Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Overview
The RN-BSN program offers a flexible, online path for registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as one year, unlocking new opportunities in healthcare. With a supportive learning environment led by experienced nursing professionals, this program equips you with the skills to impact health promotion, disease prevention, and care management globally.
Through a well-rounded curriculum, you’ll enhance patient care by applying research findings, develop a strong foundation in professional and ethical standards, and gain leadership skills to navigate complex healthcare environments. Embrace this opportunity to advance your career and make a lasting difference in the lives of others!
Tuition and Fees:
$350
per credit hour
Efficient Completion:
1-2 years*
*depending on transfer credits
and your course load
Financial Aid
Kentucky State University's Office of Financial Aid coordinates federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs to ensure equitable and efficient use of available funding.
Our mission is to support and advocate for students, providing guidance on financial assistance to enhance their success in higher education.
Our vision is to remove financial barriers by offering resources with a focus on CARE, DIVERSITY, GUIDANCE, ACCESS, and EFFICIENCY. While financial aid helps cover educational costs, it typically does not fully fund tuition.
Financial Aid Services
FAFSA Help
Reviewing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving any database matches or other criteria for participating in the student aid programs
Eligibility
Assessing eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid awards
Awards Management
Send award notifications and make awards adjustments based on additional resources
or due to enrollment status changes.
Advising
Advising on next step actions for application process, disbursement of aid, and other special circumstances via in-person, telephone, and email contacts.
Outreach
Participation in outreach activities: orientation, financial aid workshops, etc.
Financial Aid is available
We're here to help you through the process! Contact the Financial Aid office for more
information.
Contact KSU Financial Aid
Career Outlook
As a registered nurse, you have already proven your dedication to the art and science of healing. By pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you are not just enhancing your skills; you are unlocking a world of opportunities that will empower you to make an even greater impact in the lives of your patients. Imagine stepping into leadership roles, advocating for better healthcare practices, and being at the forefront of innovative patient care. Your commitment to furthering your education reflects your passion for excellence and your desire to elevate the nursing profession.
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Salary and Job Growth Expectations
Salary Expectations
The average salary for registered nurses is approximately $94,480 per year, or $45.42 per hour. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, work setting, and level of experience. For instance, RNs in California earn the highest average salary at around $137,690, while those in states like Alabama may earn closer to $71,370.
BSN-prepared nurses typically earn higher salaries than their ADN counterparts. For example, the average annual salary for an RN with a BSN is about $89,000, compared to around $73,000 for those with an ADN. This salary difference can accumulate to approximately $500,000 over a 30-year career, highlighting the financial benefits of obtaining a BSN.
Job Growth Expectations
The career outlook for Registered Nurses (RNs) is very positive, particularly for those who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in employment for registered nurses from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely driven by an aging population and an increasing emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management.
Admissions
To be considered for admission, prospective students must:
To be considered for admission, prospective students must:
- Hold an active, unencumbered registered nursing license in their state of residence.
- Have an Associate Degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program.
- Complete the prerequisite coursework before beginning work required for the major in nursing.
- Have an overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale on associate coursework.
- Provide one academic reference and one professional reference.
- Submit a personal essay.
- Complete the School of Nursing application by clicking here: https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/. Select the RN-BSN option.
Students may be required to submit to random tests for illegal use of controlled substances as provided by the law or regulations of the contracting agency. All students will be required to have a background screening and drug test upon admission.
Admission Process
1
Complete Application
2
Submit Transcripts
3
Discover Funding
4
Enroll in Classes
Major Courses and Requirements
- Professional Role Transitions - Credits: 3
- Public Health NUrsing - Credits: 3
- Public Health Nursing Practicum - Credits: 1
- NUrsing Assessment - Credits: 3
- Information Management & Tech - Credits: 3
- Gerontological Nursing - Credits: 3
- Pathophysiology for Nursing - Credits: 3
- Nursing Leadership - Credits: 3
- Nursing Leadership Practice - Credits: 1
- Nursing Res. & Evid. Base. Pra - Credits: 3
- Pharmacology for Nurses - Credits: 3
- Senior Capstone Seminar - Credits: 3
Program Structure
The program is delivered primarily online with limited face-to-face assemblies for the gerontology and public health practicum experiences as well as the capstone seminar. It requires 31 semester hours of major study. Once admitted, students must complete all degree requirements within five years.
Academic Advising
Students who have declared an interest in the RN-BSN option and transfer students who are offered admission into the RN-BSN program shall be assigned a nursing faculty advisor who will assist with course and career planning.