As part of the surging healthcare industry, growth among both nurses and accredited nursing degree programs in Kentucky has been dynamic in recent years. This is good news for students, who have a larger number of top-ranked programs to choose from in the state than ever before. From smaller private schools to the state’s largest and most highly ranked academic institutions, there is a nursing program and a perfect school for each student across the state. Careful research of the many options available will make it easier to find the best fit, both in terms of the program and in terms of the particular school that students choose to attend.
Bellarmine University
Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Located in Louisville, Bellarmine University is a small, Catholic institution that has received top marks for its smaller class sizes and more personalized educational experience for its nursing students as well as its other majors. The school’s small size does not mean that it hasn’t attracted national attention, however: Its programs are ranked in the top 20 for southern liberal arts schools by U.S. News and World Report. Forbes ranks the school in its top 200 regional institutions nationwide as well. Nursing students benefit from prestigious CCNE program accreditation, a practitioner faculty with ample professional experience, and clinical experiences that give them a strong professional network after they complete the degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In addition to the university general education curriculum, nursing students must complete basic courses in pathology, nursing ethics and professional laws, child pathology and treating disease. Advanced coursework focuses on advanced pathology, nursing law, and practical skills that range from taking blood pressure to administering immunizations. During the final two years of the program, students will arrange up to four separate clinical experiences in nearby family clinics and hospitals. Satisfactory completion of these experiences is required in order for students to graduate with the BSN degree.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Bellarmine University
Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences
2001 Newburg Rd.
Louisville KY, 40205
Phone: (502) 272-8131
Website: http://www.bellarmine.edu/lansing/nursing/requirements/4year/
Berea College
Department of Nursing
Berea College stands out for several reasons, including its status as a “work college.” One of only eight such schools in the United States, the college admits all students on a full, no-tuition scholarship. In exchange for paying no tuition, all students are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week in an on-campus office or outdoor setting. Students in the nursing program graduate with extensive clinical experiences and professional context delivered by an all-doctoral nursing faculty. They also tend to graduate with either no student debt or very low student loan balances, enhancing the ROI of the school’s programs dramatically when compared to its Kentucky peers.
Nursing B.S.
Berea’s 100-level and 200-level courses in nursing teach everything from basic pathology to pediatric care, labor and delivery, and basic skills in community nursing, nursing research, and human health. As the program becomes more advanced in its second two years, students will work on more rigorous classes in health chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. A required “Synthesis in Nursing Practice” course brings together classroom and clinical experiences for a final capstone that will tie those two things together immediately prior to graduation during the student’s last semester.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Berea College
Department of Nursing
200 N. Main St.
Hafer-Gibson Nursing Building, Rm 125
CPO 2190
Berea, KY 40404
Phone: (859) 985-3000
Email: Lori_McKeel@berea.edu
Website: http://www.berea.edu/nur/majors-and-minors/
Eastern Kentucky University
Department of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
With nearly 16,000 students, Eastern Kentucky University is one of the largest universities in the state. It’s also a major, research-oriented public university where students encounter some of the biggest names in their field and enjoy low tuition rates as an added bonus. At EKU, all students are taught by doctoral or practitioner nursing faculty. During the student’s third and fourth years in the program, they will complete several clinical experiences and prepare for the NCLEX nursing certification exam. By the conclusion of the program, students are fully networked and have an almost perfect pass rate on the NCLEX.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
EKU offers a degree completion program and a second degree program in addition to its regular BSN. Students in all three programs will take required courses in human health, anatomy, and physiology, along with both basic and advanced physiology. The program also requires advanced biology, microbiology, chemistry, and pathology courses before students can advance into clinical placements during their final year of enrollment. A capstone course, taken alongside the student’s final clinical placement, ties the program’s skills and practical experiences together as students prepare to graduate, take the NCLEX exam, and practice professionally.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Eastern Kentucky University
