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.

2023 - 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.

Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, KY

Kentucky Christian University offers an immersive yet accessible online RN to BSN degree geared toward the working RN with many competing responsibilities. The program is dedicated to developing caring, competent, and compassionate nurses who are ready to both serve and lead.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Faith-based school
• Clinicals can be completed in the student's home community

2.

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.

• 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

3.

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.

• 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

4.

Galen College of Nursing

Louisville, KY

Nurses learn best from other experienced nurses in Galen College of Nursing's online RN to BSN program. With engaging web content, 3D animation, and video presentations, students learn in an online environment that is mobile, challenging, and lively.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Capstone nursing course is offered at no cost
  
• A nursing-only college
  
• Availability is limited by state residency

5.

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.

• 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

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 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

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 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

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.

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 Midway University costs $295 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 $50,000 and $85,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. The average nurse in the Louisville area earns approximately $65,000. 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.

2023 List of RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

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.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Louisville RN to BSN Programs

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