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Indiana RN Certification and Schools - IN

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counts about 57,000 registered nurses (RNs) in Indiana in 2008. Many RNs begin their careers as nursing aids or licensed practical nurses before obtaining the RN license. If you have a strong sense of compassion and wish to help others, nursing may be the career for you. However, there is a lot of science, math and education involved, and the career demands physical stamina as well as attention to detail. Ultimately, though, it is one of the more rewarding jobs available.

Educational Requirements for becoming a Registered Nurse in Indiana

Indiana requires any nursing school you consider attending to be accredited. In Indiana, RN schools prepare students with a baccalaureate degree with a major or diploma in nursing, or an associate’s degree in nursing.

The school must be affiliated and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools or the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education.

By Indiana statute, your education must take at least two academic years and cover physical and biological sciences, including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, physics and nutrition. You may also have classes in interpersonal communications, English composition or speech, psychology and sociology.

Be prepared to learn about other specialties, including adult, maternity or mental health nursing, gerontological and pediatric nursing.

If you are pursuing a B.S., you must also study community health nursing cover history and trends in nursing, legal and ethical aspects, chemical substance abuse among professionals, and computer technology.

To maximize your advancement as a nurse, consider extending your education with a master’s or doctorate degree.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville, Indiana may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Vincent Hospital and Health Center, Francis Hospital and Health Center and Methodist Hospital of Clarian Health.