WKU Online RN to BSN Program
Climb higher in your nursing career with WKU’s RN-to-BSN Program. Designed specifically for licensed registered nurses, our fully online RN-to-BSN program builds on the education and experience gained through an associate degree in nursing while preparing graduates for leadership opportunities, career advancement, graduate education, and the evolving demands of today's healthcare environment.
For nearly 50 years, WKU has been committed to helping registered nurses achieve their educational and professional goals. Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), first awarded in 1998, reflects our dedication to academic excellence and continuous quality improvement. Through personalized faculty support, a flexible online learning environment, and a curriculum that emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and professional growth, WKU empowers nurses to advance their careers while continuing to serve their patients and communities.
Designed for Working Nurses
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Why Choose WKU?
- Nearly 50 Years of Educating Registered Nurses
- CCNE Accredited since 1998
- Experienced Faculty Committed to Student Success
- Personalized Faculty Support
- Career-Focused Curriculum
- Preparation for Graduate Education
Prepare for What’s Next
The WKU RN-to-BSN Program is designed to fit the lives of today's registered nurses. Fully online coursework, multiple entry points throughout the year, and flexible clinical course scheduling allow students to balance work, family, and professional responsibilities while earning their BSN. Credit for previous nursing coursework, eligible general education coursework, and experiential learning recognizes the knowledge and experience students already bring to the program.
Building on the education and clinical experience gained through an associate degree nursing program, the curriculum strengthens competencies in leadership, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, population health, communication, research, ethics, and professional nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of healthcare, pursue leadership opportunities, and continue their education through graduate study.
Whether your goal is career advancement, graduate education, or expanding your professional opportunities, the WKU RN-to-BSN Program provides a flexible pathway to help you get there.
Your experience has prepared you for today. Let WKU help you prepare for tomorrow.
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Be Admitted to WKU. RN to BSN Program Code: 5014
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Hold a completed ASN degree from an accredited college or university.
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Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above for all college course work.
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Complete application by designated date.
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Hold unencumbered RN licensure at the time of application; OR if pending passing the NCLEX, the student will not be allowed to progress in additional nursing courses until earning the RN licensure.
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Have a minimum of a “C” in required science courses.
- Students admitted pending passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) will be permitted to enroll in nursing courses for one semester. If unsuccessful on the NCLEX, the student will not be allowed to progress in additional nursing courses until earning the RN licensure.
- Applicants must first apply and be admitted to WKU. (https://apply.wku.edu/portal/login)
- Applicants must also apply to the School of Nursing and Allied Health for admission into the RN to BSN program. The completed PDF application should be submitted to rntobsnnursing@wku.edu
- Applications and transcripts must be received no later than October 1 for consideration for the spring cohort, July 1 for the fall cohort, and March 1 for the summer cohort.
APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT :/nursing/rn_to_bsn/rn-to-bsn-application2025.docx
The RN to BSN program consists of 30 hours of upper level nursing courses.
Summer Courses Offered:
Nurs346 Health Assessment Skills Across the Lifespan (3hrs)
Nurs347 Concepts in Pharmacology (3hrs)
Nurs348 Concepts of Disease (3hrs)
Fall Courses Offered:
Nurs349 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Diverse Populations (3hrs)
Nurs350 Leadership and Management Concepts (3hrs)
Nurs427 Introduction to Research and Evidence- Based Practice (3hrs)
Spring Courses Offered:
Nurs446 Public Health Concepts (3hrs)
Nurs447 Application of Public Health Nursing Concepts (3hrs)
Nurs452 Care of the Critically Ill Patient (3hrs)
Nurs491 Professional Issues (3hrs)
General Education Requirements :|/nursing/rn_to_bsn/rn_to_bsn_generaleducationcourses_11-6-25.docx
RN to BSN Transfer Plan:| /nursing/rn_to_bsn/rn_to_bsn_online_transfer_plan-updated_6-26-25.docx
- Students must meet the general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree
- 3 credit hour statistics course
- Human Nutrition
- Lifespan / Developmental psychology
RNs are encouraged to contact the RN to BSN Office to discuss their eligibility and to develop their own customized curriculum plan.
Dr. Melissa Travelsted, DNP,APRN, FNP-C, PTA Coordinator, RN to BSN Program
School of Nursing, MCHC 2202
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd.#11036 Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270)745-4289
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