RN Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in Kentucky
- ADN Programs: 28
- BSN Programs: 20
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 86%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 56.20% to 96.29%
- Average Net-Price $10,648.00
- Net-Price Range: $5,829.00 to $24,649.00
- Average Student Loan : $10,868.37
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 90.29%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 78.43% to 100.00%
- Average Net-Price $15,127.37
- Net-Price Range: $2,323.00 to $24,649.00
- Average Student Loan : $15,543.32
Kentucky RN Program Guide
Requesting information about on-site and online nursing programs can provide nursing candidates with a large selection of schools to choose from. There is no shortage in nursing schools in the state of Kentucky that offer RN programs. The number of Baccalaureate-prepared RNs has more than doubled in recent years. It has been proven that nurses with a BSN are able to provide better patient safety and more cost-effective patient care. The more nurses with a BSN degree in nursing, the more Kentucky can benefit in terms of healthcare.
In our Kentucky RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Kentucky RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The State of Kentucky offers 39 RN programs in 29 different cities. Public institutions offer 24 of the RN programs in the state while there are 5 private, for-profit and 10 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.
In the State of Kentucky, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
What is the best RN program for you to attend? Your sweet spot might be the least expensive school with the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate. Or, it might the school that offers the best NCLEX-RN passing rate no matter the total cost of attendance. You may also want to consider schools with the highest enrollment rate so that you can collaborate with fellow students and have a large alumni to connect with after graduation.
Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Kentucky RN Programs.
ADN Programs in Kentucky
Nursing schools in Kentucky are well aware that students are busy and have lives outside of school; many schools have evolved to the point that they offer night and weekend nursing programs, allowing students the flexibility to work, spend time with their families, and attend school.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Kentucky ADN Programs
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Kentucky of 96.29%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $6,507.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 28
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 86.42%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 56.20% to 96.29%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Kentucky?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Kentucky so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Kentucky is offered by Madisonville Community College at about $5,829.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.29%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Beckfield College-Florence and it will cost about $24,649.00.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inKentucky: $10,648.00
- Net-Price Range for Kentucky ADN Programs: $5,829.00 to $24,649.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Kentucky Schools: $10,868.37
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Kentucky: $6,962.00 to $18,860.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 20
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 5
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 3
BSN Programs in Kentucky
Nurses can choose to attend a program from three different formats: online, campus-based, and a program that combines the two formats. The admissions criteria and curriculum are consistent with all three formats. Students need to know that most universities require an active RN license, a degree, or diploma (with a GPA of 2.0 or better) in order to be accepted into the program. Most nursing schools give flexibility in allowing nurses to attend school either full-time or part-time. The programs can be completed in 3-5 semesters. Classes in the curriculum may include:
- Evaluation of Clinical Performance
- Theories and Concepts of Professional Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Nursing Assessment Laboratory and Practicum
- Development of Theories in Nursing
- Nursing in the Community and Community Practicum
NCLEX Passing Rates for Kentucky BSN Programs
Union College wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Kentucky with a score of 100.00%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $17,385.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 20
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 90.29%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 78.43% to 100.00%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Kentucky?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Kentucky to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Kentucky is offered by Berea College and will cost you about $2,323.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.43%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Beckfield College-Florence and will cost you about $24,649.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Kentucky: $15,127.37
- Net-Price Range for Kentucky BSN Programs: $2,323.00 to $24,649.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Kentucky Schools: $15,543.32
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Kentucky: $5,234.00 to $23,000.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 8
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 3
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 9
MSN Programs in Kentucky
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Kentucky offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Kentucky RN Licensing Requirements
There are three ways nurses can obtain licensure through the state of Kentucky: by exam, by endorsement, and, in some cases, by completing a nursing program in a foreign country.
RN Licensure by Exam
There is a $125 fee for the application by examination. This is a non-refundable fee. Applications are valid for a year and will expire if the applicant is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam. Applicants are required to complete a criminal background report and submit a fingerprint card. There is a $14.75 fee made payable to Kentucky State Police. In addition to an approved nursing program, candidates must also complete a jurisprudence exam. When all of these tasks have been completed, the candidate can register and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). It costs $200 in order to register for this exam. Those who have completed nursing programs in Kentucky must earn two hours of HIV/AIDS continuing education, three hours of domestic violence continuing education, and one and a half hours of pediatric head abuse trauma within three years of obtaining licensure.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses you have received licensure in one of the other 50 states can apply for licensure through endorsement. Applications and documentation are reviewed within 14 days. An endorsement application is valid for up to six months. This means you have six months to complete the endorsement process before the application expires. If the application expires before a temporary permit or license has been issued, candidates will be required to submit a new application, fingerprint card, and fees. There is a $165 fee for the endorsement application. In addition to the requirements that are needed for licensure by exam, candidates must also submit verification of original licensure and transcripts.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who were trained abroad must complete the following:
- Copy of a Visa Screen for Licensure
- Application and fee with a request for a social security number if the candidate doesn’t already have one
- Legal residency in the United States
RN Salaries in Kentucky
The average mean wage of RNs in Kentucky is approximately $57,520. This figure will often fluctuate for nurses who have sought out higher education. There are over 60,000 nurses actively registered in Kentucky. It is also reported that more students than ever are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The hospitals in Kentucky provide nurses with many job opportunities in areas such as management, utilization review, quality control, infection control, and wound care specialization. There are also case manager positions available within a hospital as well as home healthcare and community-based healthcare facilities.
Kentucky Registered Nursing Salaries
A majority of the registered nurses are working in the Louisville area. Nurses in this area also make the highest annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | $26.89 | $55,930 | |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 780 | $28.67 | $59,640 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 6,880 | $28.23 | $58,720 |
| Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN | 15,220 | $29.18 | $60,690 |
| Owensboro, KY | 880 | $25.21 | $52,430 |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 3,810 | $23.35 | $48,570 |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 3,750 | $26.70 | $55,540 |
| West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 2,800 | $26.26 | $54,630 |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 3,250 | $25.30 | $52,620 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
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