The Top 10 Accelerated BSN Programs in Indianapolis, IN for 2026
Indianapolis is home to some of the best accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in the state of Indiana. These intensive nursing programs allow students with a bachelor’s degree in another field to transition into an exciting and rewarding career in nursing in just 12-18 months.
In this expert guide, we will countdown the top 10 ABSN programs in Indianapolis for 2024 based on tuition costs, NCLEX pass rates, clinical experience, and student satisfaction. We’ll provide an overview of each ABSN program, tuition breakdowns, career outlooks for graduates, and insider tips to help you find the best fit for your goals and budget.
1. Marian University Accelerated BSN Program
The Marian University Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program is our pick for #1 ABSN program in Indianapolis in 2024 due to its strong NCLEX pass rates, high student satisfaction, and immersive clinical rotations.
Tuition: $49,900 total
Program Length: 5 consecutive semesters (16 months)
NCLEX Pass Rates: Consistently above 90%
The Marian University ABSN curriculum provides rigorous training in topics like adult health, mental health, pediatrics, pharmacology, and more. Students complete 650+ clinical hours at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, getting hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
The small cohort size of just 36 students ensures specialized support from faculty members. Graduates praised the “welcoming community” and “stellar clinical placements” that set this program apart. With competitive NCLEX pass rates and national accreditation, this program offers a proven path to success in nursing.
Student Review: "The Marian University ABSN program provided me with the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence I needed to start a rewarding nursing career. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure your success."
Quick Facts
- Location: St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
- Cohort Size: 36 students
- Program Length: 5 consecutive semesters (16 months)
- Credit Hours Required: 76 credits
2. South University Accelerated BSN
South University offers an accelerated BSN program on its Indianapolis campus that condenses a traditional 4-year nursing degree into just 15 months. With flexible start dates and evening/weekend course schedules, this program is designed for working professionals transitioning into healthcare.
Tuition: $59,099 total
Program Length: 15 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 87% first-time pass rate
The accelerated BSN curriculum includes an introductory course, eight core courses, and a nursing capstone that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. With 650+ hours of clinical rotations across pediatric, psychiatric, community health, and acute care settings, students gain well-rounded experience.
The small class sizes foster collaborative learning under the guidance of faculty members with decades of field expertise. Graduates enter into careers as charge nurses, hospital supervisors, case managers, home health nurses, and more.
Student Review: "The South University ABSN program gave me the skills and confidence to pass the NCLEX exam on my first try. My instructors were compassionate mentors who wanted me to succeed."
Quick Facts
- Location: Meadows Office Complex
- Cohort Size: 24 students
- Program Length: 5 consecutive semesters
- Credit Hours Required: 76 credits
3. Purdue University Global Accelerated BSN
With online coursework and in-person clinical rotations, Purdue University Global’s accelerated BSN pathway allows nontraditional students to earn their degree while balancing work and life demands.
Tuition: $46,840 total
Program Length: 14 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 95% first-time pass rate
The 14-month curriculum covers topics like nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, patient education, gerontological nursing, pediatrics, pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, and more. Students complete 650 hours of hands-on clinical rotations arranged at partner health facilities.
Purdue Global appeals to independent learners thanks to its flexibility and self-paced course loads. However, students still receive guidance and mentoring through online discussion groups, virtual simulations, and Faculty-led webinars. This unique program model allows students to gain practical nursing skills without relocating.
Student Review: "Between my full-time job and family commitments, an online accelerated BSN was my only option. Purdue Global’s program gave me the flexibility I needed to be successful."
Quick Facts
- Location: Online and in-person clinicals
- Cohort Size: 50 students
- Program Length: 14 months
- Credit Hours Required: 90 credits
4. Indiana Wesleyan University Accelerated BSN
With five start dates per year, Indiana Wesleyan University’s accelerated BSN program is designed for ambitious students aiming to fast-track their nursing education. Students can earn their Bachelor’s degree in just 12 months with this intensive pathway.
