Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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Kentucky 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.
Top RN-to-MSN Programs in Kentucky
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frontier Nursing University | Hyden, KY |
| 2 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY |
| 3 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY |
| 4 | McKendree University | Louisville and Radcliff, KY |
| 5 | Murray State University | Murray, KY |
| 6 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY |
| 7 | Spalding University | Louisville, KY |
Featured Online MSN Programs
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 seven best Kentucky MSN degree programs to help you get started.
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Frontier Nursing UniversityLocation
Hyden, KY
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
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Bellarmine UniversityLocation
Louisville, KY
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
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Eastern Kentucky UniversityLocation
Richmond, KY
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
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
McKendree UniversityLocation
Louisville and Radcliff, KY
McKendree University offers MSN programs for those who want to become nurse educators, managers or administrators. The school boasts of smaller classrooms, which allow faculty to pay more attention to the needs of each participant. The practicum experiences and course curriculum are of the highest possible quality.
• Campus: Louisville and Radcliff, KY
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $420 per credit hour
• Minimum time commitment: Two years
• Online availability: Yes
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN
• Programs: Nursing Management Administration, Nursing Education, Palliative Care
• School Site: Program Site -
Murray State UniversityLocation
Murray, KY
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
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Northern Kentucky UniversityLocation
Highland Heights, KY
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
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid -
Spalding UniversityLocation
Louisville, KY
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
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
View Additional options below for Kentucky or click from the list to see MSN degree options in other states where we have coverage.
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