Nursing Programs in Evansville, IN

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Evansville, IN

To start out as an RN, students in Evansville have the option of entry-level programs including an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs are designed for those who don't already hold a nursing license.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses are already experienced in providing patients with basic care and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. For LPNs who want to expand on these skills and become licensed as RNs, some schools offer LPN to RN bridge programs that provide an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Ivy Tech Community College offers an LPN-to-ASN bridge program designed to facilitate the transition of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) into becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). This program recognizes the practical skills of LPNs and provides an accelerated pathway to RN licensure.

ADN Programs

The ADN program is the basic, entry-level route to becoming an RN. These programs take about 2 years to complete and are regularly offered at community and technical colleges in the city. The University of Southern Indiana offers a comprehensive Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. This program equips students with essential nursing knowledge and skills over a two-year curriculum. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their nursing careers.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

The 4-year baccalaureate nursing program has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years. With many employers requiring this type of nursing degree, some students choose to earn it from the get-go. The University of Evansville provides an Accelerated BSN program catering to individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. This program offers an efficient route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and emphasizes holistic nursing training, clinical proficiency, and leadership development.

Find out more about Indiana Accelerated BSN Programs

Evansville RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Evansville

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Evansville based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Indiana out of 47 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Ivy Tech Community College - Evansville - #12
• University of Evansville - #14
• University of Southern Indiana - #2

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Evansville, IN

Those RNs who are licensed and have previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma can opt to further their careers with an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. These bridge programs offer the benefits of earning a higher degree in a shortened time span, taking into account the nursing education the RN has already completed.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN pathway allows licensed RNs to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. Many of these programs have the option to be completed online in order to accommodate working RNs. Indiana University School of Nursing offers an online RN-to-BSN program tailored to the needs of working Registered Nurses (RNs). This program recognizes the experience of RNs and enhances their skills while earning a BSN degree.

Learn more about Indiana RN to BSN programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses wanting a more advanced option may decide to pursue an RN to MSN program. These programs allow licensed RNs to earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically allow students to specialize in a niche area, such as pediatrics or women's health. The University of Southern Indiana features an RN-to-MSN bridge program aimed at RNs aspiring to advanced practice roles. This program streamlines the transition from RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), preparing nurses for specialized positions such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Learn more about Indiana RN to MSN programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Evansville, IN

For nurses looking to enter advanced practice as nurse practitioners, Evansville schools have a number of options. From MSN degrees to post-graduate certificates to doctoral nursing programs, RNs have a variety of available pathways depending on their goals.

MSN Programs

The traditional graduate pathway can be found at most universities in the area. In around two years of study, students are well-equipped to work in a number of nurse practitioner (NP) specializations. Oakland City University offers an MSN program with specialized tracks, including Nursing Administration. This program equips nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills, preparing them for roles in healthcare management and administration.

Learn more about Indiana Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificates are designed for RNs who have completed a master's program and don't want to complete an additional master's or DNP program to change specialties. These certificates take just 1-2 years to finish. The University of Evansville provides post-master's nursing certificates for experienced nurses seeking to specialize in nursing education. These certificates enhance teaching skills and offer avenues to contribute to nursing education.

Learn more about Indiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

The terminal degree options for nurses are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degrees. While the DNP degree is mainly focused on clinical practice, the Ph.D. degree is geared toward academia and research. The University of Southern Indiana offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurses aspiring to the highest level of clinical practice and leadership. DNP programs emphasize advanced practice skills and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

Learn more about Indiana DNP Programs.