Department of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
521 Lancaster Ave.
Rowlett 223
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 622-1827
Email: audrey.sparks@eku.edu
Website: http://bsn-gn.eku.edu/traditional-4-year-bsn-program
Kentucky Christian University
Yancey School of Nursing
Unique among private institutions in Kentucky, the nursing program at KCU requires students to complete a liberal arts core, a 24-hour core experience in Bible studies, and their major courses, within a four-year timeframe. The nursing program at the school is CCNE accredited, giving it added prestige over competing, non-accredited options. The school’s smaller class sizes and doctoral faculty ensures that students emerge with professional context, while a two-year clinical program makes sure that all graduates can practice their skills safely on behalf of the public after they become certified to do so.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Due to KCU’s rigorous liberal arts and religious core requirements, most nursing students will not take their first nursing class until well into their second year at the school. When they do finally gain the ability to study nursing, they’ll begin with basic pathology and human anatomy. Student will also focus on biology, chemistry, disease, and basic nutrition. The school’s focus on the “ministry of nursing” requires a course on the intersection of religion and health treatment, while its alignment with CCNE standards will see students placed in clinical positions during their final two years of enrollment at the school.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Kentucky Christian University
Yancey School of Nursing
100 Academic Parkway
Grayson, KY 41143
Phone: (800) 522-3181
Website: https://www.kcu.edu/academics/school-nursing/
Lindsey Wilson College
Division of Nursing
Just over 2,500 students call Lindsey Wilson College home, making it one of the smallest liberal arts schools to offer a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to applicants. The college’s small size doesn’t mean it can’t compete with bigger names, however. LWC consistently ranks well for its small class sizes, overall value, and professional opportunities while enrolled. This is partially due to a strong internship program, which manifests itself as a clinical placement program for nursing students. With a high NCLEX pass rate, LWC is a top option for students in central Kentucky.
BSN
First-year students will take an “Introduction to Human Health” course that prepares them for the rigorous nursing coursework ahead. With a “B” or better in this class, students will be advanced into nursing courses that teach advanced human health, basic and advanced human pathology, pediatric care, human nutrition, biology, chemistry, and practical nursing skills. Clinical work begins during the third year for some students, though all students work in a clinical capacity during their fourth and final year of full-time attendance.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Lindsey Wilson College
Division of Nursing
210 Lindsey Wilson St.
Columbia, KY 42728
Phone: (270) 384-2126
Email: info@lindsey.edu
Website: http://www.lindsey.edu/academics/divisions-and-schools/nursing.aspx
Morehead State University
Department of Nursing
Moorhead State is one of the most affordable public universities in Kentucky, founded originally as a teachers’ college more than 150 years ago. Today, the school is top-ranked for its value and ROI. The nursing program, recognized and accredited by CCNE, is one of the best in Kentucky and consistently has 6-month employment rates after graduation that exceed 95 percent. The well-rounded education that students receive at Morehead State is largely due to a combination of doctoral and practitioner faculty members. With excellent opportunities for clinical work in large hospitals and smaller family practices, students can find the opportunity and career path that best accommodates their needs and interests.
