Kentucky Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in Kentucky can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term Kentucky education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Kentucky Registered Nurse?
Kentucky Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in Kentucky before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Kentucky nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Kentucky.
To help students search for the best nursing school in Kentucky, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in Kentucky?
- Is Kentucky a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in Kentucky?
- How much does nursing school in Kentucky cost?
- Is it hard to get into a Kentucky nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in Kentucky.
How do I become a nurse in Kentucky?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Kentucky, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Kentucky practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Kentucky, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Kentucky registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Is Kentucky a nursing compact state?
Yes, Kentucky is part of the nursing license compact. Kentucky recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a Kentucky Licensed Practical Nurse or a Kentucky Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
How long is nursing school in Kentucky?
The amount of time you spend in a Kentucky nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a Kentucky Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Kentucky. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Kentucky, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of Kentucky, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Kentucky nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in Kentucky cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in Kentucky will cost between $4,000 to $6,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Kentucky cost more between $7,000 to $10,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Kentucky, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a Kentucky nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Kentucky nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Kentucky provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 50% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Kentucky nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In Kentucky
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in Kentucky. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the Kentucky Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any Kentucky nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Ashland Community & Technical College
1400 College Drive,
Ashland,
KY
41101
606-326-2000
Ashland Community & Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Ashland, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Ashland, Kentucky campus for Ashland Community & Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,515. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Bellarmine University
2001 Newburg Rd,
Louisville,
KY
40205
502-452-8000
Bellarmine University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Louisville, Kentucky campus for Bellarmine University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,970. In-state tuition and fees were $46,030 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $46,030
- Room and Board $9,714
- Acceptance Rate 88%
- ACT Score 21-27
Bluegrass Community & Technical College
303F Oswald Building, Cooper Drive,
Lexington,
KY
40506
859-246-2400
Bluegrass Community & Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Lexington, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Lexington, Kentucky campus for Bluegrass Community & Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 10,318. In-state tuition and fees were $4,640 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,640
- Acceptance Rate Open
Bowling Green Community College
2355 Nashville Road,
Bowling Green,
KY
42101
270-901-1000
Bowling Green Community College is a institution with a campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Avenue,
Richmond,
KY
40475
859-622-1000
Eastern Kentucky University is a Public institution with a campus in Richmond, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Richmond, Kentucky campus for Eastern Kentucky University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 14,324. In-state tuition and fees were $9,844 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $9,844
- Room and Board $10,360
- Acceptance Rate 64%
- ACT Score 17-24
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
600 College Street Road,
Elizabethtown,
KY
42701
270-769-2371
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Elizabethtown, Kentucky campus for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,648. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Frontier Nursing University
195 School Street,
Hyden,
KY
41749
606-672-2312
Frontier Nursing University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Hyden, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Hyden, Kentucky campus for Frontier Nursing University is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,335. …
Nursing Programs: MSN, DNP, PhD, Certified Nurse Midwife
Galen College Of Nursing
101 Airport Gardens Road, Suite 200,
Hazard,
KY
41701
606-629-3141
Galen College Of Nursing is a institution with a campus in Hazard, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-ASN, RN-to-BSN Online
Galen College Of Nursing
1031 Zorn Ave,
Louisville,
KY
40207
502-813-4747
Galen College Of Nursing is a institution with a campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-ASN, BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN Online
Henderson Community College
2660 South Green Street,
Henderson,
KY
42420
270-827-1867
Henderson Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Henderson, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Henderson, Kentucky campus for Henderson Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,506. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Hopkinsville Community College
720 North Drive, PO Box 2100,
Hopkinsville,
KY
42241
270-707-3700
Hopkinsville Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Hopkinsville, Kentucky campus for Hopkinsville Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,028. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Jefferson Community & Technical College
