Indiana University-Purdue University (Indianapolis)

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
Adult Health Nursing - Master's degree
Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner - Master's degree
Nursing Administration - Master's degree
Nursing Science - Doctor's degree
Pediatric Nursing - Master's degree
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing - Master's degree
Public Health/Community Nursing - Master's degree
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

The RN to BSN option is designed for registered nurses (RNs) whose highest academic credential is an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a nursing diploma. Students must provide evidence of current nurse (RN) licensure in any state where the student is practicing for the purpose of completing clinical course requirements. Because the program is flexible—students can enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer, taking distance accessible courses—it is perfect for those who want to continue their nursing education while maintaining their current work and/or family responsibilities.

As a BSN student, you’ll learn current trends in health care and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to these trends through changing practice. With a comprehensive academic foundation in the sciences and humanities, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the current and future health needs of society.

Your studies will focus on the following areas:

Health promotion
Disease prevention
Health restoration
Health maintenance
Management of individuals/families coping with acute and chronic illness

Because this program builds on the courses you have already completed, you’ll also receive credit for many of the general education courses completed as part of your ASN or diploma program.
Advantages of the RN to BSN option

As part of the flexibility of the program, courses are available online, so students are not required to travel to campus for class. In some cases, the general education courses may be completed through Indiana University’s distance education programs or at another college/university in your area, with credits transferred to the School of Nursing's RN to BSN option.

The program is based upon a cohort model which means that you are part of a group of RNs who will progress through the program together. This allows us to offer course work systematically in order to streamline your academic progress.

A portfolio option is available to students who believe they meet the outcomes of specific courses through prior learning and/or professional nursing experience. Through a portfolio review process, you may be able to meet course requirements by documenting evidence of your nursing skills and experience.

RN to MSN Program Details

The RN to MSN option creates educational and career mobility for registered nurses (RNs) whose highest academic credential is an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a nursing diploma from an accredited program.

As a student in the RN to MSN option, you will apply to one of our eight MSN specialty tracks at the time you apply for admission. You will complete undergraduate general education requirements and transition courses, and then you will begin studies in the MSN track to which you have been admitted. Upon successful completion of the required courses, you will graduate with an MSN degree. You will not receive a BSN degree in the process.

RNs who are busy with careers or family responsibilities can still earn an MSN degree thanks to our flexible program. Students may complete the program on a part- or full-time basis. Our online courses are expanding and become more popular every semester, enabling students to earn credits from home.

Specialty courses for most MSN tracks are taught on the same day each semester, making it easier to organize busy schedules. In addition, nursing administration is offered in a weekend format, with students completing the courses in the major one weekend per month for ten months.

As the health care industry continues to evolve and our population grows older, the demand for advanced practice nurses is increasing dramatically. The MSN degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in advanced nursing, with opportunities for practice as:

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Nursing administrators
Community health nurses

Accelerated BSN Program Details

Our second degree BSN track is specially designed for anyone who has earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but wants to pursue a nursing career. As a 20 month, full-time program, the second degree BSN option prepares students to meet the current and future health needs of society through a solid academic foundation in the practice, science, and technology of nursing. The 20 month program begins once students have completed all needed general education courses and have been admitted to the second degree program.

Many general education credit hours (such as the humanities, communications, and social sciences) from the first bachelor’s degree will be transferred and applied toward the BSN degree, making the 20 month completion possible. The 20 month time frame includes only nursing courses.

The second degree BSN track is an accelerated program and requires a dedicated time commitment in order to graduate in the 20-month time frame. It is absolutely crucial to understand this time commitment in order to progress and graduate as expected, as there is little opportunity to adjust for absences or tardiness in this program.

The curriculum emphasizes the following areas:

Health promotion
Disease prevention
Maximum levels of wellness
Health in adults, children, and families

Students work with nursing faculty and expert nurse preceptors as part of the clinical and practical experiences of the program, gaining exposure to hospital and/or community-based nursing with a focus on such areas as:

Critical care
Acute care
Neonatal intensive care
Pediatric intensive care
Operating and emergency room

Upon completion of the second degree BSN option, you’ll be eligible to apply for a registered nurse (RN) license so you can enter the nursing workforce. You’ll also be prepared to pursue graduate education, if your ultimate career goal is an advanced nursing position such as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or nursing administrator.