Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Nursing is ideal for students dedicated to providing compassionate patient care and advancing health outcomes across diverse communities. Graduates gain skills in clinical practice, patient assessment, and healthcare management, preparing them for careers as registered nurses, critical care specialists, or public health nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations.
Program Overview
The BSN program at the UK College of Nursing graduates professionals who are ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of today’s health care needs. Students graduate with a solid foundation of nursing knowledge obtained through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical setting instruction. The College of Nursing fosters a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all students while promoting health and health care services in our local and global communities.
Our Accreditation
This program at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency. CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing.
Related Careers
Our B.S.N. program is carefully designed with our students’ best interests in mind. Our nurses enter the field as adaptable leaders in a variety of settings, including:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Researcher
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Travel Nursing
- Nursing Advocacy
- Trauma Nursing
- Military Nurse
- Case Management
- Nurse Perinatal Nursing
- and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students to become skilled, compassionate, and evidence-based healthcare professionals. Students study topics such as human anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and nursing care across the lifespan. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation-based learning to develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care skills needed to succeed in diverse healthcare settings. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View PathwaysAdmission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Nursing" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
“The College of Nursing’s faculty have taught me how a nursing research team works, what goes into writing grant proposals, how to collect data in a clinical setting, what it’s like to be a part of an interprofessional collaboration – all of it. I see what they are doing, and I want to do the same.”
Corinna Hughes
A 2015 BSN graduate, who was selected for a prestigious externship at the Mayo Clinic.
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Interprofessional Healthcare Living and Learning Program
Live with others who are passionate about patient care! This specialized residential program brings together students with similar interests to live together in a shared academic and social environment. The community provides opportunities for collaboration, specialized programming, and meaningful interactions with peers and support staff to enhance your college experience.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
