Nursing Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky offers a variety of pathways for individuals pursuing a career in nursing. With 56 nursing schools across the state, prospective students can choose from a range of programs, including Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Kentucky is also a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses licensed in Kentucky to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses.
For those interested in a shorter, entry-level nursing career, an LPN program typically lasts 12-18 months. ADN programs, which take approximately two years to complete, provide a more comprehensive nursing education and prepare graduates for entry-level RN roles. Individuals seeking higher-level positions and greater career flexibility often choose a BSN program, which typically requires four years of study.
Some of the most well-known nursing education institutions in Kentucky include the University of Louisville, the University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University. These universities, along with other prominent nursing schools such as Bellarmine University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Murray State University, offer a wide range of nursing programs from the entry-level to advanced practice.
The cost of nursing education in Kentucky varies depending on the program and the institution. Generally, LPN programs can cost between $10,000 and $20,000, ADN programs range from $20,000 to $40,000, and BSN programs can cost between $40,000 and $80,000. These are estimates, and actual costs may vary based on factors such as tuition fees, program length, and living expenses.
Kentucky, like many other states, is experiencing a nursing shortage. This shortage creates a high demand for qualified nurses, offering promising career opportunities for graduates. The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Kentucky is $81,770, while Licensed Practical Nurses earn a median annual salary of $55,100.
To learn more about specific nursing programs and institutions in Kentucky, we encourage you to explore the comprehensive list of nursing schools we have compiled.
Top RN Programs in Kentucky
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The community college was established in 1939 and it is a part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The school was formerly known as Bowling Green Technical College.
SKYCTC offers associate degree programs, certificate programs, and diploma programs. With a good variety of academic opportunities for students to take advantage of, it has proven to be a valuable institution in the community. SKYCTC nursing students have performed very well on the NCLEX-PN exams traditionally and are given a thorough education. The school has a selective admission nursing program that continues to produce nurses that go on to have successful careers in the medical field.
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Highland Heights, Kentucky is a public university with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university began as an extension campus in 1948 and became a four-year college in 1968. In 1976, the college received university status. Over the years, the average enrollment has steadily increased. NKU now enrolls over 14,000 students each school year and employs over 2,000 faculty and staff. The main campus is located on 400 acres of countryside near US Route 27, about seven miles southeast of Cincinnati. The university is structured into six colleges, including the College of Health Professions.
Students enrolled at NKU may choose BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, or LPN to BSN to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. MSN and DNP programs are also available for students choosing to further their education. All nursing programs at NKU are accredited by the CCNE. Nursing students at NKU have access to the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Simulation Center, which includes seven simulation rooms. Other than the traditional BSN program, the nursing programs at NKU are also offered online. When enrolled in one of the on-campus BSN programs, students will be able to gain clinical experience at local hospitals after completing the first semester.
Available Programs
University of Kentucky (UK) is a public institution, founded in 1865 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky. It is the largest university in Kentucky, with over 30,000 students enrolled in the Fall 2015 school year. The University of Kentucky is also the highest ranked research university in Kentucky. The sprawling campus includes 7 dining facilities and 23 residence halls, along with a variety of recreation facilities. It is also home to nine libraries, including the William T. Young Library, which is a Federal Depository Library. The university is organized into 16 colleges offering 93 undergraduate programs and 99 master programs. The College of Nursing was founded in 1956 and currently enrolls about 1,400 students each year.
Undergraduate nursing programs at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing include a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN program. The university also offers a DNP, BSN to DNP, and BSN to PhD program. The baccalaureate and doctorate degree programs are accredited by the CCNE. Undergraduate students gain clinical experience at local community healthcare facilities, including several local hospitals and clinics. The college also limits clinical groups to eight students per instructor, ensuring that each student receives specialized attention. Along with clinical experience, the college can help place students in internships, including nursing practice, research, or skills lab internships.
Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is located in Louisville, Kentucky. This school was established in 2005 and serves over 11,000 students. This public community college is an important part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. It was formed when Jefferson Community College and Jefferson Technical College combined into one larger school.
Students of JCTC will be able to earn an associate degree in a number of different academic avenues. The school also offers various diploma and certificate programs. Students who choose to pursue an associate degree will find that JCTC offers several transfer options to large four-year universities, making it possible to continue on and earn a bachelor degree.
