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

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

#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 fully online program allows ADN-prepared nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 12-18 months, focusing on essential areas like leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health. With an innovative professional nursing portfolio option, students can save significantly on tuition while completing only 31 core credit hours. The program's 8-week course terms and multiple start dates each year offer unparalleled flexibility, making it ideal for working nurses aiming for career advancement in diverse healthcare environments.

  • 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 to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their nursing practice and leadership skills. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its flexibility, offering a 30-credit curriculum that can be completed entirely online, with no need for campus visits. The program's 7-week block scheduling is designed to accommodate the busy lives of working nurses, allowing them to balance professional and academic commitments. Students benefit from the ability to transfer previous credits towards the 120-hour degree requirement and complete clinical hours in their local area. With a tuition rate of $624 per credit hour, this program is an affordable option for RNs seeking to advance their careers. Requires ACT/SAT.

  • 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 with a bachelor's degree. This program stands out for its affordability at $489 per credit hour and the inclusion of free textbooks, significantly reducing student expenses. With a curriculum designed to be completed in as little as 12 months, it emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and leadership skills. The program's flexibility allows students to engage in clinical projects at their current workplace, eliminating the need for campus visits. Accredited nationally, it prepares graduates for advanced roles in healthcare, aligning with the 6% employment growth projected for nurses.

  • 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

Spalding University

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

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Spalding University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing without sacrificing their current work commitments. This program stands out for its generous credit transfer policy, accepting up to 90 credits, which significantly shortens the path to a bachelor's degree. Ideal for those with an associate's degree or nursing diploma, it emphasizes the development of advanced clinical skills, leadership qualities, and a deeper understanding of healthcare systems. The curriculum is designed to not only meet the immediate needs of the nursing profession but also to lay a solid foundation for future graduate studies. Requires ACT/SAT.

  • Online RN to BSN format
  • Up to 90 transferable credits
  • Active RN license required
  • Enhances nursing career opportunities
  • Flexible degree completion
#5

Murray State University

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

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Murray State University offers an accelerated RN to BSN program entirely online, tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers without pausing their professional lives. With a completion time of just one year, the program stands out for its efficiency and flexibility, catering to the demanding schedules of healthcare workers. The curriculum is meticulously designed to bolster leadership abilities and deepen understanding of community health, all under the umbrella of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education's accreditation. This ensures graduates are well-prepared to take on more significant roles in the evolving healthcare landscape.

  • 100% Online Program
  • One-Year Completion Time
  • Leadership Focused Curriculum
  • Community Health Emphasis
  • CCNE Accredited Program
*Information derived from: IPEDS 2023 survey, conducted by NCES.

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:

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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
*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/