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.
2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky
It's no secret that RNs who hold a BSN degree have a higher earning potential and are eligible for a wider array of jobs. Nurses in Kentucky who wish to transition to a BSN degree can enroll in one of the state's RN to BSN bridge programs to achieve this goal. Online RN to BSN programs make this process much easier, giving students the flexibility and autonomy to work their education into their schedules. To help these nurses choose the right program, we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state of Kentucky below. Take a look at these top schools and make your dream nursing career a reality!
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University offers a distinguished online RN-to-BSN program, combining flexibility with academic excellence. Tailored for working nurses, it emphasizes career advancement and leadership development. With dedicated faculty and a supportive online learning environment, NKU prepares nurses to thrive in the dynamic healthcare field.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Multiple start dates
- Program can be completed in as little as 10 months
- 30 credit hours
Murray State University
Murray State University in Kentucky offers an exceptional online RN-to-BSN program, providing flexibility and academic excellence. Tailored for working nurses, it emphasizes career advancement and leadership skills. With experienced faculty and a supportive online platform, Murray State prepares nurses to excel in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- 100% online program
- Can be completed in as little as three semesters
- Dedicated faculty and staff
Midway University
RNs seeking clinical, non-clinical, and administrative nursing roles can benefit by enrolling in the online RN to BSN program at Midway University in Kentucky. With a focus on nursing core concepts as well as critical thinking, the program readies students to work in different nursing positions.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Small class sizes taught by top faculty
- A private, non-profit Christian school
- 12- or 24-month degree-completion options
Spalding University
Professional career growth and stability are available via Spalding University's reputable, online RN to BSN degree. The recognized program provides students with a holistic nursing education, including community health, health promotion, and disease prevention concepts.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Student-friendly block-schedule format
- Low tuition rates with no cost textbooks
- A private, non-profit university with small class sizes
Beckfield College
Nurses know that those with BSNs are preferred job candidates at the most sought-after places to work. Beckfield College offers an online RN to BSN program for nurses seeking greater career choices and job stability. The holistic nursing program includes leadership, cultural diversity, and disaster management courses.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- A private, for-profit college
- Clinical immersion experiences are required
- Students can graduate in a year and a half
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.
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
2024 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:
Campbellsville, KY
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY 42718
(888) 506-6011
Columbia, KY
Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-7352
Crestview Hills, KY
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
Florence, KY
Beckfield College
Florence, KY 41042
Frankfort, KY
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 597-5957
Grayson, KY
Kentucky Christian University
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-3290
Highland Heights, KY
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099
(800) 985-7215
Lexington, KY
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40536-0232
(859) 323-6533
Louisville, KY
Galen College of Nursing
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 410-0620
Spalding University
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 873-4304
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 852-8300
Midway, KY
Midway University
Midway, KY 40347
Morehead, KY
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 783-2642
Murray, KY
Murray State University
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 809-2193
Pikeville, KY
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, KY 41501
(606) 218-5250
Richmond, KY
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-1956
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