Written By
Kathleen Curtis
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Whether you’re considering your first degree in nursing or you’re looking to upgrade your RN credentials with an advanced graduate degree, nursing schools in Kentucky provide degrees and certificates at every level to meet your needs. On this page, we’ve highlighted the very best Kentucky nursing programs available in this guide, including both traditional and online options, to help you get started on your search. You’ll also find helpful information on salaries and job demand, licensing requirements, and financial aid opportunities for Kentucky nurses.
2023’s Best Accredited Nursing Schools in Kentucky
With an expanding pool of nursing schools in Kentucky, finding the one that meets your educational, financial, and professional needs can feel overwhelming. To help you with this process, we identified some of the top nursing programs in Kentucky offering affordable tuition, proper accreditation, and top-tier student support. The three below set the standard for quality nursing schools and programs in the state.
University of Kentucky
The College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky offers a breadth of nursing programs to meet students where they are and provide the education they need to land meaningful and well-paying jobs. Students select from programs like the traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in nursing, and a postgraduate APRN certificate. The department also provides continuing education opportunities through live events and web courses.
Online programs include the RN to BSN and MSN, while the DNP takes a hybrid approach. UK is devoted to educating nurses who can work with the state’s large smoking population. To that end, it also provides a tobacco treatment specialist graduate certificate.
University of Louisville
Based in the state’s largest city, the University of Louisville’s School of Nursing provides a full complement of nursing programs to help students at every academic level. Programs include a BSN, second-degree BSN, second-degree MEPN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD in nursing. Students can also pursue a postgraduate APRN certificate. Of these programs, the RN to BSN can be completed fully online without visiting the Louisville campus.
In addition to providing cost-effective tuition rates, the department also provides several scholarships to help reduce expenses. The school is known for its Office of Nursing Research, which provides funded research opportunities and releases publications. The nursing department at the University of Louisville also maintains a strong alumni network for mentoring and networking opportunities.
Western Kentucky University
The School of Nursing and Allied Health at Western Kentucky University educates future practitioners, professionals, researchers, and policy experts alike with its variety of nursing programs. Degree options include a traditional BSN, MEPN, LPN to ASN, BSN to DNP, and MSN to DNP. Nurses who already hold MSNs can also select from several different postgraduate certificate programs. As of 2021, the LPN to ASN can be completed online.
In addition to providing multiple scholarships, WKU also offers several tools to help students make informed, confident decisions. Prospective students can take virtual tours of the BSN program, and there’s also a detailed guide on how to select a top-tier nursing program.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Kentucky
Nursing programs in Kentucky run the gamut, from certificates and diplomas to doctorates. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to complete an advanced degree, there’s a program to meet your educational and career needs. Below is an overview of the most common nursing programs available in Kentucky to help you choose the right one for you.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Kentucky
ADN Programs
ADNs are typically offered by community colleges and vocational schools and take two years to complete. Consisting of approximately 60 credits, these programs provide the minimum education needed to become an RN. Some students move directly into the workforce after this program while others move toward a BSN.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Traditional BSN programs support first-time students who want to bypass the ADN and move straight to bachelor’s degrees. These programs consist of approximately 120 credits and require four years of full-time study. Many schools provide partially-online BSNs, but all clinicals and rotations are in-person.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
If you’re a first-time student who wants a BSN but also wants to graduate in fewer than four years, an accelerated BSN is your best option. These programs allow students to meet all degree and training requirements in 36-42 months rather than the traditional four years.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Kentucky for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
If you currently work as a licensed vocational nurse but want to update your credentials and increase your earning potential, consider one of these two bridge programs. The LVN to RN results in an ADN and takes about two years. The LVN to BSN results in a bachelor’s degree and takes about three years.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
This bridge program supports students with ADNs and RN experience but who want to upgrade to bachelor’s degrees. RN to BSN programs usually last 12-24 months and are often completed fully online since they don’t require clinicals.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Designed for students upgrading from ADNs, these programs result in a Master of Science in Nursing. Programs last three to four years, depending on whether you study part time or full time. They can also be completed fully online since they do not have clinical components.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Kentucky
MSN Programs
MSN programs support both BSN holders looking to take the next educational step and non-nurses who possess bachelor’s degrees in unrelated subjects. Timelines, degree requirements, and clinical hours depend on your current credentials.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Offered as terminal degrees, the DNP supports learners looking to continue building professional skills and usually takes three years. The PhD supports students who want to move into teaching or research and typically takes 4-6 years.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates come in a variety of topics to help students build niche skills and knowledge in particular nursing areas. For instance, an MSN-educated professional may decide to pursue a post-graduate certificate in primary and acute adult-gerontological care after concentrating initial studies in family nurse practitioner.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with This Program
Best Online Nursing Programs in Kentucky: 2023
Whether in-person or online, many Kentucky nursing programs try to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Campus-based options may provide evening classes for nurses who work during the day while online programs offer asynchronous learning to add flexibility to schedules.
