Undergraduate Traditional BSN

Top 2%

of BSN Programs in the nation, U.S. News and World Report 2024

8 to 1 Student to Faculty to Ratio

in undergraduate clinical groups

98% average NCLEX passing rate

May 2020 class had 100% NCLEX pass rate for first-time test takes.

The University of Kentucky College of Nursing's four-year, traditional BSN in Nursing program prepares our graduates to meet the ever-changing challenges of today's health care needs. Some of our BSN program highlights include:

Varied learning experiences -- Students will learn through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical-setting instruction. Learn about our Clinical Simulation and Learning Center.
Modern practices: Our expert faculty and staff consistently evaluate the latest in nursing research and how to apply it in clinical practice
Professional development: Students can gain valuable experience and build their resumés through internships in nursing practice, research, and the skills lab.
Nursing organizations: We have several student organizations for students to join: NSNA (National Student Nurses Association), UNAAC (Undergraduate Nursing Activities and Advisory Council), and UK's Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honors society.

Traditional BSN Curriculum

To obtain a BSN in Nursing, students must satisfy the University requirements for graduation, including the UK Core requirements, and obtain a 2.0 grade-point average in nursing degree programs. A grade of C or better must be attained in all courses required in the nursing curriculum in order to proceed to the next clinical course or to graduate. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for graduation.

View a list of UK Core and nursing courses needed to obtain a BSN in Nursing, along with sample plans of study:

BSN in Nursing degree requirements *with course descriptions (University Catalogs website)
Sample Plan of Study Coming Soon

NOTE: The State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) is required for students to start in Nursing School at UK. The license is not required unless they plan to work as an SRNA. Completion of the SRNA is not required to apply for the program, and students have until the summer before starting Nursing to complete the course. UK does offer an SRNA program, and you can learn more about it on our SRNA info page.

Cognate Courses/Guided Electives

The UK College of Nursing offers a wide variety of cognate courses for undergraduate students to explore and develop more specialized skill sets in areas such as pediatrics, global health, obstetrics, and mindfulness. The elective courses are called cognates. The College of Nursing requires students take a total of three credit hours in a cognate course(s). Below is a complete list of the designated College of Nursing cognate courses.

List of approved cognate courses

Cognate exceptions

If you have taken a course at UK or elsewhere that is not a designated College of Nursing cognate, you may petition the BSN Cognate Subcommittee to grant an exception to allow the course to satisfy a Cognate requirement. To request a cognate exception, read and complete the below Cognate Exception Request document.

Cognate Exception Request

There are three steps to become a registered nurse:

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Pass the NCLEX exam (nursing boards)
Apply for a nursing license in the state where you plan to work. If approved, you become a registered nurse (or RN). The RN designation is the license you receive to practice as a nurse; it is not the degree you receive.

Questions? Contact us.

College of Nursing Student Services

Email: conss@uky.edu
Phone: 859-323-5108

Apply Now

Begin your transformative journey into the world of nursing by applying to our BSN program.

BSN Admissions