RN Programs in Kentucky
Ranked RN and BSN Programs in Kentucky
After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuable. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped tens-of-thousands of nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreditation, institution accreditation and more. Explore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for Kentucky in the listings below.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.
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo_head.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org"){kind=logo}
Ranked Schools : 23
Evaluated Schools : 30
RN 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.
RANKED 1
![Somerset Community College RN Programs in KY [state_name]](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/template1.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "Somerset Community College RN Programs in KY [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: 97.40%
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.
- Campus: Somerset, KY
- Net Price: $5,891.00
- Enrollment: 7,504
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 33.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -5.14%
- Graduation Rate: 24.90%
- Median Borrowing: $8,981.00
- Median Payment: $93.77
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 96.40%
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.
- Campus: Elizabethtown, KY
- Net Price: $6,507.00
- Enrollment: 6,929
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.98%
- Graduation Rate: 23.40%
- Median Borrowing: $8,101.00
- Median Payment: $84.58
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 95.20%
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.
- Campus: Hopkinsville, KY
- Net Price: $7,015.00
- Enrollment: 3,609
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 9.30%
- Graduation Rate: 19.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,242.00
- Median Payment: $75.61
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 92.40%
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.
- Campus: Henderson, KY
- Net Price: $6,667.00
- Enrollment: 2,036
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.50%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -5.87%
- Graduation Rate: 21.30%
- Median Borrowing: $6,962.00
- Median Payment: $72.69
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 91.80%
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY - 42002-7380
- (270) 554-92000
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.
- Campus: Paducah, KY
- Net Price: $5,947.00
- Enrollment: 7,104
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.22%
- Graduation Rate: 38.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,466.00
- Median Payment: $77.95
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 6
ADN
Overall Score: 90.60%
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.
- Campus: Owensboro, KY
- Net Price: $6,691.00
- Enrollment: 4,286
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.90%
- Graduation Rate: 29.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,160.00
- Median Payment: $74.76
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 89.80%
Campbellsville University
- 1 University Dr, Campbellsville, KY - 42718-2799
- (2.7) 079-E+13
- Campus: Campbellsville, KY
- Net Price: $14,187.00
- Enrollment: 3,048
- Loan Default Rate: 16.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 13.57%
- Graduation Rate: 40.80%
- Median Borrowing: $13,602.00
- Median Payment: $142.02
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 8
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 89.00%
University of Pikeville
- 147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY - 41501
- (606) 218-5250
- Campus: Pikeville, KY
- Net Price: $15,221.00
- Enrollment: 1,738
- Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -9.11%
- Graduation Rate: 28.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,950.00
- Median Payment: $103.89
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 89.00%
Madisonville Community College
- 2000 College Drive, Madisonville, KY - 42431
- (270) 821-2250
- Campus: Madisonville, KY
- Net Price: $5,829.00
- Enrollment: 4,522
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.90%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.18%
- Graduation Rate: 30.50%
- Median Borrowing: $8,141.00
- Median Payment: $85.00
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 10
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 88.80%
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.
- Campus: Richmond, KY
- Net Price: $11,383.00
- Enrollment: 13,891
- Loan Default Rate: 12.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.08%
- Graduation Rate: 39.20%
- Median Borrowing: $16,666.00
- Median Payment: $174.01
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 88.40%
Maysville Community and Technical College
- 1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, KY - 41056
- (6.0) 676-E+14
- Campus: Maysville, KY
- Net Price: $6,786.00
- Enrollment: 3,595
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 30.90%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 3.78%
- Graduation Rate: 29.70%
- Median Borrowing: $8,830.00
- Median Payment: $92.20
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 12
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 88.20%
Midway College
- 512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
- (859) 846-4421
- Campus: Midway, KY
- Net Price: $18,624.00
- Enrollment: 1,247
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 14.48%
- Graduation Rate: 47.60%
- Median Borrowing: $15,400.00
- Median Payment: $160.79
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 13
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 86.80%
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).
- Campus: Morehead, KY
- Net Price: $10,119.00
- Enrollment: 10,076
- Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.57%
- Graduation Rate: 44.60%
- Median Borrowing: $14,662.00
- Median Payment: $153.09
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 86.60%
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
- 1031 Zorn Avenue , Suite 400, Louisville, KY - 40207
- (502) 410-6200
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 15
ADN
Overall Score: 86.40%
Spencerian College-Louisville
- 4627 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY - 40216
- (502) 447-1000
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Net Price: $24,176.00
- Enrollment: 533
- Loan Default Rate: 24.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.66%
- Graduation Rate: 38.70%
- Median Borrowing: $14,470.00
- Median Payment: $151.08
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 16
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 85.80%
Kentucky State University
- 400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY - 40601-2355
- (502) 597-6000
- Campus: Frankfort, KY
- Net Price: $11,635.00
- Enrollment: 2,370
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 28.07%
- Graduation Rate: 18.40%
- Median Borrowing: $18,860.00
- Median Payment: $196.92
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 17
ADN
Overall Score: 84.20%
Ashland Community and Technical College
- 1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY - 41101-3683
- (606) 326-2000
- Campus: Ashland, KY
- Net Price: $6,957.00
- Enrollment: 3,359
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.42%
- Graduation Rate: 19.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,693.00
- Median Payment: $80.32
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 18
ADN
Overall Score: 84.00%
Jefferson Community and Technical College
- 109 E Broadway, Louisville, KY - 40202-2005
- (502) 213-4000
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Net Price: $6,894.00
- Enrollment: 13,498
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.15%
- Graduation Rate: 11.20%
- Median Borrowing: $8,250.00
- Median Payment: $86.14
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 19
ADN
Overall Score: 78.40%
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- One Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY - 41653
- (606) 886-38630
- Campus: Prestonsburg, KY
- Net Price: $5,893.00
- Enrollment: 4,715
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 29.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 3.95%
- Graduation Rate: 16.00%
- Median Borrowing: $7,680.00
- Median Payment: $80.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 20
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 76.80%
Beckfield College-Florence
- 16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY - 41042
- (8.5) 937-2E+12
- Campus: Florence, KY
- Net Price: $24,649.00
- Enrollment: 807
- Loan Default Rate: 24.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursin, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 18.24%
- Graduation Rate: 30.60%
- Median Borrowing: $14,083.00
- Median Payment: $147.04
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 21
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 72.40%
Saint Catharine College
- 2735 Bardstown Road, Saint Catharine, KY - 40061
- (859) 336-5082
- Campus: Saint Catharine, KY
- Net Price: $18,589.00
- Enrollment: 748
- Loan Default Rate: 15.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -2.68%
- Graduation Rate: 17.60%
- Median Borrowing: $17,976.00
- Median Payment: $187.69
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 22
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 55.33%
Daymar College-Owensboro
- 3361 Buckland Sq, Owensboro, KY - 42301
- (270) 926-4040
- Campus: Owensboro, KY
- Net Price: $23,343.00
- Enrollment: 122
- Loan Default Rate: 24.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -29.52%
- Graduation Rate: 37.50%
- Median Borrowing: $14,533.00
- Median Payment: $151.74
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 23
ADN
Overall Score: 50.50%
ITT Technical Institute-Louisville
- 9500 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 100, Louisville, KY - 40223
- (502) 327-7424
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Net Price: $23,810.00
- Enrollment: 547
- Loan Default Rate: 22.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 6.40%
- Graduation Rate: 12.10%
- Median Borrowing: $23,217.00
- Median Payment: $242.41
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- 470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, KY - 40506
- (859) 246-6200
- Campus: Lexington, KY
- Net Price: $7,453.00
- Enrollment: 12,365
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.20%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.05%
- Graduation Rate: 18.50%
- Median Borrowing: $8,456.00
- Median Payment: $88.29
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Gateway Community and Technical College
- 500 Technology Way, Florence, KY - 41042
- (859) 441-4500
- Campus: Florence, KY
- Net Price: $6,867.00
- Enrollment: 4,646
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 32.50%
- Institution Accreditation: COE, SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -2.65%
- Graduation Rate: 33.60%
- Median Borrowing: $10,123.00
- Median Payment: $105.70
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 700 College Rd, Cumberland, KY - 40823
- (606) 589-2145
- Campus: Cumberland, KY
- Net Price: $6,133.00
- Enrollment: 5,221
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.40%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 15.76%
- Graduation Rate: 25.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,033.00
- Median Payment: $73.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
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..
- Campus: Bowling Green, KY
- Net Price: $10,597.00
- Enrollment: 17,509
- Transfer Out Rate: 28.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.33%
- Graduation Rate: 50.30%
- Median Borrowing: $17,250.00
- Median Payment: $180.11
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
- 1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, KY - 42101-3601
- (270) 901-1000
- Campus: Bowling Green, KY
- Net Price: $6,385.00
- Enrollment: 4,758
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 32.10%
- Institution Accreditation: COE, SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -12.10%
- Graduation Rate: 20.40%
- Median Borrowing: $8,250.00
- Median Payment: $86.14
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Hazard Community and Technical College
- One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY - 41701-2402
- (606) 487-3503
- Campus: Hazard, KY
- Net Price: $6,271.00
- Enrollment: 3,790
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 31.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.58%
- Graduation Rate: 27.60%
- Median Borrowing: $7,768.00
- Median Payment: $81.11
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
National College-Lexington
- 2376 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, KY - 40509
- (859) 253-0621
- Campus: Lexington, KY
- Net Price: $19,376.00
- Enrollment: 1,282
- Loan Default Rate: 10.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 27.52%
- Graduation Rate: 35.80%
- Median Borrowing: $15,834.00
- Median Payment: $165.33
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Kentucky | BSN Programs in Kentucky | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
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
Helpful Nursing Resources
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i0.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BSNseal-1.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org")
Ranked Schools : 13
Evaluated Schools : 20
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
RANKED 1
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 98.20%
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.
- Campus: Richmond, KY
- Net Price: $11,383.00
- Enrollment: 13,891
- Loan Default Rate: 12.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.08%
- Graduation Rate: 39.20%
- Median Borrowing: $16,666.00
- Median Payment: $174.01
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 96.40%
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.
- Campus: Lexington, KY
- Net Price: $14,839.00
- Enrollment: 21,441
- Loan Default Rate: 7.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.89%
- Graduation Rate: 60.40%
- Median Borrowing: $16,378.00
- Median Payment: $171.01
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 3
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 96.00%
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..
- Campus: Bowling Green, KY
- Net Price: $10,597.00
- Enrollment: 17,509
- Transfer Out Rate: 28.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.33%
- Graduation Rate: 50.30%
- Median Borrowing: $17,250.00
- Median Payment: $180.11
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 94.40%
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).
- Campus: Morehead, KY
- Net Price: $10,119.00
- Enrollment: 10,076
- Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.57%
- Graduation Rate: 44.60%
- Median Borrowing: $14,662.00
- Median Payment: $153.09
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 94.00%
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.
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Net Price: $23,977.00
- Enrollment: 2,593
- Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.36%
- Graduation Rate: 66.50%
- Median Borrowing: $21,500.00
- Median Payment: $224.48
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 92.80%
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.
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Net Price: $13,875.00
- Enrollment: 15,954
- Loan Default Rate: 9.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.02%
- Graduation Rate: 53.50%
- Median Borrowing: $14,000.00
- Median Payment: $146.18
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 7
BSN
Overall Score: 90.00%
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.
- Campus: Highland Heights, KY
- Net Price: $9,044.00
- Enrollment: 12,794
- Loan Default Rate: 9.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 15.45%
- Graduation Rate: 37.70%
- Median Borrowing: $18,272.00
- Median Payment: $190.78
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 8
BSN
Overall Score: 87.20%
Murray State University
- 218 Wells Hall, Murray, KY - 42071-3318
- (270) 809-3011
- Campus: Murray, KY
- Net Price: $9,765.00
- Enrollment: 9,172
- Loan Default Rate: 10.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.09%
- Graduation Rate: 53.10%
- Median Borrowing: $16,035.00
- Median Payment: $167.42
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 9
BSN
Overall Score: 86.00%
Spalding University
- 901 S Fourth Street, Louisville, KY - 40203-2188
- (502) 585-9911
- Campus: Louisville, KY
- Net Price: $16,432.00
- Enrollment: 1,371
- Loan Default Rate: 8.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -6.45%
- Graduation Rate: 40.20%
- Median Borrowing: $23,000.00
- Median Payment: $240.15
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 83.60%
Kentucky Christian University
- 100 Academic Pkwy, Grayson, KY - 41143-1199
- (606) 474-3000
- Campus: Grayson, KY
- Net Price: $19,450.00
- Enrollment: 559
- Loan Default Rate: 11.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 15.77%
- Graduation Rate: 38.70%
- Median Borrowing: $10,250.00
- Median Payment: $107.02
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 81.50%
Lindsey Wilson College
- 210 Lindsey Wilson St, Columbia, KY - 42728-1223
- (270) 384-2126
- Campus: Columbia, KY
- Net Price: $15,442.00
- Enrollment: 2,200
- Loan Default Rate: 15.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -1.30%
- Graduation Rate: 28.70%
- Median Borrowing: $14,000.00
- Median Payment: $146.18
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 81.00%
Berea College
- 101 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY - 40404-2182
- (859) 985-3000
- Campus: Berea, KY
- Net Price: $2,323.00
- Enrollment: 1,623
- Loan Default Rate: 12.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -30.74%
- Graduation Rate: 61.70%
- Median Borrowing: $5,234.00
- Median Payment: $54.65
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 13
BSN
Overall Score: 76.40%
Thomas More College
- 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, KY - 41017-3495
- (859) 341-5800
- Campus: Crestview Hills, KY
- Net Price: $19,317.00
- Enrollment: 1,502
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.77%
- Graduation Rate: 56.60%
- Median Borrowing: $21,000.00
- Median Payment: $219.26
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Pikeville
- 147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY - 41501
- (606) 218-5250
- Campus: Pikeville, KY
- Net Price: $15,221.00
- Enrollment: 1,738
- Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -9.11%
- Graduation Rate: 28.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,950.00
- Median Payment: $103.89
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Saint Catharine College
- 2735 Bardstown Road, Saint Catharine, KY - 40061
- (859) 336-5082
- Campus: Saint Catharine, KY
- Net Price: $18,589.00
- Enrollment: 748
- Loan Default Rate: 15.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -2.68%
- Graduation Rate: 17.60%
- Median Borrowing: $17,976.00
- Median Payment: $187.69
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kentucky State University
- 400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY - 40601-2355
- (502) 597-6000
- Campus: Frankfort, KY
- Net Price: $11,635.00
- Enrollment: 2,370
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 28.07%
- Graduation Rate: 18.40%
- Median Borrowing: $18,860.00
- Median Payment: $196.92
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Daymar College-Owensboro
- 3361 Buckland Sq, Owensboro, KY - 42301
- (270) 926-4040
- Campus: Owensboro, KY
- Net Price: $23,343.00
- Enrollment: 122
- Loan Default Rate: 24.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -29.52%
- Graduation Rate: 37.50%
- Median Borrowing: $14,533.00
- Median Payment: $151.74
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Midway College
- 512 E. Stephens St, Midway, KY - 40347-1120
- (859) 846-4421
- Campus: Midway, KY
- Net Price: $18,624.00
- Enrollment: 1,247
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 14.48%
- Graduation Rate: 47.60%
- Median Borrowing: $15,400.00
- Median Payment: $160.79
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Union College
- 310 College St, Barbourville, KY - 40906-1499
- (606) 546-4151
- Campus: Barbourville, KY
- Net Price: $17,385.00
- Enrollment: 818
- Loan Default Rate: 13.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursin, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 13.11%
- Graduation Rate: 34.20%
- Median Borrowing: $14,250.00
- Median Payment: $148.79
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Beckfield College-Florence
- 16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY - 41042
- (8.5) 937-2E+12
- Campus: Florence, KY
- Net Price: $24,649.00
- Enrollment: 807
- Loan Default Rate: 24.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursin, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 18.24%
- Graduation Rate: 30.60%
- Median Borrowing: $14,083.00
- Median Payment: $147.04
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Kentucky | BSN Programs in Kentucky | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
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
Helpful Nursing Resources
Kentucky Job Outlook
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 Nursing Jobs
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