2023 Best ADN Programs in Kentucky
With 41 ADN Programs in Kentucky, 23 of which have ACEN accreditation, how do prospective students zero in on the best ones? First, it’s crucial to focus on those with accreditation from agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Such an endorsement ensures the program meets high academic standards, potentially resulting in a better education and a more robust preparation for your career.
NCLEX passing rates offer another valuable metric. In Kentucky, these rates range from 66.70% to 98.00%. Prospective students should look for schools with rates towards the higher end of this range. High NCLEX passing rates indicate that the program effectively prepares students for the realities of nursing practice.
Moreover, consider the program duration. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) usually takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. It’s essential to find a program whose schedule fits your personal and professional commitments.
Lastly, do your due diligence by researching each program thoroughly. Pay visits, if possible, and speak with faculty and current students. You can also consult online reviews and rankings. This comprehensive approach ensures you’ll find an ADN program in Kentucky that’s a perfect match for your career aspirations.
Search for Online Programs
Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Kentucky

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Kentucky?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Kentucky and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Hopkinsville Community College - Hopkinsville
Pass Rate

- 720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, KY - 42240
- (270) 707-3700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.85%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 53
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,165
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Hopkinsville Community College is located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.  They offer an RN program, but do not offer an LPN to RN program at this time, although they do offer an LPN program.  Hopkinsville Community College is primarily attended by students residing in western Kentucky and also northern Tennessee.
Named after its location, Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville Community College is a two-year degree granting public educational institution. It is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award its associate degrees.
 Registered Nursing Program (RN Program) - This two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to gain entry into the nursing career. The curriculum is patterned from the outcomes provided by NLN and QSEN. Program admission is on a selective basis. Moreover, graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
 Practical Nursing Program (PN Program) - This 11-month program utilizes both theory through classroom instruction and practical immersion in various health settings in order to prepare students for practical nursing. Acceptance is selective, and the program starts in August and ends in June. In order to progress in the program, students must maintain a grade of “C’ or better in each course and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in a 4.0 scale.
 LPN To RN Bridge - Students who successfully completed this 3-semester LPN to RN program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. For Vocational Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses who graduated more than three years prior to admission, a verification from the present employment is required, Moreover, for NCLEX-PN passers with an active and unrestricted practical/vocational nursing license, they may be awarded credit for the nursing course in the first semester.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Midway College-Midway
Pass Rate

- 512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
- (859) 846-4421

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.37%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 32
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,316
Percent Admitted: 73%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Founded in 1847, Midway University is a private, non-profit college in Midway, Kentucky. It has a 15:12 student to faculty ratio and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Its School of Health Sciences’ ADN, BSN, and MSN are ACEN-Accredited, with the ADN program being KBN-accredited as well.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - This NLN-accredited program is offered in two options—day and evening track, with the former being the traditional two-year program, and the latter for nontraditional working students. However, both options have the same content and are taught by the same faculty. This program is designed for a four semester of full-time coursework but students may also opt to take it part-time, with more semesters required. Admission is selective. Program completion means eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) -Â This traditional pre-licensure program prepares students for direct and indirect health care, and for the NCLEX-RN exam. It is a four-year 120-credit program which consists of general education and nursing theory courses, as well as supervised clinical practice. It is taught on-site with day sessions in the Midway Campus.
RN to BSN Program -Â Designed for registered nurses who possess either a nursing diploma or associate degree, this RN-BSN program is offered online. This can be completed in as fast as 12 or 24 months, with curriculum consisting of general education and professional nursing theory courses, and practicum experiences. Aside from the required education for program admission, students must also have an RN license.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - This 36-credit hour MSN program is composed of core courses and areas of concentration with 18 credit hours each. For the area of concentration, students can choose between the Nursing Education or Nursing Administration track. Courses are taught online, including all the Didactic courses. Two entry options are available—the RN (ADN)-MSN Bridge Program and the BSN-MSN track.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Jefferson Cmty. & Technical College-Louisville
Pass Rate