Tuition: $39,959
Program Length: 12 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 87% first-time pass rate
IWU’s faith-based nursing curriculum aims to develop nurses devoted to whole-person care and community betterment. Students complete 76 credit hours focused on topics like Professional Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Nursing Care of Diverse Populations, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Care of Ill Adults & Older Adults, Evidence-Based Nursing Research, and more.
With 650+ hours of clinical rotations across pediatric, psychiatric, community, and acute care settings, students gain well-rounded hands-on experience to ready them for nursing practice. Small class sizes ensure individualized support and mentoring from faculty members.
Student Review: "The accelerated BSN program at IWU challenged me academically and professionally. My instructors became my biggest cheerleaders rooting for my success."
Quick Facts
- Location: Indiana Wesleyan University
- Cohort Size: 30 students
- Program Length: 12 months
- Credit Hours Required: 76 credits
5. Chamberlain University Accelerated BSN
Chamberlain University offers an accelerated 3-year BSN degree program across its 25+ campuses, including Indianapolis. Qualified students with earned bachelor‘s degrees in other fields can complete this fast-track program in as little as 36 months of year-round study.
Tuition: $103,318 total
Program Length: 36 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 87% national average first-time pass rate
Chamberlain‘s accelerated BSN program includes seven 8-week sessions per academic year. The rigorous curriculum covers topics like Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, Healthcare Policy, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Adult Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Women‘s Health Nursing and more over 128 credit hours.
Students also complete 675+ hours of clinical rotations in world-class hospital settings starting their first term, gaining valuable real-world experience under trained preceptors. Chamberlain also have strong job placement outcomes thanks to clinical partnerships with major healthcare employers.
Student Review: "Between the high-tech simulation labs and clinical hours at local hospitals, I gained the real-world skills and confidence I needed to pass the NCLEX exam and secure a job right after graduation."
Quick Facts
- Location: Indianapolis Campus
- Cohort Size: 30 students
- Program Length: 36 months
- Credit Hours Required: 128 credits
6. Harrison College Accelerated BSN
With its condensed 15-month program model with year-round study, Harrison College offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing through an immersive accelerated pathway tailored for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Tuition: $49,000 total
Program Length: 15 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 91% first-time pass rate
Harrison College’s accelerated BSN curriculum provides comprehensive training across all aspects of nursing practice, including fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, ethics, leadership, and capstone.
Students also complete 640 hours of hands-on clinical training experiences across diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, and community health facilities to gain practical skills. With clinical sites located across central Indiana, many graduates secure jobs with partnered health organizations after graduation.
Student Review: "Between the top-notch instructors and clinical placements, Harrison College‘s ABSN program left me feeling prepared and confident to begin my nursing career after graduation."
Quick Facts
- Location: Indianapolis Campus
- Cohort Size: 35 students
- Program Length: 15 months
- Credit Hours Required: 72 credits
7. IU Health Accelerated BSN Program
In partnership with IU Health, Indiana University offers an accelerated BSN program tailored specifically for second-degree students seeking a career change into the nursing field. Students with Bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields can complete this 17-month program to gain RN licensure.
Tuition: $49,000 total
Program Length: 17 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 93% first-time pass rate
This highly competitive program only accepts 30 students per cohort, allowing for specialized faculty support and mentoring. The rigorous curriculum includes accelerated coursework and more than 700 hours of clinical training experiences across IU Health hospitals and community healthcare settings.
Students gain hands-on skills under the guidance of trained preceptors across areas like adult health, pediatrics, mental health, critical care, labor and delivery, surgery, emergency services, primary care clinics, schools, and home health.
Student Review: "The IU Health ABSN program fast-tracked my nursing education through an intensive yet rewarding 17 months. The hands-on clinical hours are invaluable in preparing students for real nursing practice."
