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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 Tuition

$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:

  • 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
  • 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
CCNE Accredited Seal

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 & Admission

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:

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 1August

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 previously 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

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.

Enrolling & 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

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

Student Stories & Features

Photo of Uniquca Abrams

Uniquca Abrams

EKU BS in Nursing Graduate
I am an Eastern Kentucky University graduate from the Fall 2020 Baccalaureate Nursing program. The exceptional education I received at EKU paved the way for my current role in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Being able to provide care and support to this resilient community is a privilege, and my passion for nursing and public health continues to grow.
photo of Carie Ann Davis

Carie Ann Davis

EKU RN-BSN Student
The professors were very helpful and made it evident that they wanted me to succeed. The faculty interacted with students throughout the course and were always prompt to answer any questions or concerns we had.

Emily Powell

EKU RN-BSN Student
Faculty are very supportive and if there is something you don’t understand, they take the time to educate you so that you are successful.

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News & Updates

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For many EKU Colonels, the desire to serve others through their careers comes from personal experience. That was the case for Christa Carlin, whose calling to nursing began with the care and compassion of a nurse who made a lasting impact on her life. “I had my first baby at the local hospital, and the […]

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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