- 101 W Broadway, Louisville, KY - 40202-2005
- (502) 213-2200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 175
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,568
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,301
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is a two-year granting public educational institution located in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the largest among the 16 colleges under the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). JCTC is SACSCOC-accredited. Meanwhile, its Associate Degree Nursing Program received a continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
 Associate Degree Nursing Program - This program is designed to prepare graduates for their satisfactory fulfillment of nurse roles. The curriculum is based on the works of Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Competencies. The competencies indicated here are built upon to ensure mastery and application. The curriculum is a combination of nursing and general education courses. Correlation between classroom theoretical knowledge and clinical instruction and application in various settings is emphasized. Upon program completion, graduates are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). JCTC has a 96% performance rate in licensure and certification examinations.
In terms of admission, acceptance is selective. Once accepted, program progression requires a grade of “C” or higher in nursing, mathematics, and biological courses. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
West Kentucky Community & Technical College-Paducah
Pass Rate

- 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY - 42002-7380
- (270) 554-9200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.04%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 116
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,393
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 51%
One of the 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), West Kentucky Community & Technical College (WKCTC) is located in Paducah. As part of the KCTCS system, this college also aims to provide opportunities for students to be compassionate, collaborative, confident, and successful. Moreover, MCTC has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
 Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) - This ACEN-accredited program is offered through the 62-66 credit unit modular pathway. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in just two years, or 5 semesters in a full-time coursework. Both lecture and laboratory experiences account for the total nursing credit hours, with a 50-minute lecture equivalent to one credit hour earned.
The curriculum is supported by the works of the Competencies and Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education. Emphasis is placed on the correlation between classroom instruction and clinical experiences in various settings.
Moreover, this program has a selective admission wherein basis of ranking is from their GPA and ACT or the National League for Nursing Preadmission Registered Nurse exam.
For licensed practical nurses, the LPN-RN accelerated track is designed for them. In their final year as a full-time student in the program, they will be integrated with the traditional ADN students. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Maysville Community & Technical College
Pass Rate

- 1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, KY - 41056
- (606) 759-7141
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 81
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,658
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 45%
Located in Maysville, Kentucky, Maysville Community & Technical College (MCTC), is one of the 16 colleges of Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). MCTC aims to develop students not only in the academe but in personal and career aspects as well. In terms of accreditation, MCTC is SACSCOC-accredited to award its associate degree.
 Associate Degree Nursing Program - In as little as two years, full-time students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in MCTC. The curriculum is supported by the works of the Competencies and Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education. Curriculum places emphasis on the correlation between classroom instruction and clinical experiences in various settings. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Moreover, this program has a selective admission wherein basis of ranking is from their GPA and ACT or the National League for Nursing Preadmission Registered Nurse exam.
 LPN to RN Online - For LPNs who would like to advance their career as RNs, this LPN to RN program is offered online to offer convenience for the working LPNs. In order to be admitted in the online delivery method, students must have an active and unexpired LPN license. In instances that students are required to come to the Maysville Campus Clinical/Lab, dates will be announced in advance for them to arrange their work schedule. Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Somerset Community College
Pass Rate

- 808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY - 42501-2973
- (877) 629-9722
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.22%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 132
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,101
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 33%
Located in Somerset, Kentucky, Somerset Community College is one of the 16 colleges under the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). This college provides a community for students to be confident, compassionate, collaborative, and successful. It has four centers situated in McCreary, Casey, Clinton, and Russell Counties with two main campuses in Somerset and Laurel County.
Associate Degree Nursing Program - This program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and for their role as nurses. The curriculum consists of general education courses and nursing courses with the latter emphasizing connection with practical clinical experiences in various settings. An associate in Applied Science Degree can be earned in just two years for students who maintain a full-time status. Admission includes an ACT or PAX-RN result, a passing GED official score report, and official high school transcript.
Practical Nursing Program - The Practical Nursing Program is designed for students to be prepared in practical nursing care under a physician or registered nurse’s supervision. In as fast as 11 months, they will be able to earn a Practical Nursing Diploma. Program graduates are eligible to practice as an entry level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after passing the NCLEX-PN. Program admission is a selective process. With additional general education requirements, an Associate Degree (AAS) can be earned.
#7 Associate Degree in Nursing
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
Pass Rate

