The Top Nursing Schools in Kentucky

The Top Nursing Schools in Kentucky

Nursing is a profession in high demand nationwide, particularly in Kentucky, where over 50 associate degree in nursing (ADN) and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs boast above-average licensing exam pass rates. With such a variety of RN programs in Kentucky, the challenge lies in selecting the most suitable one for your needs. This comprehensive guide explores the top RN programs, the licensing process, and anticipated salary prospects, aiding you in making an informed decision. Continue reading to discover more about the best nursing schools in Kentucky.

The Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky

Choosing from the numerous excellent nursing programs in Kentucky can be daunting. This guide aims to assist you in making an informed decision aligned with your career goals and background.

Our Ranking Method:
A data-driven methodology is employed to rank the best nursing schools in Kentucky, streamlining the process of finding a program that suits your needs. Metrics such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings are considered crucial for students, and our methodology relies on publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). All data is current as of the article’s publication date, and program-specific details may vary.

The Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs and Schools in the USA

#1 Midway University

Location: Midway, KY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Midway University stands among the top nursing schools in Kentucky, offering flexible nursing programs with evening or online courses. Nursing students can pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN) through traditional daytime or evening courses, followed by transition options to the 12-month RN-to-BSN or ADN-to-MSN programs. Additionally, Midway provides a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree featuring tracks in administration or education, as well as a dual MSN and master of business administration degree.

Programs: Associate degree in nursing; bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing
Campus: Midway, KY
Type: Private
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $24,500 per year for Kentucky undergraduate students; $395 per credit for evening and online undergraduate students; $494 per credit for MSN students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; ADN candidates must submit high school transcripts, GED scores, or college transcripts; minimum 2.8 GPA; ACT or SAT scores; TEAS scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,385 for associate degree graduates and $66,244 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $24,500
– Out-of-state: $24,500

Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $6,240
– Out-of-state: $6,240

Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 60%
Students Enrolled: 1,357
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 73%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Location: Paducah, KY
Duration: 2 years
Format: Online + Campus

West Kentucky Community and Technical College expedites students toward a new career with its three-semester practical nursing diploma. The program encompasses 43-52 credits, providing technical knowledge and skills in medical terminology, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and mental health concepts, along with clinical practicum hours.

Program: Associate degree in nursing; nursing certificates and diplomas
Campus: Paducah, KY
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $179 per credit for Kentucky residents; $358 per credit for out-of-state students in contiguous counties; $627 per credit for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: High school or college transcripts; CPR certification; ACT, National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam, or Evolve Admission Assessment Exam scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,053 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard

Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $4,176
– Out-of-state: $14,616

Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 6,327
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 39%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Bellarmine University in Kentucky

Bellarmine University, located in Louisville, KY, provides both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Kentucky, featuring flexible online courses.

For the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, students can choose from tracks in administration, education, or family nursing, with a non-thesis option. The program requires completion of 37-43 credits on a full- or part-time basis. The family nursing specialty prepares nurses for certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, with live classes held once each semester.

Programs:
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Master of Science in Nursing
– Doctorate in Nursing Practice
– Ph.D. in Nursing

Campus: Louisville, KY

Type: Private

Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $905 per credit for Kentucky undergraduate students; $880 per credit for DNP students; $795 per credit for MSN students

Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; MSN candidates need a BSN degree from an accredited program, official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores on request

Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90% first-time pass rate

Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,088 for bachelor’s graduates and $83,915 for graduate school graduates, according to College Scorecard

Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $40,880
– Out-of-state: $40,880

Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $11,734
– Out-of-state: $11,734

Retention Rate: 80%

Admission Rate: 66%

Students Enrolled: 3,331

Institution Type: Private

Percent Online Enrollment: 12%

Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

 

#4 Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, located in Cumberland, KY, offers top-ranked nursing programs in Kentucky for future registered nurses (RNs) and nursing aides.

The associate degree in nursing can be completed in two years, allowing students to take the NCLEX-RN exam. After the first year, students qualify for a nursing diploma and the practical nurse licensure exam. The curriculum covers 62-66 credits in subjects such as maternal newborn, behavioral health, pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing. SKCTC also provides accelerated pathways for RNs and licensed practical nurses.

Programs:
– Associate Degree in Nursing
– Practical Nurse Diploma
– Advanced Nursing Assistant Certificate

Campus: Cumberland, KY

Type: Public

Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Tuition: $179 per credit for Kentucky residents; $358 per credit for out-of-state students in contiguous counties; $627 per credit for out-of-state students; $179 per credit for online students

Admission Requirements: High school, GED, or college transcripts; standardized test scores; minimum 2.0 GPA

Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate

Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,856 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $4,176
– Out-of-state: $14,616

Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: Not provided
– Out-of-state: Not provided

Retention Rate: 65%

Admission Rate: Not provided

Students Enrolled: 3,503

Institution Type: Public

Percent Online Enrollment: 40%

Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 University of Louisville in Kentucky

The University of Louisville, located in Louisville, KY, offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Kentucky through on-campus, online, or accelerated formats.

