Kentucky RN to BSN Bridge Programs

BestNursingDegree.com wants to help you find the right RN to BSN program for you, so we’ve provided you with a listing of all of the nursing schools in Kentucky that offer RN to BSN programs, as well as made it easy for you to request information from multiple schools all from one place. Requesting information about both ground based and online nursing programs in Kentucky can provide you with a broad base of schools to choose from as you look toward earning your Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Featured Programs:

Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

Nursing schools in Kentucky offer an array of BSN bridge programs including online RN to BSN programs in KY that often fit well into your schedule if you are a working RN. Many universities are aware that some Kentucky hospitals require a commitment from nurses to obtain their BSN degree within five years, which is five years sooner than the BSN-in-10 legislation that is being debated in other states. Patient care has become more complex and high-tech, which is why obtaining your baccalaureate is more crucial than ever as research has shown that Bachelor’s educated nurses improve patient safety and provide more cost–effective patient care.

Sample Nursing Curriculum

Whether you choose to attend one of the online RN to BSN programs in Kentucky, a campus based version, or a program that combines the two formats, you can expect to complete a similar admissions criteria and BSN curriculum.

Typically, you are required to have an active Kentucky RN license, be a graduate of an accredited associate nursing degree or diploma program with a GPA of 2.0 or better. Most Kentucky nursing schools offer both full and part-time enrollment, allowing you to complete your RN to BSN program in three semesters to five semesters on average.

BSN nursing courses are intended to broaden your knowledge of nursing by building upon the experience you already have. Many Bachelor’s level classes focus on developing your professional role and characteristics, and may include:

Evaluation of Clinical Performance
Theories and Concepts of Professional Nursing
Nursing Research
Advanced Nursing Assessment Laboratory and Practicum
Development of Theories in Nursing
Nursing in the Community and Community Practicum
Nursing Leadership and Practicum

Careers for RN to BSN graduates in Kentucky

The Occupational Employment and Wages for May 2013 show an average mean wage of 57,520 for RNs in Kentucky. This figure is often higher for nurses who have more education and experience, so earning your BSN may boost your earning potential as well!

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing 2012 report on Kentucky’s Nursing Education, there were over 60,000 registered nurses actively licensed in Kentucky in 2012. They also report that the number of students enrolled in a Baccalaureate or graduate Nursing program is at an all time high at more than 6,000 students, but a faculty shortage to teach these students still looms.

Kentucky hospitals provide nurses with a bachelor’s degree various job opportunities in areas like management positions, utilization review, quality control, infection control and wound care specialization. Case manager positions are also available in a hospital setting, as well as in home healthcare and community based healthcare facilities.

Some other types of BSN positions in healthcare are found in community health for private or government organizations. There also positions in private companies, in schools and for nonprofit organizations.

We are at a crucial point in healthcare, and nurses are in a position to expand both our leadership and our services within healthcare facilities across the nation. Earning your Bachelor’s degree in nursing in Kentucky can help push the nursing profession forward, while simultaneously improving patient care and health outcomes. Take the time to review the programs offered by nursing schools in Kentucky, then request program materials for those that interest you today. An educated nurse is a powerful part of the healthcare team, and we are here to help you get the education you need!

BSN Programs in Kentucky:

University of Kentucky: The University of Kentucky is located in the North Central region of the state, offering convenient access to several metropolitan areas including Cincinnati, OH and Indianapolis, IN. The university has a combined (online and in-classroom) RN-to-BSN program. Students attend classes once a month and complete homework and online assignments during off days.
Kentucky State University: KYSU is a land-grant institution located in the state’s capital of Frankfort. The RN-to-BSN program takes approximately one year to complete after all prerequisites are met.
Morehead State University: Seated in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Morehead State University is a public university offering an online-only RN-to-BSN program. Students can choose to be full time (completed in three semesters) or part-time (completed in six semesters). This university has been named one of the top 25 universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Potential Places to Work as a Nurse in KY

Frankfort Regional Medical Center (FRMC): This 17-bed facility has received several honors including a Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission, first-time Magnet recognition and one of the best places to work for a fifth-consecutive year by the Kentucky Chamber of Congress. FRMC is located in Central Kentucky, approximately 50 miles from Louisville.
University of Louisville Hospital: Integrity, caring and evidence-based knowledge are the key elements of nursing care at University of Louisville Hospital. Specialty units with this hospital include an adult burn care unit and stroke unit.