Indiana Nursing Licensing Guide
Everything you need to know about Healthcare Licensing in Indiana
Indiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing eligible Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with a multistate license to practice in Indiana without obtaining a separate state nursing license. However, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) follow different certification, registry, and renewal requirements, making it important to understand which rules apply to your profession.
If you’re a travel nurse, relocating from another state, or a staffing agency placing nurses in Indiana, this page covers the complete licensing picture, who what, how to transfer your license, renewal rules, and the registry requirements that catch agencies off guard.
Who’s in Charge of Your License in Indiana?
Different healthcare professions are regulated by different Indiana agencies. Knowing which organization oversees your credential is the first step toward applying, renewing, transferring, or verifying your license or certification.
| Your Profession | Regulated By |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) |
| Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) | Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) through the Indiana Aides Registry |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) through the Indiana Aides Registry |
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), working with the Indiana State Board of Nursing, oversees:
- RN licensure
- LPN licensure
- Initial license applications
- License endorsement (out-of-state transfer)
- License renewals
- License verification
- Disciplinary actions
License Lookup: Indiana PLA License Search
How Long Does IPLA Take?
| Application Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Endorsement (out-of-state transfer) | 3–6 weeks |
| Initial licensure post-NCLEX | 1–3 weeks |
| Online renewal | 1–2 weeks |
Same rule applies here as every state: incomplete applications are the main cause of delays. Submit your Nursys verification request the same day you file your IPLA application.
A Note on Medication Aides in Indiana
Indiana does not us the Certified Medication Technician (CMT) credential used in states like Illinois. Instead, Indiana certified Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) through the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH)
To become a QMA, you must first be an active Indiana CNA in good standing, complete a state-approved QMA training program, and pass the required competency evaluation. QMAs are listed on the Indiana Aides Registry and administer medications under supervision of a licensed nurse within their approved scope of practice.
If you’re moving to Illinois CMT credential, your certification does not automatically transfer. You may need to qualify for Indiana’s QMA certification by meeting the state’s eligibility and reciprocity requirements. Contact the Indiana Department of Health before accepting a medication aide position to determine your next steps.
What Does Your Role Actually Require in Indiana?
| Role | Licensing Body | Exam | Renewal | CE Required | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | IDOH | NNAAP | Maintain active registry status | 12 hours of employer-provided-in-service annually (federal requirement) | Indiana Aides Registry (required) |
| LPN | IPLA | NCLEX-PN | Every 2 years | *None required by IPLA | None |
| RN | IPLA | NCLEX-RN | Every 2 years | *None required by IPLA | None |
| QMA (Qualified Medication Aide) | IDOH | State-approved competency evaluation | Maintain certification | Employer training requirements apply | Indiana Aides Registry |
*Continuing education may still be required by employers or for specialty certifications.
Sources: Indiana Nursing Practice Act, IC 25-23
Indiana IS a Compact State, What That Means for You
Indiana is a full member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
This is the most important thing to understand about nursing licensure in Indiana, and it’s the detail that saves travel nurses and staffing agencies the most time.
How the NLC Works
The NLC allows nurses licensed in any of the 41+ member states to practice in any other compact state using a single multistate license issued by their home state. No additional license required. No separate application. No waiting weeks for processing.
If your home state is a compact state and you’ve been issued a multistate license, you can work in Indiana on that license immediately.
Check current compact states: ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact
Who Benefits From Indiana’s Compact Membership
- Travel nurses from compact states: if your home state is compact, your multistate license covers Indiana. You don’t need to apply for anything before starting an Indiana assignment.
- Nurses relocating to Indiana from a compact state: if you’re moving to Indiana and making it your primary state of residence, Indiana becomes your new home state. You’ll apply for an Indiana multistate license through IPLA and surrender your prior state’s multistate license.
- Staffing agencies: compact membership simplifies Indiana placements significantly. Verify the nurse’s home state is compact and that they hold a multistate license, and you’re covered.
Who Still Needs to Apply for an Indiana License
Compact membership doesn’t cover everyone. You still need a standalone Indiana license if:
- Your home state is not a compact member state, California, New York, and a handful of others are still non-compact
- You hold a single-state license rather than a multistate license, even if your home state is compact
- You are changing your primary state of residence to Indiana, you’ll need to convert to an Indiana multistate license
The primary residence rule matters. The NLC multistate license is tied to your primary state of residence, not where you work. If Indiana becomes your primary residence, you must hold an Indiana multistate license, even if you also work in other compact states.
Can an Illinois Nurse Practice in Indiana Without a Separate License?
No. Illinois is not a compact state, which means Illinois-licensed nurses do not hold multistate licenses. An Illinois RN or LPN working in Indiana needs a standalone Indiana license through IPLA endorsement. See Section 4 for the endorsement process.
How to Transfer Your License to Indiana
Even though Indiana is compact, nurses coming from non-compact states still go through endorsement. Here’s how it works by role.
