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/).

1.

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY

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.

Quick Facts:
  • Multiple start dates
  • Program can be completed in as little as 10 months
  • 30  credit hours
2.

Murray State University

Murray, KY

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.

Quick Facts:
  • 100% online program
  • Can be completed in as little as three semesters
  • Dedicated faculty and staff
3.

Midway University

Midway, KY

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.

Quick Facts:
  • Small class sizes taught by top faculty
  • A private, non-profit Christian school
  • 12- or 24-month degree-completion options
4.

Spalding University

Louisville, KY

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.

Quick Facts:
  • Student-friendly block-schedule format
  • Low tuition rates with no cost textbooks
  • A private, non-profit university with small class sizes
5.

Beckfield College

Florence, KY

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.

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.

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 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

School of Nursing
1 University Drive
Campbellsville, KY 42718
(888) 506-6011

Columbia, KY

Division of Nursing
210 Lindsey Wilson Street
Columbia, KY 42728
(270) 384-7352

Crestview Hills, KY

Department of Nursing
333 Thomas More Parkway
Crestview Hills, KY 41017

Florence, KY

Nursing School
16 Spiral Dr
Florence, KY 41042

Frankfort, KY

School of Nursing
400 E Main St
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 597-5957

Grayson, KY

Yancey School of Nursing
100 Academic Parkway
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-3290

Highland Heights, KY

College of Health Professions
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
(800) 985-7215

Lexington, KY

College of Nursing
751 Rose Street
Lexington, KY 40536-0232
(859) 323-6533

Louisville, KY

College of Nursing
1031 Zorn Avenue, Suite 400
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 410-0620

School of Nursing
901 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 873-4304

School of Nursing
2301 S 3rd St
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 852-8300

Midway, KY

Department of Nursing
512 E Stephens St
Midway, KY 40347

Morehead, KY

Department of Nursing
150 University Blvd
Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 783-2642

Murray, KY

Department of Nursing
102 Curris Center
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 809-2193

Pikeville, KY

Elliot School of Nursing
147 Sycamore Street
Pikeville, KY 41501
(606) 218-5250

Richmond, KY

College of Health Sciences
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-1956

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.