Explore the Best Online Nursing Schools in Kentucky
Review the top nursing schools in Kentucky and see how they can help you make the first or next move in your RN nursing career.
Whether you’re considering your first degree in nursing or you’re looking to upgrade your RN credentials with an advanced graduate degree, nursing schools in Kentucky provide degrees and certificates at every level to meet your needs. On this page, we’ve highlighted the very best Kentucky nursing programs available in this guide, including both traditional and online options, to help you get started on your search. You’ll also find helpful information on salaries and job demand, licensing requirements, and financial aid opportunities for Kentucky nurses. Kick off your search by looking through our roster of top programs.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Public
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Public
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Public
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Public
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Public
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Public
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, Kentucky
Private
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, Kentucky
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Kentucky
Nursing programs in Kentucky run the gamut, from certificates and diplomas to doctorates. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to complete an advanced degree, there’s a program to meet your educational and career needs. Below is an overview of the most common nursing programs available in Kentucky to help you choose the right one for you.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Kentucky
ADN Programs
ADNs are typically offered by community colleges and vocational schools and take two years to complete. Consisting of approximately 60 credits, these programs provide the minimum education needed to become an RN. Some students move directly into the workforce after this program while others move toward a BSN.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Traditional BSN programs support first-time students who want to bypass the ADN and move straight to bachelor’s degrees. These programs consist of approximately 120 credits and require four years of full-time study. Many schools provide partially-online BSNs, but all clinicals and rotations are in-person.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
If you’re a first-time student who wants a BSN but also wants to graduate in fewer than four years, an accelerated BSN is your best option. These programs allow students to meet all degree and training requirements in 36-42 months rather than the traditional four years.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Kentucky for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
If you currently work as a licensed vocational nurse but want to update your credentials and increase your earning potential, consider one of these two bridge programs. The LVN to RN results in an ADN and takes about two years. The LVN to BSN results in a bachelor’s degree and takes about three years.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
This bridge program supports students with ADNs and RN experience but who want to upgrade to bachelor’s degrees. RN to BSN programs usually last 12-24 months and are often completed fully online since they don’t require clinicals.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Designed for students upgrading from ADNs, these programs result in a Master of Science in Nursing. Programs last three to four years, depending on whether you study part time or full time. They can also be completed fully online since they do not have clinical components.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Kentucky
MSN Programs
MSN programs support both BSN holders looking to take the next educational step and non-nurses who possess bachelor’s degrees in unrelated subjects. Timelines, degree requirements, and clinical hours depend on your current credentials.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Offered as terminal degrees, the DNP supports learners looking to continue building professional skills and usually takes three years. The PhD supports students who want to move into teaching or research and typically takes 4-6 years.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates come in a variety of topics to help students build niche skills and knowledge in particular nursing areas. For instance, an MSN-educated professional may decide to pursue a post-graduate certificate in primary and acute adult-gerontological care after concentrating initial studies in family nurse practitioner.
Examples of Kentucky Nursing Schools with This Program
Details of Online Learning for KY Nursing Students
Whether in-person or online, many Kentucky nursing programs try to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Campus-based options may provide evening classes for nurses who work during the day while online programs offer asynchronous learning to add flexibility to schedules.
Any program leading to licensure will require an in-person component since students must complete a set number of clinical hours. Students work with advisors to find suitable locations to complete any required clinical nursing requirements. Those who already work in a nursing setting may be able to complete those hours at their places of employment.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Kentucky
With the cost of higher education continuing to rise each year, Kentucky nursing students need ways to reduce costs through scholarships, grants, and other programs. To incentivize new nurses to enter the field, the Kentucky Board of Nursing created the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund that provides $3,000 per year to eligible students.
Before enrolling in any nursing program in Kentucky, make sure you understand how financial aid works and explore nursing scholarships available to you. You may even try to figure out to graduate from nursing school debt-free.
How to Become an RN in Kentucky: Licensing Information and Requirements
Before starting a nursing program, it’s important that you understand Kentucky-specific licensure requirements. While the process looks similar from state to state, Kentucky has specific steps you must complete as outlined by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to become a first-time RN.
Earn a degree from an accredited and approved school
Failing to earn an ADN or BSN from an accredited and approved school can result in your inability to secure a Kentucky License. Before enrolling in any nursing program, ensure it’s approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Pass required examinations
To do this, submit verification of completion from your school and clear both state and federal background checks. From there, register with Pearson Vue, pay the $200 application fee, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You must also pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination.
Apply for licensure
After successfully passing both the NCLEX-RN and the state-specific exam, apply for licensure directly with the Kentucky State Board of Nursing. You’ll need to pay $125 for your license to become active.
Keep up with license renewal
Kentucky RNs must renew their licenses every year by October 31st. To do this, they submit renewal applications and pay $65. They also provide documentation of completing at least 14 hours of continuing education.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Kentucky
Kentucky's RN job market is promising and is projected to grow by 6.6% over the coming years, adding 3,100 new jobs, with approximately 2,940 openings annually. This is slightly above the national projected growth rate of 5.7%. This growth indicates a strong demand for nurses, making it a promising field to enter.
Nurses' salaries vary across the state, with the median salary for RNs in Kentucky at $77,830. For those in entry-level positions (10th percentile), the salary is around $61,520, while experienced nurses (90th percentile) can earn up to $101,770. Salaries are higher in urban areas like Lexington-Fayette, where the median is $80,490, compared to Bowling Green, where it is lower at $70,160. These figures can help aspiring nurses evaluate potential earnings based on location and experience, providing guidance on where to focus their career efforts.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $61,520 | $77,830 | $101,770 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $54,170 | $70,160 | $83,090 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | $59,030 | $74,130 | $103,600 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $64,070 | $80,490 | $101,860 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $62,140 | $79,260 | $103,490 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Kentucky | 47,300 | 50,400 | 3,100 | 6.60% | 2,940 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
