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Bachelor of Science in Nursing

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 - 121 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Fulfill Your Potential and Pave the Way for Career Success

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree opens doors to a rewarding career in healthcare. A BSN enhances your ability to provide high-quality patient care, strengthens your leadership potential, and expands your career opportunities. EKU’s BSN program blends general education with professional nursing theory and hands-on clinical experience, providing a strong foundation for career growth and future graduate study.

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Career Outlook

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. Education makes a difference in not only your direct patient care, but leadership potential and the variety of opportunities available to you.

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
  • Access to hands-on learning through our Clinical Skills Lab & Simulation Center
  • 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

Curriculum & Admission

Build your professional expertise through interactive discussions, hands-on experience and meaningful course assignments. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as health promotion and disease prevention, quality, performance improvement, coordination of services, and population health.

A minimum of 120-121 credits are required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

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.

Download the BSN Handbook

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.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallMarch 31August
SpringOctober 31January

All students who are admitted to EKU and declare their major as 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) are admitted as pre-baccalaureate nursing majors. However, admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the BSN program. Students are eligible to apply to the BSN program after completing the first 3 semesters of the BSN curriculum plan.

Part I: Apply to and enroll at EKU

Part II: Complete Other Requirements

Gain approval to take the pre-nursing courses in your third semester at EKU.

During your third semester at EKU, 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: EJ31: Background Check – Drug Test – Medical Document Manager
  • Follow the prompts

Part III: Apply to the BSN Program

Download & Complete the EKU School of Nursing BSN program application

Download the BSN Program Application

Staple the following documents to your application according to the form instructions:

  • PDF of EKU DegreeWorks Audit
  • Student Documentation Check-Off for Application
  • Copy of transcript for transfer coursework not listed on your DegreeWorks audit
  • Blank Traditional Undergraduate Admission Scale Form

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

  • Complete all pre-requisite courses with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Minimum EKU GPA of 2.5
  • Completion of pre-requisite courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Clinical Microbiology/Microbiology for Health Science, Chemistry for Health Sciences, and Essentials of Nutrition within 5 years preceding application.
  • Meet the standards of the Nurse Practice Act – good moral and ethical character, good mental and physical health, and academically qualified to fulfill the role as a professional nurse.

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.

BSN Completion Rate

Academic YearOn-Time Completion RateAcademic YearCompleted + 1 SemesterAcademic YearCompleted + 2 Semesters
2023-2024
N=109
n=58		53%2023-2024
n=81		74.3%2023-2024
n=84		77%
2022-2023
N=120
n=70		58%2022-2023
n=83		69.2%2022-2023
n=85		70.8%
2021-2022
N=130
n=82		63%2021-2022
n=101		77.7%2021-2022
n=103		79.2%
2020-2021
N=137
n=92		67.1%2020-2021
n=110		80.3%2020-2021
n=114		83.2%
*Enrollment reinstated Fall 2020. First graduating cohort Spring 2022.

BSN NCLEX Pass Rate & Job Placement Rate

Calendar YearNCLEX 1st Time Pass RateAcademic YearJob Placement Rate*
2024100%2023-2024100%
202391.2%2022-2023100%
202290%2021-2022100%
202194%2020-2021100%
*Employed within 6-12 months after graduation.

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.

Advisor & Enrollment 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 Stephanie Woolery for more information on the bachelor in nursing program.

Photo of Stephanie Woolery

Stephanie Woolery

859-622-1827
stephanie.woolery@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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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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