Bachelors Degree (BSN) in
Nursing (RN-BSN)
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PROGRAM DETAILS
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Bachelors Degrees
- Nursing (RN-BSN) (BSN)
About this Program
Get the most flexibility while earning your BSN. This online program was designed for Registered Nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Enhance your skills to provide high quality care for patients in this CCNE accredited online program. With our 7-week block scheduling, you can work fulltime while completing your degree.
The program requires 30 credit hours in RN-BSN nursing courses. Students are required to have 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Our students meet this requirement by applying their previously earned credit.
There are no requirements to come to campus. Clinical hours may be completed in your local community. Full-time and part-time student options available. Eligible for both Kentucky residents and non-residents.
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Designed For
This program is appropriate for registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It is suitable for RNs looking to advance their career opportunities, enhance their nursing practice with advanced knowledge and skills, and potentially pursue leadership roles in healthcare settings.
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Learn more about the Nursing (RN-BSN) online program.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Bachelors (BSN) in Nursing (RN-BSN) program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
- Integrate knowledge, skills, and values from the arts and sciences in order to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care
- Make independent and collaborative decisions that employ clinical reasoning and draw on your knowledge of complex healthcare systems
- Use evidence-based practice and systematic processes to prevent illness and injury; promote, maintain, and restore patient health; and support patient choices for a peaceful death
- Communicate effectively in oral and written formats in order to facilitate safe, high-quality care that improves health outcomes.
Course Examples
- NUR 360 Communication in Nursing
- NUR 363 PathoPharm I
- NUR 452 Leadership & Management
- NUR 361 Health Assessment
- NUR 450 Evidence Based Practice
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for all college work.
- Students with a GPA of 2.0 to 2.49 may be provisionally admitted to the RN to BSN track with admission committee approval. Contact Tara Grana at tara.grana@uky.edu for more information.
- A verified, clear, and unencumbered license will be required at the time of application before being considered for admission.
IMPORTANT: The full number of credit hours required to earn the BSN is 120. While required credits will vary based on previous credits earned, many of our students come in having to complete 30 program specific credits to graduate with a BSN degree. Interested students can reach out to Tara Grana (tara.grana@uky.edu), our Program Academic Advisor, with questions about previous credit earned.
Application Requirements
- Student statement of academic and professional goals.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Even though the program was online, the faculty members were very accessible, accommodating, and encouraging. They strengthened my leadership, research, and writing skills.
Jon GrillonWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
What coursework is required to graduate from the RN-BSN program?
- Students must earn 120 credit hours; 30 of the last 36 hours must be taken at UK
- 40 clinical hours (may be completed locally, does not have to be completed in Lexington)
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Curriculum
What classes will I take in the RN-BSN program?
There are eight required courses and two required electives:
- Required courses: PathoPharm I, Professional Communication in Nursing, Health Assessment, Evidence Based Practice, Integrative Concepts, Population Health, Leadership & Management, Capstone
- Available electives: Addiction Is a Chronic Disorder, Fundamentals of Occupational & Environmental Health in Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, Health Science Leadership, Healthcare Topics in the U.S, Nurse Residency course, Pathopharmacology II, Rural & Appalachian Health.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for online students?
Yes! Online students enrolled in a degree-bearing program are eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. Learn more at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Will this program lead to licensure in my state?
Students should consult with their licensure board to verify if this program will meet licensure requirements for the state in which they will practice. UK has assembled a database of licensure information for different states. However, the ultimate responsibility for verifying this information prior to enrollment lies with the student.
Internship / Practicum
What is required for the clinical component of the RN-BSN program?
Students are required to complete 40 hours of clinical coursework. Most students fulfill this need through their current employment as an RN.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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