9 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky 2023

Choosing the Right Nurse Practitioner Program in Kentucky

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the demand for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) is on the rise, especially in states like Kentucky. As of now, Kentucky employs 4,550 NPs, accounting for 2% of the nation’s NP workforce. With an average salary of $106,080 per year, or $51.00 per hour, Kentucky provides competitive remuneration to these professionals.

However, as the population grows and the demand for healthcare services increases, the state faces a looming shortfall in this critical healthcare role. Projections indicate that Kentucky will need an additional 6,920 NPs by 2030, which equates to around 540 new NPs each year over the next decade. The state will need to increase the capacity of Nurse Practitioner Programs and take other measures to meet this future need.

Featured Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Now Accepting Kentucky Applicants

What are the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky for 2023?

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Eight Steps to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky

1. Earn an RN Degree: Start by obtaining your RN degree through an ADN or BSN program from an accredited university. Accreditation by the ACEN or CCNE ensures that your course credits will be accepted by Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Prepare for and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to obtain your RN licensure.
3. Earn Your MSN or DNP: Pursue either a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to become an NP. MSN programs typically take around 2 years, while DNP programs require about 4 years. Choose a population focus area, such as gerontology, family, or neonatal, when enrolling in your program.
4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Depending on your chosen population focus, you will need to complete between 500-600 clinical hours for an MSN program or 1000 hours for a DNP program.
5. Become Board Certified: Obtain board certification from the appropriate certifying body based on your population focus area:
   • National Certification Corporation: For Women’s health and neonatal NPs.
   • The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: For family and adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Association of Critical Care Nurses: For adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Nurses Credentialing Center: For adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric NPs.
   • Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: For pediatric NPs.
6. Obtain Licensure: Reach out to the Kentucky State Board of Nursing to secure your NP licensure.
7. Obtain a DEA Number: If you aim to prescribe medication in Kentucky, you’ll need a DEA registration. Here’s the process:
   • Apply for your NPI number at no cost via the NPPES website.
   • Use your NPI number to apply for your State Controlled Substances Authority for Kentucky through the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.
   • Finally, apply for your DEA registration through the DEA Diversion Control Division.
8. Maintain Active Certification and Licensure: The certifying body and the Kentucky Board of Nursing will provide details on maintaining certification and licensure. This usually includes completing continuing education (CE) credits and clinical practice. You’ll also need to renew your license with the board every two years.
   • For those seeking CE courses in Kentucky, various resources are available. A few options include local universities, professional organizations like the Kentucky Nurses Association, and online platforms offering accredited courses.
   • Each step is vital in advancing your career as part of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky.

Online NP Programs Accepting Kentucky Applicants

If you are currently an RN, the following schools are currently accepting Kentucky students into their online Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, providing flexible learning options to accommodate your busy schedule.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky

How much time it takes to become a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky really depends on your background. Depending on the path you take it will be 2 to 4 years of education before you can become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. If you’re already an RN it can take as little as 2 years by earning your MSN. If you are not an RN some direct entry programs are as short as 2 years as well. If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can do a DNP program in 2-3 years and become and NP while also earning your doctorate.

Here are examples of how long it will take you to become an NP depending on what degree you are starting with:

Starting Degree	How Many Years to Become an NP
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)	2 – 3 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)	2 years
Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field	2 – 3 years
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)	1 – 2 years

Nurse Practitioner Bridge Programs in Kentucky

Registered Nurse (RN) to Nurse Practitioner

Kentucky’s Registered Nurses (RNs) can advance to a Nurse Practitioner role by completing an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. This pathway generally requires obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) followed by a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN).

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • Certain prerequisite courses
  • Roughly 500-700 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 2-3 years full-time

BSN to Nurse Practitioner

For BSN-prepared RNs, Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky offer an advanced career path. These programs provide specialized training to equip nurses with the skills necessary for the NP role.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • A minimum GPA, often around 3.0
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • Several years of nursing experience
  • Approximately 500-700 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 2-3 years full-time

MSN to Nurse Practitioner

For nurses with a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN), Kentucky offers post-master’s certificate programs. These provide additional specialized training in a particular area of nursing practice.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Master’s degree in nursing
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0
  • Around 500-700 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 1-2 years

Direct Entry MSN Nurse Practitioner

Kentucky allows individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner through Direct Entry MSN programs.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
  • A minimum GPA, often around 3.0
  • Completion of certain prerequisite courses
  • Around 500-700 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 3-4 years

BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner Program

BSN-prepared RNs can also pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to become a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky. DNP programs provide comprehensive and advanced training.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • Several years of nursing experience
  • Around 1,000 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 3-4 years

MSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner

MSN-prepared RNs can further their education by enrolling in a DNP program. These offer advanced clinical and leadership training.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Master’s degree in nursing
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0
  • Approximately 1,000 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 1-2 years

Post-Master’s Certification Nurse Practitioner

Post-master’s certificate programs in Kentucky provide an opportunity for MSN-prepared RNs to gain additional expertise in a specific nursing specialty.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Master’s degree in nursing
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0
  • Roughly 500 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 1-2 years

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Online Nurse Practitioner

Programs offer flexibility for working nurses seeking to advance their careers in Kentucky. These programs allow students to complete coursework online, with clinical hours completed in-person at a local healthcare setting.

• Requirements and Program Details:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing
  • Current RN license in Kentucky
  • A minimum GPA, typically around 3.0
  • Roughly 500-1,000 supervised clinical hours
  • Typical program duration: 2-4 years depending on the degree level

Nurses in Kentucky can consider local institutions like the University of Kentucky for these programs. The timelines above can change based on part-time or full-time study, the specific program chosen, and the individual student’s pace.

Table of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky offers 10 Nurse Practitioner programs, providing a robust blend of clinical experience and theoretical knowledge.

These programs offer nurses the opportunity to specialize in various areas, including family care, mental health, and pediatrics, opening doors to diverse career opportunities and the ability to deliver advanced patient care.

University	Offered as	City/State
Bellarmine University	Campus, Online	Louisville, KY
Kentucky Christian University	Campus, Online	Grayson, KY
Spalding University	Campus, Hybrid	Louisville, KY
Eastern Kentucky University	Campus, Online	Richmond, KY
Morehead State University	Campus, Online	Morehead, KY
University of Louisville-Louisville	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Louisville, KY
Murray State University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Murray, KY
Northern Kentucky University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Highland Heights, KY
Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Bowling Green, KY

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky

Enrolling in online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky involves several steps. Here’s a typical admission process and timeline:

• Application Submission: Prospective students must first submit an application to the program of their choice. This usually includes providing transcripts from previous institutions, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and a personal statement.
• Review Period: Once the application is submitted, there’s a review period that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program.
• Admission Decision: Following the review period, applicants will receive an admission decision. If accepted, they will then need to confirm their enrollment.
• Orientation: Prior to beginning classes, most programs have an orientation period to familiarize students with the online learning platform and program expectations.
• The length of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky varies based on several factors:
• Full-time vs. Part-time: Full-time students can typically complete their program in two years. However, those who choose to study part-time may take three to four years.
• Clinical Hours: Most programs require a certain number of clinical hours for completion. The time it takes to fulfill this requirement can affect the overall length of the program.
• Specialization: Some specializations may require additional coursework, potentially extending the time to completion.

Despite these variables, online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing nurses to continue working while furthering their education.

Where Do Nurse Practitioners Typically Work?

As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology,  neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
• Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health,  military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
• Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
• Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
• Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.

Where Nurse Practitioners Work in Kentucky

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky provide a broad range of career opportunities. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Kentucky have the privilege to work in a variety of healthcare settings, providing high-quality patient care, education, and leadership.

Hospitals and Medical Centers

NPs in Kentucky often work in hospitals and medical centers, where they provide specialized care, manage patient cases, and collaborate with healthcare teams.

• University of Kentucky Healthcare
• Norton Healthcare
• Baptist Health Louisville
• St. Elizabeth Healthcare
• Pikeville Medical Center

Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

NPs also have opportunities to serve in outpatient clinics and urgent care centers, providing timely, patient-focused care.

• First Care Clinics
• Concentra Urgent Care
• Baptist Health Urgent Care
• Fast Pace Health
• MedExpress Urgent Care

Private Practices and Specialty Clinics

Private practices and specialty clinics often employ NPs to provide individualized care in specialized areas such as family medicine, dermatology, or women’s health.

• Family Allergy & Asthma
• Graves Gilbert Clinic
• Lexington Clinic
• Louisville Dermatology Clinic
• WomanCare

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Community Health Centers and FQHCs offer opportunities for NPs to serve underserved populations, providing essential primary care services.

• Park DuValle Community Health Center
• Family Health Centers
• HealthFirst Bluegrass
• Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation
• Juniper Health

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

NPs can also work in long-term care facilities and nursing homes, where they provide care to aging or chronically ill patients.