109 E Broadway,
Louisville,
KY
40202
502-213-4000
Jefferson Community & Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Louisville, Kentucky campus for Jefferson Community & Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 12,053. In-state tuition and fees were $4,640 for the most recent reporting period. …
- Tuition Cost $4,640
- Acceptance Rate Open
Kentucky Christian University
100 Academic Parkway,
Grayson,
KY
41143
606-474-3000
Kentucky Christian University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Grayson, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Grayson, Kentucky campus for Kentucky Christian University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 629. In-state tuition and fees were $23,700 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $23,700
- Room and Board $8,980
- Acceptance Rate 44%
- ACT Score 16-21
Kentucky State University
400 East Main Street,
Frankfort,
KY
40601
502-597-6000
Kentucky State University is a Public institution with a campus in Frankfort, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Frankfort, Kentucky campus for Kentucky State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,726. In-state tuition and fees were $9,004 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, DNP
- Tuition Cost $9,004
- Room and Board $8,076
- Acceptance Rate 91%
- ACT Score 14-20
Madisonville Community College
750 North Laffoon Street, Health Campus,
Madisonville,
KY
42431
270-821-2250
Madisonville Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Madisonville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Madisonville, Kentucky campus for Madisonville Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,493. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
McKendree College, Loisville
11850 Commonwealth Drive, Louisville, KY 40299
McKendree College, Loisville is a institution with a campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. …
McKendree College, Radcliff
1635 W Lincoln Trail Blvd, Radcliff, KY 40160
McKendree College, Radcliff is a institution with a campus in Radcliff, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. …
Midway College, Danville
362 West Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422
Midway College, Danville is a institution with a campus in Danville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-to-BSN
Midway College, Midway
512 E Stephens Street,
Midway,
KY
40347
859-846-4421
Midway College, Midway is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Midway, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Midway, Kentucky campus for Midway College, Midway is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,441. In-state tuition and fees were $25,050 for the most recent reporting period. …
- Tuition Cost $25,050
- Room and Board $8,600
- Acceptance Rate 94%
- ACT Score 19-26
Morehead State University
150 University Blvd,
Morehead,
KY
40351
606-783-2221
Morehead State University is a Public institution with a campus in Morehead, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Morehead, Kentucky campus for Morehead State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 8,807. In-state tuition and fees were $9,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $9,560
- Room and Board $9,626
- Acceptance Rate 84%
Murray State University
113 Sparks Hall,
Murray,
KY
42071
270-809-3011
Murray State University is a Public institution with a campus in Murray, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Murray, Kentucky campus for Murray State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 9,479. In-state tuition and fees were $9,432 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $9,432
- Room and Board $10,160
- Acceptance Rate 84%
- ACT Score 19-26
Somerset Community College
808 Monticello Street,
Somerset,
KY
42501
877-629-9722
Somerset Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Somerset, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Somerset, Kentucky campus for Somerset Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,529. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
700 College Road,
Cumberland,
KY
40823
606-589-2145
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Cumberland, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Cumberland, Kentucky campus for Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,625. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Spalding University
845 South Third Street,
Louisville,
KY
40203
502-585-9911
Spalding University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Louisville, Kentucky campus for Spalding University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,532. In-state tuition and fees were $27,300 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $27,300
- Room and Board $8,300
- Acceptance Rate 98%
- ACT Score 16-22
West Kentucky Community & Technical College
4810 Alben Barkley Drive,
Paducah,
KY
42001
270-554-9200
West Kentucky Community & Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Paducah, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Paducah, Kentucky campus for West Kentucky Community & Technical College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,309. In-state tuition and fees were $4,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,560
- Acceptance Rate Open
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd,
Bowling Green,
KY
42101
270-745-0111
Western Kentucky University is a Public institution with a campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Bowling Green, Kentucky campus for Western Kentucky University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 16,493. In-state tuition and fees were $11,112 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $11,112
- Room and Board $11,072
- Acceptance Rate 97%
- ACT Score 18-25
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of Kentucky nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in Kentucky and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: August 1, 2024
References:
- Kentucky Nursing License Requirements. State of Kentucky, Board of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Kentucky State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of Kentucky Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Kentucky Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.