Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky in 2024

Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is home to over 43,000 registered nurses who earn an average salary of $67,260 per year. With over 2,700 new nursing positions needed to be filled annually, the demand for nursing in Kentucky continues to grow. Moreover, it is estimated that 47,140 additional nurses are needed in the state by 2030.

As registered nurses in Kentucky must complete rigorous licensing and testing, nursing is one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers. That is why, to help you make your pick among the range of  Kentucky nursing schools to choose from, we ranked the 10 best nursing schools in the state.

• There are 41 nursing schools in Kentucky.
• The CCNE accredits 16 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 26 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Kentucky is between 62.52% and 100.00%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Kentucky is between 71.22% and 97.85%.
• RNs currently employed in Kentucky are 43,540.
• RNs in Kentucky earn an average of $67,260 per year or $32.34 per hour.
• Kentucky needs 47,140 new RNs by 2030 or 2,730 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Kentucky

There are several types of Kentucky nursing programs and credentials available, each with varying time commitments, academic rigor, and career outlooks. Here are some of the:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When weighing nursing programs in Kentucky, key factors to consider include accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, cost, scholarships offered, clinical rotation opportunities, student-to-faculty ratio, and student resources available.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing oversees regulations for nursing licensure, education program standards, license renewal, and continuing education. Nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after graduating from an approved program to become licensed.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky?

Online Nursing Programs for Kentucky Students

Kentucky regulations allow state residents to complete online RN-to-BSN programs or online MSN degrees at accredited schools based in other states. However, Kentucky does require the completion of some in-person clinical training hours within the state for licensure. Be sure to check each school’s state authorization for online learning and potential requirements.

Many reputable online programs accept Kentucky students, offering distance students flexibility while gaining valuable nursing knowledge. Quality indicators to look for include CCNE/ACEN accreditation, dedicated online student advisors, reasonable cost with financial assistance available, generous transfer credit allowances, and options to complete some clinical rotations in Kentucky.

When researching online nursing programs in Kentucky, also consider the tuition and faculty line-up of the school.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Accelerated BSN programs provide a fast-track route to a Bachelor’s in Nursing, geared for those who already hold a BA or BS in another field.

The typical accelerated BSN program format is 12-18 months long, facilitating a transition into a nursing career more quickly than a traditional 4-year BSN. Requirements often include:

• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
• Pre-requisite courses if lacking in previous degree: Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc.
• Minimum entrance exam scores
• Healthcare experience hours
• Interview
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Drug screening, background check
• Letters of recommendation

Once enrolled, ABSN students progress through an intensive, condensed nursing curriculum covering topics like medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental health nursing obstetrics, community health, nursing research, healthcare policy and leadership.

With accelerated courses and such rigorous study, working during an ABSN program can prove extremely difficult due to the full-time clinical schedules. Yet financial aid and scholarships are available.

Upon completion, graduates become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for RN licensure, with many ABSN students passing the NCLEX at higher rates than average.

When researching ABSN programs in Kentucky, look for strong passing rates on NCLEX licensing exams. 

RN to BSN Programs

Once becoming an RN through an associate or diploma program, many nurses elect to continue their undergraduate education. RN to BSN programs build upon foundational nursing skills with advanced coursework tailored to working registered nurses.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Kentucky

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Kentucky

Benefits of getting a BSN degree for current Kentucky RNs include:

• Higher salaries – BSN nurses earn approximately $8,000 per year more on average
• Enhanced patient care capabilities and leadership skills
• More career advancement options and opportunities
• Advanced knowledge in areas like research, nursing theory, policy, communication and patient education
• Eligibility for more nursing supervisory and management roles

There are a few formats for RN to BSN programs – choose the option that best suits your schedule and financial situation:

• Online – Typically most flexible and affordable, with no commuting. A part-time online plan of study allows working nurses to continue gaining valuable experience while conveniently furthering RN degrees.

• Campus-based – For local students who prefer learning in person and having face-to-face interactions. Look for schools allowing part-time enrollment with night/weekend courses.

• Hybrid – The best of both worlds for some students, hybrid RN to BSN programs blend online learning with occasional labs/activities on campus.

No matter the format chosen, make sure to evaluate each RN to BSN program’s accreditation, cost structure, admissions requirements, course & credit transfer policies, availability of scholarships and tuition reductions, and student resources offered – to pick the one matching your needs.

Many RN to BSN programs in Kentucky just take 12-24 months to complete when enrolled part-time. It costs under $10,000 total, features a generous transfer credit allowance, includes experiential learning opportunities embedded within nursing coursework, and provides professional nursing career guidance from local hospital partners.

