Indiana State University Nursing School Review

Indiana State University (ISU) is a public university in Terre Haute, Indiana committed to offering quality education to undergraduate and graduate students along with research and community service opportunities. The campus known as Indiana State University Evansville now operates independently. The university was founded in 1865 as Indiana State Normal School.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Indiana State University. Indiana State University claims several awards and honors, including being named a best in the Midwest institution by the Princeton Review and one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes. Over 11,000 students are enrolled in Indiana State University’s 100 + academic majors and programs.

Nursing Programs

Nursing programs at Indiana State University are under the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services. Most programs include separate academic departments, including the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing and Department of Baccalaureate Nursing Completion. The Department of Advanced Nursing Practice awards master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates. Bachelor’s and master’s degree nursing programs at Indiana State University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Online nursing programs at Indiana State University have been recently recognized as among the best by SuperScholar.

Indiana State University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

A variety of undergraduate nursing opportunities are offered through the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing and the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing Completion. Students should verify that they are eligible for licensing in their state when completing an online (distance education) program.

Traditional 4 Year Nursing BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program

The Traditional 4 Year Nursing program at Indiana State University is an upper division program for nurses without previous nursing education. Once accepted to the university, students apply to the nursing program in their sophomore year of college. In general, students applying to the nursing program should a have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA (or score of 50 on the GED) and a minimum SAT score of 1,000.

Campus Based Accelerated Second Degree Program

Students with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field other than nursing may complete the nursing degree in just 15 months through the accelerated BSN program. The program is an intensive full-time program with consecutive, year-round study. Students should be prepared to limit themselves to part time work.

LPN to BS (Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may earn a BSN part or full time through an online program at Indiana State University. Admission criteria to the program include a clear and valid LPN or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) Certificate. Nurses should have completed an IT (information technology) proficiency course prior to entering the nursing program. LPNs are required to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as part of the program.

RN to BS (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program

The RN to BS (more commonly known as RN to BSN) is an online program that prepares Registered Nurses (RNs) to earn a BSN. The program may be completed on a full or part time basis. Students are required to complete local clinical practicum experiences. Admission requirements include an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) from a nursing program accredited by NLNAC and a clear nursing license valid where clinical experiences will be performed.

Students in the LPN to BS and RN to BS programs should maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in their respective nursing program in addition to earning a minimum grade of “C” in all pre-requisite courses to continue enrollment in the program.

Advanced Standing in BSN Programs

Students that have completed nursing qualifications or have relevant experience may earn advanced standing in the nursing program by transferring academic credits or taking challenge examinations.

Indiana State University Graduate Nursing Programs

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Program

The MSN program through the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services is delivered online. The program is through the Department of Advanced Practice Nurse which offers doctoral degrees at Indiana State University. Students can choose from three advanced practice specialties in the MSN program at Indiana State University.

MSN FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) (48 to 51 academic credits)

MSN Nurse Education (35 to 38 academic credits)

MSN Nurse Administration (35 to 38 academic credits)

Students in the master’s program are in most cases eligible to take a certification exam upon completion of the MSN coursework. MSN FNP students are eligible to become certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Nurse Educators are eligible for certification through the National League for Nursing (NLN). Nurses interested in certification as a Nurse Administrator should meet work experience requirements for eligibility for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program prepares nurses to be highly skilled health care practitioners. The program is designed for FNPs with an MSN degree. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) that want to earn a doctoral degree in nursing practice are ideal candidates for the DNP program. The DNP program is 39 academic credits. Admission criteria for the doctoral nursing program include completion of an accredited MSN program for FNPs with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Indiana State University Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-master’s Certificate

Nurses with an MSN degree can earn a post-master’s certificate to specialize their master of science in nursing degree. Post-masters certificates are available for nurses who want to become a FNP and Nurse Educator.

Indiana State University Continuing Education in Nursing

Indiana State University offers opportunities for nurses to maintain their skills and stay abreast of current trends in nursing through continuing education programs in nursing. The continuing education program schedule changes. Past continuing education offerings in nursing include patient simulation, basic medical-surgical nursing and advanced medical-surgical nursing.

Honors and Awards for Nursing Students at Indiana State University

Nursing students at Indiana State University are eligible to receive various honors and awards based upon their academic and clinical performance. Criteria for each award vary. Award criteria include interpersonal skills, patient care abilities and clinical reasoning among other things. There are currently ten honors available.

Contact:
Indiana State University
200 North 7th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47809-0002

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