RN Programs in Kentucky
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, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Kentucky RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
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 can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Kentucky RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 27 | 19 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 88.18% | 741.26% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 79.50% to 95.38% | 73.00% to 3,423.63% |
| Average Net Price | $10,159.73 | $14,089.72 |
| Average Net Price Range | $5,829.00 to $24,649.00 | $2,323.00 to $23,977.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $10,727.42 | $15,572.72 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $6,962.00 to $18,860.00 | $5,234.00 to $23,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Kentucky State | BSN Rankings for Kentucky State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Kentucky
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Kentucky and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 26 ADN degree programs and 14 BSN degree programs in Kentucky. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Kentucky to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Eastern Kentucky University
- 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY - 40475-3102
- (859) 622-1000
Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky. EKU offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. They also have a wide variety of post-graduate options for those who want to continue their education after graduating with their BSN degree.
School Information
Location: Richmond, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.52%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 16
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
University of Pikeville
- 147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY - 41501
- (606) 218-5250
School Information
Location: Pikeville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.52%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 16
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
RANKED 3
Hopkinsville Community College
- 720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, KY - 42240
- (270) 707-3700
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.
School Information
Location: Hopkinsville, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.04%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 67
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Hazard Community and Technical College
- One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY - 41701-2402
- (606) 487-3503
School Information
Location: Hazard, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.78%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 74
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 5
Owensboro Community and Technical College
- 4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY - 42303
- (270) 686-4400
Owensboro Community and Technical College is located in Owensboro, Kentucky. They have an ADN and an LPN to ADN program. They are proud to boast that their pass rate of the NCLEX-RN has been above 95% for the past 4 years.
School Information
Location: Owensboro, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.04%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 102
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 6
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 700 College Rd, Cumberland, KY - 40823
- (606) 589-2145
School Information
Location: Cumberland, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.33%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 126
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 7
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
- 600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY - 42701-3081
- (270) 769-2371
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. They offer an ASN program. At this time they do not offer an LPN to RN program. As a whole, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates approximately 500 students annually.
School Information
Location: Elizabethtown, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.96%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 176
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 8
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- 470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, KY - 40506
- (859) 246-6200
School Information
Location: Lexington, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.93%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 178
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 9
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
- 1031 Zorn Avenue , Suite 400, Louisville, KY - 40207
- (502) 410-6200
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.26%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 209
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
Henderson Community College
- 2660 S Green St, Henderson, KY - 42420-4699
- (270) 827-1867
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.
School Information
Location: Henderson, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.93%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 221
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 11
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY - 42002-7380
- (270) 554-9200
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is located in Paducah, Kentucky. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN accelerated program. They also accept transfer nursing students if there is space available in their programs.
School Information
Location: Paducah, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.26%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 248
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 12
Madisonville Community College
- 2000 College Drive, Madisonville, KY - 42431
- (270) 821-2250
School Information
Location: Madisonville, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.30%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 285
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 13
Campbellsville University
- 1 University Dr, Campbellsville, KY - 42718-2799
- (270) 789-5000
School Information
Location: Campbellsville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.85%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 300
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
RANKED 14
National College-Lexington
- 2376 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, KY - 40509
- (859) 253-0621
School Information
Location: Lexington, KY- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.56%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 344
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 15
Maysville Community and Technical College
- 1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, KY - 41056
- (606) 759-7141
School Information
Location: Maysville, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.96%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 368
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 16
Midway College
- 512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
- (859) 846-4421
School Information
Location: Midway, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.89%- State Rank: 15
- US Rank: 372
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 17
Jefferson Community and Technical College
- 109 E Broadway, Louisville, KY - 40202-2005
- (502) 213-4000
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.78%- State Rank: 16
- US Rank: 376
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 18
Somerset Community College
- 808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY - 42501-2973
- (877) 629-9722
Somerset Community College is located in Somerset, Kentucky. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to ADN program. Their LPN to ADN program is designed for the working nurse – it is specifically set in an evening/weekend format.
School Information
Location: Somerset, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.74%- State Rank: 17
- US Rank: 378
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 19
Morehead State University
- University Blvd, Morehead, KY - 40351
- (606) 783-2000
Morehead State University is located in Morehead, Kentucky. They have a variety of nursing option. They have an ADN degree, a paramedic to ADN option, a post-licensure program (this allows an RN to become a BSN) and a pre-licensure program (this allows a traditional student to become a BSN).
School Information
Location: Morehead, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.63%- State Rank: 18
- US Rank: 382
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 20
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-3601
- (270) 901-1000
School Information
Location: Bowling Green, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.67%- State Rank: 19
- US Rank: 422
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 21
Ashland Community and Technical College
- 1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY - 41101-3683
- (606) 326-2000
School Information
Location: Ashland, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.19%- State Rank: 20
- US Rank: 440
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 22
Western Kentucky University
- 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-1000
- (270) 745-0111
Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. WKU offers a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. The second degree BSN program allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree to become an RN in 4 semesters. This program is separate from the RN to BSN program..
School Information
Location: Bowling Green, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.48%- State Rank: 21
- US Rank: 500
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 23
Beckfield College-Florence
- 16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY - 41042
- (859) 371-9393
School Information
Location: Florence, KY- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.15%- State Rank: 22
- US Rank: 509
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 24
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- One Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY - 41653
- (606) 886-3863
School Information
Location: Prestonsburg, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.30%- State Rank: 23
- US Rank: 532
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 25
Kentucky State University
- 400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY - 40601-2355
- (502) 597-6000
School Information
Location: Frankfort, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 75.85%- State Rank: 24
- US Rank: 650
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 26
Spencerian College-Louisville
- 4627 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY - 40216
- (502) 447-1000
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 75.59%- State Rank: 25
- US Rank: 651
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Gateway Community and Technical College
- 500 Technology Way, Florence, KY - 41042
- (859) 441-4500
School Information
Location: Florence, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
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
Hopkinsville Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Kentucky of 95.38%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,015.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 27
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.18%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 79.50% to 95.38%
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 89.50%. 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: $10,159.73
- 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: $10,727.42
- 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: 4
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 3
RANKED 1
Berea College
- 101 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY - 40404-2182
- (859) 985-3000
School Information
Location: Berea, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 100.00%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 1
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 2
Eastern Kentucky University
- 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY - 40475-3102
- (859) 622-1000
Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky. EKU offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. They also have a wide variety of post-graduate options for those who want to continue their education after graduating with their BSN degree.
School Information
Location: Richmond, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 99.37%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 2
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
University of Kentucky
- South Limestone, Lexington, KY - 40506-0032
- (859) 257-9000
University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Their College of Nursing had over 1,500 students enrolled in 2015. They offer a traditional BSN, an LPN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing is to promote health and well-being through excellence in nursing education, research, practice and service while fostering diversity and inclusion.
School Information
Location: Lexington, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 99.33%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 3
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
Morehead State University
- University Blvd, Morehead, KY - 40351
- (606) 783-2000
Morehead State University is located in Morehead, Kentucky. They have a variety of nursing option. They have an ADN degree, a paramedic to ADN option, a post-licensure program (this allows an RN to become a BSN) and a pre-licensure program (this allows a traditional student to become a BSN).
School Information
Location: Morehead, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 99.00%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 5
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
Western Kentucky University
- 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-1000
- (270) 745-0111
Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. WKU offers a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program. The second degree BSN program allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree to become an RN in 4 semesters. This program is separate from the RN to BSN program..
School Information
Location: Bowling Green, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.37%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 29
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
Thomas More College
- 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, KY - 41017-3495
- (859) 341-5800
School Information
Location: Crestview Hills, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.67%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 46
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 7
Bellarmine University
- 2001 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY - 40205-0671
- (502) 272-8263
Bellarmine University is located in Louiseville, Kentucky. The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated 2nd degree option and an RN to BSN option. They also offer various master’s level and doctoral programs for students who desire to further their education after graduating with their BSN degree.
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.04%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 126
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
Northern Kentucky University
- Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY - 41099
- (859) 572-5100
Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. They offer a BSN program and an accelerated BSN program. The accelerated BSN program is strictly for second degree students; at this time, they do not offer an RN to BSN program.
School Information
Location: Highland Heights, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.26%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 153
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
University of Louisville
- 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY - 40292-0001
- (502) 852-5555
University of Louisville is located in Louisville, Kentucky. They have BSN degree options in various campuses. Their RN to BSN degree option is offered online. Their graduate options are unique; for example, they have a DNP that is offered for the BSN student; the BSN student can pursue it after graduation, rather than pursuing an MSN first.
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.26%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 190
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
Murray State University
- 218 Wells Hall, Murray, KY - 42071-3318
- (270) 809-3011
School Information
Location: Murray, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.70%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 361
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
Lindsey Wilson College
- 210 Lindsey Wilson St, Columbia, KY - 42728-1223
- (270) 384-2126
School Information
Location: Columbia, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.93%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 394
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 12
Spalding University
- 901 S Fourth Street, Louisville, KY - 40203-2188
- (502) 585-9911
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 80.33%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 446
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
Kentucky Christian University
- 100 Academic Pkwy, Grayson, KY - 41143-1199
- (606) 474-3000
School Information
Location: Grayson, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 72.07%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 485
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Union College
- 310 College St, Barbourville, KY - 40906-1499
- (606) 546-4151
School Information
Location: Barbourville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Campbellsville University
- 1 University Dr, Campbellsville, KY - 42718-2799
- (270) 789-5000
School Information
Location: Campbellsville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
- 1031 Zorn Avenue , Suite 400, Louisville, KY - 40207
- (502) 410-6200
School Information
Location: Louisville, KY- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Kentucky State University
- 400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY - 40601-2355
- (502) 597-6000
School Information
Location: Frankfort, KY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
Midway College
- 512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
- (859) 846-4421
School Information
Location: Midway, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
University of Pikeville
- 147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY - 41501
- (606) 218-5250
School Information
Location: Pikeville, KY- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
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
Eastern Kentucky University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Kentucky with a score of 3,423.63%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $11,383.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Kentucky: 19
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 741.26%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 73.00% to 3,423.63%
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 88.13%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Bellarmine University and will cost you about $23,977.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 94.00%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Kentucky: $14,089.72
- Net-Price Range for Kentucky BSN Programs: $2,323.00 to $23,977.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Kentucky Schools: $15,572.72
- 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: 1
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 10
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) 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.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Kentucky
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
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary