Top Indiana RN-to-MSN Programs

Registered nurses (RNs) who earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) can enter careers as advanced practice registered nurses. Indiana hosts some of the country’s best RN-to-MSN programs. Graduates can expect higher earning potential and more employment opportunities than their counterparts with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) alone.

Explore our rankings of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Indiana and what factors to consider when choosing the best program for your needs.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in Indiana, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best Indiana RN-to-MSN programs.

RN-to-MSN programs allow registered nurses to earn a master of science in nursing quickly without the time and expense of completing a four-year BSN degree separately. These bridge programs typically take less than three years to complete, depending on your previous coursework and specialization requirements. RN-to-MSN programs in Indiana offer working RNs the flexibility of on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats and full- or part-time plans of study.

The fast-paced curriculum first addresses gaps between undergraduate and graduate level training through basic courses, such as statistics, health assessment, and research methods. Students then complete graduate coursework, including principles of nursing management, physiology, pharmacology, ethics, and policy.

Before applying to an RN-to-MSN program in Indiana, make sure you meet that school’s admission requirements. Look for an accredited program that offers your intended specialization and can accommodate your schedule. While admission criteria and prerequisites vary by program, most schools look for candidates who meet the following benchmarks:

Accreditation is an important indicator of academic quality. Students who attend an unaccredited program may not qualify for federal financial aid and cannot transfer credits to an accredited school. Doctoral programs and prospective employers generally look for applicants who hold a degree from accredited institutions.

All the schools included in our rankings hold regional accreditation, and their programs have also received programmatic accreditation. Colleges and universities receive regional accreditation through six regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Within these regionally accredited institutions, programmatic accreditation of RN-to-MSN programs ensures that graduates have the necessary preparation for nursing careers. Programmatic accreditation is granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).