LPN to RN Online Programs in KY: Top Degrees & Information

Online LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky: A Comparison

If you’re currently working as an LPN, you might consider furthering your career by becoming an RN—you’ll enjoy greater autonomy, higher pay, and expanded professional horizons. But you’ll need to further your education with an LPN to RN program to enjoy these benefits.

Luckily, you can find many hybrid or online bridge programs in Kentucky that offer RN training for current LPNs. Plus, accelerated programs are available if you want to complete your education in less time.

While many programs allow you to complete your coursework online, you’ll need some in-person clinical training, including:

• Clinical hours (always required): train at a healthcare location in your community
• Labs and simulations (may be required): practice nursing skills on-campus with instructors and peers

Choosing the right program isn’t easy. So to help you in your search, we’ve selected three LPN to RN online bridge programs that stand out because of their academic quality, student services, learning flexibility, and affordability.

Student Help Center: Common LPN to RN Questions Answered

Whether you’re considering earning your associate’s or bachelor’s degree to become an RN, you probably have questions about the length, cost, and learning outcomes of different programs. We’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions to help you decide which path is right for you.

How long are LPN-RN bridge programs?

Most bridge programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete, though they can take up to three years if earning a bachelor’s degree. Practically all online LPN to RN programs in KY require roughly 60 to 65 credit hours, but this can include the required prerequisites and general education courses.

Students who have only completed the required prerequisites will take longer to graduate than students who may have already completed several general education courses in addition to the prerequisites.

What is the cost for LPN to RN programs?

The cost of an LPN to RN program will depend on the type of school and residency status of the student. Of course, private schools will cost more per credit hour than public schools, and additional costs may be involved.

Your residency status will also significantly impact the overall cost. However, some colleges charge the same tuition rate for online classes regardless of where the student lives.

What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Kentucky?

While there are many factors that make some programs better than others, the two main ones to consider are accreditation and NCLEX-RN pass rates. No matter what program you choose, it should be:

• Approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBON)
• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

A school’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates can also tell you a lot about the quality of the program. The better the program, the higher the rates will be. At a minimum, try to find programs with rates similar or better than the state average.

Additionally, you may want to seek out programs that offer study strategies and resources for taking the NCLEX-RN exam.

What are the learning outcomes in a Kentucky LPN to RN bridge program?

All LPN to RN programs in Kentucky are a little bit different, but generally, learning outcomes cover concepts such as:

• Basics of science (i.e., anatomy and physiology)
• Advanced medication management
• Application of medical research to practice
• Nursing leadership
• Clinical decision-making
• Communication

Expert Insight

Learning outcomes are skills and knowledge you’ll obtain upon graduation from an LPN to RN program. They may be concepts you’re already familiar with as an LPN, such as patient-centered care or ethical practice. But outcomes for RN programs also focus on advanced concepts like leadership, regulations, and complex decision-making.

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

Do hospitals pay for LPN to RN programs?

Some hospitals cover all or part of your program via a tuition-reimbursement program. These programs offer employees the opportunity to further their education without having to take out student loans or pay out of pocket.

If you need help paying for a nursing program but can’t take advantage of a tuition-assistance program, many other options are available including online nursing programs with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Salary & Career Details for LPNs to RNs in Kentucky

With the path from LPN to RN made clear, let’s explore what awaits in your professional life as an RN. Becoming a registered nurse in Kentucky will propel you into higher salaries, broadened role responsibilities, and expanded job opportunities:

• Job growth rate: Kentucky shows a 6.6% growth rate for RNs, which is slightly higher than the national average of 5.6%. LPN jobs are projected to grow at 6.7%, and while that’s slightly higher than the RN growth rate, there are more job openings each year for RNs.
• Annual job openings: The state is expected to add 2,940 annual job openings for RNs in the future, compared to just 910 additional openings for LPNs.
• Salary: LPNs in the 90th percentile make $64,970, while RNs in the 10th percentile make $61,520. This means that entry-level RNs earn about the same as highly specialized, experienced LPNs.

The data below offers a closer look at what you can expect as you launch your RN career.

Top Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Kentucky