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Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

64 - 65 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Gain the Educational Foundation to Start Your Nursing Career

Nursing continues to be a critical component of the healthcare system. Education makes the difference in direct patient care and the variety of opportunities available. Start your career with an educational foundation that will allow you to grow into your potential and pave the way for future studies. After earning your AASN degree and successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), you’ll be prepared to practice nursing as a registered nurse (RN).

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Career Outlook

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

EKU nursing graduates are prepared to practice nursing and take on leadership roles in a variety of settings including:

  • Hospitals
  • Community health and mental health agencies
  • Industrial health centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospice care centers
  • Home health agencies
  • Correctional facilities

In addition to working in hospitals, clinics and medical offices, some of our graduates have entered the armed forces, served as missionary nurses, and worked with humanitarian organizations.

Employers include:

  • Baptist Health
  • University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center
  • Norton Health Care
  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
  • Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) – Saint Joseph

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Progressive, innovative program that will guide you through the study of nursing science
  • Learn from a dedicated group of nurse specialists with a commitment to excellence in teaching
  • Develop one-on-one relationships with nursing faculty through small clinical groups and seminars
  • Work Ready Scholarship – The AASN program is eligible for the Work Ready Kentucky scholarship distributed by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). This program allows students in eligible programs to earn up to 60 credit hours tuition free.
  • State-of-the-art simulation center

Curriculum & Admission

Build your professional expertise through interactive discussions and meaningful course assignments. EKU’s nursing curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as health promotion and disease prevention, mental health, complex health issues and communication in healthcare.

A minimum of 64-65 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students wishing to transfer nursing courses from another accredited nursing program must have a minimum grade equivalent of a 2.0 or the program’s passing grade in any nursing or support course.

Previously earned nursing credits must be submitted for review and approval.

Students previously in another nursing program must complete the Applicant from Another Nursing Program Form and submit the Nursing School Director Reference Form.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallMay 15August
SpringOctober 31January

All students who are admitted to EKU and declare their major as Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) are admitted as pre-associate degree nursing majors. However, admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the AASN program. Students are eligible to be considered for admission to the AASN program only after having been admitted to the university.

Part I: Apply to EKU

Part II: Complete Other Requirements

Schedule the HESI A2 Admission Assessment Entrance Exam – Register for a Testing Date

Set up a CastleBranch account and complete all requirements:

  • Immunization records
  • TB test documentation
  • Health insurance certificate/letter
  • CPR documentation
  • Drug test completed through CastleBranch
  • Background check completed through CastleBranch

How to get started with CastleBranch:

  • Visit: https://portal.castlebranch.com/EJ17
  • Select: EZ55: Background Check – Drug Test – Medical Document Manager
  • Follow the prompts

Part III: Apply to the AASN Program

Complete the EKU School of Nursing AASN program application

Apply to the AASN Program

Include the Applicant from Another Nursing Program and Nursing School Director Reference portions of the AASN application if previously enrolled in another nursing program.

Submit high school transcripts and transcripts from any other colleges or universities attended to the School of Nursing Chair for review – nursing@eku.edu

AASN Program Handbook
  • Meet university requirements for proficiency in English, reading and mathematics
  • Meet the Pre-College Curriculum requirements
  • Minimum high school or college GPA of 2.5
  • Grades of “C” or better in any supporting courses that have been completed
  • Complete the HESI A2 exam
  • Complete all CastleBranch requirements

Completion of eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to the clinical nursing courses. Admission is competitive and based upon review of the applicant’s academic history and HESI A2 exam scores.

AASN Completion Rate

Academic YearOn-Time Completion RateCompleted + 1 SemesterCompleted + 2 Semesters
2023-2024
N=47		51%
n=24		55.3%
n=26		61.7%
n=29
2022-2023
N=40		52.5%
n=21		85%
n=34		90%
n=36
2021-2022
N=24		45.8%
n=11		75%
n=18		79.1%
n=19
2020-2021n/a*n/a*n/a*
*Enrollment reinstated Fall 2020. First graduating cohort Spring 2022.

AASN NCLEX Pass Rate & Job Placement Rate

Calendar YearNCLEX 1st Time Pass RateAcademic YearJob Placement Rate*
2024100%2023-2024100%
202374.2%2022-2023100%
202268.8%2021-2022100%
2021n/a**2020-2021n/a**
*Employed within 6-12 months after graduation. **Enrollment reinstated Fall 2020. First graduating cohort Spring 2022.

Clinical Uniforms

Admitted students must purchase an approved clinical uniform. Specific uniform requirements and purchase information will be provided with the letter of acceptance to the program.

Name Badge

Admitted students receive an official EKU SON student identification badge. The cost of the badge is included in course fees. There is an additional charge for replacement badges.

Required Supplies

Admitted students will need to purchase an analog watch (with a second hand; no smart watches), pen light, bandage scissors, and stethoscope prior to the first clinical day. These items may be purchased from a merchant of your choice.

Technology Requirements

All examinations in the AASN program are administered electronically through the testing software, Examplify. All admitted students are required to have an iPad for testing. No other tablet or devices are compatible with the testing software used.

iPad Requirements:

  • Hardware Requirements: iPad 5+, iPad Air 2+, iPad Mini 4+, iPad Pro.
  • Operating Systems: iPadOS 17 (Only officially approved Apple versions of iPadOS are supported).
  • 500 MB of free space required to commence an exam.
  • iPad must not be modified (e.g. Jailbroken).
  • Internet connection for download, registration, exam download and upload.

Enrollment & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences Advising Office is committed to delivering high-quality academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement between students and faculty to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience

Contact Angie Wheeler for more information on the associate nursing program.

Photo of Angie Wheeler

Angie Wheeler

Enrollment Specialist

859-622-1838
angie.wheeler@eku.edu

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

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News & Updates

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EKU Addresses Kentucky’s Nursing Shortage

With Kentucky currently facing noticeable healthcare professional shortages in almost every county, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is constantly working to meet workforce needs by providing skilled graduates. EKU is actively working to establish a public College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Commonwealth to further alleviate these shortages. Meanwhile, EKU’s existing programs, such as the renowned […]

EKU Nursing Lab Offers Hands-On Experience for Students

In Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) nursing program, students get hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment in the Nursing Clinical Skills Laboratory and Simulation Center (CSLSC).  Thanks to a donation from Baptist Health Richmond in July 2022, the lab now includes seven new Stryker hospital beds, allowing students to have access to beds currently found in modern […]

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Contact Information

School of Nursing

Rowlett Building
Room 223

4373 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1827
Fax: 859-622-1972
nursing@eku.edu

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