Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Indiana: Requirements and Licensing Process

If you aspire to pursue a nursing career in Indiana, the initial step involves applying through the state Board of Registered Nursing.
This board is crucial in overseeing the nursing licensure process and ensuring that all aspiring nurses meet the Indiana RN requirements. The following information aims to guide you through each stage of this process.
The Board serves as the state governmental agency responsible for implementing and enforcing laws related to nurse education, licensure, practice, and discipline, helping to maintain high standards in the nursing profession throughout Indiana.

Entry-Level Practice Nurses:

Obtaining licensure as an RN in Indiana encompasses several stages, including acquiring education, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and securing licensure from the Indiana Board of Nursing. To facilitate your understanding, here are six essential aspects to consider:

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Stage 1: Choose Your Options

You have the choice to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or an RN.

Stage 2: Meet the Prerequisites

While completing high school or obtaining a GED is usually sufficient for an LPN, becoming an RN often requires the completion of prerequisite undergraduate courses.

Stage 3: Complete Your Education

To become an LPN, a one-year diploma program suffices. On the other hand, aspiring RNs must complete either a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN), each offering a progressively specialized curriculum.

Stage 4: Pass the NCLEX Examination

LPNs take the NCLEX-PN exam, while RNs take the NCLEX-RN exam. These national exams enable license transfer to different states.

Advanced Practice Nurses:

For those aspiring to become Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in Indiana, the following steps must be completed:

STAGE 1. ACQUIRE THE REQUIRED EDUCATION.

To fulfill this stage, individuals can opt to pursue a master’s degree (MSN) or attain national certification following completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Indiana State Board of Nursing endorses programs accredited by either the NLNAC or the CCNE. Additionally, MSN programs must be accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Acceptance of a course requires a curriculum encompassing key elements related to the chosen Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) category, including but not limited to: biological science, behavioral science, medical science, nursing science, supervised clinical practice, ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities, identifying abnormal conditions, patient assessment, implementing and developing nursing treatment plans, diagnosing health problems, collaborating with a physician, evaluating patient outcomes, federal and state laws on confidentiality and regulations, drugs and medical record access, conducting and applying research findings, counseling individuals and groups.

APNs can attain prescriptive authority by completing a master’s level degree with at least two credits in pharmacology, and no more than five years should have elapsed since obtaining those credits. Indiana does not specify specialization on licenses, allowing individuals to choose their program of specialization, with many nurses in the state opting for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

STAGE 2. ACHIEVE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION.

While not obligatory, individuals can choose to pursue national certification. For those aspiring to become nurse midwives, certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board is mandatory. Furthermore, individuals aiming to work as APNs with a BSN must also obtain national certification in their chosen area of specialization.

Three categories are available for Indiana APNs: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Certification must be obtained through a national organization, and the Indiana State Board of Nursing recognizes various national agencies certifying advanced nurse practitioners in different healthcare fields. The only specific requirement pertains to certified nurse midwives. Each agency has its own set of requirements.

STAGE 3. ATTAIN A CNM LIMITED LICENSE AND APN PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY.

To proceed with this stage, applicants are required to disclose their social security number. Additionally, individuals must apply for a limited license as a CNM, submitting various documents along with the application. The application process, inclusive of the prescriptive authority application, takes approximately four weeks to complete.

Only APNs are eligible to apply for prescriptive authority in Indiana, necessitating the completion of a separate form accompanied by several documents. Upon application receipt, individuals must undergo a criminal history background check, which includes a fingerprinting process.

STAGE 4. RENEW YOUR LIMITED LICENSE AND PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY.

Renewal occurs every odd-numbered year on October 31 and can be completed through mail or online. The expiration date cannot be more than 60 days in the future. Separate forms are provided for CNM and prescriptive authority renewals. Individuals with prescriptive authority must complete 30 credit hours of continuous education (CE) every two years, with a minimum of 8 hours in pharmacology.

Maintenance of proof for CE is mandatory. While no additional CE requirements exist, nationally certified individuals are likely to encounter certification-specific renewal requirements to retain their registration. For further inquiries or to track application status, contact the Indiana State Board of Nursing through the following:

Indiana State Board of Nursing
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Attn: Indiana State Board of Nursing
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Staff Phone: 317-234-2043 (Lines open 8:00 am-4:30 pm M-F)
Staff Fax: 317-233-4236
Staff Email: [email protected] (Include your license number in email correspondence)