University of Kentucky

Operating since 1964, the University of Kentucky's College of Nursing has been nurturing aspiring nurses with a blend of academic rigor and practical training. The College's emphasis on innovation and excellence, coupled with modern facilities and a nurturing community, equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful healthcare careers.

Discover University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

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School Ranking: B+
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University of Kentucky is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, CNS, DNP, MSN to PhD, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, PhD, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Student Demographics

  • 20 Average Age
  • 42% Men
  • 58% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 89% White
  • 2% Hispanic
  • 7% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $37,618 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $48,009 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

The University of Kentucky, a public institution, was founded in 1865.

The University of Kentucky College of Nursing models innovation and excellence in nursing education since 1964, when the first class graduated.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional

The College's BSN program curriculum is done through a combination of classroom, laboratory and supervised clinical-setting instruction.

Second Degree BSN

For those who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in another discipline, the Second Degree Option is available for those interested in pursuing nursing.  Program length is 24 months, January through December, including Summer sessions.  There are 64 credits for the program.  More than 700 clinical hours are completed.  Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination.

RN to BSN

The flexibility of the RN to BSN program is done through online courses. The clinical practice opportunities have a variety of experiences including, but not limited to, hospital-based nursing care, collaboration in a community agency, conducting pilot research, quality-improvement projects, leadership and management-focused experiences, and the role of nurses as educators. The RN-BSN program consists of 120 credits.

Med-Vet BSN

The UK College of Nursing has a pathway available for the military medical professional. The program will capitalize on your prior military training. After pre-requisites are complete, the BSN can be completed in five semesters.

The BSN program curriculum consists of a combination of classroom, laboratory and supervised clinical-setting instruction. The simulation facility provides the opportunity for the student to practice on manikins to promote learning and help the student feel comfortable when clinical time comes. Classes are small to promote effective learning. The clinical groups are not more than 10:1.

Graduate

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

There are two entry tracks into the DNP program; a Post-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) entry and Post-Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) entry. The Post-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) entry option is for students who hold a Master's degree in nursing and are already in the role of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).  A Post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) entry option builds upon the BSN degree for an advanced practice role.

The Post-MSN option can be completed in an average of two years, and the Post-BSN Option can be completed in about three years of full-time study. There are part-time plans available.

BSN-DNP Specialty Tracks

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

After graduation, the nurse can sit for the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner exam with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

After graduation, the nurse can sit for the Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist exam with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

After graduation, the nurse can sit for the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

After completion of the program, graduates of the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty are eligible to take the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

After graduation, the nurse can sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Graduates of the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty will be eligible to take the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

After graduation, the nurse can sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Executive Nurse Leader Population and Organizational Systems

After graduation, the nurse will be eligible to take the Nurse Executive - Advanced certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice exam with the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). Eligibility for certification requires the student to meet practice requirements for the respective agency.

MSN-DNP

There are two post MSN-DNP Program options: Clinical Leadership and Executive Nursing Leadership.

Clinical Leadership

The MSN-DNP Clinical Leadership option is based on the DNP Essentials and is full-time status; completed in two years.

Executive Nursing Leadership

The MSN-DNP Executive Nursing Leadership (ENL) option is based on the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Executive Competencies. The competencies include the Population Health Competencies, the content addressed in the American Nursing Credentialing Center Nursing Executive Certification criteria, as well as the Essentials of the DNP. The ENL Option, if taken as a full-time student, can be completed in two years.

There is a campus commitment; DNP nursing courses are Web-enhanced and require attendance at class meetings approximately five times each semester on UK's campus.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The goal of the PhD Program, is to prepare students to conduct clinical research that creates new evidence-based knowledge applicable to nursing practice.

Post-BSN Option

You must hold a BSN degree to become an active nurse researcher and contribute to the development of science that improves health outcomes. If done at a full-time status, students can complete the coursework in three years. There is a minimum two semesters required for dissertation research (not included in three years).

Post-MSN Option

You must hold an earned master's degree in nursing. If full time, the curriculum can be completed in two years of full-time study. There is a minimum two semesters required for dissertation research (not included in three years).

Post-DNP Option

Those who hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from an accredited program have a desire to contribute to the development of science that will improve health outcomes. The coursework can be completed at a full-time status in one year. There is a minimum two semesters required for dissertation research (not included in three years).

All entry tracks have part-time plans.

Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate option is for advanced practice registered nurses to gain national certification eligibility and licensure in a new or additional specialty area of practice. All Post-Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Post-Doctor of Nursing Practice individuals are eligible to apply.

Specialty Areas

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing 
  • Executive Nursing Leadership

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the baccalaureate and DNP programs.

The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

College Points of Pride

  • UK is the 1st DNP program in the Nation
  • UK is the 1st PhD program in Kentucky
  • UK is the 1st Nurse researcher to be awarded PCORI grant in the country
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate is 97% over the past ten years

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

  • #147 (tie) in National Universities
  • #102 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #140 in Best Value Schools
  • #75 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #10 America's Best Graduate Schools: Nursing Service Administration
  • #26 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • #16 America's Best Graduate Schools: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • #330 (tie) Best Global Universities

Niche (2019)

  • Best Big Colleges in America #79 of 131
  • Top Public Universities in America #96 of 672
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #131 of 599
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #139 of 1,542
  • Best College Campuses in America #203 of 1,408
  • Best Colleges in America #274 of 1,647
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #312 of 1,591
  • Most Conservative Colleges in America #445 of 725
  • Best College Locations in America #468 of 1,553
  • Best Value Colleges in America #575 of 1,590
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #701 of 1,592
  • Best College Campuses in Kentucky #1 of 27
  • Best Colleges in Kentucky #1 of 27
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Kentucky #1 of 27
  • Top Public Universities in Kentucky #1 of 8
  • Best College Locations in Kentucky #4 of 28
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Kentucky #4 of 27
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in Kentucky #4 of 13
  • Best Value Colleges in Kentucky #6 of 27
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Kentucky #6 of 24
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Kentucky #10 of 18
  • Best Colleges in Lexington Area #1 of 7
  • Best Value Colleges in Lexington Area #2 of 7

Forbes (2019)

  • #323 Top Colleges
  • #109 in Public Colleges
  • #152 in Research Universities
  • #63 in the South
  • #215 America's Best Value Colleges

The Princeton Review (2018-2019)

  • The Best 384 Colleges
  • Best Southeastern

CollegeChoice.net ranked UK in the Top 25 Best Colleges in Kentucky.

The UK PhD program ranked in the top 10 programs for PhD in nursing in the U.S. by the National Research Council.

UK Ranked 9th in Nursing research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among all public nursing schools.

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