership and education. Primary Care Nursing prepares registered nurses as Family Nurse Practitioners.

Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing, and Registered Nurses who have a bachelors degree in another field other than nursing may also apply to the program. They must have 10 years of nursing experience and submit a portfolio with a curriculum vitae/resume. Applicants should have a grade point average of 3.0 or better on previous coursework and must have a valid Registered Nurse license. Three recommendations are required, as well as a writing sample. Nurses applying to the Nursing Administration or Nursing Education programs must have at least 1,000 hours of nursing practice, and those applying to the Primary Care major are expected to have 500 hours of caring for patients.

Purdue University: RN to MS Program Review

Purdue University

502 North University Street

West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2069

Purdue University is located at 502 North University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2069. This location is the flagship university of the Purdue University system that consists of six campuses. The University began in 1869 as a land-grant university. Purdue has the second largest student body of any university in the state. It also has the second largest international student population of any public university in the country. U.S. News and World Report ranked Purdue as Number 62, and Washington Monthly rated the university as Number 79. It was also ranked Number 40 by Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The School of Nursing at Purdue University offers a Master of Science (MS) with concentrations in Adult Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed to develop leadership skills and to provide advanced nursing practice training to students. Nurses prepare to fill roles in which they will provide primary care to patients of all ages. The MS program has a multidisciplinary study in a 630-hour preceptorship. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certification exam by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the exam offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The Registered Nurse who wants to enter the MS program at Purdue University must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The GRE is also required, as is evidence of current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Indiana. Applicants must also complete a successful interview with a graduate program faculty advisor.

Purdue University-Calumet: RN to MS Program Review

Purdue University-Calumet

2200 169th Street

Hammond, Indiana 46323-2094

Purdue University-Calumet, located at 2200 169th Street, Hammond, Indiana 46323-2094, is located in the Chicago metropolitan area. It is a public university that was founded in 1946. The School of Nursing at the University offers a Master of Science (MS) program with three areas of concentration. These are the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health or Critical Care and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Executive program is no longer available at Purdue University-Calumet, and is available only online through the Department of Nursing at Indiana University/Purdue University-Ft. Wayne. The University also offers an Online Cohort Program, and students can contact the Graduate Program Academic Advisor for more information on this option.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Master of Science program requires 45 credits to complete. The full-time program can be finished in two years, including two summer semesters. Clinical practice and a health promotion course practicum equal 500 hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner program also requires 45 credits, and 550 hours of clinical practica and the health promotion course practicum equal 555 hours. This program can also be completed in two years of full-time study, including two summers.

The Registered Nurse who wants to enter the program must have a bachelors degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for conditional admission status. It is also necessary that the applicant has a current Registered Nurse license. Three recommendations are also required, a statement of purpose for attending the graduate school, and a copy of the applicant’s Registered Nursing license. A resume is also required.

University of Indianapolis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Indianapolis

1400 East Hanna Avenue

Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) is located at 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. It was founded in 1902 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The University offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. UIndy also has branches in Athens, Greece, Belize, The People’s Republic of China, Cyprus, and Israel. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in the following:

Accelerated Masters Program

Family Nurse Practitioner

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse-Midwifery

Nursing Education

Nursing and Health Systems Leadership

The Accelerated Masters Program is designed for students with a bachelors degree in another field than nursing. The program leads to a Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing and Health Systems Leadership. Applicants must have completed all prerequisite courses and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. After prerequisites are completed, the program requires 15 months of undergraduate clinical work to prepare students to take the nursing licensure national exam, NCLEX-RN. Students then complete 12 months of graduate coursework to finish the masters degree program. Most graduate courses are offered primarily online.

All of the masters degree in nursing track options require from 38 to 55 credits to complete. The Nurse-Midwifery concentration requires 55 credits and 1,035 clinical hours, and the other concentrations require from 240 to 630 clinical hours. In addition, the University of Indianapolis is the only university-affiliated forensic nursing certificate program, and graduate students may complete the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certificate for five additional credits. MSN programs are offered on a part-time or full-time basis to meet the needs of working nurses.

To be admitted to the masters program in nursing, three reference letters must be submitted, along with a current resume or curriculum vitae. A career goal statement is also required, plus a valid Registered Nurse license. Applicants must also complete an interview with an academic advisor.

