Accredited
Hybrid
On-campus
Online
Public
ASN/ADN BSN DNP MSN RN-to-BSN Entry-Level BSN MSN-to-DNP NP Accelerated BSN Post-grad Certificate Other
- Accreditations CCNE ACEN
- Location(s) Kentucky
- Telephone 1-859-622-1827
- Request Information
In 1874 Central University was founded on the present site of Eastern Kentucky University. In 1966, the name was officially changed to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). It is a public entity.
Students have been educated in the Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing programs at EKU for 40 years, preparing Registered Nurses to provide healthcare services to the Appalachian region rural communities.
Undergraduate
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
The ASN is an entry level degree that ends with the eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and become eligible for state RN licensure. After graduation, students can directly matriculate into RN to BSN programs.
Admission (not all inclusive)
- English, Reading and Math proficiency
- Score minimum 75 on Nursing Assessment (A2) in Math, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Grammar
- Meet the Pre-College curriculum requirements
- GPA of 2.5 high school or college (cumulative and EKU)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This is a traditional 4-year program designed for High School graduates.
Admission (not all inclusive)
- Students seeking to enter NSC 232, 242, and 252 in the third semester of the curriculum must meet minimum program GPA requirements of 2.5
- Prerequisite courses completed with grade of 'C'/2.0 or better
Second Degree Program
This program offers students that hold a second degree bachelor's. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), then, become eligible for state RN licensure.
Admission (not all inclusive)
- Evidence of completion of a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA 2.5
- Pre-requisite course work in BIO 171, BIO 273 or MLS 209, BIO 301, NFA 201, and STA 215 with a grade equivalent of 2.0 (C) or greater (must be completed within the previous five years unless an exception is granted)
RN-BSN (online)
This program is only available for currently licensed RNs. Please check the authorization status of your state.
Admission (not all inclusive)
- Associate's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program
- Unencumbered RN license from approved state BON
- Minimum grade equivalent of a 2.5 (C) or the previous nursing program
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Options
- Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
Post-MSN Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Admission (not all inclusive)
- BSN from nationally accredited program
- Unencumbered RN license from an approved state BON
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- 3-hour graduate or undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of 'C' or higher
- MSN-FNP and MSN-PMHNP applicants must have at least one year RN experience
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is an online program.
Admission (not all inclusive)
- MSN from a nationally accredited program
- Unencumbered RN license from an approved state BON
- Graduate GPA of at least 3.0
- If applicable, APRN license from an approved state BON that is free and unrestricted, meaning that it has not been subject to reprimand, revocation, probation, suspension, restriction, limitation, disciplinary action, discretionary review/hearing or encumbrance nor had any type of complaint filed against it
Accreditation and Approval
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the baccalaureate, MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-masters APRN certificate programs in nursing at Eastern Kentucky University.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited the Associate Degree Program.
The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges accredited Eastern Kentucky University.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing approved the nursing programs.
Rankings
US News & World Report (2019)
- #76 (tie) in Regional Universities South
- #28 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- #27 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
- #84 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
- #13 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans
- #50 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans
NICHE (2019)
- Top Public Universities in America #331 of 672
- Most Conservative Colleges in America #456 of 725
- Colleges with the Best Academics in America #803 of 1,591
- Best Colleges in America #839 of 1,647
- Best Value Colleges in America #1,076 of 1,590
- Most Diverse Colleges in America #1,215 of 1,592
- Top Public Universities in Kentucky #4 of 8
- Best College Campuses in Kentucky #9 of 27
- Best Colleges in Kentucky #12 of 27
- Most Conservative Colleges in Kentucky #13 of 18
- Most Diverse Colleges in Kentucky #16 of 24
- Best Value Colleges in Kentucky #17 of 27
- Best Colleges in Lexington Area #4 of 7
- Best Value Colleges in Lexington Area #6 of 7
Forbes (2018-2019)
- #647 Top Colleges
- #250 in Public Colleges
- #167 in the South
College Factual ranked EKU #13 Best Colleges for the Money in Kentucky (2018-2019).
NCLEX 2017
- ADN - 92%
- BSN - 98%