Any program leading to licensure will require an in-person component since students must complete a set number of clinical hours. Students work with advisors to find suitable locations to complete any required clinical nursing requirements. Those who already work in a nursing setting may be able to complete those hours at their places of employment. The online nursing programs in Kentucky highlighted below show what to expect from a quality online/hybrid nursing program. See which schools earned top honors for 2023.
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY | Public | $$ | 3 | Eastern Kentucky University has multiple nursing programs to choose from, many of which can be completely fully or mostly online. For example, there’s the RN to BSN program where all classes are online and no campus visits are needed. Even though clinical experience requirements must be met, students can meet them at their current place of employment. The master’s in nursing and doctorate in nursing programs at Eastern Kentucky University have a similar format where the courses can be completed online with students completing clinical or practicum requirements in-person. To accommodate the needs of students as much as possible, most online courses last just eight weeks and all students will have access to a personalized advisor. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
Post-MSN Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
DNP – Organizational Leadership
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 2 | Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY | Public | $$ | 3 | Northern Kentucky University offers online nursing programs at all levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and master’s certificates. These are all offered online and include many specializations, including nursing education, psych-mental health, and family nurse practitioner. In most of these nursing programs, the coursework is offered fully online, but to graduate, students will need to complete one or more in-person practicums or residencies. To make the learning process even more flexible, the majority of classes last seven weeks and students can begin their program at any of the six start dates each year. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-MSN Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 3 | University of KentuckyLexington, KY | Public | $$$ | 3 | As Kentucky’s premier public institution of higher learning, the University of Kentucky offers a wide range of online nursing programs to registered nurses seeking the next step in their careers. The RN to BSN program offers all coursework online and at a full-time or part-time pace so students can graduate quickly or work while in in school. The Master of Science in nursing program offers the same. The doctorate of nursing practice program is a bit different in that its coursework is offered both online and on-campus. One commonality with many of the online nursing programs at the University of Kentucky is that even though the classwork is online, students must still complete in-person clinicals or practicums. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
Master of Science in Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 4 | Morehead State UniversityMorehead, KY | Public | $$ | 2 | Morehead State University offers two nursing programs online. At the undergraduate level there’s a post-licensure Bachelor of Science in nursing program. This is intended for working registered nurses in that all of the classes can be completed online and last eight weeks. However, students will have in-person requirements, such as a practicum. At the graduate level there’s the MSN – family nurse practitioner program. To accommodate students who will continue working while in school, all classes can be completed online, except for those with the in-person requirements that include several practicum classes. The curriculum is offered on a part-time basis, although a full-time option is also available. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 5 | University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY | Public | $$$ | 1 |
Like many other colleges and universities, the University of Louisville offers an online RN to BSN degree program for currently practicing registered nurses. Most of the classes can be handled online, though students have the in-person practicum to complete. The practicum consists of a community health leadership project that students can complete near their place of employment or near where they live. Other features of the RN to BSN program include small class sizes, eight week class lengths, and the option for student to take just one class at a time. Finally, students will complete a professional nursing portfolio to get 30 credits toward their BSN degree. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 6 | Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY | Public | $$$ | 1 | Students interested in an online nursing degree from Western Kentucky University that will enable them to practice as registered nurses should consider the licensed practical nurse to Associate of Science in nursing online bridge program. Most of the classes are offered online, but students will also need to meet a minimum number of clinical experiential learning hours to graduate. Even though students must earn 61 credits to get their degree, they have several chances to get credit for prior academic and professional learning. For example, students may receive credit for up to three courses as a result of prior real-world experience. If accepted, students can begin their studies in the spring, fall, or summer semesters. Program Highlights: LPN to ASN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC |
Galen College of Nursing
Galen College of Nursing maintains its physical campus in Louisville but offers virtual education to students across the Bluegrass State and beyond. The online RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months, though most students need approximately 16 months. Regardless of residency, students pay just $395 per credit plus a $50 technology fee for each class.
