Indiana University

IU South Bend offers two different options for the RN to BSN program that can fit easily into your unique work and family schedule- on campus or online. The on campus option is primarily a part time program. RN’s complete prerequisites then take two courses per semester with completion in five semesters. In the on campus option, the courses are taken sequentially, each over eight weeks so you only have to focus on one course at a time. In the online option, after general education requirements are met, nursing courses are provided in a web-based format. In the online option the student that takes a full time load (12 credits hours/semester) can complete the program within one year.

Your degree comes from Indiana University School of Nursing, one of the top 20 nursing programs in the country. Your degree will be widely recognized and respected, no matter where you work or apply for further studies. The IU South Bend School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

IU South Bend offers the only public college or university baccalaureate nursing program in the Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan area, which means reasonable tuition rates and access to financial aid.

MSN Program Details

The MSN program at IU South Bend prepares its graduates for leadership roles in advanced nursing practice as Family Nurse Practitioners. The goal of the MSN program is to develop nurses with the advanced practice nursing skills and to increase the potential of our regional health care delivery system, and to improve the health of our communities. Program graduates will be eligible to seek certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 45 credit hour, post baccalaureate graduate degree. Applicants to the program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution. The curriculum is divided into two major sections: preclinical and clinical course work. The preclinical courses provide the student with a core foundation for advanced practice. Clinical courses build upon that foundation, adding knowledge and its application in the direct clinical experience of advanced practice nursing. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of initial program enrollment.

The program is designed to meet the educational needs of working Registered Nurses, and is structured as a cohort-based, year-round, part-time study model. Degree requirements may be met through a combination of distance accessible and campus-based course work. Clinical work is arranged in consultation is undertaken with the guidance of a faculty member and preceptor. Clinical placements are designed to meet individual goals as well as overall learning objectives. The IU South Bend Health and Wellness Center offers one unique opportunity as a clinical learning site.

Admission to the IU South Bend MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is selective, requiring faculty approval. Admission is based upon the applicants qualifications as evidenced by previous academic performance, statement of professional aspirations, and references. For more information on program admission, courses, outcomes see the Campus Bulletin.

Accelerated BSN Program Details

Welcome to IU South Bend and to an exciting option in nursing available to students with an earned baccalaureate degree, and who are interested in ob-taining a second baccalaureate degree in nursing. As a graduate of IU South Bend’s School of Nursing’s second de-gree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) option, you will be eligible to ap-ply for an RN license and enter the nursing workforce—fulfilling your desire to begin a rewarding career in health care.

Students pursuing our second degree BSN program option are eligible for application to the program upon com-pletion of all required science and core general education prerequisites. (See center page for specific courses.) Ad-mission is competitive. Once accepted you will complete our full-time second degree BSN program option in just 15 months. Many credit hours from gen-eral education courses (humanities, communications and social sciences) successfully completed in your first degree, should transfer and be applied to your BSN degree.
Currently, our BSN program requires a total of 123 credit hours. Sixty credit hours of General Education (includes core courses), and sixty-three credit hours of Nursing major courses.