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Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second Degree

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second Degree

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

65 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Begin an Exciting New Career as a Nurse in Less than 2 Years

EKU offers a specially sequenced BSN program for those holding a bachelor’s degree in another field. Complete 65 credit hours of nursing courses* and begin a rewarding new career in this high-demand field.

*Applicants must have completed 15-16 credit hours of pre-requisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and statistics.

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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
  • Participate in a 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

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 and meaningful course assignments. EKU’s 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 65 credits are required to graduate.

Applicants must also have completed 15-16 credit hours of pre-requisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and statistics.

View the degree requirements:

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

Part I:

Download and submit the 2nd Degree BSN Application Form by March 1.

Download the 2nd Degree BSN Program Application

Include the following required documents with your application:

  • Official transcripts of previous academic work
  • Personal 500-Word Essay
  • Professional Resume
  • Three professional letters of reference (not family or friends)
  • International students must also submit copies of translated transcripts and TOEFL scores.
  • If you had previously been enrolled in another nursing program submit the Applicant from Another Nursing Program and Nursing School Director Reference forms

Part II:

  • Complete EKU’s application for undergraduate admission
  • Request official transcripts of all previous college work (except courses taken at EKU) be sent to EKU Office of Admissions
  • Applicants must also have completed 15-16 credit hours of pre-requisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and statistics. The science and nutrition classes must have been completed within the last five years.
  • Minimum EKU GPA of 2.5

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

professional photo of lisa garvey

Lisa Garvey

859-622-1827
Nursing@eku.edu


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.

Upcoming Events


News & Updates

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 […]

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 […]

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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