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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 Tutition

$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 makes a difference in direct patient care, your leadership management potential, and the variety of opportunities open to you. The BSN degree offers an educational foundation that will allow you to grow into your potential and pave the way for future graduate study. EKU’s bachelor of science in nursing program combines general education courses with professional nursing theory and clinical education.

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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:

Job Titles Include:

  • Hospitals
  • Community health and mental health agencies
  • Industrial health centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Family planning centers
  • Crisis care centers

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.

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 and seminars

The baccalaureate degree, master’s degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Eastern Kentucky University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Curriculum & Enrollment

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
FallMay 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: EZ55: 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
  • Take Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Clinical Microbiology/Microbiology for Health Science, Chemistry for Health Sciences, and Essentials of Nutrition within 5 years of applying.
  • 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.

Advisor & Counselor 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

College of Health Sciences Advising Information

Contact Lisa Garvey for more information on the bachelor in nursing program.

professional photo of lisa garvey

Lisa Garvey

859-622-1827
Nursing@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

Student Stories & Features

Kim Kenney

Kim Kenney

EKU Doctorate of Nursing Practice Student
The EKU Online faculty has been very supportive. Their goal is to make sure we are successful in our pursuit of the DNP. They assist, but appropriately challenge the student to expand on base knowledge and improve the learning experience.
Judith L. Poe

Judith L. Poe

EKU Doctorate of Nursing Practice Student
This degree allowed me to apply for positions for which prior to this achievement I would have been overlooked. I appreciated the flexibility the program provided to work full time and pursue my terminal degree.

Gail A. Reichert

EKU Doctorate of Nursing Practice Student
I enjoyed connecting with fellow nurses, and meeting Dr. Bradshaw, who is a brilliant, innovative nurse and educator, a fellow military officer, and a wonderful mentor during my time at EKU. I enjoyed the discussion boards and learning from others in regards to different perspectives on many topics related to nursing, especially, the underserved.

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News & Updates

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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 […]

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Contact Information

School of Nursing

521 Lancaster Ave
Rowlett 223
Richmond, KY 40475

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

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