Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

Last Updated On Mar 11, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

4 Min Read

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

Registered nurses in Kentucky seeking to advance their careers can find top-tier online RN to BSN programs through RegisteredNursing.org's comprehensive rankings. Our expert team evaluates multiple factors including program quality, affordability, flexibility, and student outcomes to identify the best educational pathways. These online programs offer working nurses the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing without disrupting their current employment. Kentucky's top programs provide rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and seamless pathways for professional growth. Rankings Methodology

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 offers registered nurses a flexible, accelerated pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for ADN holders, this 100% online program enables nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 12-18 months. Students can save over $11,250 through a professional nursing portfolio and complete just 31 core credit hours. The curriculum focuses on developing leadership skills, evidence-based practice, and community health expertise, preparing nurses for expanded roles in healthcare settings.

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

University of Kentucky

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

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)

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The University of Kentucky's RN-BSN online program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas, this CCNE-accredited program allows students to complete 30 credit hours while working full-time. With asynchronous 7-week block scheduling, nurses can enhance their professional skills, leadership capabilities, and clinical reasoning without campus attendance. The program enables students to apply previous credits towards the 120-hour degree requirement and complete clinical hours locally, making it ideal for working professionals seeking career growth.

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

Eastern Kentucky University

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

Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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Eastern Kentucky University's RN to BSN online program offers working nurses a flexible, accelerated pathway to advance their nursing career. With just 25 credit hours, students can complete their degree in as little as 12 months. The program features an affordable online tuition rate of $489 per credit hour, free textbooks, and personalized advising. Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree, the curriculum focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and professional development. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings, with potential employment growth projected at 6% by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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
Ranked best online RN-BSN in Kentucky

Spalding University

Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - spalding.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

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Spalding University's RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing credentials. Designed for working professionals, this online program allows nurses with an associate's degree or diploma to earn a bachelor's degree. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours, including 60 from an associate's degree and 30 for an active nursing license. The program focuses on expanding clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional development, preparing nurses for broader healthcare roles and potential graduate studies.

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

Murray State University

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

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

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Murray State University's RN to BSN program is designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. This fully online program can be completed in just one calendar year, providing flexibility for busy healthcare professionals. Students enhance their leadership skills and community health competencies through a comprehensive curriculum. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high-quality educational standards that prepare nurses for expanded roles in healthcare delivery.

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

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.

School	Degree Name	Length
Northern Kentucky University	Online RN to BSN	10 Months
Midway University	Online RN to BSN	1 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:

School	Degree Name	Tuition Cost
Murray State University	Online RN to BSN	$404.50 per credit
University of Kentucky	Online RN to BSN	$13,502 per year

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

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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