When researching RN programs in Kentucky, use resources like the National League for Nursing to compare top contenders on important metrics before applying.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those committed to nursing in Kentucky can take their career to an advanced level through specialized MSN degrees, preparing graduates for roles as nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), or nursing administrators.

Common MSN program tracks offered across Kentucky include:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse able to prescribe medications, perform advanced procedures, and order & analyze diagnostic tests as a healthcare provider. Choose specialization in high-demand fields like family, adult-gerontology, women’s health, pediatrics, mental health, emergency nursing.
• Nursing Administration – Learn to lead teams & manage complex operations in healthcare settings as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Director of Nursing (DON) or health facility administrator.
• Nursing Informatics – Blend healthcare expertise with technology skills to help design and optimize computer systems supporting clinical data and decision making.
• Nursing Education – Prepare for teaching future nurses through professor roles at Kentucky universities and medical centers with EdD/PhD options too.

MSN curriculum covers advanced clinical knowledge, evidence-based research methodologies, ethical analysis, policymaking, leadership dynamics and extensive immersive specialization. Programs can take 2-3 years to complete if attending full-time. Expect 500+ clinical hours observing specialist providers and practicing advanced techniques.

Competitive applicants for Kentucky’s MSN programs often showcase:

• High GPA – minimum 3.0 is common; higher GPAs preferred
• Strong letters of recommendation from prior nursing professors/advisors and working nurse supervisors
• Previous healthcare experience such as volunteer work, externships or paid jobs
• Clear motivation for seeking the MSN specialty field in admissions essays

Note that most MSN programs require taking undergraduate statistics coursework if not already completed.

Upon completing an MSN, nurses become eligible for certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in their chosen specialization – like the family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) credential – and can apply for associated licenses to practice.

Check each school’s specific offerings, as smaller colleges in Kentucky may only have MSN tracks in certain high demand specialties like family nurse practitioner or nursing administration leadership. Larger universities tend to offer more MSN specialty options.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

A nursing career route gaining popularity among Kentucky nurses is becoming a certified Nurse Practitioner. NPs complete advanced clinical and leadership training beyond the RN level, learned through CCNE/ACEN-accredited MSN or DNP nurse practitioner specialty programs.

Best NP Schools in Kentucky

• Best NP Programs in Kentucky

Nurse practitioners act as healthcare providers, often serving as a patient’s primary care provider. They can work autonomously or alongside physicians, evaluating patients via health histories & physical exams, ordering & interpreting diagnostic tests, making diagnoses, managing chronic + acute illnesses, and prescribing medications + treatments.

Top specializations for aspiring nurse practitioners in Kentucky include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner – Provide comprehensive primary & preventative care for patients of all ages as part of care teams. This versatile track offers the most job flexibility.
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Focus on managing medical needs of adult and elderly patients. Gain skills in diagnosing/treating chronic illnesses.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Work directly with pediatric patients from birth through the teen years and their families.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Help children, teens and adults cope with trauma, mental illness, emotional disturbances, behavioral issues + crises. Provide psychotherapy, prescribe psychiatric meds.

Nurse practitioner students complete 500-1,000 supervised clinical hours under the guidance of experienced providers to build advanced assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and other expert skills required in the field. Course delivery formats include full-time, part-time and post-master’s options lasting around 2-3 years.

Upon graduating, take the national certification exam to become a certified NP in your population focus area through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or other board. Then pursue state APRN licensure to begin practicing with prescription or care provision authority once scope requirements are met.

The career outlook for nurse practitioners remains positive nationwide and across Kentucky as the model for delivering cost-effective, quality healthcare continues to evolve. And certified nurse practitioners earn substantially higher salaries than RNs or BSN nurses.

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For nursing professionals seeking the pinnacle of education within the field, two potential degree routes exist:

• DNP: The Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares elite clinician scholars, future nursing professors and executives seeking to guide healthcare transformation.
• PhD: The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing cultivates research scholars and scientists conducting original studies to advance nursing science and shape policy.

DNP Overview

Often termed the “clinical doctorate degree in nursing,” the DNP coursework builds executive acumen to navigate complex practice issues, healthcare economics, and quality improvement. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, informative research application, leadership dynamics, policy analysis, advanced nursing theory, and intricacies of healthcare systems.

Many specialized DNP pathways, like the online nursing programs offered at schools like [university name], allow current nurse practitioners to complete a post-master’s DNP program by progressing through doctoral academic modules combined with a culminating DNP capstone project. DNP capstone projects give students a platform to make meaningful impacts on nursing practice in their specialty area while enacting the scholarship and leadership abilities honed during the program.

