MSN Programs in Indiana

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

One of the reasons that experienced nurses pursue an MSN degree in Indiana is to earn the credentials necessary to fill job positions that can impact the future of nursing education, hospital policies, or patient advocacy. An advanced degree is required of nurses looking to take on a more administrative or educative role within their field. In Indiana, there are more than 20 schools that offer an on-campus or online Master of Science in Nursing program that touches upon an array of disciplines, including studies for those wishing to become a family primary care- and clinical nurse specialist.

Schools With MSN Programs in Indiana

Students attending Indiana State University may concentrate on one of three MSN degree tracks. The Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University is currently only accepting part-time students who will take 8 credit hours or less per semester. The Nursing Administration program accepts applications on a rolling basis, and aims to prepare students to meet the ANCC and AONE certification competencies as a nurse administrator and leader. The Nursing Education program transforms students into teachers who will oversee and teach at university nursing programs, healthcare settings, community groups, and secondary education health career courses.

The IU School of Nursing at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis allows nurses to pursue an advanced degree in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership in Health Systems. Both majors are part of a 42-credit-hour program. Nurses focusing on education will study nursing education theory, practices, and principles. They must complete a supervised teaching practicum comprised of 135 hours, in addition to the special topics seminar that is incorporated into a capstone assortment of courses. Those concentrating on becoming a leader within the industry gain administrative knowledge, complete the capstone administrative practicum, and will have a chance to conduct research.

At Ball State University, students may study to become an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or fill a position of Leadership as an Educator or Administrator. The CCNE accredited program takes place at the University’s School of Nursing located in Muncie. Offering a flexible plan of study and various clinical hour requirements, students have up to six years to complete their chosen program.

Indiana Wesleyan University offers both campus-based and online course instruction for nurses looking to earn an advanced degree. On-campus based studies are available for earning a Primary Care Nursing degree on the graduate level. Online opportunities to complete an MSN degree program through the University includes studies that concentrate on Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and an MSN-MBA program that equips graduates with a stronger nursing-related business background.

The master’s programs offered at Purdue University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CNNE), and allow students to focus on earning a degree in either Adult Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The programs combine an array of disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, gerontology, audiology, speech pathology, social work, physical and occupational therapy. Students will encounter a 630-hour program with access to two nurse-managed clinics, which aim to strengthen overall skills. There are also research opportunities that students may take advantage of on the Purdue West Lafayette campus.

The University of Indianapolis offers the following MSN degree tracks for part-time and full-time study: Primary Care Family (or Adult/Gerontological) Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, Nurse Educator, Nurse and Health Systems Leadership, and Primary Care Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. For people eying nursing as an ideal profession change, the University also offers a full-time Accelerated Master’s Program geared towards students who have received a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.

Valparaiso University offers a CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing degree that focuses on nursing education. The 30-credit program will mold students to pursue jobs related to the academic scene or within health care organizations. Examples of courses that a student will encounter in the program include Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Foundations of Education in Nursing, and Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing. Nurses with an interest in the business side of healthcare may opt to pursue a Joint Degree in Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA) where graduates receive both an MSN and MBA degree that concentrates on sharpening his or her nursing, administration, and leadership skills. In order to qualify for this selective program, applicants must meet the standard admission criteria of the CON, CBA, and the Graduate School.

Indiana MSN Checklist

Become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Indiana.
Earn an MSN degree or apply to an RN-MSN program.
Fulfill requirements regarding supervised clinical experience, when applicable.
Apply for licensure with the Indiana Board of Nursing (~$50 fee), and complete requirements. For example, the state of Indiana requires Nurse Midwives to complete a criminal background check.
Pass the State of Indiana’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
For Advanced Practice Nurses seeking Prescriptive Authority (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, or Certified Nurse Midwife), pay a $50 application fee made payable to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Indiana MSN Salary & Job Outlook

Earning an advanced degree in the nursing field generally allows a healthcare professional to earn a higher salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median salaries for the following MSN-degree related careers in Indiana: medical and health service managers ($83,500), nursing instructors and teachers ($64,460), nurse practitioners ($85,590), and nurse midwives ($80,150).