Nursing in Kentucky

Kentucky has over 50 nursing programs spread across about 40 cities, with a clear concentration in urban areas like Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati. While the state has 56 schools statewide, many rural areas, especially in Eastern Kentucky, have limited local access to nursing programs. This uneven distribution means students outside metro areas often must commute long distances or enroll in online options. Community colleges play a big role in nursing education, particularly for LPN and ADN programs, offering more affordable tuition compared to private universities that charge significantly higher rates for BSN degrees.

NCLEX pass rates in Kentucky have been declining slightly, averaging around 88% for RNs but ranging widely from a low of about 81% to highs near 91%. Some of the lower pass rates come from smaller, less-resourced programs, including certain for-profit schools. This variation points to ongoing challenges in nursing education quality and support services. Students should review program-specific pass rates closely, as well as faculty credentials and clinical opportunities. Kentucky’s LPN pass rates share similar patterns, with success often linked to community college programs.

Kentucky joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 2023. This allows nurses licensed in Kentucky to practice in most compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana are compact members, but Tennessee and West Virginia are not. The NLC expands opportunity but does not guarantee easy work in all neighboring states, so license verification remains important for cross-border practice.

The nursing job market in Kentucky faces a complex reality. While total RN employment is about 49,000 and major health systems like UK HealthCare in Lexington, Norton Healthcare in Louisville, and Baptist Health across the state offer solid employer options, some urban centers report strong competition for entry-level roles. Meanwhile, rural areas struggle with critical nurse shortages, especially for LPNs and advanced practice nurses, driven partly by aging populations and healthcare access issues.

Nurses’ salaries range broadly by region and specialty. Registered nurses average about $81,770, but wages can dip to $61,500 in rural parts or rise near $101,700 in Louisville and Lexington. Advanced practice nurses see higher pay, with nurse practitioners averaging $110,370 and nurse anesthetists $185,600. Yet Kentucky’s cost of living is roughly 10% below the national average, partly balancing the pay scale. For many students, choosing a community college ADN or LPN program offers lower tuition costs... often between $5,000 and $15,000 total...while BSN programs at state universities run from $20,000 to over $40,000. Private schools may exceed $50,000, affecting affordability.

This page helps you navigate Kentucky’s nursing schools, tuition fees, NCLEX pass rates, and scholarships, empowering you to select a program suited to your location, budget, and career goals.