Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Kentucky

Midway University's Associate Degree in Nursing provides a flexible and comprehensive pathway to becoming a registered nurse. This innovative program accommodates diverse student schedules through day, evening, and hybrid learning formats, including a specialized LPN-ADN bridge option. Spanning 64 credit hours, the curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences, preparing students comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN examination. Accredited and recognized for affordability, the program offers seamless transition opportunities to bachelor's-level nursing. The military-friendly institution ensures students receive high-quality education with multiple format options, making nursing education accessible and adaptable to individual professional goals.

• 64 Credit Hours
• Day/Evening/Online Hybrid
• LPN-ADN Bridge option
• Accredited program
• High NCLEX pass rates
• Flexible format options
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Practical clinical experiences
• Affordable tuition
• Seamless transition to BSN

Midway University's BSN Prelicensure program offers an exceptional pathway for nursing students seeking comprehensive professional training. Emphasizing critical thinking and hands-on clinical experience, the program boasts a remarkable 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023. Students navigate a rigorous 120-credit curriculum designed to prepare them for diverse healthcare environments. Small class sizes ensure personalized learning and individualized attention. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, the program maintains selective admission standards. Financial aid opportunities enhance accessibility, making this Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated institution an attractive choice for aspiring registered nurses seeking quality education with proven academic outcomes.

• 120 Credit Hours
• Campus format
• Small Class Sizes
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• 100% pass rate in 2023
• Selective admission
• Financial aid available
• Hands-on clinical experience
• Focus on critical thinking
• Diverse healthcare settings

Eastern Kentucky University's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing provides a strategic entry point for aspiring registered nurses. The 64-65 credit hour program delivers comprehensive training through an on-campus format with a competitive $5,010 per-semester in-state tuition. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and successful completion of the HESI A2 entrance exam. Students benefit from a cutting-edge simulation center, free textbooks, and dedicated preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The military-friendly program offers work-ready scholarships and small clinical groups, ensuring personalized learning and robust professional preparation.

• On-Campus Program
• 64-65 Credit Hours
• Full-Time, In-State Tuition $5,010
• Free Books for All Students
• State-of-the-Art Simulation Center
• Minimum GPA 2.5 Required
• HESI A2 Exam Required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Work Ready Scholarship Eligible
• No Application Fee

Eastern Kentucky University's BSN program offers an exceptional pathway for nursing students, combining comprehensive academic training with immersive clinical experiences. Spanning 120-121 credit hours, the program prepares students for diverse healthcare roles through strategic coursework emphasizing health promotion and quality care coordination. Admission requires a competitive 2.5 GPA and prerequisite course completion. Students benefit from hands-on learning in the Clinical Skills Lab, with impressive NCLEX pass rates exceeding 90% and a remarkable 100% job placement record. The military-friendly program provides free textbooks and small group learning, ensuring students receive personalized educational support.

• 120-121 credit hours required
• In-state tuition $5,010/semester
• Free textbooks for students
• Clinical Skills Lab access
• Small clinical group learning
• 100% job placement rate
• NCLEX pass rates over 90%
• Diverse employment opportunities
• Competitive admission process
• Hands-on clinical experience

EKU's Second Degree BSN program accelerates career transitions for bachelor's degree holders seeking nursing credentials. Requiring 65 nursing-specific credit hours, the program targets professionals with prior academic backgrounds. Comprehensive prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and statistics. Students engage in advanced curriculum focusing on health promotion, complex health issues, and leadership development. Admission demands a minimum 2.5 GPA and recent prerequisite course completion. The program offers unique advantages like free textbooks, state-of-the-art simulation experiences, and reduced tuition for active-duty military personnel.

• 65 Credit Hours to Graduate
• Full-Time, In-State Tuition $5,010 Per Semester
• Free Books for All Students
• On-Campus Program
• Minimum EKU GPA of 2.5 Required
• Prerequisites in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Statistics
• Focus on Health Promotion, Disease Prevention
• Prepares for Leadership Roles in Healthcare
• State-of-the-Art Simulation Center
• No Application Fee

Kentucky Christian University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program delivers a comprehensive and faith-centered nursing education. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum spanning 120 credit hours, focusing on critical healthcare competencies like health assessment, pharmacology, and mental health nursing. The program requires an ACT score of 21 or equivalent, with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. Clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings prepare students for professional practice, with an emphasis on integrating Christian values into nursing care. Small class sizes ensure personalized learning, allowing students to develop advanced skills in wellness-oriented care, community health, and nursing leadership.

• Campus-based program
• 120 total program hours
• Christ-centered academic environment
• Prepares for graduate studies
• Clinical experiences in diverse settings
• Minimum GPA 3.0 required
• ACT score 21 or equivalent
• Focus on health assessment
• Includes pharmacology courses
• Mental health nursing covered

Kentucky Christian University's online RN-BSN program empowers registered nurses to advance their professional trajectory through a flexible, fully digital learning environment. Designed for working professionals, the 36-credit hour program provides comprehensive leadership development and faith-integrated nursing education. Participants complete clinical components within their local communities, maintaining work-life balance. Admission requires a valid RN license, 2.5 GPA, and two professional references. The curriculum emphasizes professional growth, preparing graduates for advanced educational opportunities and leadership roles while offering personalized instruction through small cohort sizes and experienced faculty.

• Fully online coursework
• 18 months to complete
• Small cohorts
• Clinicals in home community
• Christian faith integration
• Leadership skill development
• Affordable tuition
• Experienced faculty
• 36 credit hours
• Flexible schedule

Berea College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers an innovative educational pathway for students with limited financial resources. Students benefit from a unique work-study approach that integrates practical healthcare experiences with academic learning. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Kentucky Board of Nursing, ensuring high-quality preparation for the NCLEX-RN® examination. With no tuition cost and comprehensive community partnerships, students gain extensive hands-on clinical training across diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, critical thinking skills, and professional development, positioning graduates for successful careers and potential advanced nursing education.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Approved by KY Board.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN®.
• No tuition cost.
• Work-study program included.
• Hands-on learning opportunities.
• Pathway to graduate study.
• Licensure in multiple states.
• Community partnerships enhance learning.

American National University-Pikeville's Associate Degree in Nursing offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience that blends online coursework with essential on-campus residencies. Designed to cultivate comprehensive nursing competencies, the program meticulously prepares students for the NCLEX-RN examination through a rigorous curriculum emphasizing patient-centered care, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practices. With 660 clinical hours integrated into the program, students develop critical healthcare skills across diverse medical settings. The curriculum strategically incorporates health informatics, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for contemporary nursing challenges. Approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, this program provides a robust educational pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking a flexible and comprehensive nursing education.

• Hybrid program delivery.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Total tuition $46,291.
• Includes fees and textbooks.
• Kentucky Board of Nursing approved.
• 660 clinical hours required.
• Flexible learning options.
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
• Patient-centered care focus.
• Critical thinking development.