Submitted by Office of State Rep. Danny Lopez
Last week, Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed into law a bill sponsored by State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) to help ensure Indiana’s nursing workforce can meet the growing health care needs of Hoosiers.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs declined in 2022 after 20 years of growth. With Indiana projected to face a shortage of more than 73,000 licensed practical nurses over the next decade, Senate Enrolled Act 176 allows high school students to enroll in state-accredited nursing programs. Lopez said this step will help students save money on college-level courses that will count toward a future degree, gain experience in a professional environment sooner and create more opportunities for advanced education, including training to become a registered nurse.
“Education and training should move at the speed students do, and that’s particular important as we look to move more Hoosiers into the nursing profession,” Lopez said. “Efforts like this help build our talent pipeline and get Hoosier students interested in high-demand fields here in our state.”
Several Ivy Tech campuses across the state offer programs to earn an associate of science in nursing degree or enroll in a transition to ASN program. Others have a practical nursing technical certificate program. Visit IvyTech.edu for more information.
Lopez said the law also adds two members to the State Board of Nursing, expanding representation and updating member qualifications to ensure the board can address evolving challenges in health care.
SEA 176 received bipartisan support in both chambers during the 2025 legislative session. To learn more, click here.