The School of Nursing at Indiana State University admitted the first class of students in September 1963.

The School of Nursing, in the College of Health and Human Services, houses both undergraduate and graduate programs.

The baccalaureate degree is recognized as the basic preparation for professional nursing practice and prepares the graduate as a generalist. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for entry into practice as a registered nurse. Baccalaureate nursing education is foundational for graduate study in nursing. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree combines theory and clinical nursing courses, required cognate courses, Foundational Studies courses, and electives. Four options exist for the BSN:

• Traditional 4 Year Campus Track
• 2nd Degree Campus Track
• 2nd Degree Hybrid - Online Track (Summer 2023 is first admission opportunity)
• LPN-BSN - Online Track
• RN-BSN - Online Track (Spring 2022 is last admission opportunity)

The Graduate Nursing Program at Indiana State University admitted its first students in 1986. It has maintained continuous accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) since 1989. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's) program began admitting students in Fall 2010. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.'s (ACEN) Board of Commissioners granted the clinical doctorate of nursing practice (DNP (Post-Master's)) program full accreditation in March of 2013. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's) Program represents the highest level of nursing preparation and prepares future leaders for nursing practice. The DNP (Post-Master's) program builds upon, and expands the competencies of, the master's prepared nurse. The DNP (Post-Master's) Program emphasizes innovative and evidence-based nursing practice and research findings to increase the effectiveness of both direct and indirect nursing. Scholarly projects focused on rural or underserved populations are of special interest and encouraged.

Our BSN to DNP program at Indiana State University offers a transformative educational pathway for nurses seeking the highest level of nursing preparation. This full-time program is designed to equip future nursing leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the Family Nurse Practitioner role. Building upon the foundational competencies of baccalaureate-prepared nurses, our BSN to DNP program enhances and expands upon these capabilities. With a strong emphasis on innovation and evidence-based nursing practice, our program empowers students to utilize cutting-edge research findings to enhance the quality of both direct and indirect nursing care. We also foster a deep commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations, encouraging and supporting scholarly projects focused on these areas. At Indiana State University, we are dedicated to preparing nurses who will lead the way in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

A master's degree or post master's certificate in nursing enhances career possibilities by preparing nurses for leadership roles or further advanced study. At Indiana State University, graduate nursing study can be focused in Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education (no longer admitting students). All courses and practica are offered online and are asynchronous. A post master's certificate is offered in each of the master's concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education. Both master's and post master's courses are designed with variable clinical hours, depending upon previous nursing education and specialization.

Graduates who complete the master's degree or post master's certificate in the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration are eligible to apply for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Those who complete the master's degree or post master's certificate in the Nursing Education concentration are eligible to apply for a nurse educator certification through the National League for Nursing. 

With guidance of faculty, students in all concentrations schedule clinical preceptorships in their own geographical location; and, there is currently no requirement for students to come to campus. Students who reside in U.S. Territories must provide proof of malpractice insurance for an advance practice nursing student prior to entry into clinical. International students do not qualify for admission into the graduate nursing programs due to on-line modality of delivery.

Available opportunities in graduate nursing include:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's)
• BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
• Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education - no longer admitting students
• Post Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate