Thomas Reed, RN
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN pathway enables registered nurses to advance their education through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Through this educational pathway Kentucky nurses meet essential healthcare requirements in their state. BSN-educated nurses deliver improved patient outcomes and coordinate advanced care services while leading healthcare teams throughout the Commonwealth. Many Kentucky employers currently require BSN training for their nursing positions because of their focus on education within clinical settings.
Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu
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Eastern Kentucky University's RN to BSN online program is an accelerated, 12-month option requiring 25 credit hours at $489 per credit hour, with free textbooks and no campus visits. Designed for RNs with an associate degree, it focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and professional development through flexible scheduling and clinical projects at the student's workplace. Accredited and ranked as Kentucky's best online RN-BSN, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare, with a projected 6% employment growth. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's-level program.
Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu
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The University of Kentucky's online RN-BSN program provides a flexible, CCNE-accredited pathway for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree without campus visits. With 30 credit hours required and asynchronous 7-week blocks, it suits working professionals, allowing local clinical hours and credit transfers. No ACT or SAT is needed for this bachelor's-level program, emphasizing leadership and clinical skills enhancement. At $624 per credit, it requires a 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered license, making it ideal for career advancement in nursing.
Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu
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The University of Louisville's online RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses with an ADN, offering a fully online, flexible path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students can complete the program in 12-18 months with just 31 core credit hours, saving over $11,250 through a professional portfolio. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health, with no entrance exam required. It features 8-week courses, multiple start dates, and CCNE accreditation, making it ideal for working nurses seeking career advancement without campus visits.
Williamsburg, KY - Private 4-year - ucumberlands.edu
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University of the Cumberlands' RN to BSN online program enables registered nurses to complete their bachelor's degree in just 12 months, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare communication. At an affordable $220 per credit hour, this 38-credit-hour program is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility and a pathway to MSN studies. It does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for career advancement without standardized testing barriers.
Frankfort, KY - Public 4-Year - kysu.edu
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Kentucky State University's RN to BSN online program offers a flexible, fully online pathway for registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As an HBCU and military-friendly institution, it focuses on enhancing critical thinking, leadership, and ethical practice without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT. The program builds on prior nursing education, emphasizing research, technology integration, and comprehensive healthcare knowledge for career advancement in diverse settings.
Working nurses in Kentucky can access RN to BSN programs through different delivery formats that cater to their educational requirements. Working professionals who want classroom learning can choose traditional in-person programs but online education has gained popularity due to its adaptable nature. Kentucky universities provide students with fully online RN to BSN programs which provide flexible asynchronous learning so nurses can manage their work and family responsibilities. Students can select hybrid learning options which integrate online classes with limited on-campus requirements. The nursing schedule includes classes during evenings and weekends to support nurses who maintain daytime shifts or have changing work hours. Students can find accelerated programs which let them finish their degree within a 12-month period.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Murray State University |
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| Spalding University |
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| Eastern Kentucky University |
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| Certifying Board | Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from a KBN‑approved program, NCLEX‑RN pass, and state & |
| federal fingerprint check | |
| License Renewal Period | Annual renewal Sept 15–Oct 31 |
| Continuing Education | 14 contact hours annually |
| License Application Fee | $125 licensure‑by‑exam |
| Clinical Hours | Verified BSN didactic & |
| clinical practicum via transcripts | |
| Application Processing Time | Reviewed in ~14 business days, up to 3 months if disclosures |
| License by Endorsement | $165 endorsement fee, submit active license verification, transcripts, & |
| fingerprints,temporary permit in ~14 days, permanent in ~4 weeks |
RNs with BSN degrees in Kentucky will obtain higher compensation levels as well as increased career possibilities than nurses who have completed only an associate degree. The typical annual income for registered nurses in Kentucky ranges between the mid to upper $60,000s but BSN graduates typically receive salaries at the higher end of this range. Hospital units in urban settings along with supervisory positions and specialized care departments typically lead to higher earnings. The healthcare industry in Kentucky keeps growing steadily which results in ongoing employment opportunities for skilled nurses throughout the state. The nursing field values BSN-prepared nurses especially when they work in leadership positions or case management and community health settings.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Kentucky | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $65,680 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $31.58 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$79,400 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $65,680 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,500 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,520 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University |
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| University of the Cumberlands |
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| University of Louisville |
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The BSN education provides Kentucky nurses with multiple career advancement options. The holder of a BSN degree can move into leadership positions which include charge nurse, nurse manager, or clinical coordinator. The BSN degree equips nurses for work in both clinical and non-clinical positions such as case management, public health, and healthcare education. The BSN represents the lowest educational standard needed for nursing students to start their path toward MSN and DNP programs. Advanced degrees in nursing such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and healthcare administrator become accessible through these programs. Nurses who hold a BSN can earn specialized certifications in oncology, critical care, and informatics to enhance their job prospects. Employers specifically require BSN credentials for positions which require quality improvement, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a BSN degree nurses can access more professional development opportunities through workshops and conferences. The degree provides Kentucky healthcare organizations with nurses who excel both clinically and as leaders during the state’s healthcare transformation.
Additional Nursing Programs in Kentucky
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