CHHS News
WKU launches RN to BSN program with online format
- WKU College of Health and Human Services News
- Friday, April 25th, 2025

The Western Kentucky University (WKU) School of Nursing and Allied Health (SONAH) is excited to announce the launch of its Online RN to BSN program, designed to support working professionals seeking to advance their nursing careers through a flexible and comprehensive curriculum. With options for both part-time and full-time enrollment, WKU’s RN to BSN program offers working nurses the ability to continue their education without disrupting their careers.
Dr. Liz Sturgeon, Director of SONAH, said, “The return of the RN to BSN program is a welcome step forward—for our university, our community, and especially for the dedicated nurses seeking to advance their careers. It reflects our commitment to supporting healthcare professionals with the education they need to lead, expand their clinical expertise, and continue making a difference where it matters most."
The program is designed to build on the knowledge registered nurses have gained in their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs, offering an online pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students will benefit from a cutting-edge curriculum that focuses on key areas such as:
- Management
- Critical Thinking
- Professional Issues
- Evidence-based Interventions
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Communication
- Research
- Ethics
- Leadership
Program Highlights:
- Online courses for working professionals
- Flexible clinical course scheduling
- Part-time and full-time cohort options available
- Credit for previous nursing and general education courses
- Opportunity to earn experiential learning credit
Admissions Information:
- Be Admitted to WKU: Candidates must first be admitted to WKU to begin the application process. For more information on WKU admissions, visit wku.edu/admissions.
- RN to BSN Program Application: Once admitted to WKU, applicants must apply to the School of Nursing and Allied Health for acceptance into the RN to BSN program. Detailed application instructions are available at wku.edu/nursing. The completed PDF application should be submitted to rntobsnnursing@wku.edu.
Admission Requirements: - Must hold an ASN degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher across all college coursework.
- Completion of the application by the designated deadline.
- Unencumbered RN licensure at the time of application, or proof of NCLEX pending, with the understanding that additional nursing courses will not progress until RN licensure is achieved.
- A minimum grade of "C" in required science courses.
- Students who are admitted pending successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) may enroll in nursing courses for one semester. However, students who do not pass the NCLEX will be unable to proceed further in the nursing program until they obtain their RN licensure.
SONAH is proud to offer this flexible, innovative pathway for registered nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and career opportunities.
For more information, visit https://www.wku.edu/nursing/rn_to_bsn/.