Best RN Programs in Kentucky for 2024

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.

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) - 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 - 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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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. 

 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.

Galen College of Nursing is a SACSCOC-accredited educational institution in Louisville, Kentucky. With a 1:12 Faculty to Student Ratio, this college aims to mold students for the nursing profession by preparing them for the boards.

3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - This prelicensure BSN program allows new nursing students and/or those with non-nursing baccalaureate degree or with general education courses to earn a BSN degree in as fast as three years or less. It is done full-time with an accelerated pacing and does not require any prerequisites. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, and graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam.

Practical Nursing Diploma (PN) - This Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program prepares students for patient care under an RN or physician’s supervision in various health settings. Also known as Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program in Texas, this can be completed in either full-time or part-time options in 12 and 21 months, respectively. The curriculum focuses on hands-on education taught in small class sizes.

 LPN to ADN (Bridge) - This ADN bridge program for Licensed Practical Nurses or Vocational Nurses can be completed in just 15 to 18 months. It is offered full-time with no prerequisites, and general education classes embedded in the nursing curriculum.  Program graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN®.

Online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) - For registered nurses who would like to advance their career, this RN to BSN program is designed for them. This can be completed in just 12 months. Coursework is done completely online with supportive faculty.

Online MSN, Master of Science in Nursing - This MSN program is designed for RNs with BSN degrees. It is offered completely online and has two available tracks—the Nursing and Healthcare Leadership track and the Nurse Educator track. One of the admission requirements is a BSN degree from an accredited RN program/institution.

Henderson Community College is located in Henderson, Kentucky.  They offer an traditional ADN program and an LPN to ADN Bridge Program.  However, an LPN can also enroll in the traditional ADN program and enter in semester III.  The Bridge Program is a nontraditional program, with weekend and evening courses, whereas the traditional program has courses at traditional times.  Both options allow the LPN to select a program that works best for their schedule.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is a two-year educational institution located in Lexington, Kentucky. It prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed for transfer to any four-year institution. It was formed in 2005, and is one of Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s 16 colleges. BCTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.

 Associate Degree Nursing Program - This program is ACEN-accredited and Kentucky Board of Nursing-approved. It sets the foundation for students for various nursing roles through the knowledge, quality, and relationship-centered care built upon through the curriculum. Offered in two campuses, the Leestown for day class and Lawrenceburg for evening and weekend classes, this program prepares students to become registered nurses. General education and nursing courses are taught with the latter emphasizing the connection of classroom knowledge and clinical skills in various settings. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

 Practical Nursing - Designed for individuals who would like to become LPNs, this program’s curriculum utilizes a blend of classroom instruction, laboratory hands-on experiences, and supervised clinical immersion. Upon successful program and Kentucky Board of Nursing requirements completion, students may take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Named after its location, Owensboro, Kentucky, Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is a two-year degree granting public institution. It is one of the 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). OCTC is SACSCOC-accredited and aims to develop a competitive workforce in the region through quality education. Scholarships up to four semesters are available in OCTC through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship.

 Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) -  

OCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) allows State Registered Nursing Assistants (SRNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to become registered nurses. It aims to prepare entry-level RNs in quality care provision in various healthcare settings. This program is offered in two options—the traditional option for SRNAs and the second option designed for LPNs.

Moreover, the ADN program is Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)- approved and National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)- accredited. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). In terms of NCLEX performance, OCTC continues to have an impressive first time pass rate.

Madisonville Community College (MCC) is an educational institution named after its location, Madisonville, Kentucky. This SACSCOC-accredited college has several auxiliary locations and three campuses. Through the transfer pathways, students can easily transfer their earned units in MCC to other universities, for ease of continuing education. One of the programs offered in MCC is Integrated Nursing which has a full approval status from the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

 Integrated Nursing Program - This program allows for several career options because of its two exit points—as a Practical Nurse (PN) or as a Registered Nurse (RN). The PN option can be completed in three semesters, preparing students for healthcare with a physician or registered nurse’s supervision. Graduates of this option can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The RN or Associate Degree nursing option’s components can be completed in four semesters. Graduates of this option can sit in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Moreover, a PN to RN track is also available. The Integrated Nursing Program’s admission follows a selective process, based on cumulative points. For the ADN program, acceptance is limited, given the available community facilities and the Kentucky Board of Nursing-required faculty to student ratio. Priority will be given to applicants with the highest points. Admission requirements include a completed HESI A2 Exam with a score of at least 75 points, and a NACE score of 80 or above for those applying for the PN to RN track.