RN and LPN Endorsement (IPLA)
- Create an account at IPLA mylicense portal
- Complete the endorsement application and pay the fee, RN: $50 · LPN: $35 (verify current fees at IPLA)
- Request license verification from your current state via Nursys, most states send this directly to IPLA electronically
- Submit nursing school transcripts if requested
- Complete an Indiana State Police background check if required
- Track your application through the IPLA portal, expect 3–6 weeks for a complete application
CNA Endorsement / Reciprocity (ISDH)
To transfer a CNA certification from another state to Indiana’s Nurse Aide Registry:
- Your out-of-state certification must be current and in good standing
- No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on your record
- Training must meet the federal 75-hour minimum, Indiana does not require additional hours beyond the federal standard for reciprocity applicants
Steps:
- Submit the Indiana NAR Reciprocity Application to ISDH
- Provide proof of out-of-state certification and training completion
- Complete a background check if required
- ISDH will verify your status with your prior state before adding you to the Indiana NAR
CE Rules in Indiana, The One That Surprises Most Nurses
Indiana requires zero continuing education hours for RN and LPN license renewal.
That’s not a typo. Indiana is one of a small number of states with no mandatory CE requirement for RN or LPN renewal. You renew your license, pay your fee, and you’re done, no CE hours to track, no certificates to keep
| Profession | CE Requirement | Renewal Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | None Required by IPLA | Every 2 Years | No state continuing education requirement for license renewal. |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | None Required by IPLA | Every 2 Years | No state continuing education requirement for license renewal. |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 12 Hours of Employer-Provided In-Service Training | Annual | Required under federal regulations for CNAs working in Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities. |
| Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) | Employer-Required Training | Ongoing | Additional education or competency training may be required by the employer or healthcare facility. |
What This Means Practically
No CE requirement doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue continuing education, it means Indiana doesn’t make it a condition of renewal. Many Indiana nurses voluntarily pursue CE through national organizations, specialty certifications, and employer programs. It’s encouraged across the profession even where it isn’t mandated.
Indiana also has no sexual harassment prevention CE mandate like Illinois does, another difference worth noting if you’re coming from or comparing the two states.
CE Providers Worth Using (Voluntary)
| Provider | Website |
|---|---|
| American Nurses Association (ANA) | nursingworld.org |
| Nurse.com CE Center | nurse.com/ce |
| Relias Learning | relias.com |
| Medscape Nursing | medscape.com/nurses |
| AANP | aanp.org |
The Registry Every Indiana CNA Needs to Know About
The Indiana Aides Registry, maintained by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), is the official database used to verify Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) who work in regulated healthcare settings.
Healthcare employers rely on the registry to confirm certification status before hiring qualified professionals. Maintaining accurate registry information helps ensure compliance with both state and federal healthcare regulations.
Who Needs to Be Listed?
| Profession | Registry Required? |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Yes |
| Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) | Yes |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Employer Responsibilities
Under federal law (42 CFR 483.35) and Indiana state requirements, employers at Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities must:
- Verify an applicant’s Indiana Aides Registry status before employment.
- Confirm there are no substantiated findings involving abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
- Maintain documentation verifying employment eligibility.
- Report findings when required by state or federal regulations.
For staffing agencies: NAR verification is required before every placement, not just at initial onboarding. Keep verification records on file.
Background Check Requirement
CNA applicants must complete a criminal background check as part of the Indiana NAR listing process. Indiana uses the state’s background check system through the Indiana State Police.
Everything You Need to Know About Renewing Your Indiana License
Indiana nursing licenses are generally renewed every two years through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Although the agency sends renewal reminders, maintaining an active license is ultimately the responsibility of each healthcare professional.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) maintain their eligibility through the Indiana Aides Registry, while Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) must continue meeting applicable certification requirements.
| Profession | Renewal Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Every 2 Years | No continuing education required for Indiana state license renewal. |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Every 2 Years | No continuing education required for Indiana state license renewal. |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Maintain Active Registry Status | Certification may lapse after extended inactivity; additional eligibility or competency requirements may apply. |
| Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) | Maintain Active Certification | Must continue meeting all applicable Indiana state and employer-specific training and work requirements. |
Renewal Fees
| Role | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| RN | $50 |
| LPN | $35 |
How to Renew Online (RN, LPN)
- Log in to IPLA mylicense portal
- Select “Renew a License” and choose your license type
- Confirm your information, no CE attestation required
- Pay the renewal fee
- Save your renewal confirmation as proof of active status
Missed Your Renewal Date?
- Indiana allows late renewal, check with IPLA for the current late renewal window
- A late penalty fee applies on top of the standard renewal fee
- Practicing on an expired license violates the Indiana Nursing Practice Act, IC 25-23, this is an enforcement area
Expired and beyond the late renewal window? You’ll need formal reinstatement rather than renewal. Contact IPLA to understand the reinstatement requirements for your situation.
Go Deeper, Pick Your Role
This page covers Indiana-wide licensing rules. Each role guide below has the exact steps, exam details, fees, and renewal walkthrough for that specific credential.
| Role | What the guide covers | Regulatory body |
|---|---|---|
| CNA Indiana → | NNAAP exam, 75-hour training, NAR registration, and endorsement | ISDH / NAR |
| LPN Indiana → | NCLEX-PN, IPLA application, renewal, and endorsement | IPLA |
| RN Indiana → | NCLEX-RN, IPLA application, and compact license rules | IPLA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Indiana Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.