- 600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY - 42701-3081
- (270) 769-2371
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.81%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 111
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,755
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 39%
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College (ECTC), located in Elizabethtown, is one of the 16 colleges under the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. It prides itself in providing affordable and accessible training and education for Hardin residents and other nearby areas. Its associate degrees are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). ECTC has online programs offered as well to offer flexibility and accessibility for all students.Â
 Associate Degree Nursing Program - ECTC offers an Associate Degree Nursing Program through the 62-66 credit unit modular pathway. For a full-time study, students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in just two years. The curriculum is supported by the works of the Competencies and Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education. Emphasis is placed on the correlation between classroom instruction and clinical experiences in various settings. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Moreover, this program has a selective admission wherein basis of ranking is from their GPA and ACT or the National League for Nursing Preadmission Registered Nurse exam. ECTC’s Associate Nursing Program received an accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
For ease of continuing education in other universities, ECTC has partnered with several 4-year universities for its transfer pathway.
Search for Online Programs
Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Kentucky Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 37
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 9
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 2
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- msn: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nurse Educator: 1
- Nursing Leadership: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
Kentucky Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Louisville-Louisville: 7
- Northern Kentucky University: 6
- Spalding University: 5
- Eastern Kentucky University: 3
- Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green: 3
- Morehead State University: 2
- Murray State University: 2
- Bellarmine University: 2
- Union College: 2
- Beckfield College-Florence: 2
Additional Kentucky ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Kentucky Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
89.33 | Gateway Community & Technical College-Edgewood | 13 | ADN |
88.15 | Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College - Bowling Green | 14 | ADN |
87.22 | Eastern Kentucky University | 15 | ADN |
87.19 | Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green | 16 | ADN |
86.19 | Morehead State University | 17 | ADN |
85.93 | Campbellsville University | 18 | ADN |
81.44 | Beckfield College-Florence | 20 | ADN |
81.37 | Hazard Cmty. & Technical College-Hazard | 21 | ADN |
80.81 | Big Sandy Cmty. & Technical College-Prestonsburg | 22 | ADN |
77.78 | Kentucky State University-Frankfort | 23 | ADN |
76.19 | University of Pikeville-Pikeville | 24 | ADN |
71.56 | American National University | 25 | ADN |
71.22 | Ashland Cmty. & Technical College-Ashland | 26 | ADN |

ADN Programs in Kentucky
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Kentucky Nurses
What financial aid resources exist for students in ADN Programs in Kentucky? Various options facilitate students’ paths towards their nursing careers. Here are some available to you:
- Loans: Federal and private loans provide necessary funds for your education. Keep in mind, however, you must repay these loans, often with interest.
- Grants: Federal and state grants, like the Pell Grant or Kentucky’s College Access Program (CAP) Grant, offer money for school that you don’t need to pay back. Usually, these depend on financial need.
- Scholarships: Numerous organizations and institutions offer scholarships based on various criteria such as academic achievement, community service, or area of study.
Key to unlocking these financial aid opportunities is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing this form lets you apply for multiple types of federal aid, and many state aid programs also use it to determine eligibility.
Additionally, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority offers a comprehensive resource for state-specific aid.
Now, let’s take a look at five scholarships specifically for ADN students in Kentucky.
ADN Scholarships for Kentucky Nurses
- Nursing Foundation of Kentucky Scholarship: Open to Kentucky residents enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program. Special consideration is given to applicants demonstrating leadership potential. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: June.
- Mary K. Oxley Foundation Nursing Scholarship: Awards based on financial need to students enrolled in a nursing program in Jefferson County. Award Amount: Up to $2,500. Application Deadline Month: March.
- Kentucky Health Care Foundation Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund: Available to Kentucky residents enrolled full-time in an approved nursing program. Award Amount: $3,000 per academic year. Application Deadline Month: June.
- Norton Healthcare Scholars Program: Offers scholarship funds in return for a work commitment at a Norton Healthcare facility after graduation. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: April.
- Appalachian Regional Healthcare Scholars Program: Offers tuition assistance to students from Appalachian regions studying in a healthcare field, including nursing. Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year. Application Deadline Month: March.
Find ADN Programs in Your State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming

Search Programs
Kentucky Resources for ADNs
Individuals pursuing ADN programs in Kentucky have access to numerous state and organizational resources that can help guide them through their nursing education journey. These resources offer valuable information on nursing programs, educational institutions, and job prospects within the state. Here are some key resources for those seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Kentucky:
- The Kentucky Board of Nursing: This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of nurses in the state, ensuring adherence to high standards of care and professionalism.
- Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA): The KNA is a professional organization that supports nurses by offering continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the nursing profession in Kentucky.
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Kentucky: This tool allows prospective students to find and compare colleges offering ADN programs in Kentucky based on various factors such as location, size, and cost.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Kentucky: The BLS provides data on employment, wages, and job outlook for registered nurses in the state, helping aspiring nurses make informed career decisions.
- Kentucky Center for Nursing: This resource promotes excellence in nursing by providing information on nursing education programs, workforce data, and research opportunities in Kentucky.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts

After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.