Department of Nursing
Uniquely among Kentucky programs, all students admitted to the nursing degree curriculum must possess the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers before they can be considered for full admission to the major. Upon admission to the major, students will move beyond a basic introductory course and take advanced classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, diet and nutrition, and pathology. Electives in pediatric care, elder care, terminal disease treatment, and family health are also offered to students, and they can choose the classes that interest them the most professionally or academically.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Morehead State University
Center for Health, Education & Research
316 W. Second St., Ste. 201
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: 606-783-2296
Website: http://www.moreheadstate.edu/Academic-Programs/NURS/Nursing-Bachelor-of-Science-in-Nursing,-Post-licensure-Online-Program/
Murray State University
Department of Nursing
Founded in 1923, Murray State University has quickly become one the largest and best public schools in Kentucky in just under 100 years. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best value for in-state students, and is typically listed as one of the best regional universities in the United States. Murray State is also considered one of the best public universities in the state of Kentucky. Its nursing program works with local hospitals to provide a full year of work experience to students, giving them a strong resume as they graduate and look for their first jobs in the field. A practitioner faculty, focused more on teaching than on research, also benefits students as they learn their trade.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Admission to Murray State’s program requires a high GPA in general education courses and a strong score in quantitative coursework at the university. Upon admission, students will focus on the Department of Nursing core and elective requirements, including anatomy and physiology, pediatric care, nutrition and human health, chemistry, advanced pathology, and basic biology. Electives focus on disease care, pediatric nursing, or gerontology studies in the nursing profession. A minimum of two, semester-long clinical experiences is required prior to graduation.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Murray State University
Department of Nursing
102 Curris Center
Murray, KY 42071
Phone: (800) 272-4678
Website: http://www.murraystate.edu/Academics/CollegesDepartments/nursing-and-health-professions/nursing/BSN/BSNCurriculum.aspx
Spalding University
School of Nursing
Spalding University is a small, private institution that has been serving Kentucky students for more than a century. Its nursing program is unique for offering students a choice of three concentrations: leadership, a nurse practitioner career track, or nursing education. This gives students the ability to easily pick a career path that aligns with their interests within the healthcare industry. Clinical experiences are required of all three programs, as they are at virtually all respected nursing schools. Spalding students also benefit from a strong core curriculum and a highly experienced doctoral faculty in the classroom.
BSN
Spalding’s program recommends that students take introductory classes in human health and anatomy during their first year at the school, and then use those grades to gain full admission to the BSN program before the start of their second year. Upon admission to the program, students will be required to take basic and advanced pathology, pediatric care, elder care, advanced human health, a second anatomy course, and either chemistry or biology. The program concludes with placement in a nearby hospital or clinic during two consecutive semesters. This clinical experience is a crucial way to practice classroom theory.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Spalding University
School of Nursing
845 South Third St.
Louisville, KY 40203
Phone: (502) 585-9911
Website: https://spalding.edu/academics/nursing/nursing-degrees/apply-undergraduate/
Sullivan University
College of Nursing
Considered a career-focused school, Sullivan University’s various degree programs are offered in fields that are growing rapidly and hiring large numbers of students. Its career-focused nature allows Sullivan to teach an ever-changing list of courses that focus on the latest professional issues and changes in each profession, including nursing. With a main campus in Louisville, and several satellite campuses throughout the state as well as online degree options, Sullivan University makes it easy for both traditional and adult students to pursue the nursing major on their own time. Its two-year degree completion program is also considered a great value by leading publications in higher education.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Sullivan’s program features a few unique courses that will certainly benefit nursing students as they become professionals. These courses include patient quality and safety, current issues in nursing, public health, community nursing, and lifetime physical assessment. The basic components of any nursing program are still present, and include required classes in pathology, anatomy, chemistry, biology, and care of both young children and senior patients. A clinical requirement must be satisfied by the second semester of the student’s fourth year enrolled at Sullivan.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Sullivan University
College of Nursing
3101 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40205
Phone:(502) 456-6505
Email: slvadmissions@sullivan.edu
Website: http://sullivan.edu/college-of-nursing/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-rn-to-bsn/
Union College
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Located in the small southeastern Kentucky town of Barbourville, Union College is a small liberal arts college with a robust nursing program. The program, in which each course is taught by a doctoral professor, focuses on small class sizes, ample laboratory opportunities alongside scheduled courses, and a strong, two-year clinical program. Students are encouraged to network via an on-campus honor society for nursing students and numerous professional events throughout the year. As a result, the school is considered a good value for those in the eastern and southeastern portions of the state.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
At Union College, many required nursing courses are designed in a “hybrid” or “overview” format that blend several key professional skills into a single course. Examples of this hybrid format include a course in both organic and inorganic chemistry, a class in both traditional and microbiology, and an anatomy class that focuses on human and vertebrate anatomy. Other courses are highly specific, however, including courses in human physiology, lifespan psychology, nursing pathophysiology, and principles of nutrition. Clinical experiences take place throughout the final three years of enrollment, both in on-campus labs and in nearby hospitals or clinics.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Union College
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
310 College St.
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone:(606) 546-4151
Email:
Website: https://www.unionky.edu/academics/nursing
University of Kentucky
College of Nursing
UK is the flagship public institution in Kentucky and, as a result, has unbeatable name recognition and a massive, national network of alumni. The school’s nursing program is one of the best in the southeastern United States, with excellent clinical and professional opportunities for students that are largely unsurpassed by both public and private universities elsewhere in the state. The school’s faculty, one of the largest and most prestigious in the nation, is an asset to nursing students and guides them through the academic and professional experiences needed to succeed in nursing over the long-term.
Degree
After satisfying general education requirements and passing the school’s introductory nursing and health course, students are subject to UK core nursing requirements. These requirements include classes in human anatomy, human physiology, community nursing and public health, pediatric care, advanced nursing pathophysiology, statistics for nursing and health professions, and basic human nutrition. During their final year in the program, students will work in a clinical capacity at the University of Kentucky Medical Center or one of the university’s HealthCare campuses throughout the state.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
University of Kentucky
College of Nursing
315 College of Nursing Building
Lexington, KY 40536-0232
Phone: (859) 323-5108
Email: conss@uky.edu
Website: http://academics.uky.edu/ukcon/pub/Pages/Default.aspx
University of Louisville
School of Nursing
If there is one school in Kentucky that can rival the size and prestige of the University of Kentucky, it’s the public University of Louisville. Known as an athletic powerhouse, this school is also one of the most prestigious and rigorous institutions in Kentucky. Its nursing program provides students access to unparalleled hands-on experience, both in their required classes and in professional clinical placements, both in the University of Louisville Hospital and in the Louisville community itself.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Freshman students take an introductory human health course that serves as part of their formal admissions application to the UOL nursing major. Upon admission, courses in disease care, pathophysiology, chemistry, anatomy, biology, and nutrition are required. Students must also participate in various patient and nursing environment simulations in on-campus labs during their first three years in the program. By their fourth year, students are offered the opportunity to work in a clinical placement within the University of Louisville Hospital near the main campus.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
University of Louisville
School of Nursing
2301 S 3rd St.
Louisville, KY 40292
Phone: (800) 871-8635
Email: online@louisville.edu
Website: http://louisville.edu/nursing/academics/bsn
Western Kentucky University
School of Nursing
The “sister school” of EKU, Western Kentucky offers affordable tuition, smaller class sizes, and a top-ranked nursing program with CCNE accreditation. The school’s overall value has earned it top marks with U.S. News and World Report, while its ROI and professional job placement prospects have gained it the recognition of Forbes and the Princeton Review. The CCNE-accredited nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate and offers students some excellent clinical opportunities as they begin building their professional network.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
After students pass the stringent admission requirements for the BSN program, which include an admissions test and a strong quantitative foundation acquired during their first year at the school, they’ll begin taking WKU’s nursing classes. These classes focus on anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition and human health, pathophysiology, community nursing, pediatric care, and public health. During their last semester at Western Kentucky, students will be placed into a local clinic or hospital for supervised clinical experience. This experience is an essential way to build context and to prepare for the NCLEX exam after graduation.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Western Kentucky University
School of Nursing
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 745-4379
Email: kristy.mayes@wku.edu
Website: https://www.wku.edu/nursing/nursingbsn.php
All across the state, Kentucky offers highly ranked, prestigious nursing programs that will prepare graduates for a rewarding career serving the public. Each program has unique strengths and benefits, so it’s important to conduct a fair amount of research before applying to and attending a given program. With careful research, choosing the right option from the many accredited nursing degree programs in Kentucky will be an easy and rewarding process for aspiring healthcare professionals statewide.
