Kentucky RN to BSN Programs

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.

Admissions Requirements for Kentucky 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 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

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

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 their 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

Online RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

If convenience and flexibility are priorities, an online RN to BSN program is an ideal way to complete a baccalaureate nursing degree. These programs are accredited and academically rigorous, but allow students to finish the course at their own pace. Many working RNs and students with families find that this online program allows them to finish their degrees while keeping other commitments.

Featured Online School

The University of Louisville offers a 100% online RN to BSN program that's accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The curriculum is designed by nurses for nurses, and students can complete coursework when it fits their schedule. Small class sizes and professional, award-winning faculty round out the experience.

Admissions and Program Length

Program length depends mainly on whether students choose to study part-time or full-time. Many programs can be completed in 12 months (including Summer semester attendance) of full-time study, while part-time students can take 18-24 months to complete the program. Many ADN credits can be transferred over to the RN to BSN program, making the program shorter. Students can generally expect to take approximately 30 credit hours of upper division nursing courses.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition and fees for an RN to BSN program can fluctuate due to many things, like whether you choose an online or classroom program. You'll also need to factor in other mandatory costs, like course materials. Tuition for the RN to BSN program at Bowling Green's Western Kentucky University costs $463 per credit hour. Many students seek financial aid in the form of loans and/or scholarships to help pay for school.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Registered nurses who aim to advance in their current jobs or pursue higher-level specialty nursing jobs can expect to make more money. The catch is that many of these positions require at least a BSN degree. Aside from the higher salary, a BSN makes a candidate much more attractive to employers in hospitals, care facilities, and other healthcare environments.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Kentucky

An RN in Louisville, Kentucky can earn between $43,000 and $66,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. The average nurse in the Louisville area earns approximately $53,574. The main difference between those earning at the bottom of the pay scale versus those at the top is education. RNs who hold a BSN or higher tend to make substantially more than those with lower nursing degrees.

RN to BSN Programs

Kentucky has taken a view on the needs of their health care system that is moving toward a BSN degree requirement. Although it is not yet mandatory to obtain your BSN, it is strongly recommended. With more than 20 RN to BSN programs being offered all over the state, there is ample opportunity to take the plunge and earn your degree. A BSN nurse is generally offered more in a yearly salary, sought after for advancement opportunities, and has the ability to move into leadership positions more rapidly. If earning around $10,000 more yearly sounds like something you could sink your teeth into, you might want to consider a BSN degree.