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Top Kentucky RN to BSN Programs

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) projects that by 2020, 80 percent of nurses will be expected to hold bachelor's degrees. Because this trend is likely to increase as we move forward, nurses who wish to put themselves in a competitive position in the decade ahead are going back to school to earn their BSN degrees. Not only can acquiring a BSN degree help a nurse increase their earning potential, but it can also help them to enhance their future career prospects and set themselves up for an advanced degree (MSN, DNP, Ph.D.) down the road. In response to this trend, degree-granting institutions have made it incredibly convenient for RNs to pursue their BSN degrees in a flexible, online format so they can continue to work alongside their studies. With so many institutions offering RN to BSN bridge programs, however, finding the best ones can be burdensome. It's for this reason that we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of Kentucky.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Kentucky

Deciding to enroll in an RN to BSN program is a serious and life-changing decision. Before making a final decision, we recommend that you take the following program factors into consideration:

  • Student success rate (pass rate)
  • Acceptance rate
  • Retention rate
  • Instructor experience/credentials
  • Program length
  • Tuition fees and associated costs
  • Class sizes
  • Accreditation
  • How long the program has been operational
  • Hands-on opportunities at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

ADN-educated nurses are required to pass the NCLEX-RN examination upon graduating to obtain licensure. Therefore, licensed registered nurses who complete an RN to BSN program are not required to pass any additional licensure exams.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

1. Eastern Kentucky University

First established in 1874, Eastern Kentucky University is a public university in the city of Richmond which also maintains several branch campuses across the state. EKU offers an online, 29 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that students who enroll in the accelerated program can complete in as little as 18 months. Conversely, those who choose to enroll in the traditional program can expect to finish in about two years. Once enrolled in the program, students can expect to take courses like Leadership and Management, Perspectives in Professional Nursing, and Health Assessment, just to name a few. EKU's RN to BSN program admits new students in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Baptist Health Richmond
  • Clark Regional Medical Center
  • KentuckyOne Health - Saint Joseph Berea

Tuition:

Students who enroll in EKU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $13,340 in tuition plus additional fees.

2. Morehead State University

Founded in 1887, Morehead State University is a public university located in Morehead that offers students a post-licensure RN to BSN program. Coursework, which is delivered online in an eight-week modular format, includes topics like Health Promotion, Pharmacology, Population-Based Health, and others. MSU offers students and graduates numerous career services, including career planning, interview and resume preparation, internship placement, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Saint Claire HealthCare
  • Gateway Regional Health System
  • Morgan ARH Hospital

Tuition:

For tuition info for MSU's RN to BSN program, contact them directly at 1-800-585-6781.

3. Murray State University

Murray State University, originally established in 1922, is a public university in the city of Murray that offers students a 20 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that's delivered in a 100 percent online format. MSU's RN to BSN program's coursework can be completed anytime from anywhere, making it ideal for the working student. Students will encounter courses like Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Assessment, and Community Nursing during the program.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Murray Calloway County Hospital
  • Marshall County Hospital
  • Jackson Purchase Medical Center

Tuition:

For current tuition rates, contact Murray State University at 1-800-272-4678.

4. Midway University

Established in 1987 in the city of Midway, Midway University offers an online, 34 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete in 12 to 24 months, depending on which track they decide on. MU's online RN to BSN program boasts a 16 to 1 student to faculty ratio that allows students to receive much-needed support and one-on-one attention from their instructors. Program coursework includes Pathophysiology, Adaptation for Mental Health, Community Health Nursing, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Bluegrass Community Hospital
  • Georgetown Community Hospital
  • UK Healthcare

Tuition:

Students who enroll in MU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $12,036 in tuition plus additional fees.

5. University of Louisville

First established in 1798, the University of Louisville was the very first city-owned public university in the United States. The university offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the state. Although the 31 semester credit hour program can be completed at varying rates, most students tend to finish their studies in roughly five semesters. Program coursework covers topics like Pathophysiology & Pharmacotherapeutics, Nursing Leadership, and Nursing Research, among others. Each course is composed of an 8-week module.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • University of Louisville Health
  • Norton Hospital
  • Kindred Hospital Louisville

Tuition:

Students who enroll in the University of Louisville's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $11,625 in tuition plus additional fees.