Overview of Nursing Schools in Kentucky
- There are 37 nursing schools in Kentucky. The CCNE accredits 15 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 23 schools in Kentucky.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Kentucky is between 79.50% and 95.38%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Kentucky is between 73.00% and 98.63%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Kentucky can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Kentucky
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools 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 | 26 | 19 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 88.18% | 88.85% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 79.50% to 95.38% | 73.00% to 98.63% |
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 15 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.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Kentucky
Berea College
Pass Rate
- 101 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY - 40404-2182
- (859) 985-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 146
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $700
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $47,514
Percent Admitted: 33%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 48%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Lindsey Wilson College
Pass Rate
- 210 Lindsey Wilson St, Columbia, KY - 42728-1223
- (270) 384-2126
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 101
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,252
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 40%
University of Kentucky
Pass Rate
- South Limestone, Lexington, KY - 40506-0032
- (859) 257-9000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.33%
- 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: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 2830
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,610
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,865
Percent Admitted: 96%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Eastern Kentucky University
Pass Rate
- 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY - 40475-3102
- (859) 622-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Associate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 563
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,752
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,558
Percent Admitted: 98%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green
School of Nursing and Allied Health
Pass Rate
- 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-1000
- (270) 745-0111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.67%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 658
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,992
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,166
Percent Admitted: 98%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Morehead State University
Pass Rate
- University Blvd, Morehead, KY - 40351
- (606) 783-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.33%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 314
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,462
Book and Supplies: $1,008
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,473
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Northern Kentucky University
Pass Rate
- Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY - 41099
- (859) 572-5100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.33%
- 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: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 610
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,392
Book and Supplies: $800
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,586
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Murray State University
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Pass Rate
- 218 Wells Hall, Murray, KY - 42071-3318
- (270) 809-3011
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.00%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
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University Information
Total Faculty: 460
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,252
Book and Supplies: $1,260
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,282
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Bellarmine University
Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences
Pass Rate
- 2001 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY - 40205-0671
- (502) 272-8263
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.33%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 177
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $9,420
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $31,140
Percent Admitted: 82%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Kentucky Christian University
Pass Rate
- 100 Academic Pkwy, Grayson, KY - 41143-1199
- (606) 474-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.33%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 28
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,744
Percent Admitted: 28%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 35%
Graduation Rate: 31%
University of Louisville-Louisville
Pass Rate
- 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY - 40292-0001
- (502) 852-5555
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.67%
- 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: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1752
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,370
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,625
Percent Admitted: 65%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 60%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Kentucky
- Hopkinsville Community College - Hopkinsville
- Midway College-Midway
- Jefferson Cmty. & Technical College-Louisville
- West Kentucky Community & Technical College-Paducah
- Maysville Community & Technical College
- Somerset Community College
- Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
- Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
- Madisonville Community College
- Gateway Community & Technical College-Edgewood
- Owensboro Community & Technical College
Hopkinsville Community College - Hopkinsville
Pass Rate
- 720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, KY - 42240
- (270) 707-3700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 53
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,165
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Midway College-Midway
Pass Rate
- 512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
- (859) 846-4421
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 32
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,316
Percent Admitted: 73%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Jefferson Cmty. & Technical College-Louisville
Pass Rate
- 101 W Broadway, Louisville, KY - 40202-2005
- (502) 213-2200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 175
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,568
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,301
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
West Kentucky Community & Technical College-Paducah
Pass Rate
- 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY - 42002-7380
- (270) 554-9200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 116
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,393
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 51%
Maysville Community & Technical College
Pass Rate
- 1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, KY - 41056
- (606) 759-7141
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 81
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,658
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 45%
Somerset Community College
Pass Rate
- 808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY - 42501-2973
- (877) 629-9722
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 132
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,101
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 33%
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
Pass Rate
- 600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY - 42701-3081
- (270) 769-2371
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 111
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,755
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 39%
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
Pass Rate
- 3050 Terra Crossing Blvd., Louisville, KY - 40245
- (502) 410-6200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 62
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $2,125
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,460
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 52%
Madisonville Community College
Pass Rate
- 2000 College Drive, Madisonville, KY - 42431
- (270) 821-2250
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 90.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 85
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,469
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 42%
Gateway Community & Technical College-Edgewood
Pass Rate
- 500 Technology Way, Florence, KY - 41042
- (859) 441-4500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 90.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 76
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,568
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,416
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 47%
Owensboro Community & Technical College
Pass Rate
- 4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY - 42303
- (270) 686-4400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 90.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 74
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,488
Book and Supplies: $1,078
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,772
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 41%
Additional Listings for Kentucky Nursing Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Kentucky Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
87.70 | Eastern Kentucky University | 15 | ADN |
87.30 | Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green | 16 | ADN |
86.30 | Morehead State University | 17 | ADN |
85.30 | Campbellsville University | 18 | ADN |
81.70 | Beckfield College-Florence | 20 | ADN |
81.30 | Hazard Cmty. & Technical College-Hazard | 21 | ADN |
81.00 | Big Sandy Cmty. & Technical College-Prestonsburg | 22 | ADN |
77.70 | Kentucky State University-Frankfort | 23 | ADN |
76.00 | University of Pikeville-Pikeville | 24 | ADN |
72.30 | American National University | 25 | ADN |
71.00 | Ashland Cmty. & Technical College-Ashland | 26 | ADN |
66.70 | Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College - Bowling Green | 14 | ADN |
86.33 | Thomas More University | 12 | BSN |
79.67 | Spalding University | 13 | BSN |
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.
Online NP Programs Liked by Kentucky Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.