To view Accelerated BSN program deadlines and required prerequisite courses at IU Fort Wayne, click here.

To view Accelerated BSN program deadlines and required prerequisite courses at IU Indianapolis, click here. 

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required in the prerequisite courses, and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in your conferred baccalaureate degree is required. Additionally, courses must be a C or higher to satisfy the prerequisite requirements.

To request an exception to this academic minimum, please email iunurse@iu.edu to learn about a faculty review process for appeal consideration.

Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and (300-level) Statistics prerequisite courses may be no more than seven years old at the application deadline.

All other prerequisites do not have a time limit.

When a student applies to IU Fort Wayne or IU Indianapolis, their previous degree is audited to determine transfer credit equivalents. This process needs to be completed first to ensure accuracy and prerequisite verification. You can submit an application here.

Prerequisite courses may be completed at any accredited degree-granting university, college or community college.

Courses offered through private organizations, such as Portage Learning or Purdue Global, may be accepted only if the credits are issued by an accredited institution and sent on an official transcript. Please contact iunurse@iu.edu to determine acceptance before taking one of these courses.

Third-party organizations such as Sophia, and Straighter Line cannot be accepted to fulfill requirements.

The Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology prerequisites all require an in-person lab component.

No. Standardized tests, such as the TEAS or HESI exams, are not required for admission to the Accelerated BSN program.

Admission to our Accelerated BSN program is based on academic performance in required prerequisite coursework. Each applicant's eligibility is evaluated using a specialized GPA calculation that reflects performance in the required prerequisite courses (50 credit hours of those designated courses).

Students are ranked in order of this prerequisite GPA (Admission Score), ensuring that the strongest academic candidates are given priority consideration for available seats.

The IU School of Nursing in Fort Wayne has two admission cycles and admits 40 total students each year into the Accelerated BSN program.

• 20 students are admitted in the spring for a program start in January.
• 20 students are admitted in the fall for a program start in August.

The IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis currently has three admission cycles and admits 180 total students each year into the Accelerated BSN program.

• 60 students are admitted in the spring for a program start in January.
• 60 students are admitted in the summer for a program start in May.
• 60 students are admitted in the fall for a program start in August.

If you meet the prerequisite eligibility criteria but are not among the top 20 candidates for Fort Wayne or 60 candidates for Indianapolis, you will be placed on the waitlist.

Students on the waitlist may be offered a seat if space becomes available, such as when admitted students decline their offer or do not meet final enrollment requirements.

While placement on the waitlist indicates strong qualifications, it does not guarantee admission.

We are committed to supporting your academic success throughout the nursing program and preparing you for licensure. To help you thrive, we provide multiple resources designed to reinforce learning, foster collaboration, and build confidence:

• Collaborative Learning Opportunities: You are encouraged to work with peers through structured study groups and informal team study sessions. These group settings allow you to share insights, review key concepts together, and build accountability with classmates as you progress through the curriculum.
• Tutoring Services: Personalized academic support is available to assist with challenging coursework. Tutoring may be offered through peer-led programs or faculty-supported sessions to reinforce understanding of complex topics, enhance study strategies, and help you prepare for exams effectively.
• Faculty Engagement: Our faculty members are accessible and welcome student engagement. You are encouraged to attend office hours, ask questions, and seek clarification or guidance on course material. This open dialogue supports deeper comprehension and builds professional mentorship opportunities.
• NCLEX Preparation Throughout the Program: NCLEX readiness is integrated into the curriculum so you can build the critical thinking and test-taking skills needed for success. Resources such as practice questions, review sessions, and guidance on NCLEX content are provided progressively to ensure you are well-prepared when it’s time to take the licensure exam.

Together, these resources create a supportive learning environment aimed at helping you succeed academically, build confidence, and transition smoothly from nursing student to practicing professional.

Accelerated BSN students will complete approximately 637.5 clinical clock hours during the program.

Students at the IU School of Nursing in Fort Wayne will have clinical placements at one of many clinical partners in Indiana's second-largest city, including: Adams Memorial Hospital, Cameron Memorial Community Hospital, Dupont Hospital, Lutheran Hospital, Parkview Randallia, Parkview Behavioral Health, Parkview Regional, VA Northern Indiana, and more.

Students at the IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis will have clinical placements at one of our 200+ clinical partners, including, but not limited to: IU Health facilities, Eskenazi Health, the VA Medical Center, and Community Health Network.

The NCLEX pass rate for the IU School of Nursing is averaged between its core campuses, which include locations at IU Bloomington, IU Fort Wayne, and IU Indianapolis. The NCLEX pass rate is consistently above the national average.

On average, the total cost of the 16-month second degree Accelerated BSN program is currently estimated at approximately $35,000 for in-state students, approximately $45,000 for Indiana Partner States students, and approximately $85,000 for out-of-state students. 

This cost estimate includes tuition, program fees, clinical fees, and costs for your compliance packages, books, etc. You can estimate your costs each semester by using the IU MoneySmarts calculator.

As a second-degree nursing student, you are not eligible for need-based grants through the FAFSA, such as the Federal Pell Grant or Indiana state aid programs, like 21st Century Scholars.

In most cases, your primary option for financial aid will be federal Direct Loans. Keep in mind that loan eligibility may be limited by what you've already borrowed, as federal student loans have both annual and lifetime limits.

Learn more about Federal Student Loan Limits, check your loan history at StudentAid.gov, or reach out to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at IU Fort Wayne or IU Indianapolis to discuss your options.

External financial aid opportunities

The Federal Nursing Student Loan is a need-based loan with a fixed 5% interest rate. Interest does not accrue while enrolled at least half-time, and repayment begins nine months after leaving school.

The IU Health Nurse Scholar Program is offered to undergraduate nursing students at the IU School of Nursing and includes financial support, as well as mentorship opportunities, with a two- to four-year work commitment after graduation.

Through the generosity of donors, the Parkview Foundations offer scholarships to area students who are pursing their nursing degrees.

Attending nursing school is a significant academic and professional commitment, and most programs are structured more like a full-time job than a traditional college schedule. As a result, working while enrolled full-time is possible but generally not recommended due to the intensity of coursework, clinical rotations, lab requirements, and study hours required for success.

If working is necessary:
We understand that many students have financial responsibilities that make employment necessary. In those circumstances:

• Part-time work is usually the most feasible option. Even a limited number of hours per week can help with expenses whil still allowing you to focus on your coursework and clinical obligations.
• Flexible hours help immensely. Look for jobs that allow for schedule adjustments, such as evening/weekend shifts, remote work, or healthcare-related roles (e.g., patient care tech) that may provide relevant experience alongside income.
• Communication is key. If you do work, discuss your academic schedule with your employer in advance to reduce conflicts during clinical weeks or exam periods.
• Prioritize time management and self-care. Estalish a detailed weekly schedule and build time for rest and wellness into your routine to avoid burnout and maintain academic performance.

Please note: your class schedule cannot be adjusted due to your work schedule.

If you are enrolled in a nursing program at a different institution, please email iunurse@iu.edu to discuss the process with a nursing admission representative. Be sure to include your campus of interest (IU Fort Wayne or IU Indianapolis) in your message.

First, you must apply to IU Fort Wayne or IU Indianapolis.

As a part of the admission process, you will be required to submit official transcripts in order to have them evaluated through Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). After you have submitted your application and all transcripts, you will need to wait for acceptance to the university to schedule time with the IU School of Nursing Accelerated BSN representative. (Please note that ECE reports and IU articulation can take several months and could impact guidance on your prerequisites.)

If you are an international student and have questions about your visa, contact the Office of International Admissions.

(Please note that a social security number is required to be admitted to the Accelerated BSN program.)