PhD Nursing Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing prepares scholars seeking careers in academia as nursing school faculty – educating successive generations of nurses – as well as positions advancing care quality through research. Rather than a clinical focus, PhD in Nursing programs concentrate fully on research design, methodology, data analysis and the academic development of nurse scientists.

PhD in Nursing students immerse in research within care provision environments during residency periods and actively participate in ongoing university nursing research initiatives. Culminating doctoral preparation, they design, organize, conduct and defend dissertations expanding scientific nursing knowledge.

When selecting PhD Nursing programs in Kentucky, look for professors matching your research interests as an advisor, extensive faculty publishing credentials, offerings like research/teaching assistant roles to gain relevant experience during enrollment, statistics and qualitative method coursework, and funding/scholarship availability to offset cost.

Attending a research-intensive university for nursing doctoral studies can open doors afterwards to high level clinician or scientist jobs as sector thought leaders or university faculty.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Kentucky

Nursing offers a meaningful way to launch a rewarding career improving others’ lives across diverse settings like hospitals, private practices, clinics, schools and more. And Kentucky features a fast-growing nursing field brimming with job options.

High Demand – Nursing job openings exist across Kentucky with competitive salaries as healthcare systems seek to hire newly licensed nurses and specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a substantial 9% job growth nationally for RNs and an over 30% explosion in nurse practitioner jobs over the 2020-2030 decade.

This growth results from factors like Kentucky’s aging population requiring more care, nurses retiring and leaving the workforce, expanded access to insurance increasing patient demand, and evolving models leveraging more advanced practice nurses to deliver efficient quality care.

Competitive Salaries – In addition to rewarding work environments helping people, nursing also offers financial security. Newly graduated RNs earn approximately $60,000 per year on average in Kentucky. And pay steadily climbs with years of experience and specialization. Nurse practitioners in Kentucky earn well over 6-figures.

Variety – Kentucky nurses gain valuable experience across diverse settings like major medical centers, small community hospitals, private doctor offices, walk-in clinics, nursing homes, schools and even serve as medical transport flight nurses. This variety allows narrowing in on preferred practice focus areas.

How to Earn Your Nursing License in Kentucky

To begin practicing as a registered nurse within Kentucky, complete the following main steps:

1. Graduate from an Approved RN Program

Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma from a community colleges, or a BSN from an accredited nursing school. It means the school or university must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Not sure which school to enroll? Take a look at our rankings for the top nursing schools in Kentucky offering the best nursing programs.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Apply for licensure and register to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Then pass this computerized exam proving competencies in major nursing areas.

3. Maintain an Active Nursing License

Once licensed, RNs must renew licenses every 2 years in Kentucky by completing continuing education units and paying renewal fees. Licenses can also be placed in inactive status.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Kentucky

With nursing programs across community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities statewide, narrow options by checking each school’s credentials in areas like:

Accreditation Status

Make sure that the college of nursing or school of nursing you are planning to enroll in is approved and accredited. Verifying proper accreditation confirms the nursing program meets rigorous standards for delivering quality nursing education as evaluated by outside official review boards.

The two main national accreditors to look for are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

For example, the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University nursing schools boast prestigious CCNE accreditation.

NCLEX Pass Rates

The nursing program’s score for graduates passing the national RN licensing exam indicates strong educational preparation. High NCLEX-RN pass rates point to curriculum rigor and standout teaching.

Tuition Costs + Scholarship Availability

Evaluate the total program cost and financial assistance opportunities. Seek colleges offering tuition reductions for in-state residents, need/merit-based grants for nursing students, external scholarships, federal loan programs, and reimbursement agreements with Kentucky hospitals to make achieving an affordable nursing education more viable.

For instance, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program sponsored by the US Department of Health & Human Services pays up to 60% of tuition/fees to BSN or MSN students committed to working at eligible healthcare facilities with staffing shortages for 2-3 years post-graduation.

Student-to-Instructor Ratio

A lower student-faculty ratio suggests smaller nursing class sizes, more attention from advisors, enhanced instruction quality and greater access to counseling assistance improving your odds for nursing program success.

Exposure to Clinical Environments

Check what healthcare facilities colleges partner with to arrange nursing student rotations, as the clinical training venues can impact skills developed if focused more on large regional hospitals versus rural clinics. Geographic proximity also minimizes commutes to clinical sites.

For example, Bellarmine University nursing undergraduates train across top-rated medical institutions like Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health Louisville to gain high quality experiences. And Northern Kentucky University arranges clinicals at St. Elizabeth Healthcare facilities conveniently located in the campus’ region.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Kentucky

Once completing an accredited nursing diploma, associate’s or bachelor’s program, the next vital steps for newly graduated nurses in Kentucky involve getting licensed to begin working.

