Registered Nurse / Indiana
2026 data Indiana board official source

Indiana Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Indiana data shows for Registered Nurses

Becoming a licensed registered nurse in Indiana means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,432 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Indiana regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $50, with renewal running $50 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 2 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For registered nurses, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
44/100
Registered Nurse · Indiana

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,432 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$151
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C-
$52/yr
$104 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Indiana

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,432 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$151
Renewal Fee
$104
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Indiana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Indiana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Indiana? ▼
Indiana requires 2432 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $151. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Indiana? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Indiana, you must meet the state's requirements including 2432 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Indiana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Indiana from another state? ▼
Registered Nurse licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Indiana licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Indiana require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, Indiana requires a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Indiana? ▼
To stay licensed as a registered nurse in Indiana, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $104.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Indiana? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Indiana is $50. The renewal fee is $50 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Indiana? ▼
In Indiana, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Indiana, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Indiana's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Indiana's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Indiana overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Indiana licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.