Best Online MSN Programs in Kentucky

University of Louisville's online MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares baccalaureate-prepared nurses for advanced practice through a hybrid format. This program requires no entrance exam and emphasizes 672 clinical hours, including simulation experiences. With three annual start dates and holistic admission review, it focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based care for diverse populations. Graduates are equipped to influence health policy and deliver comprehensive family healthcare.

• Hybrid learning format
• Three annual start dates
• 672 clinical hours minimum
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Holistic admission review
• Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration

The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration at University of Louisville offers a hybrid MSN program designed for specialized pediatric healthcare. No entrance exam is required for admission. Students complete 672 clinical hours, gaining expertise in managing acute and complex conditions in children. With three annual admission cycles and nationally recognized faculty, this program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles through rigorous clinical training and evidence-based approaches.

• Hybrid learning format
• 672 minimum clinical hours
• Three annual admission cycles
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Holistic admission review process

University of Louisville's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a hybrid MSN program for nurses seeking to care for adult and elderly patients. This online program requires no entrance exam and includes 672 clinical training hours through in-person and simulation experiences. With three annual start dates and holistic admission review, it focuses on advanced clinical skills and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare graduates for primary care roles.

• Hybrid learning format
• Three annual start dates
• 672 clinical training hours
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Holistic admission review
• Advanced practice nursing preparation
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration at University of Louisville is a hybrid MSN program that prepares nurses for mental health care without requiring an entrance exam. Students complete 672 clinical hours, developing expertise in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. With three annual admission cycles and clinical preceptor support, this program focuses on holistic mental health care across diverse populations and prepares graduates for board certification.

• Hybrid learning format
• 672 minimum clinical hours
• Three annual admission cycles
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Holistic admission review process
• Clinical preceptor provided
• Prepares for board certification

University of Louisville's MSN Leadership program with a Nursing Practice concentration is offered 100% online and requires no entrance exam. Designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, it can be completed in one year full-time or part-time, featuring an 84-hour clinical practicum. This program emphasizes leadership in healthcare administration and academia, with competitive tuition rates and flexible scheduling for working professionals seeking advanced roles.

• 100% online coursework
• Full-time completion in one year
• Part-time study options available
• 84-hour clinical practicum
• Competitive tuition rates
• Holistic admission review
• Focus on Nursing Practice concentration
• Flexible scheduling
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Nationally recognized faculty

• Two-year MSN program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Specialized neonatal healthcare focus
• Board certification preparation
• Advanced clinical skills training

Western Kentucky University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares BSN-prepared nurses for advanced practice roles, focusing on diagnosing, prescribing, and treating patients across all age groups. This hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical experiences in Kentucky or Tennessee, offering flexible full-time and part-time options. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development in primary care settings and prepares graduates for FNP certification. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program. Application deadlines vary by semester, with summer, fall, and spring start dates available.

• MSN with FNP concentration
• Diagnose, prescribe, treat across lifespan
• Full-time and part-time options
• Fall and spring cohort starts
• Clinical hours in KY or TN
• Certification exam preparation
• Summer application deadline June 1
• Fall application deadline June 15
• Spring application deadline October 1

Western Kentucky University offers a fully online MSN with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for licensed RNs in Kentucky or Tennessee. This 43-credit program prepares nurses to provide psychiatric care across the lifespan through a flexible part-time schedule. The curriculum blends advanced nursing theory with clinical practice, leading to PMHNP certification eligibility. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program. Financial aid is available, with over 90% of applicants receiving assistance. The program is tailored for working professionals seeking specialization in the high-demand mental health field.

• 43-hour online program.
• Part-time schedule flexibility.
• Prepares for PMHNP certification.
• Focus on psychiatric care across lifespan.
• Financial aid available for most.
• Requires current RN license.
• Advanced nursing theory and clinical practice.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Over 90% financial aid success rate.
• Special admission criteria apply.

