Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in Indiana (ASN & ADN Online)

If you live in Indiana and are hoping to become a registered nurse (RN), completing a 2-year nursing program can be a great way to get started. Maybe you'd like to know more about these programs and which schools in your state offer them.

Keep reading as we take a closer look at 2-year nursing degrees online and in-person in Indiana. We'll also explore answers to some common questions you may be asking.

What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?

Many different nursing degree programs are available to help students meet the educational requirements for nurses. Some of the most common 2-year nursing programs are the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs.

Associate of Science in Nursing

An ASN program leads to a specific type of entry-level nursing degree: namely, an Associate of Science degree. ASN program graduates are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) or transfer to a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program.

ASN degrees feature a blend of general education and core nursing courses along with skills practice in simulation labs and clinical experiences in healthcare facilities. They provide a well-rounded introduction to nursing and are a great choice for students looking to begin their healthcare careers.

Associate Degree in Nursing

There are different types of ADN degrees; in fact, ''ADN'' can be used to describe any type of associate-level nursing degree program, including ASN degrees. Different ADN programs may have slightly different requirements and emphases.

For example, someone pursuing an ASN degree will likely need to complete more stringent general education requirements than someone enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. While both degrees prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue licensure, those in AAS programs may need to complete extra courses before transferring to a BSN program.

Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in Indiana?

While there is no truly online ADN program, some schools allow students to complete general education courses, prerequisites, and even certain nursing courses online or in a hybrid format. These partially online formats give students extra flexibility while still requiring skills labs and clinical experiences to be completed in person.

Indiana has a couple of schools that offer partially online ASN programs. We'll take a closer look at these schools and their programs below.

Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in Indiana

If you're ready to begin your nursing education, keep reading. In the following sections, we'll look at some top schools in Indiana that offer ASN degrees, including some with the best online nursing programs.

1. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is a public school system with more than 40 locations throughout Indiana. The school offers ASN programs at more than 20 of these locations, with some online and hybrid coursework available.

Traditional students can enroll in a full-time, four-semester program consisting of 69 to 71 credit hours. An advanced placement option is available for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), paramedics, medical assistants, and military medics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,665 total
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Vincennes University

Vincennes University is the oldest public school in the state. It provides ASN degrees for students at its Vincennes and Jasper campuses.

Advanced standing is available for LPNs; traditional students complete the program within two years. The program prepares learners to get licensed or to pursue advanced education in nursing, such as the BSN degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,126 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of St. Francis

The University of Saint Francis is a private school located in Fort Wayne, IN. Students can pursue enrollment in a high-ranking ADN program through the school's Fort Wayne and Crown Point campuses.

This hands-on program prepares learners with all the essential skills they need to function as entry-level generalist RNs. An LPN to RN option is available for LPNs to earn their associate degrees within three semesters; traditional students graduate in two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $36,460 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Trine University

Trine University is a private school in Angola, IN. It offers ASN programs at its Angola and Fort Wayne campuses, with students graduating from the in-person program in two years.

Students gain real-world experience and develop strong patient care skills to help them thrive in various health systems. Earning this degree prepares them for licensure and to seek a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,000 per semester
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private school headquartered in Wisconsin but with many locations throughout the U.S. The school has clinical partnerships with healthcare facilities throughout Indiana, making it possible to offer an ASN program designed for Indiana residents.

A two-year traditional ASN program is available for first-time students, while tailored bridge programs help LPNs, paramedics, and other entry-level healthcare professionals transition to nursing careers faster. Students complete classes online and in-person components of the programs at approved clinical sites in their communities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,450 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Jersey College

Jersey College is a private nursing school headquartered in New Jersey but with locations throughout the U.S., including one in Fort Wayne. It offers an in-person ADN program that students can complete on a full-time or part-time basis.

The program prepares students to provide expert nursing practice in various healthcare settings. The program is flexible enough to meet the needs of busy adults and help them achieve their goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $49,275 per year
• Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select only the best programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to choose the schools of nursing listed above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools maintain institutional accreditation, and the nursing programs are approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Program length: Each of the ADN or ASN programs can be completed within two years.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for providing high-quality online and on-campus education programs.

FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in Indiana

If you still have questions about beginning your nursing career with a two-year degree, you're not alone. Let's check out the answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic.

How Can I Become a Nurse in 2 Years in Indiana?

You'll need to follow a few steps to become a nurse within two years in Alabama.

First, enroll in a state-approved professional nursing program such as an ASN or an AAS. Once you complete the program, apply for a license through the Indiana State Board of Nursing and take the NCLEX-RN exam. If you pass the exam and a background check, the Board will review your application and ensure everything is in order. You will then be issued your RN license and can begin looking for work.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Indiana?

For students with no experience or advanced education, an ADN or ASN program provides the fastest way to become an RN, as these programs can be completed within two years. However, if you already have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, you can pursue an accelerated BSN (ABSN) and earn a second degree, beginning your nursing career in as little as 12 to 13 months. Indiana schools offering these types of programs include Indiana Tech University and Huntington University.

What Is the Easiest Nursing School in Indiana?

You may think that the nursing schools with the highest acceptance rates would also have the easiest programs. Unfortunately, this isn't the case because there is no such thing as an ''easy'' nursing school. All state-approved programs require students to meet the same basic academic standards and complete the same challenging courses, so none of them can truly be considered easier than the rest.

How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?

The cost of a two-year nursing program can vary widely depending on the type of school you attend. Community colleges typically charge lower rates than private schools and universities, for example. Among the schools featured above, estimated yearly program costs range from around $6,300 to nearly $50,000.

What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?

Prospective nursing students typically need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in their chosen nursing programs. Common prerequisites include biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, and statistics.

Discover Nursing Programs

If you're ready to begin providing expert nursing care to patients in diverse healthcare settings, get your training at one of the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any schools of interest directly to learn more about their admissions requirements and to choose the best program for you.