In-Demand Nursing Specializations

While nurses find jobs across diverse healthcare environments in Kentucky, some in-demand specialty areas to consider include:

• Emergency Room (ER) Nursing – Fast-paced trauma care best suits nurses able to thrive under pressure.
• Oncology / Cancer Care Nursing – Compassionately helping patients/families cope with the challenges of cancer.
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – ICU nurses have advanced skills monitoring and treating critically ill patients requiring close care.
• Labor and Delivery / OBGYN – Welcoming new life into the world proves extremely rewarding.
• Pediatrics – Caring for children through preventative care, illness and injury treatment brings fulfillment to nurturing nurse personalities.

Nurses can pursue specialized certifications in areas of interest to stand out as candidates for associated nursing jobs. And down the road, enrolled in targeted MSN degree programs to move into advanced roles.

Job Outlook + Salaries

New nurses in Kentucky enjoy a robust job market. The aging baby boom population with greater care demands, nurse retirements, and expanded insurance access collectively spurred the need for more licensed RNs – resulting in over 23,000 projected RN job openings in Kentucky between 2020-2030, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

This ever-increasing demand allows nursing graduates to secure well-paying stable jobs and often get hired prior to completing NCLEX exams. Plus salaries keep rising to attract more nurses.

While specific pay rates depend upon your nursing degree, specialization, certifications gained, facility type and location, years of experience also substantially impact salaries. New ADN/BSN nurses start around $61,000 statewide but pay can reach over $73,000 in cities like Louisville. Then wages climb steadily over decades of work or when becoming nurse supervisors and APRN specialists.

With strong nursing demand across Kentucky and nationally over this decade, new registered nursing graduates obtain exciting opportunities to launch healthcare careers where they can make a meaningful lifesaving difference while achieving job security and earning high salaries with built-in raise potential over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Kentucky

What nursing jobs/roles can I qualify for after earning different nursing degrees in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you can find jobs after earning diplomas, associate degrees (ADN), bachelor’s degrees (BSN) and graduate nursing degrees. You’ll have better chances if you graduate from one of the accredited nursing schools in the state.

• Diploma/ADN nurses often work as RNs across diverse healthcare settings
• BSN nurses qualify for additional nursing jobs like public health nurses, nurse supervisors and clinical research roles
• Master’s of Science in Nursing grads obtain advanced nursing positions like Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Educators or top executives

How competitive is admission to nursing schools in Kentucky?

With many Kentucky residents seeking nursing degrees across the state, admission into programs can be competitive with minimum GPA requirements, entrance exams, healthcare experience expectations, and essay components. This is especially true for accredited nursing schools in Kentucky since they are considered one of the best in the state. We recommend applying to 5-8 nursing schools meeting your needs to have the best shot. Maintaining a high GPA, scoring well on entrance tests like the NLN PAX-RN pre-admission exam, obtaining patient care experience like CNA or EMT work, and communicating your passion for the nursing profession through essays and interviews all help better chances for admission. Leverage resources like nursing school advisors to successfully navigate the application process.

How Do I Become an RN in Kentucky? 

The Kentucky State Board of Nursing has accredited nursing programs at schools like Eastern Kentucky University and Kentucky State University. These state university nursing departments offer a variety of nursing degrees to help students become RNs in Kentucky. Programs include an associate’s degree in nursing, LPN to BSN, accelerated BSNs, master’s degrees, and more. Kentucky nursing students graduating from accredited programs qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a Kentucky nursing license.

What Types of Nursing Programs Are Offered in Kentucky?

Most nursing colleges in Kentucky offer undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in many areas of nursing. These include maternal newborn nursing, pediatric care, critical care, geriatrics, mental health nursing, and more. Kentucky universities like Western Kentucky University and others have traditional BSN programs, accelerated nursing programs in Kentucky, RN to BSN degrees, MSN programs, and dual degree options. Finding nursing programs in Kentucky to match your interests is key.

What is the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-Admission Exam?

Many top nursing programs in Kentucky and nationwide require prospective students to take the National League for Nursing pre-admission exam. This standardized test helps nursing schools assess candidates and determine if students have the foundational knowledge to succeed in rigorous nursing programs. The NLN pre-admission exam tests skills in areas like reading comprehension, vocabulary, biology, anatomy, physiology, math, and more. Performance on this nursing entrance test, along with GPA and other admissions criteria, allow nursing programs to help select qualified applicants with the best chance of thriving in their programs. Scoring well on the NLN can improve candidates’ chances of admission.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Kentucky Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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