Western Kentucky University's Master Entry Professional Nursing (MEPN) program is an accelerated hybrid pathway that transforms any bachelor's degree into a nursing career. This two-year full-time program combines online learning with campus instruction in Bowling Green, KY, awarding both BSN and MSN degrees. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, HESI exam score of 80+, and specific prerequisite courses. Clinical placements occur in Kentucky or Tennessee, with graduates eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure. This master's level program requires the HESI entrance exam. Applications are due February 1 for summer start or September 1 for spring start.

• 2-year accelerated program
• Hybrid online/campus format
• Earns BSN and MSN degrees
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• HESI exam score 80+
• Bachelor's degree required
• Clinicals in KY or TN
• NCLEX-RN eligibility
• $575 semester program fee
• Prerequisite courses required

Eastern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans, specifically focusing on rural health needs. This fully online program requires no entrance exam and offers flexible 8-week terms with free textbooks. The 47-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based skills for acute and chronic conditions and disease prevention, requiring a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of RN experience. With a 100% first-attempt national certification exam pass rate and no campus visits required, graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare settings.

• Online 47-credit MSN program
• Online tuition $703/credit hour
• Free textbooks for students
• No campus visits required
• Spring, summer, fall start dates
• 750 direct patient care hours
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 1+ year RN experience required
• Accredited nursing program
• 100% first attempt certification pass

Eastern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across diverse care settings. This 49-credit online MSN requires no entrance exam and offers affordable tuition at $703 per credit hour with free textbooks. Featuring convenient 8-week terms and multiple start dates, the program boasts a 98.6% first-attempt certification exam pass rate. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an active RN license, and one year of nursing experience, with no campus visits necessary for this top-50 ranked online graduate nursing program.

• Online 49-credit MSN program
• $703 per credit hour
• Free textbooks for students
• 98.6% certification exam pass rate
• No campus visits required
• Multiple start dates annually
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Requires active RN license
• Minimum one year RN experience
• Top 50 online graduate nursing program

Eastern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration equips advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health needs in rural communities. This 49-credit online program requires no entrance exam but includes an oral comprehensive exam as part of the curriculum. Focusing on underserved populations, the program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training through an eight-course concentration sequence. Admission requires a BSN, unencumbered RN license, 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience, preparing graduates as essential healthcare providers in rural settings through comprehensive clinical practicum experiences.

• Online graduate nursing program
• Rural psychiatric mental health focus
• 49 total credit hours
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Eight-course concentration sequence
• Oral comprehensive exam required

Northern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares RNs for advanced practice in complex healthcare settings. This CCNE-accredited program requires 47 credit hours over 24 months, with a total tuition of $32,956. The curriculum focuses on diagnosing and treating patients from adolescence through geriatric stages, including intensive clinical residencies. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and 1,000 clinical hours. No entrance exam is required for this online program.

• 100% Online MSN Program
• CCNE Accredited Nursing Degree
• Total Tuition: $32,956
• 24-Month Program Length
• 47 Total Credit Hours
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration
• Clinical Residency Included
• Prepares for Certification Exam

Northern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to become specialized mental health providers. This 47-credit hour program can be completed in as few as 22 months with a total tuition of $32,956. The curriculum covers advanced psychopharmacology, mental health assessment, and evidence-based interventions across patient lifespans. Graduates are eligible for ANCC certification, with the program boasting an 88.94% three-year pass rate. No entrance exam is required for this online program.

• 100% Online Program
• Total Tuition: $32,956
• 47 Credit Hours
• 22-Month Completion
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 88.94% ANCC Exam Pass Rate
• Covers Lifespan Mental Health Care
• Advanced Psychopharmacology Focus
• 5 Clinical Courses
• 750 Total Clinical Hours

Northern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Executive Leadership concentration prepares nurses for high-level administrative roles. This 33-credit hour program focuses on strategic planning, healthcare policy, organizational psychology, and financial management, with a total tuition of $20,117. Designed for completion in 12 months, the CCNE-accredited program prepares professionals for positions like Chief Nursing Officer. No entrance exam is required for this online program.

