Advanced education for registered nurses (RNs) in Kentucky is on the rise. With the increased earnings and job opportunities a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) can bring, many RNs in the state are opting to go back to school to build upon their Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). With both online and classroom RN to BSN program options available, Kentucky RNs have many educational choices at their fingertips.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Kentucky? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top options to help you advance your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and flexibility to fit your busy life. We make it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Check out our rankings to see which schools stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN Online Program)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Louisville's online RN-to-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications without sacrificing their current work commitments. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online in just 12-18 months. With a curriculum that emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health, graduates are well-prepared for advanced roles in nursing. Unique benefits include the opportunity to save over $11,250 through a professional nursing portfolio and the requirement of only 31 core credit hours. The program's 8-week course terms and multiple start dates each year further accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses. Accredited by the CCNE, it ensures a high-quality education focused on research and leadership, with no need for campus visits.

  • 100% Online Flexible Program
  • 31 Core Credit Hours
  • 8-Week Course Terms
  • 30 Credits Tuition-Free Portfolio
  • Multiple Start Dates Annually
  • Community Health Practicum
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Leadership and Research Focus
  • No Campus Attendance Required
  • Designed for Working Nurses
#2

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Kentucky's online RN-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to balance work and study through its 100% online format and 7-week block scheduling. Nurses can transfer credits to meet the 120-hour degree requirement, focusing on leadership and clinical reasoning skills without stepping on campus. Clinical hours are arranged locally, supporting seamless integration into students' current roles. With a requirement of 30 credit hours and a tuition rate of $624 per credit, this program is a cost-effective and convenient option for RNs with a minimum 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered license.

  • Fully online BSN program
  • 30 credit hours required
  • No campus attendance needed
  • 7-week block scheduling
  • $624 per credit hour
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Clinical hours completed locally
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • Unencumbered nursing license
#3

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu

Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Eastern Kentucky University's RN to BSN online program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers through an accelerated and flexible educational pathway. This program stands out for its affordability at $489 per credit hour, inclusive of free textbooks, and the ability to complete the degree in just 12 months with 25 nursing credit hours. Emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and professional growth, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in various healthcare environments. With no campus visits required and the convenience of clinical projects at their current workplace, students benefit from a nationally accredited program that has been recognized as the best online RN-BSN in Kentucky.

  • Online, accelerated 12-month program
  • 25 nursing credit hours required
  • $489 per credit hour
  • Free textbooks for students
  • No required campus visits
  • Flexible course scheduling
  • Nationally accredited program
  • Clinical projects at current workplace
  • Personalized academic advising
#4

Murray State University

Murray, KY - Public 4-Year - murraystate.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Murray State University offers an RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers without pausing their professional lives. This 100% online program stands out for its accelerated one-year completion timeline, making it an ideal choice for those eager to advance quickly. With a curriculum that emphasizes leadership and community health, students are equipped to take on more significant roles in healthcare settings. Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education underscores the program's commitment to excellence and prepares graduates for the evolving demands of the nursing field.

  • 100% Online Program
  • One-Year Completion Time
  • Leadership Focused Curriculum
  • Community Health Emphasis
  • CCNE Accredited Program
#5

Morehead State University

Morehead, KY - Public 4-Year - moreheadstate.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, Post-Licensure, B.S.N.

Online Learning - Visit Website

Morehead State University's online Post-Licensure B.S.N. program is tailored for RNs seeking to elevate their professional standing without sacrificing their current roles. This program stands out for its emphasis on leadership and evidence-based practice, equipping nurses with the skills needed for higher-level positions. With a curriculum that can be completed in two years, it's designed for efficiency and relevance, offering courses that are immediately applicable in the workplace. The program's online format ensures accessibility for students across Kentucky, making it a prime choice for those looking to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities. Highlights include its accreditation, flexibility, and the option to earn graduate credits, positioning graduates for both immediate career growth and future academic pursuits.

  • Online flexible program
  • Two-year completion time
  • RN licensure required
  • Accredited nursing program
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Graduate credits option available
  • Interprofessional communication focus
  • Evidence-based practice training
  • Leadership skill development
  • Professional behavior emphasis
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

There are many reasons why nurses are drawn to RN to BSN programs but two of the most common ones are the speed at which you can graduate from them and the very low cost. RN to BSN programs build on the student’s previous experience and training as a nurse to deliver a much shorter curriculum saving you both time and money along the way.

Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

While most BSN programs require at least four years of study, RN to BSN programs (a fast-tracked option for experienced nurses) allow students to graduate in only two years — or even quicker if you have a large number of transferable credits. Believe it or not, Kentucky has a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in the country; see below.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Northern Kentucky UniversityOnline RN to BSN10 Months
Midway UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, but you’re unlikely to find them in Kentucky. If you qualify for admission with a substantial number of transferable credits and an unencumbered RN license, you’ll probably still need to consider relocating to other states in order to take advantage of these incredibly high-paced and intense RN to BSN options.

Cheapest Online RN to BSN Options

While you may not be able to graduate in six months in Kentucky, you will be able to graduate in at least half the amount of time as you would have if you were enrolled in a traditional BSN program. This will not only save you time but also money as well. You may also be able to further cut your tuition costs by establishing residence in Kentucky, especially if you are applying to primarily state schools. Here are a few of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the state:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Murray State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$404.50 per credit
University of KentuckyOnline RN to BSN$13,502 per year

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Once you decide to pursue an RN to BSN degree program, you'll need to choose a school. Below are some of the typical admissions requirements you may face at schools in the state:

  • Unrestricted US Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • Must have earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing or a diploma in nursing
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all undergraduate work
  • Submission of transcripts from all colleges previously attended

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

General education courses, advanced nursing courses, and electives make up the curriculum of an RN to BSN program. Lexington-based University of Kentucky School of Nursing offers the following courses as part of its accredited program:

  • NUR 350: Concepts in Professional Nursing
  • NUR 450: The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
  • NUR 354: Pathophysiology
  • NUR 352: Pharmacology
  • NUR 452: Leadership & Management for RNs

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

Discover the best RN to BSN programs available in the State of Kentucky through our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Columbia, KY

Lindsey Wilson College

  • Bachelor's - R.N. B.S.N.

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN program
    • 48-57 total credit hours
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
    • Active RN license needed
    • Flexible professional coursework
    • Leadership and ethics focus
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Global health perspectives

Crestview Hills, KY

Thomas More University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 18-month accelerated program
    • ACEN accredited nursing program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Small class sizes
    • 100% job placement
    • Career advancement opportunities
    • Potential $18,000 salary increase

Frankfort, KY

Kentucky State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Flexible for Working Nurses
    • Advanced Professional Development
    • Comprehensive Learning Outcomes
    • Research and Technology Focus

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online BSN program
    • 30 credit hours required
    • No campus attendance needed
    • 7-week block scheduling
    • $624 per credit hour
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Clinical hours completed locally

Louisville, KY

Spalding University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN format
    • Up to 90 transferable credits
    • Active RN license required
    • Enhances nursing career opportunities
    • Flexible degree completion

University of Louisville

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN Online Program)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Flexible Program
    • 31 Core Credit Hours
    • 8-Week Course Terms
    • 30 Credits Tuition-Free Portfolio
    • Multiple Start Dates Annually
    • Community Health Practicum
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Leadership and Research Focus

Midway, KY

Midway University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program format
    • 12-24 months completion time
    • Multiple start dates yearly
    • Designed for working nurses
    • 120 total credit hours

Morehead, KY

Morehead State University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, Post-Licensure, B.S.N.

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • Two-year completion time
    • RN licensure required
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Career advancement opportunities
    • Graduate credits option available
    • Interprofessional communication focus
    • Evidence-based practice training

Murray, KY

Murray State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • One-Year Completion Time
    • Leadership Focused Curriculum
    • Community Health Emphasis
    • CCNE Accredited Program

Pikeville, KY

University of Pikeville

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • 120 total credits required
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA
    • Designed for working nurses
    • ACEN accredited nursing program
    • Multiple start dates annually
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles

Richmond, KY

Eastern Kentucky University

  • Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online, accelerated 12-month program
    • 25 nursing credit hours required
    • $489 per credit hour
    • Free textbooks for students
    • No required campus visits
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Clinical projects at current workplace

Williamsburg, KY

University of the Cumberlands

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 12-Month Completion Option
    • $220 Per Credit Hour
    • 38 Total Credit Hours
    • Designed for Working RNs
    • Leadership Skill Development
    • Pathway to MSN
    • Nationally Accredited Program
*Original data from: National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS program (2023).