Gateway Community & Technical College (GCTC) is an educational institution in Florence, Kentucky which provides a community for students to develop confidence and collaboration. It is Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)-accredited to award associate degrees. GCTC students can seamlessly continue their education in other institutions since GCTC earned units are transferable to most universities. Moreover, one of its associate programs, the ADN, is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. 

Associate in Applied Science Degree - This 66-credit hour Associate in Applied Science: Nursing (ADN) program prepares graduates for client care provision and management. The curriculum is a blend of theoretical concept application with evidence-based practice in order to provide quality patient-centered care. Its philosophy is supported by the Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Competencies.

Admission requirements include a grade of C or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) in all the prerequisite and corequisite courses. Applicants must also complete the NLN RN Pre-admission Exam (NLN PAX) and must have an active status on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry. A Work Ready KY Scholarship for pre-requisite and nursing courses is available. Program graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

GCTC also offers a Paramedic to RN program, providing a direct path for paramedics to transition to the nursing profession. This program’s admission is on a selective basis. In terms of transfer pathways, GCTC has an RN to BSN option in partnership with Thomas More University (TMU) and Northern Kentucky University (NKU).

Located in Bowling Green, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is an educational institution with a community geared towards student success, collaboration, compassion, and confidence. Its nursing programs use a blend of nursing theory and skills learned in classrooms, and real-world application of these.

 Associate Degree in Nursing - The Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum is composed of general education and nursing courses, as patterned from the NLN and QSEN. It can be taken in either the 62-66 credit hour Modular Pathway, or the 62-65.5 Standard Pathway. Admission is selective. In order to progress in the program, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale must be maintained in addition to a grade of C or higher in the mathematics, biological science and nursing courses.

 Integrated Nursing Program - This program provides the foundation to various career options. The curriculum uses interactive student-centered strategies with simple to complex course progression in order to arrive at the targeted competencies. Students can choose between the PN or the Associate Degree Nursing option. The former requires enrolment in a PN exit course. The program follows the selection admission process.

 Practical Nursing Program - This ACEN-accredited program uses both on-campus theory instruction and clinical immersion for practical application. Admission is also based on a selective process. Students enrolled for the Practical Nurse Diploma can choose between three pathways—the traditional, traditional modified, and modular options. These options have 43-55, 43-56, and 46-54 total credits, respectively. 

Nursing – Academic/Career Mobility Program - With a curriculum geared towards the development of both knowledge and skills, this program offers two exit points for students to seamlessly transition into an LPN or RN career. Students can choose between the 36-40 credit hour Practical Nursing Diploma, or continue for the 62-66 credit hour AAS option. Upon successful completion of the first year, students will be conferred a diploma, qualifying them for the Licensure for Practical Nurses exam. Students will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing upon completion of the second year. This makes them eligible to apply for the licensure as registered nurses.

Located in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), is a coeducational public institution of higher learning. Its School of Nursing has had an impact on the health of communities for 50 years.

Associate of Science in Nursing - The Associate of Science in Nursing (ANS) program received a continuing accreditation from ACEN, and is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). To be admitted, a CGPA of at 2.5 or better on a 4 scale is required, along with a completed Nursing Admission Assessment (HESI A2) exam prior to program application. Graduates are conferred an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree.

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing - There are three options to gain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in EKU. The traditional 4-year BSN program, 2nd degree BSN program, and RN-BSN program.

The traditional 4-year BSN program is designed for high school graduates who would like to pursue a nursing education. The curriculum is a blend of professional nursing, general education courses and clinical education. However, for those with baccalaureate degrees in other fields, the 65-credit Second Degree BSN is designed for them. This intensive program can be completed in 21 months in an online course of study.

