For detailed instructions on how to apply to the UK College of Nursing's traditional BSN program, please read the admission steps conditional to the group you qualify under.
Traditional BSN How to Apply
Direct Admission Pathway
Beginning with students admitted for Fall 2027, first-time college students can enter the University of Kentucky as pre-nursing students through the direct admission pathway.
Fall 2027 is the first direct admit cohort.
Important: Some University of Kentucky website information may still reference the previous secondary application process. The Fall 2026 cohort is the final cohort to use the secondary application process, with the final secondary application cycle occurring in March 2027. Beginning with Fall 2027, first-time college students will follow the direct admit pathway and will not complete a separate secondary application for admission to the nursing major.
Progression Requirements
Students in the direct admit pathway must complete the required prerequisite coursework and meet the applicable academic requirements before progressing into the NUR major.
Required Prerequisite Courses
Students must complete the following courses, or approved equivalents:
- NUR 109 & NUR 110 OR ANA 209 & PGY 206
- BIO 103
- CHE 103
- CIS/WRD 110 AND 111, or 112
- PSY 100 OR PSY 323 OR CPH 201 OR HDF 254 OR SOC 101
The minimum grade acceptable in each prerequisite course is C.
GPA Requirements
Students must have:
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative science GPA
The science GPA includes the applicable ANA/PGY, BIO, and CHE coursework.
Progression Into the Nursing Major
Students initially enter as pre-nursing students. After completing all required prerequisites and meeting the progression criteria, students may progress into the NUR major and nursing curriculum. An intent to progress form is required.
UK students who entered the University before Fall 2027 and did not enter as pre-nursing majors may change their major to nursing on a space-available basis.
Students should work with their academic advisor to determine the appropriate timing for progression.
Direct admission does not guarantee automatic progression into the NUR major.
Students progress into the nursing program once each year in the Fall semester.
All prerequisite courses and final transcripts must be completed and submitted by May 31 to be considered for progression. If the final transcripts are not received by May 31, progression to the NUR major may be delayed.
First-Time College Students — Fall 2027 and Beyond
Direct Admit Nursing Pathway
Beginning Fall 2027, first-time college students admitted to UK through the direct admit nursing pathway will enter as pre-nursing students.
What does direct admission mean?
Direct admission provides a pathway into the College of Nursing. Students must still:
- Complete the required prerequisite courses
- Earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Earn at least a 3.0 cumulative science GPA
- Meet all established progression requirements
Once these requirements have been met, students may progress into the NUR major and nursing curriculum.
Required Coursework
Students must complete:
- NUR 109 & NUR 110 OR ANA 209 & PGY 206
- BIO 103
- CHE 103
- CIS/WRD 110 AND 111, or 112
- PSY 100 OR PSY 323 OR CPH 201 OR HDF 254 OR SOC 101
The minimum grade acceptable in each prerequisite course is C.
Transfer Students
Transfer students may enter UK through the transfer pathway and be considered for progression into the College of Nursing.
Transfer students must complete the same required prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements as students in the direct admit pathway.
Required Coursework
- NUR 109 & NUR 110 OR ANA 209 & PGY 206
- BIO 103
- CHE 103
- CIS/WRD 110 AND 111, or 112
- PSY 100 OR PSY 323 OR CPH 201 OR HDF 254 OR SOC 101
The minimum grade acceptable in each prerequisite course is C.
GPA Requirements
Transfer students must have:
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative science GPA
Space Availability
Meeting the prerequisite and GPA requirements does not guarantee progression into the NUR major for transfer students.
Transfer students are considered for progression on a space-available basis.
Final Transcript Deadline
May 31
All final transcripts from institutions attended must be received by May 31 for progression review.
Transfer students should ensure that all institutions attended have submitted final transcripts by this deadline.
Currently Enrolled UK Students — Major Change
Current University of Kentucky students who wish to change their major to nursing are considered through the major change process.
Major change requests into nursing are reviewed by the College of Nursing and are granted on a space-available basis.
Major Change Requirements
Students must meet the applicable academic requirements, including:
- Required nursing prerequisite coursework
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative science GPA
- Minimum grade of C in each required prerequisite course
Major Change Review
Major change requests are sent to the College of Nursing for approval.
Meeting the academic requirements does not independently guarantee approval of a major change into nursing. Approval is subject to available space within the nursing program.
