University of Kentucky - College of Nursing

The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing is to foster health and well-being among the people of Kentucky, the region and the world through excellence in nursing education, research, service and practice. This is accomplished by preparing nurse leaders to practice in an ever-changing health care environment; contributing to the knowledge base of the discipline through an active program of nursing and interdisciplinary research; and engaging in collaborative relationships for the purpose of modeling excellence in nursing education, research, service and practice.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

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This program graduates professionals who are prepared to meet the ever-changing challenges of today's health care needs. Learning through a combination of classroom, laboratory and supervised clinical setting instruction, students graduate with a solid foundation of nursing knowledge. With expert guidance, students learn to evaluate nursing research and how to apply it in clinical practice. Most classes are kept small - the student-faculty ratio for undergraduate clinical courses is no more than 10:1. Both part-time and full-time schedules are available.

Second Degree BSN Option

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This is for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. In five full-time semesters of study, students are prepared to take the nursing licensure exam.

Registered Nurse - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN-BSN)

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Registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing can apply for our RN-BSN program. Students enter as juniors and can complete a bachelor's degree in three semesters of full-time study. A part-time course of study is available as well.

Registered Nurse - Master of Science in Nursing Program (RN-MSN)

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Registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing can apply for a combined, accelerated plan in which they can earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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This program builds on the undergraduate nursing degree and prepares professionals for advanced practice nursing. Research utilization, evidence-based practice and leadership are emphasized. Schedules are flexible, with some weekend and evening classes available, some classes that meet once each week and many others that meet only once or twice each month. Tracks and subspecialties include:

• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nursing Management (New!)
• Parent-Child Nursing
  • Neonatal/Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (new - pending final University approval
• Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
  • Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Public Health Nursing
  • Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Public Health Nursing Management
  • Nursing Case Management

Post-Graduate Clinical Scholars Certificate Option

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This option builds on the knowledge and skills base of an advanced practice nurse in an additional specialty. Research utilization, evidence-based practice, and leadership are emphasized. A mix of learning methods is employed, including Web-based course assignments and face-to-face course work. Specialty courses meet once each week. The option is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Tracks and subspecialties are the same as those offered for the master’s program, except Nursing Management, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner are not available with the Post-Master's option.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

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The goal of this program is to prepare students to conduct clinical research by developing and testing mid-range theories for the generation of new knowledge applicable to nursing practice.

Graduates will be able to develop and test conceptual frameworks relevant to nursing practice; conduct clinical research on nursing phenomena; contribute to the development of nursing science through scholarly activities and the application of knowledge to practice; provide leadership for the analyses and resolutions of issues related to nursing and health care; assume increasingly complex roles in nursing research, practice, education, and/or health care organizations; and collaborate with others to provide leadership in addressing society's health needs.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

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The DNP presents a clinical practice-oriented leadership development opportunity that focuses on evidence-based practice and on research utilization for the improvement of clinical care delivery, patient outcomes and system management.

Graduates will be experts in designing, implementing, managing and evaluating health care delivery systems. At the same time, they will be prepared to provide leadership in maintaining the complex balance between quality of care, access and fiscal responsibilities. Clinical Leadership and Executive Management tracks are offered.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from University of Kentucky.

For more information, visit the home page of University of Kentucky - College of Nursing.