University of Saint Francis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Saint Francis

2701 Spring Street

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808

The University of Saint Francis is located at 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808. The University is a private Roman Catholic college that was founded in 1890 by the Franciscan order. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner. The Family Nurse Practitioner track provides training to prepare Registered Nurses to fill advanced practice nursing roles providing primary care to patients of all ages in the family unit and in the community. This track requires that 39 to 48 credits are completed, as well as 645 clinical hours. There are both full-time and part-time options to choose from. The full-time program takes two years to complete with one summer session. The Registered Nurse can complete the part-time curriculum in three years, including two summer sessions.

Admission requirements include having a bachelors degree in nursing and a current license as a Registered Nurse. A grade point average of 3.20 is required, and if the applicant’s grade point average is less than 3.0, the GRE must be taken. Minimum scores of 400 on the verbal and 400 on the quantitative must be achieved. Documents that must be submitted are a resume or curriculum vitae, three reference letters. And a MSN Essay of written goals. A personal Graduate Nursing Admission Interview is also required. Students not meeting all of the admission criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis. They must earn a grade point average of 3.20 in the first six hours of graduate nursing courses.

The Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is for students who have an associates degree or diploma in nursing who do not have a bachelors degree in another field must take 16 credits of prerequisite courses before entering the graduate nursing program. They are not awarded a bachelors degree, but receive a masters degree in nursing after completing the masters program.

University of Southern Indiana: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Southern Indiana

8600 University Boulevard

Evansville, Indiana 47712

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is located at 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, Indiana 47712. USI was established in 1965 as a branch of Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing that is offered online. The Graduate Nursing Program offers the following concentrations:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Nursing Management and Leadership

All MSN programs have the same core course requirements before students move into specialty classes related to their advanced nursing role. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner masters program provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) to provide primary care to adults across the lifespan. These specialists work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and many other healthcare settings. The program requires 45 credits and 705 clinical hours.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist masters program prepares the RN as an expert clinician, leader, and educator. This concentration requires 45 credits and 545 clinical hours. The RN who wants to pursue a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner can receive training to provide primary care to all members of the family. Forty-five credits and 664 clinical hours must be finished before graduating and taking the national certification exam. Nurses who want a career as a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in mental health can apply to the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. It provides training for the RN to work in hospitals, community centers, and other settings and to provide health promotion and management of mental health symptoms. A total of 47 credits and 645 clinical hours are required for this program.

Nursing Education is a masters program in nursing that prepares the RN to serve on a nursing school faculty or to perform staff development and patient education. Forty-five credits must be completed to graduate with a MSN in Nursing Education. Nurses who want to pursue a career in management can complete the Nursing Management and Leadership program that takes 42 credits of coursework to qualify for graduation.

Admission requirements are a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. One year of full-time work in clinical experience is strongly recommended. Two applicants must be completed, including one to the Graduate Studies Department and one to the College of Nursing and Health Professions. A resume and RN license are required in addition to two professional references. Applicants must also submit an essay on their professional goals.

Valparaiso University: RN to MSN Program Review

Valparaiso University

1700 Chapel Drive

Valparaiso, Indiana 46383

Valparaiso University (Valpo) is a private university that is owned and operated by the Lutheran University Association. This Christian college is located at 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. The University is 54 miles southeast of downtown Chicago and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The university was established in 1859, and today, undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University as Number 3 in the Universities-Masters category for the Midwest in “America’s Best Colleges.”

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offered at the University prepared the Registered Nurse (RN) to be an educator in an academic setting or health care organization. Thirty credits must be completed, and this may be done on either a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time program can be finished in three semesters. Part-time students may complete the program in six semesters.

Admission criteria include a bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and an Indiana Registered Nurse license. Applicants must also submit an essay explaining their professional goals.

Valparaiso University also offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The program can be completed in less than three years. The special requirements for entry into the program are a grade point average of 3.0 or better on previous coursework and evidence of an Indiana RN license. Students must complete all general education courses that are required for the bachelors degree except for Theology and nine elective courses. A MSN degree is awarded at the completion of the program.