Top Kentucky RN-to-MSN Programs
Credit: Posnov / Moment / Getty ImagesKentucky is currently experiencing a real shortage in nurses, just as in many other states. There is a true gap in primary care right now, and the state is looking for nurses with an MSN degree to fill this gap. Currently some 1,800 nurse practitioners work in the state, and they often work in underserved areas. The career, at all levels, is promising. However, the greatest rewards are earned by those who have a master’s degree at least. There are many degree options available in the state, including some programs that are delivered fully online.
Kentucky Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth in the demand for nurses in Kentucky will grow by 19% until 2022. This is an above-average growth rate. And the growth rate for those with a master’s degree is expected to be even higher, particularly for certain specializations. Indeed, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners can expect a 33% growth rate. There is also a high demand for nurse educators, of which there is a substantial shortage.
Because of this high demand, those who hold the relevant education can expect significant salaries in return. The exact salary, however, varies depending on the area of specialization and the geographical location. However, the annual average is above $80,000 per year, which is again above the national average. Further growth is expected in salary as well.
Top Kentucky MSN Degree Programs
If you want to obtain an MSN degree in Kentucky, it is very important that you look into the different schools that are available. Students are recommended to contact at least five different educational establishments and to look into details such as the programs they offer, how these are delivered, and what they cost. Below are the six best Kentucky MSN degree programs to help you get started.
Frontier Nursing University
Versailles, KY- 4 year
- Online
At Frontier Nursing University, graduates can enjoy the long-held tradition of educating the best midwives and nurses in the country. They offer distance learning programs that are community-based and truly innovative. These programs enable graduates to become the best they can be, while continuing their career and working in their area of specialization.
- Campus: Hyden, KY
- Type: Private, not for profit
- Accreditation: ACNM
- Tuition: $520 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: Between 76 and 81 credit hours
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: RN, GPA of 3.0 minimum, three letters of reference, TOEFL if applicable, physical assessment, statistics course
- Programs: MSN + DNP Nurse Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- In-State$19,080
- Out-of-state$19,080
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled2,468
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Bellarmine University
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At Bellarmine University, students can take part in one of the country’s best MSN programs. Graduates are expected to become the best professionals in their chosen field. The goal of the university is to create the next generation of leaders, which means students will be equipped with the skills required to bring about positive change. There are four areas of concentration on offer at Bellarmine to meet the demands of the field.
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $780 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: Between 1 year and 30 months depending on chosen track
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: BSN, transcripts, GPA of 3.0 minimum, GRE, goal statement, resume, RN license, interview
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN/MBA, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education
- In-State$42,970
- Out-of-state$42,970
- In-State$13,652
- Out-of-state$13,652
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled3,149
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At Eastern Kentucky University, students can study towards their MSN degree online. The focus of the school is on ensuring that students are able to learn and work at the same time. Their programs are incredibly popular and highly respected.
- Campus: Richmond, KY
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $7,920 for in state students, $13,860 for out of state students
- Minimum time commitment: 2 years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: BSN, RN. GPA of 2.75 minimum, statistics course
- Programs: MSN Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nursing Administration
- In-State$9,452
- Out-of-state$19,724
- In-State$9,900
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled13,984
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At Murray State, students can choose between an Academic Nurse Educator and Nurse Anesthetist program. The goal of both programs is to create true leaders in the field who are able to network with their professional partners and bring out true positive changes in the field of health care. The focus is on improving quality of service and roles. The Academic Nurse Educator program is available online.
- Campus: Murray, KY
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $9,432 for in state students, $28,296 for out of state students
- Minimum time commitment: 2 years
- Online availability: Yes for the Academic Nurse Educator program
- Degree requirements: Transcript, BSN, GPA of 2.25 minimum, GMAT or GRE
- Programs: Academic Nurse Educator, Nurse Anesthetist
- In-State$9,432
- Out-of-state$14,328
- In-State$9,144
- Out-of-state$9,144
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled9,489
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Kentucky University
- Highland Heights, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Northern Kentucky University MSN program is fully online and is both flexible and affordable. It is designed for those who want to take their career in nursing to the next level. It was established in 1992 and has since developed seven different concentrations to choose from.
- Campus: Highland Heights, KY
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: NLNAC
- Tuition: $518 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: Between 38 and 49 credit hours
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, BSN, statistics course, RN, resume, statement of purpose, two references
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Geriatric Nurse Practitioners, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Education
- In-State$10,200
- Out-of-state$20,472
- In-State$9,900
- Out-of-state$15,210
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled15,801
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Spalding University
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Spalding University’s School of Nursing master of science in nursing programs prepare students to become advanced nurse practitioners or educators. Graduates can seek employment in a range of different settings, focusing on ethical decision making, scientific knowledge and critical analysis.
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $780 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: 49 hours
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: BSN, GPA of 3.0 minimum, GRE, transcripts, RN license, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, health check, interview
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
- In-State$26,400
- Out-of-state$26,400
- In-State$12,006
- Out-of-state$12,006
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled1,562
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
View additional options below for Kentucky or click from the list to see MSN degree options in other states where we have coverage.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Online
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