University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky (UK) is a public institution, founded in 1865 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky. It is the largest university in Kentucky, with over 30,000 students enrolled in the Fall 2015 school year. The University of Kentucky is also the highest ranked research university in Kentucky. The sprawling campus includes 7 dining facilities and 23 residence halls, along with a variety of recreation facilities. It is also home to nine libraries, including the William T. Young Library, which is a Federal Depository Library. The university is organized into 16 colleges offering 93 undergraduate programs and 99 master programs. The College of Nursing was founded in 1956 and currently enrolls about 1,400 students each year.

Undergraduate nursing programs at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing include a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN program. The university also offers a DNP, BSN to DNP, and BSN to PhD program. The baccalaureate and doctorate degree programs are accredited by the CCNE. Undergraduate students gain clinical experience at local community healthcare facilities, including several local hospitals and clinics. The college also limits clinical groups to eight students per instructor, ensuring that each student receives specialized attention. Along with clinical experience, the college can help place students in internships, including nursing practice, research, or skills lab internships.

Updated on: 26 Oct, 2025

Program Length & Format

16 months, includes summer term
54 credits for LPN applicants; 55 credits for other applicants
Delivery: online didactic/lecture (synchronous and asynchronous) plus face-to-face labs and clinicals
block schedule with eight consecutive blocks; weekly labs and weekly clinicals during program
Campus locations for in-person activities: Lexington campus and Ashland (King’s Daughters hospital)

Admission Requirements

Required prior credential: bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) OR Army/Navy/Air Force medical specialist training OR completion of LPN program with active license
Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum science GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Foreign language requirement: two years in high school or one year in college of same language
Minimum grade requirement: minimum grade of C in each required natural science course prior to applying

Entrance Exams

TOEFL required for applicants whose native language is not English
TOEFL minimum scores accepted: total 90; speaking 26; listening 22; writing 20; reading 22

Prerequisites

Required before applying (minimum grade C in each):
- Human Anatomy (3 credits)
- Human Physiology (3 credits)
- General Biology (3 credits)
- General Chemistry equivalent to CHE 103 at UK or one year/two semesters of General Chemistry
Required coursework (must be completed before first semester of nursing; minimum grade C):
- General Microbiology equivalent to BIO 208
- Nutrition equivalent to DHN 212
- Statistics equivalent to STA 210, STA 296, or BST 230
Additional prerequisites:
- General Psychology (3 credits) or Developmental Psychology equivalent to PSY 223
- Composition/Communication equivalent to CIS 110 and 111 or CIS 112
State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) course required to start nursing school; not required to apply (must be completed by the summer before starting)

Deadlines

Fall enrollment application opens: October 15; closes: March 1
Spring enrollment application opens: June 1; closes: August 15
Fall 2026 specifics: application due 03/01/2026; application opens October 15; start date 08/24/2026
Next listed application deadline: March 01, 2026

Application

Submit online application selecting ABSN as first major (use appropriate UK undergraduate application type based on prior enrollment status)
Official transcripts from all institutions attended required (including single-course institutions)
Paid UK application fee required (amount not specified on source)
International applicants with foreign degrees must submit a credential evaluation (e.g., WES) to UK Admissions
TOEFL scores must be submitted directly to College of Nursing for non-native English applicants

Selection Process

Initial screening for prerequisite course completion and GPA determines invitation to interview
Interview format: recorded video responses via online platform; applicants need a computer with camera
Interview fee: $50, payable by credit card
Applicants not selected for interview will be notified and not considered further
Final admission decisions communicated via email

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition rate per credit: $654.00
Online students in degree-bearing program eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships (per source)
Interview fee: $50

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Lab schedule: three-hour weekly lab during first two blocks
Clinical schedule: eight-hour weekly clinicals during all eight blocks
Simulation: 1–3 simulations plus deliberate practice each semester (face-to-face)
Lexington specifics: weekly labs in College of Nursing; clinicals in Lexington area; clinicals scheduled weekdays and weekends
Ashland specifics: weekly labs and clinicals at King’s Daughters hospital; clinicals scheduled weekdays only
LPN-only lab option (Lexington): once monthly on Sunday afternoon
Typical lab times: weekdays 8–11 am or 1–4 pm; occasional 4–7 pm weekday lab; no weekend labs except LPN-only
Graduates eligible to sit for RN licensure exam (NCLEX)

Credit Transfer

Official transcripts required from all schools attended for transfer credit review
Veterans: review of JST and CLEP for academic transfer credit coordinated with UK Veterans Resource Center and Transfer Equivalency Office
Residency requirement: 30 of the last 36 credit hours must be earned at University of Kentucky

International Students

F-1 and J-1 visa holders are ineligible to apply to this ABSN online degree program
TOEFL required for non-native English applicants with minimum scores: total 90; speaking 26; listening 22; writing 20; reading 22
Foreign degree holders must submit a credential evaluation (e.g., WES) to UK Admissions

Contacts

ABSN Track Coordinator: Jessica Thompson (name listed; contact details not specified)
ABSN Program Advisor: Shaun Ketterman; location: 315N College of Nursing; phone: 859-323-6135
College of Nursing Student Services: phone 859-323-5108; address: 315 College of Nursing Building, 751 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0232