Top LPN Schools in Indiana

Review of 3 of the top ranked practical nursing schools in Indiana

Written by Nurses Link on November 5th, 2012

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are available through two and four year colleges and vocational training schools. Training to become an LPN can take anywhere from one to two years, depending whether the result is an Associate’s degree, certificate or diploma. Here are three of the best LPN programs offered in Indiana.

Vincennes University

Vincennes University (VU) was founded by William Henry Harrison and first opened their doors in 1801. VU has been a leader in the educational field in Indiana for three centuries. VU offers a variety of nursing programs including a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. Upon graduation from the LPN program, the student will receive a certificate of completion. Students are also prepared to take the NCLEX–PN exam to become an LPN.

The program is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Applicants must meet the general admission requirements to the University, as well as physical and mental requirements. All applicants that meet the university requirements will be mandated to submit a criminal history report. Applicants must also be a high school graduate in the top half of the class or earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate with a standard score of 500.

A new semester begins each fall and the program runs for two semesters including a summer session. The program is highly competitive and applicants that have completed math, science and English with a grade of B or better have the best chance of being accepted to the LPN program. Admission requirements also include applicants qualifying for placement into Math 102 or higher.

The standard course of study for the program includes Physiology and Anatomy I and II, Biology, Nursing, Basic Pharmacology, Personal and Vocational Issues, and General Psychology. Students who begin the program and withdraw for any reason will have the ability to rejoin the program within the year.

Currently, tuition and books are $5,000 per semester with an additional room and board charge of $7,500 per semester. Financial aid is available through the school.

Medtech College

Medtech College (MC) is an educational institution specializing in the health care industry. MC offers a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program that can be completed in only 15 months, allowing students to get into the workforce quicker than their counterparts. The student will receive an AAS degree, Associate of Applied Science and be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam. MC is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

MC offers programs during the evening hours that allow students to work full or part time and still have access to education. The LPN program includes an externship and clinical rotation program to allow students to acquire real world and hands on experience. Externships and clinical rotation programs are usually only offered during the day.

Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent. The applicant must have an academic background in math and science. All applicants who are admitted to the program will be required to submit a criminal history report. Any applicant with less than a clean criminal history will not be admitted to the program.

The course of study will include a mix of nursing and liberal arts classes that represent a well rounded education. Students are required to pass each class with a grade of C- or better to accrue the credits for that class.

Currently, tuition is $13,000 with an additional $2,200 for supplies and books. Financial aid is available through the school, as well as scholarships and grants.

Brown Mackie College

Brown Mackie College (BMC) is a collection of institutes of higher learning that offer career preparation for a variety of programs, including nursing. BMC offers a Licensed Practical Nurse program that includes classroom based learning and clinical work to give the student hands on experience. The program offers a diploma upon completion and the training necessary to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate and be at least 18 years of age and meet the educational requirements of the college. The course of study to be undertaken for the program is Introduction to Nursing that includes anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biology, pharmacology and leadership. The program can be completed in 16 months, but students have the ability to take longer to complete the program, if necessary.

Tuition for the program is $29,000, which does not include room and board, per year and financial aid is available through the school. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for scholarships and grants to help finance their education. The job placement rate for this program is 83%.