JCTC has a great nursing department that works diligently to educate nurses every year. The highly selective admission nursing program at JCTC can lead nurses to lucrative careers as medical professionals. The school has an associate degree nursing program that has proven to be very successful over the years. There is also an LPN to RN bridge program for LPNs who wish to become an RN. JCTC has the full accreditation of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) is located in Owensboro, Kentucky. This public college has an open-admissions and it is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The school was formed when the Owensboro Community College and the Owensboro Technical College consolidated.
OCTC offers students many academic opportunities. Students will find several associate degree programs and several technical and vocational certificate opportunities, as well as courses that offer diplomas. OCTC has been serving the community for many years and has gained a reputation as a fantastic school over this time.
OCTC provides an ADN and a bridge program for LPNs who wish to become RNs. Students have had great success with the NCLEX exam and enjoy passing percentages that are much higher than the national average. The school has great instructors and a program that gives students all that they need to find success as professional registered nurses.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is located in Lexington, Kentucky. BCTC is a public two-year institution that was established in 2005. This school exists as a result of a combination of two past schools. The Central Kentucky Technical College and the Lexington Community College combined to form this larger school. It is now a part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The school offers a large number of associate degree opportunities for students while also focusing on providing technical and vocational certificate options. There are many ways for students to pursue furthering their career prospects at this institution. BCTC also has a robust online education structure which makes getting a college education even easier for those who need more options.
The BCTC nursing program is very good overall and offers students several options. Three different programs are offered by BCTC currently. Students can pursue the nurse aide program, the practical nursing program, and the associate degree in nursing program.
Berea College is located in Berea, Kentucky. This liberal arts work college was established way back in 1855. This college is unique in the area due to the fact that it charges no tuition. This private liberal arts institution requires students to work at least 10 hours per work on campus to be given a spot on the academic roster. This school offers bachelor's degrees to students in 32 majors and is well-known for giving students a great education. This is a diverse school as well, as this school hosts many students from other countries. All students at this school are required to attend classes on a full-time basis.
The nursing program at Berea College has been working diligently to train the future generation of nurses for years now. Nurses graduating from this program always receive a very complete education that prepares them for the struggles of professional life. Students will be able to work toward earning their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree at this school. This school is committed to providing nurses with the best training so that they can go on to care for the needs of patients effectively. Nurses will be prepared to perform well in a variety of different health care settings while also being ready for all licensure exams.
The University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky is a public institution founded in 1798. It is the first public university owned by a city in the US and one of the first west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is heavily invested in medical research, becoming the first to successfully complete a self-contained artificial heart transplant surgery and a successful hand transplantation. U of L also manages a university hospital. The university is also known for its athletics programs. The university’s men’s basketball team has appeared in the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Championship three times since 2005.
The University of Louisville School of Nursing provides several different nursing programs, including traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, BSN to PhD, and PhD programs. All programs are currently accredited by the CCNE. The traditional BSN is a four-year program for incoming freshmen. Students practice their nursing skills at the Patient Simulation and Standardized Patient Centers. Clinical experience is offered through the university’s hospital and local facilities. The RN to BSN program is offered entirely online, giving registered nurses with an associate degree a convenient way to earn their BSN. It is a flexible 8-week course with no campus visits required.
Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) is located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. This school is an open-admissions two-year public college, established back in 1965. The school currently serves around 3,800 students and it offers many different academic opportunities.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Aside from traditional academic courses that offer associate degrees, this school also has many vocational and technical training options. The school is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
HCC has a nursing program that will greatly appeal to members of the community. This nursing program has many beneficial elements that make it a good fit for prospective nurses. The associate degree nursing program at HCC is a program that actively encourages excellence in all students. Students will be able to learn all of the right skills while being given the necessary tools to succeed as nurses. Educational experiences will be focused on preparing nursing students for their future careers while also getting them ready for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The nursing program at HCC is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is located in Paducah, Kentucky. WKCTC is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. It was established back in 2003 as a consolidation of Paducah Community College and West Kentucky Technical College. This two-year school currently serves more than 9,000 students and it offers them many different academic possibilities. WKCTC has many associate degrees as well as career-oriented technical and vocational courses that will offer certificates upon completion of the program. The WKCTC nursing programs are very esteemed and have been helping nursing students to realize their full potential for a very long time.