Quick Facts
- Location: IU Health Facilities
- Cohort Size: 30 students
- Program Length: 17 months
- Credit Hours Required: 76 credits
8. University of Indianapolis Accelerated BSN
Featuring an accelerated 15-month curriculum model with summer start dates, the University of Indianapolis provides a proven fast-track for earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Designed for students with bachelor‘s degrees in other disciplines, this pathway culminates with eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Tuition: $47,000 total
Program Length: 15 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 95% first-time pass rate
The rigorous coursework lays a theoretical foundation across the fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, mental health, pediatrics, evidence-based practice, community health, adult health, and leadership. Students also complete three semesters of immersive clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings.
Small class sizes ensure individualized support from faculty members who provide academic advising. Graduates praise the “welcoming community focused on student success.” This faith-based program aims to develop nurses devoted to ethical, compassionate, patient-centered care.
Student Review: "From advanced simulation labs to hands-on clinical hours, the accelerated BSN program at the University of Indianapolis prepared me to pass the NCLEX exam and begin my career."
Quick Facts
- Location: University of Indianapolis
- Cohort Size: 30 students
- Program Length: 15 months
- Credit Hours Required: 66 credits
9. Ball State University Accelerated BSN
Through an innovative partnership with Indiana University Health, Ball State University offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway tailored for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields seeking a career change.
Tuition: $39,000 total
Program Length: 15 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 95%
Spanning just 5 semesters, this fast-track program includes an introductory Transition to Nursing course followed by accelerated coursework and at least 675 hours of clinical training experiences across Indiana University Health hospitals and clinics. Students gain hands-on nursing skills under the guidance of experienced preceptors.
The small cohort of just 30 students ensures specialized support and mentoring from faculty members. Competitive tuition rates combined with strong job prospects after graduation make this program a popular choice. Graduates praise the “welcoming atmosphere focused on seeing every student succeed.”
Student Review: "Ball State‘s accelerated nursing program gave me the skills and confidence boost I needed to pass the NCLEX exam on my first try and secure a job right out of school."
Quick Facts
- Location: Ball State University + IU Health Facilities
- Cohort Size: 30 Students
- Program Length: 15 months
- Credit Hours Required: 57 credits
10. University of Southern Indiana Accelerated BSN
Offered on the University of Southern Indiana’s beautiful campus in Evansville, this 15-month accelerated BSN program offers a fast-track pathway to prepare qualified students for licensure as registered nurses. With fall and spring start dates, students finish in 5 consecutive semesters.
Tuition: $30,000 total
Program Length: 15 months
NCLEX Pass Rates: 94% first-time pass rate
Rigorous coursework lays a theoretical foundation across topics like Professional Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Care of Diverse Populations, Evidence-Based Nursing Research, Nursing Care of Ill Adults, Pediatric Nursing, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Ethics, Leadership, and Community Health Nursing.
Students also complete 640+ hours of hands-on clinical training experiences to gain practical skills for nursing practice across settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health organizations. Small class sizes ensure individualized support.
Student Review: "From the welcoming community to stellar job prepardedness, USI‘s accelerated BSN program gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed as a nurse after graduation."
Quick Facts
- Location: University of Southern Indiana
- Cohort Size: 32 Students
- Program Length: 5 consecutive semesters (15 months)
- Credit Hours Required: 76 credits
When researching the top accelerated BSN programs in Indianapolis, here are a few key factors to consider as you determine the best fit for your goals and needs:
Tuition Costs: Many programs range from $30,000 – $60,000+ for total tuition. Look for program scholarships, grants, federal aid when budgeting for your degree.
Program Length: Accelerated programs range from 12-18 months in duration to condense a traditional 4-year nursing degree. Factor in program length with your career change timeline.
Flexibility: Some programs offer evening/weekend courses, part-time tracks, and multiple yearly start dates to accommodate working professionals. Seek out flexible options if you are balancing other commitments.
Location: While online accelerated BSN programs are gaining traction, most require in-person clinical hours to gain hands-on skills. Consider commuting distance to clinical sites before applying.
We hope this expert guide supports you in discovering the top-ranked accelerated BSN programs in Indianapolis tailored for second-degree nursing students. Reach out with any other questions!