Another option is the RN to BSN program. This 29-credit hour program is designed for registered nurses and can be completed in as fast as 18 months.

Master of Science in Nursing - EKU offers two tracks for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner and Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both are conducted 100% online with up to 12 hours transfer credit. The former is a 47-credit hour track which focuses on disease prevention and health promotion, while the latter consists of 49 credit hours with emphasis on addressing mental health needs in various clinical settings.

Post-MSN Certificates - Two tracks for Post-MSN Certificates are also offered—as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both are done fully online with up to 9 hours transfer credit. The former consists of 22-32 credit hours which focuses on acute and chronic health conditions primary care, while the latter is a 25-34 credit hour track which is aimed to meet the mental health needs of the populace.

 Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN DNP concentration in Organizational Leadership) - This 32-38 credit hour program prepares students to become innovators and leaders in improving health outcomes. It is a practice-focused program which is conducted 100% online with up to12 hours transfer credits.

Located in Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University (WSU) is an inclusive public school with multiple academic program recognitions. WKU’s College of Health and Human Services which aims to be a leader in student-centered academic experience houses its School of Nursing and Allied Health.

 LPN to ASN Program - This 61-hour program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to obtain an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). To offer flexibility for students, it is offered with an online coursework, various scheduling options and customizable curriculum plan.

 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program - WKU students can obtain a BSN degree through two options—the traditional BSN and the Second-Degree program. The former is a full-time, upper division option with four semesters designed for students who have completed the prerequisite courses.

Meanwhile, the second degree entry option is for those who possess a non-nursing BS or BA degree. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. In terms of the said exam’s passing rate, WKU has a five-year 95% average for first-time takers.

 Master of Science in Nursing - WKU’s MSN degree is offered in one track, the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This prepares students for the certification test, and provides them with the capabilities to offer healthcare to patients with mental health conditions and psychiatric illnesses.

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate - The Post-Master Certification program is designed for students with a nursing master’s degree. It has two tracks—the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The former track leads to FNP certification exam eligibility.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - To obtain a DNP degree in WKU, two entry options are available--BSN to DNP or Post MSN to DNP. The former has two specialty concentrations—the 76-credit hour Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and the 63-credit hour Nurse Executive.  Both concentrations as well as entry options can be taken either in a full-time or part-time course progression. Meanwhile, Post-MSN to DNP option is an evidence-based 36-credit hour curriculum building on the traditional master’s program.

Morehead State University (MSU) is an educational institution in Morehead, Kentucky. It was initially called Morehead Normal School when it was founded in 1887. Currently, MSU has a 15:1 student to faculty ratio with an average class size of 18. Its Department of Nursing has produced graduates with a 100% job placement rate for the past ten years.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing - This ACEN-accredited program allows individuals to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) in as fast as two years. The curriculum is focused on learning by doing through simulations and clinical practicums. Admission requirements include an Enhanced ACT score with a composite score of 20 or better, a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, and a grade of “C” in the AASN prerequisite courses. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).

Pre-Licensure BSN - For first-time college students who would like to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, this pre-licensure program is designed for them. The curriculum is a blend of math, science, and nursing courses for well-roundedness taught through learning by doing. A state-of-the-art simulation lab with a computerized mannequin is available for students to practice illness diagnosis and treatment. Program admission is selective, with limited students accepted annually.  Graduates can take the NCLEX-RN.

Post- Licensure BSN - This BSN post-licensure program is designed for working nurses. The nursing courses are delivered online through an eight-week modular format through a blend of individualized and interactive learning. To be admitted, applicants must possess an unexpired and unrestricted RN license. 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)- Family Nurse Practitioner Program (FNPP) - The MSN-FNPP is designed for baccalaureate-holder RNs who would want to advance their nursing career, education, and practice. This 49-credit hour program is offered purely online to cater to working individuals' busy schedules. Moreover, those who already possess a master’s degree may enroll in the 48-credit hour post-MSN program. Completion of the said program leads to FNP certification exam eligibility.