Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Nursing School Review

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a joint venture between Indiana University and Purdue University that offers degrees from both institutions. The university is ranked in various top ten lists by Forbes and U.S News and World Report. Additionally, specific programs in nursing, law and the environment are ranked among the top in their field. The university was established in 1969, prior to which both universities had individual campuses in Indianapolis.

Today the universities jointly serve over 30,000 students. As a result, campus life is very rich. Downtown Indianapolis is the home of the university and provides many opportunities for students to engage with the local community through internships and service learning projects. The campus is one of two partnership campuses, the other being in Fort Wayne. Indiana University has other campuses including Bloomington, Northwest, East, Southeast, Kokomo, and South Bend. Purdue University campuses are Calumet, North Central and West Lafayette. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Nursing Programs

As the self-proclaimed largest nursing program in the country, Indiana University offers programs from the baccalaureate through doctoral level. Nursing programs at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis are offered through Indiana University School of Nursing. Several statistics demonstrate the success of nursing programs, including a fact cited by the School of Nursing that approximately 40% of nurses with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) in Indiana are educated at Indiana University School of Nursing. The School of Nursing is designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Individual programs at the Indiana University School of Nursing are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA). The School of Nursing at Indiana University is home to several centers which aid in preparing nurses for undergraduate and graduate nursing education including centers for cancer, research in nursing education, and a collaborative effort with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Program

The BSN program is a pre-licensure program which prepares students without previous nursing experience or nursing education to earn the BSN. The BSN degree is the gateway level degree for students seeking graduate study or leadership positions in the field of nursing. The program can be completed in 4 years (8 semesters) and offers an honors option to students with promising potential and demonstrated academic achievement.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN to BSN) in Nursing Degree Completion Program

The RN to BSN option provides working RNs with the support and flexibility needed to earn the BSN degree. Nurses complete courses in a cohort model with other students, and most courses may be completed online. Students design their plan of study and have the option of choosing a major or minor in addition to their BSN degree. The program can be completed in 12 months (full time) or 18 months (part time). Admission requirements for the program include a 2.5 GPA or higher in the ASN or nursing diploma program, an RN license and graduation from a NLN accredited RN program. Students have the option of completing courses on nearby campuses and transferring courses to the program.

Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated Track

The Second Degree BSN prepares students to earn a nursing degree in an accelerated time frame. Students with a bachelors degree without previous nursing education or experience earn a BSN and eligibility to obtain certification as an RN in 20 months. The program is full-time and requires an intensive time commitment.

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Graduate Nursing Programs

Master of Science (MSN) Degree Program

The MSN program prepares nurses in one of 8 focus areas. The program seeks to prepare nursing leaders in all areas of MSN practice. Areas of study for the MSN include:

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP)
  • Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Nursing Leadership in Health Systems
  • Nursing Education
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

Admission criteria include a degree from a BSN program accredited by a nursing body with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) Program

Nurses with an ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) or nursing diploma may apply for the RN to MSN program. Nurses begin the program by completing undergraduate prerequisites and then commence study in one of eight available areas for nursing study. Upon completion of the program, nurses receive an MSN. A BSN degree is not earned as part of the RN to MSN program.

BSN to PhD (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Science) Program

Nurses with a BSN are eligible to enroll in the 90 credit BSN to PhD program. The program prepares nurses for specialization in Clinical nursing science or Health systems. Upon completion of the programs nurses earn a PhD.

PhD (Doctor of Nursing Science) Program

Nurses with a masters degree are eligible for the general PhD program in nursing. Students may use 30 credits earned in the MSN program for the PhD program leaving a total of 30 credits to be earned. As with the BSN to PhD program, students choose from one of two specializations in Clinical nursing science or Health systems. Some courses in the program are available online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The DNP program prepares nurses with an MSN for an advanced leadership role focused on enhancing patient safety and improving the quality of patient care. The program is 37 credits. The DNP program is different from the PhD program in that the DNP prepares nurses who seek to remain in nursing practice through the management of patient care programs. Admission criteria include a BSN with a minimum 3.3 GPA from a program accredited by a nursing body.

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-master’s Certificates

Nurses with an MSN are eligible to earn a post-master’s certificate in any one of the 8 areas of study available in the MSN program. The programs range from 12-21 credits and are designed by nursing faculty according to the nursing student’s background and goals.

Additional certificates may be earned as part of the continuing education program.

Nursing Continuing Education Programs at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Several continuing education programs are available at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis through the Indiana University School of Nursing including online courses, certificate programs and conferences. Online certificate programs offered include:

  • Teaching and Learning in Web-based Courses Professional Certificate
  • Teaching in Nursing Professional Certificate Program
  • Nursing Informatics Professional Certificate Program

Specific nursing courses that are offered include topics such as being a preceptor, working as a staff educator, and serving as an adult, neonatal or pediatric care nurse.

Conferences allow nurses to develop an interest in emerging areas of nursing study or learn more about a particular program. Nursing conference topics include the following:

  • Research Coordinator Education Program
  • Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) Instructor Education
  • Institute for Heideggerian Hermeneutical Methodologies

Lifelong learning nursing courses, certificates and conferences are intended to provide further knowledge or specialist skills in a particular area rather than formal certification status in the nursing profession.

Contact:
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
420 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202

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