Caring persons who enjoy attending to the needs of others are attracted to Kentucky State University’s associate degree program in Nursing. Graduates may begin practicing as registered nurses upon satisfactory completion of the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing.

The curriculum is divided into liberal studies, support, and nursing courses. The liberal studies and support courses focus upon the development of basic skills in mathematics; English composition; and the acquisition of knowledge in biological, behavioral and social sciences. The knowledge acquired from these disciplines characterizes the educated person; enables the nursing graduate to provide a holistic approach to the care of patients; and enhances career opportunities.

Nursing courses, which may be taken concurrently with other required coursework, focus upon developing the necessary skills and knowledge for attending to the needs of children and adults in a variety of healthcare settings. In the first year, students receive instruction in developing those skills necessary for caring for patients with major physical and mental health disorders. In the second year, nursing courses focus upon preparing students to develop a coordinated approach to planning and implementing family-centered nursing care. The classroom learning experience is enhanced by computer-assisted instruction.

Learning at Kentucky State University is by no means restricted to classroom or laboratory instruction. Nursing students participate in laboratory and clinical experiences in order to apply the theories discussed in the classroom to simulated and actual healthcare settings. The laboratory experience is held in the Betty White Health Center on the University’s campus. Students’ classroom learning is further supplemented by clinical experiences at the following hospitals, mental health facilities, and nursing homes: King’s Daughter’s Memorial Hospital and Franklin Manor Nursing Home in Frankfort; Jewish Hospital in Shelbyville; Baptist Hospital East, Kosair Children’s Hospital, and Central State Hospital in Louisville; and Shirners, Central Baptist and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Lexington.

Admission to the Associate in Applied Science Nursing Program requires that an applicant have a minimum Enhanced ACT composite score of 21 or a minimum composite score of 19 on a previous edition of the ACT. Not all applicants who meet the minimum GPA and course completion requirements are guaranteed acceptance into the program. Applicants will be notified by mail of admission status. ACT scores must be within the last 5 years. The student must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 in high school coursework and in any previous college/university coursework taken or GED. Students must be eligible to take MAT 110 and ENG 101. Applicants must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to enrolling in NUR 101 (Nursing I). Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony should contact the Chairperson for the Department of Nursing or the Kentucky Board of Nursing at the time of application for admission to the Nursing Program.

The Department of Nursing welcomes licensed practical nurses who are seeking to further their education. Licensed practical nurses may be admitted following the admission criteria above; however, the Licensed Practical Nurse must submit a copy of his or her current license and an official transcript from the practical nursing program. Licensed practical nurses may be exempt from taking NUR 101 (Nursing I) by successfully completing the PEP Fundamentals of Nursing Examination and a nursing skills test administered by the Department of Nursing. A minimum score of 50 is required on the PEP, and a satisfactory performance is required on the nursing skills test as determined by the Department of Nursing.

In addition to complying with the University’s admission procedures, the prospective nursing student must complete and forward the following the Chairperson, Department of Nursing, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601: an Application for Admission to the Department of Nursing, transcripts of high school work and any previous college/university coursework, and ACT scores.

Applicants who do not meet the above-mentioned requirements for admission into the Nursing program may be granted admission into Kentucky State University as a pre-Nursing student. Pre-Nursing students will be evaluated for admission to the Nursing program after they have completed, with a grade of "C" or better, each of the following courses:

ENG 101 and 102; BIO 107, 108 and 204; FNU 104; and MAT 110.

The Department of Nursing has been innovative in developing course schedules for the student who must work while pursuing a Nursing degree. The student may obtain a degree in Nursing by attending classes in the daytime or in the evening, whichever meets individual needs.

Two semesters – Fall and Spring – and an eight-week summer session.