The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program takes four years to complete and provides hands-on training at the UofL’s Patient Simulation and Standardized Patient Centers. The program enrolls recent high school graduates or students with a bachelor’s degree in another major. While lower division coursework can be completed part-time and online, upper division courses, including clinical rotations, must be completed full-time and in person.

Programs:
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Master of Science in Nursing
– Doctor of Nursing Practice
– Ph.D. in Nursing

Campus: Louisville, KY

Type: Public

Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $508 per credit for undergraduate in-state residents; $1,189 per credit for undergraduate out-of-state students; $752 per credit for graduate in-state residents; $1,536 per credit for graduate out-of-state students

Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; 3.0 GPA for first-year BSN applicants; ACT or SAT scores; 2.8 minimum GPA for transfer students

Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92% first-time pass rate

Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,264 for bachelor’s graduates and $95,473 for graduate school graduates, according to College Scorecard

Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $11,732
– Out-of-state: $27,758

Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $13,000
– Out-of-state: $27,114

Retention Rate: 80%

Admission Rate: 69%

Students Enrolled: 21,670

Institution Type: Public

Percent Online Enrollment: 12%

Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 University of Kentucky in Kentucky

The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, KY, is one of the premier nursing schools in Kentucky, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees for nurses at all career stages.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students complete a minimum of 120 credits in courses covering health assessments, medical-surgical nursing, pathopharmacology, maternity and reproductive health, pediatrics, and professional and leadership development. Instruction occurs in labs, classrooms, and at the Clinical Simulation and Learning Center, with clinical groups limited to eight students. Junior and senior nursing students can apply to four internships focusing on health equity, nursing practice, research, and education.

Programs:
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus: Lexington, KY

Type: Public

Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation

Tuition: $512 per credit for Kentucky undergraduate students; $1,303 per credit for out-of-state undergraduate students; $742 per credit for Kentucky graduate students; $1,846 per credit for out-of-state graduate students

Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; high school seniors need a minimum 3.4 GPA, prerequisites; current UK students need a minimum 3.0 GPA

Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98% first-time pass rate

Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,125 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $11,011
– Out-of-state: $29,331

Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $12,055
– Out-of-state: $31,215

Retention Rate: 85%

Admission Rate: 96%

Students Enrolled: 29,402

Institution Type: Public

Percent Online Enrollment: 27%

Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Ashland Community and Technical College

Ashland Community and Technical College, situated in Ashland, KY, offers a 54-credit associate degree in nursing, completing in four semesters. The comprehensive program emphasizes professional behaviors, nursing processes, clinical decision-making, caring interventions, and collaboration. Additionally, ACTC provides specialized programs like the military medic-to-ADN program and the LPN-to-ADN program, each spanning four and three semesters, respectively.

This nursing program accepts new students every fall, focusing on delivering a well-rounded education.

Program: Associate degree in nursing
Campus: Ashland, KY
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $179 per credit for in-state residents, $358 for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; minimum 2.5 GPA, CPR certification, standardized test scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,995 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,176
Out-of-state: $14,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 2,598
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 52% (Percentage of all students who are enrolled online)
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro Community and Technical College, located in Owensboro, KY, presents two outstanding nursing programs. These programs, featuring traditional and LPN-to-ADN tracks, can be completed in five semesters. Covering 64 credits, students delve into subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, maternal newborn nursing, medical and surgical nursing, medical microbiology, and pediatrics.

OCTC facilitates smooth transitions for graduates, offering transfer pathways to four-year degrees at institutions like Brescia University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Kentucky State University.

Program: Associate degree in nursing
Campus: Owensboro, Kentucky
Type: Public
Accreditations: National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Tuition: $179 per credit for in-state residents; $358 for out-of-state residents from contiguous counties; $627 per credit for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: High school or college transcripts; ACT or TEAS scores; minimum 2.75 GPA; complete prerequisites with a minimum “C” grade
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,105 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,176
Out-of-state: $14,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 4,004
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 47% (Percentage of all students who are enrolled online)
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland Heights, KY, boasts one of the top Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited nursing schools in Kentucky. The institution offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, with options for a traditional four-year program or an accelerated 16-month program.

The BSN degree equips students for roles in acute care, intensive care, and specialized areas such as pediatrics, maternity, and mental health wards. Students gain practical experience at renowned facilities like Elizabeth Healthcare, Christ Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing
Campus: Highland Heights, KY
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $417 per credit for Kentucky undergraduate students; $836 per credit for out-of-state undergraduate students; $550 per credit for Kentucky graduate students; $845 per credit for out-of-state graduate students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; minimum 3.0 GPA, ACT scores for students with less than 24 credits, minimum 2.5 GPA for transfer students
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,301 for bachelor’s graduates and $90,245 for graduate school graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $9,912
Out-of-state: $19,872
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,034
Out-of-state: $16,974
Retention Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 90%
Students Enrolled: 15,664
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 32% (Percentage of all students who are enrolled online)
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Maysville Community and Technical College

Maysville Community and Technical College, situated in Maysville, KY, offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program on campus and an online program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The ADN program, consisting of 64 credits, covers courses in human anatomy and physiology, maternal newborn nursing, and pediatric nursing, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN.