The department also provides a fully online MSN with concentrations in nursing and healthcare leadership and nurse educator. Both consist of 36 credits and, like the RN to BSN, involve eight-week modules. Students in both programs choose from three different start dates per academic year. Galen College of Nursing currently has the approval to educate students from every state except Washington.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Kentucky
With the cost of higher education continuing to rise each year, Kentucky nursing students need ways to reduce costs through scholarships, grants, and other programs. To incentivize new nurses to enter the field, the Kentucky Board of Nursing created the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund that provides $3,000 per year to eligible students.
Before enrolling in any nursing program in Kentucky, make sure you understand how financial aid works and explore nursing scholarships available to you. You may even try to figure out to graduate from nursing school debt-free.
How to Become an RN in Kentucky: Licensing Information and Requirements
Before starting a nursing program, it’s important that you understand Kentucky-specific licensure requirements. While the process looks similar from state to state, Kentucky has specific steps you must complete as outlined by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to become a first-time RN.
Earn a degree from an accredited and approved school
Failing to earn an ADN or BSN from an accredited and approved school can result in your inability to secure a Kentucky License. Before enrolling in any nursing program, ensure it’s approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Pass required examinations
To do this, submit verification of completion from your school and clear both state and federal background checks. From there, register with Pearson Vue, pay the $200 application fee, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You must also pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination.
Apply for licensure
After successfully passing both the NCLEX-RN and the state-specific exam, apply for licensure directly with the Kentucky State Board of Nursing. You’ll need to pay $125 for your license to become active.
Keep up with license renewal
Kentucky RNs must renew their licenses every year by October 31st. To do this, they submit renewal applications and pay $65. They also provide documentation of completing at least 14 hours of continuing education.
Job Outlook for RNs in Kentucky
The job market for registered nurses in Kentucky looks favorable over the next few years, outpacing the national job growth rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 6,000 new positions will be added in the state between 2018-2028.
In addition to these positions that previously didn’t exist, the bureau also expects an average of 3,280 annual new openings. This is due to existing registered nurses retiring or moving to a different position or industry and because of the aging baby boomer population.
Employment Projections for RNs in Kentucky
| New Jobs (2018-2028) |
Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) |
Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 6,150 | 13.1% | 3,280 |
| United States | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Source: Projections Central
Nursing Salaries in Kentucky: How Much You Could Make as an RN
Annual Earnings for Registered Nurses in Kentucky
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $45,960 | $63,060 | $84,070 |
| United States | $53,410 | $75,330 | $116,230 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $33,140 | $60,230 | $79,940 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | $50,980 | $62,740 | $80,730 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $45,490 | $62,760 | $83,660 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $48,620 | $65,420 | $84,630 |
| Owensboro, KY | $53,560 | $62,130 | $79,430 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
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