6 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Kentucky (BSN & MSN) – 2025

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

It’s not too late to make a career course correction in Kentucky and become a registered nurse if that’s what you’ve always dreamed of being. Enroll in one of the many Accelerated nursing programs in Kentucky, and you could earn a BSN in less than two years because you’ll get credit for many of the courses you’ve already taken in college. In the Bluegrass State, salaries for registered nurses who have BSN degrees average $77,620 a year, and employment opportunities are expected to increase by more than 9 percent over the next decade. Keep reading for information about the best Accelerated nursing programs in Kentucky for 2025.

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Following is the List of 5 Accelerated BSN Programs in Kentucky for 2025

1. University of Kentucky, Lexington

College of Nursing University of Kentucky celebrates 50 years of excellence in nursing education and research. It boasts of a college community that actively engages in path breaking research, leading to a #9 rank amongst the top public nursing schools, nationally, that receive funding from the NIH. Nursing graduates are known to be roped in by employers even before they complete the program, one of the reasons being, students consistently excel with a 97% first time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.

24-month Second Degree BSN offered by the college is a fast-paced pathway to nursing for anyone who desires to give back to the community. You can well be from any discipline and still get to become a professional nurse as this program’s intensive curriculum and 700 hours clinical hours of experiential learning in six specialty areas will prepare you with the necessary knowledge and skills. The program starts in January and includes two summer sessions. To apply you must fulfill the eligibility criteria and complete the pre-requisite courses. After your application is screened and shortlisted, you will be called for an interview.

2. Bellarmine University, Louisville

The Nursing Department at Bellarmine University offers a beautiful location advantage, being situated in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville. As it is close to downtown Louisville, students enjoy proximity to entertainment and leisure spots. Within the college, small sized classes allow one on one interaction with faculty and peers and creates a comfortable learning climate. This premier Catholic institution’s state of art simulation lab and clinical experiences at it 100 community partners, translates to students being job-ready. Considering this, it’s hardly surprising that graduates are highly preferred by employers in the region.

To cater to needs of nursing students, the college offers 3 options to Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing; a 12-month intensive program and two specialized tracks, a two-year and a three-year part time option. These two specialized formats offer a comfortable pace of study; however, seats are quite limited. The 12-month program will have you attend classes two to three days a week along with clinicals that are also held two to three days a week, Monday through Friday. This schedule could vary each semester; nonetheless the intensity of the program remains the same.

3. Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond

The Nursing Department at Eastern Kentucky University has been instrumental in providing baccalaureate and graduate nursing education for more than 40 years now. Graduates of its top-ranking nursing programs have been working towards improving health outcomes in rural Appalachian. Remarkable performance on the NCLEX-RN and a reputation of quality training ensures its graduates are widely preferred by employers across the region.

The Second-Degree Option is an ABSN program in KY that is offered on-campus in Fall. Applications close by March 1st and to be eligible you must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 in your previous degree and completed your coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition and statistics. Additionally, references, essay and your academic history will also count in deciding your eligibility. The program provides a solid grounding for a nursing career as well as for graduate study. If you see yourself providing patient centered care in various clinical settings, including working for the armed forces, HOPE, Vista and other such humanitarian organizations then this program will give you the right training and preparation.

4. Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights

Northern Kentucky offers the quality of private school education at an affordable cost. Students enjoy the serenity of a suburban campus as well as the buzz of urban life due to its proximity to the Cincinnati metropolitan area. This brings in a host of opportunities as there are a number of top ranked hospitals located throughout. After thorough practices in its world class simulation labs where students practice real-life situations, to the extent of interviewing a patient, they then move on to hone their skills in the real-world at various clinical settings in Greater Cincinnati area. Students can expect to flourish in its caring, close-knit environment where professors know each student by their name and its vibrant campus culture only further enriches the learning experience.

Its 16-month second degree program in Kentucky is a popular option for career changers seeking an entry into entry level nursing. With a rigorous curriculum and extensive hands-on experience, you will be well prepared to work in a variety of clinical settings such as acute care, intensive care, pediatrics, maternity, mental health, community health and care management. Admissions being highly selective, the college prefers students whose academic history signifies excellence in mathematics and sciences. Additionally, a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 in your previous degree is required to be eligible.

5. Spalding University, Louisville

Spalding University has the most diverse student population amongst all private colleges in Kentucky. Since 1814, the institution has imparted quality education in the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth tradition by creating a conducive learning environment of inclusion and compassion. Its nursing school following the same tradition, strives to develop programs that fit the educational needs of students. The school takes pride in its h3 2,000 plus alumni that are not only providing holistic patient care in hospitals, community health centers, specialty care centers and the military but also leading the way in health care ethics and public policy.

If you are considering a career change to nursing, then you must look into the Accelerated BSN-Second Degree offered by the college. It is fast paced program of 13 months, so you can start with your professional life much sooner. Being located amidst the medical community in Louisville, you will enjoy exceptional clinical experiences and employment options upon graduation. You must have earned a GPA of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0 in the science courses to be eligible for admission.

Following is the List of 1 Accelerated MSN/Entry-level Masters Programs in Kentucky for 2025

1. University of Louisville, Louisville

University of Louisville’s nursing school is housed in its Health Sciences Center that is right in midst of the bustling downtown Louisville. Being part of a health sciences campus, students learn through collaboration and interprofessional education. They work together with their peers towards providing holistic healthcare and improving the well-being of people in the state of Kentucky and beyond.

The two-year accelerated track is a Direct Entry MSN program in Kentucky that prepares you for an exciting career change to nursing. The program incorporates components of liberal arts such as critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing students for evidence-based practice in any kind of healthcare setting. It spans across 6 semesters and is rigorous in nature, leaving you with hardly any time for any part-time employment. You must keep in mind that prior to beginning the clinical coursework, the college requires you to either complete an approved Certified Nursing Assistant program or submit proof of any prior work experience of 100 hours of direct patient care, within the past 12 months.



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