• Signature Healthcare
• Christian Care Communities
• Sayre Christian Village
• Episcopal Church Home
• Wesley Manor

Academic Institutions and Universities

Academic institutions and universities offer roles in teaching, research, and clinical practice for NPs.

• University of Kentucky College of Nursing
• University of Louisville School of Nursing
• Eastern Kentucky University School of Nursing
• Northern Kentucky University School of Nursing
• Western Kentucky University School of Nursing

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Government and Military Facilities

NPs may also serve in government and military facilities, providing care to service members and their families, and veterans.

• Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Louisville
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Lexington
• Ireland Army Health Clinic
• Fort Knox Army Base
• Bluegrass Army Depot

Home Health Care Agencies

Home health care agencies are another option for NPs, as they deliver care directly to patients’ homes, providing a high level of comfort and convenience.

• Almost Family
• Amedisys Home Health Care
• Bluegrass Care Navigators
• Home Instead
• Interim HealthCare of Louisville

Nurse Practitioner Types by Primary Certification

Certification	Percent of NPs
Family Nurse Practitioner	69.7
Adult Care	10.8
Adult–Gerontology Primary Care	7.0
Psychiatric/Mental Health	4.7
Acute Care	4.1
Pediatrics–Primary Care	3.2
Adult–Gerontology Acute Care	2.9
Women’s Health	2.9
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care	1.8
Neonatal	1.0
Pediatrics–Acute Care	0.7

Campus and Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky

University	Offered as	City/State
Bellarmine University	Campus, Online	Louisville, KY
Kentucky Christian University	Campus, Online	Grayson, KY
Spalding University	Campus, Hybrid	Louisville, KY
Eastern Kentucky University	Campus, Online	Richmond, KY
Morehead State University	Campus, Online	Morehead, KY
University of Louisville-Louisville	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Louisville, KY
Murray State University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Murray, KY
Northern Kentucky University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Highland Heights, KY
Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Bowling Green, KY

What Do Nurse Practitioners Study in Kentucky?

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky typically include a mix of foundational, advanced, and specialized courses. Here are 10 examples:

• Advanced Pathophysiology: In this course, students delve into the complex mechanisms of disease and how they affect the body’s normal physiological processes.
• Advanced Pharmacology: This class focuses on the principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and drug interactions. It prepares nurses to safely prescribe medication in their practice.
• Advanced Health Assessment: This course teaches students how to perform comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan.
• Primary Care of Adults: Here, students learn about common illnesses in adults and the elderly, and how to provide primary care for these populations.
• Primary Care of Children: In this class, students focus on pediatric care, learning about common illnesses in children and how to manage them.
• Healthcare Policy and Leadership: This course explores healthcare policy and how nurse practitioners can take on leadership roles in shaping it.
• Women’s Health Care: This class provides students with an understanding of women’s health issues and gynecological care.
• Gerontology Care: This course focuses on the health issues faced by older adults and how nurse practitioners can provide effective geriatric care.
• Research Methods for Advanced Practice: Students learn about research methodologies, data analysis, and evidence-based practice in this class.
• Clinical Practicum: A hands-on experience where students apply what they’ve learned in a real-world clinical setting under the supervision of experienced professionals.

One example of a Kentucky school offering these courses is the University of Kentucky. Their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers several tracks for Nurse Practitioner specializations.

Nurse Practitioner Program Costs in Kentucky

The cost of attending Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky varies based on several factors, including the specific program, whether the student is in-state or out-of-state, and whether the program is online or in-person. Here are examples of tuition costs for some programs:

• University of Kentucky: The estimated tuition for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Kentucky is $700 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,490 per credit hour for out-of-state students. This does not include fees, books, or other expenses.
• Western Kentucky University: The Family Nurse Practitioner program at Western Kentucky University charges an estimated tuition rate of $607 per credit hour for in-state students and $768 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Additional fees may apply.
• Murray State University: For the Nurse Practitioner Program at Murray State University, the estimated tuition cost is $515 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. This cost does not include fees or other expenses.

These are just estimates and actual costs may vary. Prospective students should contact the financial aid office at their chosen institution to get a more accurate estimate of the total cost of attendance. It’s important to remember that financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help offset these costs.

To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
• Perkins Loan Cancellation
• Military Programs
• Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness

Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School  and Scholarship guide  can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.

10 Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Scholarships

1. Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to support full-time NP students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to the profession. The deadline is in June, and the award amount varies.

2. Nursing Education BSN Loan: A program by Kentucky Board of Nursing, it offers financial aid to Kentucky residents pursuing BSN with a commitment to serve as a nurse in Kentucky post-graduation. Applications are accepted year-round. Award amounts can cover full tuition and fees.