LPNs can pursue the fully online LPN-to-RN program, excluding clinicals and labs. Maysville also provides a medicaid nurse aide certificate.

Program: Associate degree in nursing; practical nursing diploma; medicaid nurse aide certificate
Campus: Maysville, KY
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $179 per credit for Kentucky residents; $358 per credit for students from contiguous counties; $627 per credit for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; official transcripts, TEAS scores, ACT scores, CPR certification, active on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, minimum 2.5 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,464 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,176
Out-of-state: $14,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 3,889
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 52% (Percentage of all students who are enrolled online)
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Kentucky

Selecting the right nursing program in Kentucky involves weighing various factors. Consider whether you prefer a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additionally, evaluate acceptance and graduation rates, and pay attention to the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, which serves as an indicator of program quality.

Financial aspects such as program cost, available financial aid options, and logistical considerations should not be overlooked. For those opting for online nursing programs, it’s beneficial to choose one that provides local clinical placement opportunities.

Given the importance of nursing accreditation in achieving career and financial objectives, this guide exclusively features accredited programs.

Why Become a Nurse in Kentucky

Kentucky boasts an impressive NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for nursing schools at 88.8%, surpassing the national average of 86.6%. Moreover, Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing graduates from nursing schools in Kentucky to apply for a multistate license. This facilitates working in any of the 39 NLC states.

The state offers a diverse lifestyle with both slower-paced rural areas and active cities featuring vibrant dining and cultural scenes. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore national parks like Mammoth Cave, and Kentucky’s renowned activities include horseback riding and the famous Kentucky Derby.

Given the underserved nature of many communities in Kentucky, nurses can benefit from special financial incentives, including loan forgiveness programs and scholarships. This not only provides financial advantages but also offers the satisfaction of contributing to communities in need.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Kentucky

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) in Kentucky is $64,730, with nurse practitioners (NPs) earning $102,460. Although these figures are lower than the national averages, the cost of living in Kentucky is also lower. hile these figures are lower than the national averages of $80,010 and $114,510, respectively, the cost of living is lower at 93.1, compared to the national index of 100.

The BLS projects robust job growth for RNs in Kentucky, with a 20% increase between 2018 and 2028, exceeding the national rate of 12.1%. NPs also experience substantial growth at 22.3%, although slightly below the national rate of 30.8%.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Kentucky

While Kentucky RN salaries across major metropolitan areas show minimal variation, nurses in government and hospital settings generally earn higher salaries. The following cities offer a blend of southern and midwestern culture, along with abundant outdoor recreation:

Top-Paying Areas

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Louisville/Jefferson County	$66,440
Elizabethtown — Fort Knox	$64,560
Lexington — Fayette	$64,310
Owensboro	$63,520
Bowling Green	$60,990

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Kentucky

Achieving an RN license in Kentucky involves graduating from an ADN or BSN program, passing the NCLEX-RN, undergoing a criminal background check with fingerprinting, and successfully completing a jurisprudence examination.

For those who attended nursing school in Kentucky, the state board of nursing automatically receives transcripts. If not, an official copy must be sent by the school. The annual renewal fee for RN licenses is $125.

APRN Requirements

Becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Kentucky requires a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, board certification in a specialty, and a current and unencumbered RN license. Transcripts and proof of board certification must be submitted to the state board of nursing, with an application fee of $165. APRNs with prescriptive authority need to collaborate with a physician but can otherwise practice independently, renewing their license annually.

Other Top Nursing Programs in Kentucky

Explore additional resources for nursing education and training, including top RN to MSN programs, CNA classes in Louisville, and a list of the best nursing schools and programs in Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky

1. How do I become an RN in Kentucky?

To become an RN in Kentucky, earn an ADN or BSN degree from a state-approved nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, complete a criminal background check, and pass a jurisprudence examination.

2. How long does it take to become an RN in Kentucky?

An ADN takes about two years, while a BSN requires four. After graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN, it takes around 15 business days to process a license request. The process may take up to three months for individuals with a criminal record beyond traffic violations.

3. How much does a new nurse make in Kentucky?

According to Salary.com, the median salary for a new nurse in Kentucky is $61,555 as of March 2022. Nurses with a BSN generally earn more, along with those working in government offices and hospitals. Additional certifications can also lead to higher earnings.

4. Is there a nursing shortage in Kentucky?

Kentucky is experiencing a significant nursing shortage, needing 12-20% more nurses than currently employed, as indicated by an executive order in December 2021. By 2024, the state anticipates a need for an additional 16,000 nurses. Efforts are underway to expand capacity in nursing programs to address the shortage.