• 100% Online MSN Program
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 33 Credit Hours Total
• $20,117 Total Tuition
• Advanced Leadership Focus
• Nurse Executive Preparation
• Interdisciplinary Curriculum
• Capstone Practicum Included
• Flexible 12-Month Completion

Bellarmine University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a 43-credit, two-year pathway for RNs seeking advanced primary care skills. This fully online program requires only one on-campus visit and provides 720 clinical hours with local supervision. With a 97% first-time certification pass rate and no GRE requirement, graduates are well-prepared for high-demand FNP roles. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and has a priority application deadline of March 15.

• Fully online MSN-FNP program
• 43 credit hours, two-year track
• 97% first-time certification pass rate
• Only one on-campus visit required
• 720 total clinical hours
• Practicum hours locally supervised
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Priority application deadline: March 15
• One year RN experience needed
• No GRE required

Bellarmine University's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for mental healthcare roles through a 47-credit, two-year curriculum. This predominantly online program requires just one campus visit while allowing students to complete practicum hours locally. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for national certification without requiring entrance exams. Applicants need a BSN, active nursing license, minimum 3.0 GPA, and professional references to pursue this mental health specialization.

• Online with one campus visit
• 47 credit hours total
• Part-time two-year study
• CCNE accredited program
• Practicum hours locally completed
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• BSN from accredited program
• Active nursing license needed
• Professional references required
• National certification preparation

Bellarmine University's online Master of Science in Nursing Administration program focuses on developing healthcare management expertise through a fully online curriculum. This two-year program requires no entrance exams and emphasizes financial management, resource allocation, and organizational leadership skills. Students typically complete two courses per semester in this CCNE-accredited program. Applicants must have a BSN, active nursing license, minimum 3.0 GPA, and professional references to pursue this administrative track.

• Fully online MSN program
• Two courses per semester
• Complete in two years
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• CCNE accredited program
• BSN from accredited program
• Active nursing license needed
• Professional references required
• Management focused curriculum
• Healthcare leadership training

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville offers an online MSN Nurse Educator program that prepares BSN-prepared RNs for teaching roles in academic and healthcare settings. This fully online program requires no entrance exam and features asynchronous 8-week modules across six semesters, allowing students to continue working while completing 36 credit hours in about two years. The curriculum aligns with NLN competencies and includes individualized practicum experiences. Graduates are eligible for the CNE exam. Admission requires an active RN license, official transcripts, and a BSN degree, with a free application process and no essays.

• Online program format.
• Nurse Educator specialty available.
• 36 credit hours total.
• Six semesters to complete.
• 8-week course modules.
• Asynchronous online classes.
• Three start times yearly.
• Two-year completion time.
• ACEN and SACSCOC accredited.
• Requires BSN degree.

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville's online MSN in Nursing & Healthcare Leadership prepares BSN-prepared RNs for advanced leadership roles without requiring an entrance exam. This 36-credit program uses asynchronous 8-week modules over six semesters, enabling students to work while studying. The curriculum aligns with AONL competencies, focusing on quality improvement, patient safety, and healthcare innovation through leadership practicum and virtual simulation. Admission requires an active RN license and official transcripts, with a free application and no essays. The program starts three times yearly and can be completed in about two years.

• Online program format
• 36 credit hours required
• Six semesters completion time
• 8-week course modules
• Three start times yearly
• Requires active RN license
• BSN degree prerequisite
• Official transcripts needed
• Free application process
• No essays required

Midway University's online MSN with an Education concentration prepares nurses for teaching roles in academic and clinical settings. This 36-credit program, completed in 18-24 months, focuses on developing advanced teaching skills and leadership competencies. No entrance exam is required for this flexible online program designed for working professionals. Graduates gain the knowledge to shape nursing education and healthcare practices.

• MSN Education Track Available
• Fully Online Program
• 18-24 Months Completion
• 36 Total Credit Hours
• Prepares Nurse Educators
• Flexible for Working Nurses
• Teaching Career Focused

Midway University's online MSN/MBA Dual Degree combines nursing expertise with business management for healthcare leadership. This 60-credit program can be completed in 18-24 months and focuses on professional role development, quality improvement, and organizational leadership. No entrance exam is required for this flexible online program that prepares nurses for elevated career trajectories in healthcare management.

