2026 Indiana Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Indiana

Indiana gives you a clear choice: Ivy Tech Community College at $8,000–$12,000 with potential waitlists, or Hondros College at $18,000–$22,000 with no waitlist and 4 start dates per year. The programs take the same 12 months — the difference is how fast you start. IU Health and Community Health Network are the dominant employers, and both offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing advancement.

$62,990 Avg. Annual Salary
$30.28 Avg. Hourly Wage
3% Job Growth (10-yr)
~1,600 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Indiana

Ivy Tech Community College operates the state's largest LPN training network with campuses across Indiana. Hondros College of Nursing provides a private alternative in the Indianapolis area with immediate enrollment and flexible scheduling. Both pathways lead to the same NCLEX-PN exam and Indiana LPN licensure.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis (statewide) Community College 12 months $8,400
Vincennes University Vincennes University 12 months $6,800
MedTech College Indianapolis Vocational College 12 months $18,500

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Indiana

No Indiana LPN program is fully online — the Indiana State Board of Nursing requires in-person clinical training. Ivy Tech offers hybrid components at some campuses. Hondros provides day and evening scheduling options that function as flexible alternatives for working adults.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Indiana residents, visit our dedicated guide:

View Online LPN Programs in Indiana →

Requirements to Enroll in a Indiana LPN Program

Ivy Tech uses competitive admissions with TEAS scores as a primary differentiator. Hondros uses rolling admissions with minimum GPA and entrance exam requirements — designed for faster enrollment. Indiana is an NLC compact state, so your license works across neighboring Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois (when IL completes NLC implementation).

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Indiana

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Indiana State Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Indiana State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Indiana

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Indiana earn an average of $62,990 per year ($30.28/hour). This places Indiana near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Indiana typically range from $46,400 for entry-level positions to $78,200 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Indiana

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Indianapolis $65,200
Fort Wayne $61,800
Evansville $60,400
South Bend $62,100

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Indiana is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,600 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Indiana

The majority of LPNs in Indiana work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Indiana is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Indiana

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

Indiana

Indiana LPN Scope

Indiana LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Indiana LPNs are regulated by the Indiana State Board of Nursing under IC 25-23. Indiana is an NLC state.

You Can Direct Patient Care

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Vital signs and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to care plans
  • Supervising CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy

  • LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
  • Must work under direction of an RN or physician
  • Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted after training
  • LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
  • LPNs CANNOT administer IV push medications

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Formulating or modifying care plans
  • IV push medications
  • Blood product or chemotherapy administration
  • Central line management
  • Triage
  • Independent practice

Indiana LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Ivy Tech Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–16 monthsLPN-to-ASN bridge at 19 campuses across Indiana — the largest pipeline in the state
Indiana University (statewide)Hybrid18–24 monthsLPN-to-BSN bridge with online + clinical components
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist

Indiana Board of Nursing Contact

  • Website: in.gov — Nursing Board
  • Phone: (317) 234-2043
  • Address: 402 W Washington St, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →