Indiana State University Online NP Programs

The College of Health and Human Services at Indiana State University (ISU) offers an online master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner (MSN–FNP) program, an online post-master’s family nurse practitioner (FNP) certificate, and an online post-master’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program. Students complete coursework completely online with no campus visits required. Clinical practicums are completed at approved facilities local to the student.

Indiana State University aims to prepare family practice nurses through education, evidence-based research, and clinical practice, with the goal of promoting improved health outcomes for patients and their families. ISU’s core values include equity, scholarship, diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Family nurse practitioner graduates will be able to meet the competencies outlined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and take the appropriate FNP certification exam. These competencies include cultural competence, managing and negotiating healthcare delivery systems, the practitioner-patient relationship, health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, health protection, quality of care practice, the professional nursing role, and the teaching/coaching function of nurse practitioners.

The online PMHNP certificate equips master’s-prepared nurses with specialized skills and knowledge to address and assess mental health needs across diverse settings. Students who complete this certificate are qualified to sit for national certification, empowering them to provide expert care for this patient population.

No GRE or GMAT is required for admission, and students are expected to have professional nursing experience, although this is not required. Courses are delivered in a mostly asynchronous manner, with synchronous online meetings published well in advance.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MSN and post-master’s certificate programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, Indiana.

What to Expect from Indiana State University Online Nursing Programs

Graduate Nursing Admissions Requirements: Applications are completed through the College of Health and Human Services. Students must hold a current, unencumbered RN license in Indiana or their state of residence. Although no work experience is required, significant RN experience is preferred. Application materials include an application and application fee, verification of CPR certification and RN licensure, official transcripts, a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement of professional goals, a criminal background check, and proof that the student meets the health clearances and immunization requirements. Students whose first language is not English must submit English proficiency test scores. No GMAT or GRE is required. Students may also need to conduct a video, phone, or in-person interview with the admissions department.

  • Specific Program Requirements:
  • MSN: Students must hold a BSN degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Post-Master’s Certificate: Students must hold an MSN degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

State Restrictions: Indiana State University’s online nursing programs are available in many, but not all, U.S. states. The MSN–FNP program is currently offered in more than 35 states, including Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and others, as well as the U.S. Territory of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan).

The FNP post-master’s certificate and the PMHNP post-master’s certificate are also widely available, with eligibility covering most of the same states as the MSN-FNP program (with the exception that Saipan is not included).

Program availability is determined by approval from each state’s Board of Nursing and by whether Indiana State University is authorized to deliver online education in that state. Some states are excluded due to cost-related or regulatory factors, and international students are not eligible. Since licensure requirements can vary and may change, prospective students should confirm eligibility directly with Indiana State University’s admissions office and their state Board of Nursing before applying.

Study Plan: The Indiana State University online MSN and post-master’s certificate programs start in the Fall and Spring. The MSN program takes 2.5 to three years to complete, and the post-master’s certificate program can be completed in 16 months. Students complete courses online as well as clinicals local to the student.

MSN – FNP Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises 48 to 51 credits plus clinical hours. Courses include graduate writing for healthcare professionals; healthcare perspectives; nursing theory development; nursing research; biostatistics; advanced pathophysiology; health assessment and health promotion for advanced nursing practice; theoretical foundations of family health: management of chronic and acute health problems; pharmacology for advanced practice nurses; diagnostic laboratory for FNPs; advanced diagnostics and procedures; theoretical foundation in family health care; FNP preceptorship; role of the advanced practice registered nurse; and evidence based practice for advanced practice nurses.

Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The online post-master’s FNP certificate program comprises 27 credits plus clinical hours. Courses include graduate writing for healthcare professionals; health assessment and health promotion for advanced nursing practice; theoretical foundations of family health: management of chronic and acute health problems; diagnostic laboratory for FNPs; advanced diagnostics and procedures; theoretical foundation in family health care; and role of the advanced practice registered nurse.

Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate Curriculum: The online post-master’s PMHNP certificate program comprises 27 credits plus clinical hours. Courses include graduate writing for healthcare professionals; psychopharmacology I-II; psychiatric mental health assessment & diagnosis; theoretical frameworks for advanced psychiatric nursing practice; psychiatric mental health diagnosis and management I-II; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner preceptorship; and role of the advanced practice registered nurse.

Online Experience: ISU utilizes Blackboard as its online Learning Management System (LMS), delivering most courses asynchronously. When a collaborative live session, teleconference, or other synchronous meeting is required, students will be notified in advance. Courses run on semesters and have specific due dates and time frames for assignments. 

The Blackboard platform includes announcement pages, syllabi, learning modules, links to the online library and other resources, discussion boards, and access to assignments and quizzes. Students also have access to services such as admissions counseling, academic advising, faculty help, an online bookstore, career counseling, and 24/7 technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the FNP and PMHNP programs. All coursework is online, and practicums are completed locally to the student.

Paying for Indiana State University Online Nursing Programs

Indiana State University’s online FNP and PMHNP program tuition is listed in the tables below. Note that tuition will differ for Indiana residents and non-residents, and that tuition does not include additional fees. Prospective students should contact the College of Health and Human Services for cost clarifications and updates.

Indiana State University FNP students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal graduate loans according to the FAFSA. According to ISU, certificate programs are not eligible for federal student loans. Online FNP students may also look into private loans, outside scholarships, and grants. In addition, they may check with their employers concerning a tuition reimbursement program. ISU offers payment plans and may offer veteran benefits.

Indiana State University

Delivered mostly asynchronously with no campus visits and local practicums, Indiana State University seeks to prepare FNPs through education, evidence-based research, and clinical practice, all supported by core values of equity, inclusion, scholarship, diversity, and excellence.

APRN Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner – MSN
Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-MS Certificate
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-MS Certificate

Campus Address

200 North Seventh Street
Terre Haute, Indiana 47809

Indiana State University – Family Nurse Practitioner – MSN

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

47

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, DC, ID, LA, MA, NY, ND, OK, OR, SD, TN, WV, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

47

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$462.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$21,714.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$603.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$28,341.00

Indiana State University – Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-MS Certificate

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

26

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AZ, AR, DC, ID, LA, MA, NY, ND, OK, OR, SD, TN, WV, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

26

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$462.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$12,012.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$603.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$15,678.00

Indiana State University – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-MS Certificate

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

2 – Spring, Fall

100% Online?

Yes

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

27

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

500

Program Accreditation

ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, LA, MA, ND, NY, OK, PR, SD, TN, WV, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

27

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$462.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$12,474.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$603.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$16,281.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.

Sara Navratil

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.