• Online dual degree program
• 60 total credit hours
• 18-24 months completion
• Healthcare leadership focus
• Professional role development

Midway University's online MSN with an Administration concentration prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. This 36-credit program, completed in 18-24 months full-time or part-time, focuses on quality improvement, ethics, health policy, and organizational leadership. No entrance exam is required for this online program that offers the lowest tuition in Kentucky and flexibility for working professionals.

• 36 credit hours.
• Online format.
• 18-24 months completion.
• Administration concentration.
• Lowest tuition in KY.
• Flexible for working nurses.
• Focus on leadership.
• Quality improvement focus.
• Ethics and health policy.
• Organizational leadership.

Frontier Nursing University offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner program with 100% online coursework and two brief campus immersion experiences. This flexible program requires no entrance exam and provides 750 clinical hours, preparing graduates for primary care roles with a 95-100% certification pass rate. Students can choose full or part-time options and complete clinical practicums in their home communities.

• First FNP program in U.S.
• 100% online coursework
• 750 clinical hours
• Full or part-time options
• 95-100% certification pass rate
• Two campus immersion experiences
• Can pursue DNP afterwards
• Distance education model
• Clinical practicum in home community
• Every course offered every term

Frontier Nursing University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program uses a hybrid format with online coursework and local clinical practicums. No entrance exam is required for this MSN or Post-Graduate Certificate program, which prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. Students benefit from two brief on-campus stays and can choose full or part-time options.

• Hybrid online and practicum program
• Full and part-time options
• MSN or Post-Graduate Certificate
• Clinical practicum in home community
• Two brief on-campus stays
• Advanced mental health training
• Multiple healthcare setting opportunities

The Nurse-Midwifery program at Frontier Nursing University follows a hybrid model with online coursework, two campus stays, and clinical practicums in students' home communities. This MSN or Post-Graduate Certificate program requires no entrance exam and prepares graduates to provide comprehensive women's health services, including gynecologic care, family planning, and childbirth support.

• Hybrid online and campus program
• Full and part-time options
• MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
• Clinical practicum in home community
• Two brief on-campus stays
• Option to continue to DNP
• Serve women across all ages
• Prescriptive authority training

Frontier Nursing University's online Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner program focuses on comprehensive women's health care without requiring an entrance exam. This flexible program offers MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate options with online coursework and community-based clinical experience. Students complete 750 clinical hours and benefit from a 98% exam pass rate.

• Focus on women's health
• Online coursework
• Flexible scheduling
• Part-time or full-time
• MSN and DNP pathways
• Post-graduate certificates
• Clinical experience
• Community-based practicum
• Experienced faculty
• Distance education leader

Morehead State University's online Master of Science in Nursing-FNP program focuses on Primary Care, preparing registered nurses for advanced practice roles without requiring an entrance exam. This fully online two-year program includes in-person clinical practicums and requires one year of RN experience and a 3.0 GPA. Accredited nationally, it offers fall and spring admissions with an April 15 deadline, emphasizing certification exam preparation and diverse career opportunities in healthcare settings.

• Fully online delivery
• Two-year program duration
• Requires 1-year RN experience
• Nationally accredited program
• Clinical practicum placements
• Fall and spring admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Application deadline April 15
• Certification exam preparation
• Diverse career opportunities

Kentucky Christian University's online MSN-FNP program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as Family Nurse Practitioners. This fully online program offers flexibility for working professionals, requiring 47 credit hours and 528 clinical hours completed in students' local communities. The curriculum integrates Christian faith into nursing practice while focusing on leadership development and underserved populations. Graduates become eligible for AANP or ANCC certification exams. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and 800 hours of RN experience. No entrance exam is required for this program, which is recognized as a best value option in Kentucky.

• Fully online program.
• 47 total credit hours.
• 528 clinical hours required.
• Clinicals in home community.
• Spring and fall starts.
• Small cohort sizes.
• Christian faith integration.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Active RN license needed.