Thomas Reed, RN
June 2, 2025
LPNs serve as essential healthcare providers throughout Indiana by delivering bedside care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and community health centers. The NCLEX-PN licensure exam and completion of a state-approved nursing program qualify someone to become an LPN. The healthcare staff shortages in Indiana’s urban and rural areas are addressed by LPNs who provide essential patient care services. The responsibilities of LPNs include giving medications while helping patients with their daily requirements and reporting patient issues to doctors or registered nurses.
Vincennes, IN - Public 4-Year - vinu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vincennes University's Practical Nursing program, offered at its Vincennes and Jasper campuses, prepares students for roles in hospitals and nursing homes through expert instruction and small class sizes for personalized support. The curriculum emphasizes affordable tuition, reducing debt, and includes hands-on training in practical skills. Admission requires a criminal history check and drug screening, with details in the nursing handbook. Graduates are equipped for rewarding careers in diverse healthcare settings.
Indianapolis, IN - Public 2-Year - ivytech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ivy Tech Community College's Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing is a one-year program that offers a direct route to becoming an LPN. It emphasizes hands-on clinical training and lab simulations, equipping students for roles in hospitals, home health, and other medical environments. As an affordable option with strong career prospects, graduates are well-prepared for diverse job opportunities in nursing, without the need for entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, as it's a certificate-level program.
Nursing education requires hands-on training so Indiana does not provide fully online LPN programs. The state requires all nursing programs to include practical clinical training together with lab work because these elements are essential for students to develop the necessary skills to deliver safe patient care. The majority of institutions provide hybrid educational programs that integrate online learning with scheduled classroom attendance. The curriculum structure lets students finish theoretical subjects including pharmacology and anatomy through online learning before they conduct clinical work in hospitals and nursing labs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College |
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| Vincennes University |
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| Certifying Board | Indiana State Board of Nursing, Professional Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee), register only after completing state application |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an Indiana Board-approved practical nursing program, submit a signed Certificate of Completion and official transcripts directly from the school |
| Application & Background Check | $50 state licensure application fee (non-refundable), optional $25 Nurse Licensure Compact fee, complete fingerprint-based criminal background check (service code 24YB2Y) |
| Application Processing Time | Allow approximately 4–6 weeks after receipt of all application materials and passing exam |
| Temporary Permit | Eligible graduates may apply online for a temporary LPN permit ($10 fee) once the state application is pending, valid up to six months or until NCLEX is taken |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years with a $50 renewal fee, renew online during your renewal window |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs submit a $50 endorsement application, Nursys or state license verification, fingerprint background check, and proof of recent practice or board-approved refresher. |
LPNs in Indiana find stable employment opportunities together with competitive salaries especially when nursing shortages exist in their areas. The average yearly salary for LPNs in Indiana ranges between $50,000 and $60,000 based on work experience, geographic location, and employment setting. The wages in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne urban centers are higher than those in rural areas which sometimes offer sign-on bonuses and loan repayment programs. The state’s largest employers of LPNs include long-term care facilities together with home health agencies and outpatient clinics. The continuous need for practical nursing professionals makes this career path an excellent choice for people who want to join the healthcare field immediately.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Indiana | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $55,132 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$61,614 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $55,132 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,698 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~4,090 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Vincennes University |
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| Ivy Tech Community College |
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The LPN license in Indiana provides a strong foundation for future nursing career development. The majority of LPNs pursue RN licensure through bridge programs which they can access after completing their LPN education. The state provides numerous LPN-to-RN programs which enable students to obtain associate or bachelor’s degrees while enhancing their current nursing abilities. The programs offer flexible scheduling options through part-time and online and evening classes designed for working professionals. LPNs who want to advance their careers can obtain specialized certifications in IV therapy, wound care, and gerontology. LPNs who want to advance their careers can take supervisory positions in long-term care facilities or leadership roles after completing additional training. The nursing schools in Indiana provide flexible educational pathways which enable students to pursue advanced degrees throughout their careers. LPNs who pursue additional education can enhance their clinical capabilities and boost their salaries while assuming more complex responsibilities in patient care. The LPN credential provides a flexible entry point into nursing that allows professionals to advance their careers.
Additional Nursing Programs in Indiana
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