3. Kentucky Nurses Foundation Scholarship: This annual scholarship awards nursing students in accredited Kentucky nursing programs. The deadline for application is April and the award amount is $1,000.

4. Louisville Black Nurses Association Scholarship: This scholarship aids African American nurses in Louisville who show promise in leadership. The application deadline is in May and award amounts vary.

5. Mary Bennett Wells Memorial Scholarship: For nursing students enrolled in a Kentucky program, this scholarship honours the memory of Mary Bennett Wells. Application deadline is in March, and the award amount varies.

6. Appalachian Region Healthcare Scholarship: This scholarship helps support students in the healthcare field within the Appalachian Region, including nursing. Application deadline is April, and the award amount is up to $5,000.

7. Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund: This fund is for Kentucky residents enrolled in nursing programs. Applications are due by June 1st, and recipients receive $3,000 per academic year.

8. Norton Healthcare Scholars Program: This program offers tuition assistance to students pursuing nursing and other healthcare careers. Applications are accepted year-round, and award amounts can cover full tuition.

9. March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award: For graduate nursing students who aim to make significant contributions to maternal-child nursing. Applications are due by January, and the award amount is $5,000.

10. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: This national program includes tuition, fees, other educational costs, and a monthly living stipend for nursing students who commit to work in eligible critical shortage facilities. The application deadline is usually in May, and the award amount varies.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remains an invaluable resource for anyone seeking financial aid, including scholarships. Submitting the FAFSA can qualify students for federal and state financial aid options, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. It’s also used by many scholarship programs as part of their application process. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to fund your journey to become a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky.

Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the field of nursing offers a promising career path. According to a report compiled from data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, and US Department of Education, among others, the outlook for a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky is favorable.

As of 2023, there are currently 4,550 Nurse Practitioners employed in Kentucky. On average, these professionals earn $106,080 per year or $51.00 per hour. This accounts for about 2% of U.S. Nurse Practitioners.

The need for new nurses in Kentucky is expected to rise in the coming years. The state will require approximately 6,920 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030, translating to around 540 new nurses each year.

For more detailed information on salary and job outlook, refer to the 2023 Nurse Practitioner salary report.

In addition to a competitive salary, Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky often receive a host of non-salary benefits:

• Healthcare Coverage: Many employers provide medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Retirement Plans: Contributions to retirement plans like 401(k) or 403(b) are common.
• Paid Time Off: This typically includes vacation days, sick leave and holidays.
• Continuing Education Allowance: Some employers cover costs associated with maintaining licensure or gaining additional certifications.
• Malpractice Insurance: Depending on the employer and role, malpractice insurance may be provided.

Overall, pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky offers both financial rewards and additional benefits contributing to overall job satisfaction.

Using the combined data of tens-of-thousands of NP salary surveys, the data from the U.S. Department of Education, get the detailed Salary and Employment report below.

Campus and Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky

University	Offered as	City/State
Bellarmine University	Campus, Online	Louisville, KY
Kentucky Christian University	Campus, Online	Grayson, KY
Spalding University	Campus, Hybrid	Louisville, KY
Eastern Kentucky University	Campus, Online	Richmond, KY
Morehead State University	Campus, Online	Morehead, KY
University of Louisville-Louisville	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Louisville, KY
Murray State University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Murray, KY
Northern Kentucky University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Highland Heights, KY
Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Bowling Green, KY

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Kentucky Organizations for Nurse Practitioner

For those pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky, numerous resources are available. These include professional organizations, educational resources, and networking opportunities.

• Kentucky Board of Nursing: https://kbn.ky.gov – The state’s regulatory body for nursing professionals provides information about licensure, regulations, and continuing education opportunities.
• Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners & Nurse Midwives: https://www.kcnpnm.org – A professional organization offering networking events, educational resources, and advocacy for nurse practitioners and nurse midwives in Kentucky.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners – Kentucky: https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/kentucky – The Kentucky branch of this national organization offers local resources and support for nurse practitioners.
• Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State: https://www.rncareers.org/aprn/how-to-become-a-nurse-practitioner/ – A comprehensive resource for prospective nurse practitioners detailing the steps to become a nurse practitioner and providing information about programs in each state.
• Kentucky Nurses Association: https://www.kentucky-nurses.org – This statewide association provides resources for all nurses in Kentucky, including those pursuing careers as nurse practitioners.

These resources can provide valuable support and guidance for anyone working towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky.

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State

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