Kentucky’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. An analysis of the healthcare sector focused on nursing shows Kentucky’s jobs are projected to increase by 28% between 2009-2029, and nurses account for nearly 40% of those jobs. In 2009, there were 38,460 registered nurse (RN) positions, and Kentucky projects a need for 51,174 RN jobs by 2029.
Kentucky offers a unique experience and is known for its scenic beauty, bourbon, bluegrass music, and southern hospitality. The cost of living is lower than in other states, with lower housing costs and reasonable utilities and transportation costs. With its central location, Kentucky is accessible to those wanting to visit or to those living in the state who enjoy traveling to other places. It has several major highways and a network of regional airports, making it easy to get in and out of the state.
Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is famous for its love of men’s basketball, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Speedway. Sports enthusiasts of all kinds will find something to enjoy in Kentucky. The rich cultural history, music, art, and cuisine appeal to many that live in and visit Kentucky. Its abundant beautiful scenery with rolling hills, lush forests, sparkling lakes, and winding rivers makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The ample nursing opportunities in Kentucky, combined with the many activities to enjoy and the low cost of living, make Kentucky a desirable place to start a nursing career.
The Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Kentucky to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Kentucky based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Kentucky Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Kentucky ADN Nursing Program
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Southcentral Kentucky Community has six campuses and offers an ADN program that provides classroom instruction, basic nursing skills training on campus, and hands-on training through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. To apply to the program, applicants must be currently employed as a state registered nurses aide and have at least six months of work experience in the past two years.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,560
Out-of-State: $15,480
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,560 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,480 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
$15,480 |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
4,368 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
#2 Kentucky ADN Nursing Program
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro Community and Technical College in Owensboro, Kentucky, offers a traditional ADN program that allows state-registered nursing assistants to become RNs. They also offer a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN program that enables current LPNs to become RNs. The program’s primary goal is to prepare entry-level RNs as care providers across the health/illness continuum to a culturally diverse population in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,488
Out-of-State: $15,240
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,488 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,240 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.8% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,901 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
56% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the National League of Nursing (NLN) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) |
#3 Kentucky ADN Nursing Program
Midway University
Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, offers an ADN and RN to BSN program. Their classroom theory courses emphasize technical aspects of nursing, while their supervised clinical laboratory experiences allow students to practice skills at healthcare agencies in Central Kentucky. Their ADN program prepares students to become RNs and qualifies them to transition to the RN to BSN program at Midway University.
Average Tuition
In-State: $28,850
Out-of-State: $28,850
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$28,850 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$28,850 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
91.5% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,390 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
77.7% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the SACSCOC |
BSN Programs:
#1 Kentucky BSN Nursing Program
Kentucky State University
Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) program, a traditional BSN program, and an RN to BSN program. Their RN to BSN program offers the flexibility of online education, allowing RNs who are graduates of an accredited associate degree or diploma program to earn their BSN.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,020
Out-of-State: $12,870
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,020 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$12,870 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
65% |
| Retention Rate |
78% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,279 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
71% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Kentucky BSN Nursing Program
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky, offers a traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program. Their BSN program teaches students to provide care for people of all ages and in various healthcare settings. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their state-of-the-art simulation center in addition to clinical rotations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,382
Out-of-State: $20,448
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,382 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$$20,448 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.2% |
| Admission Rate |
80% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
15,827 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
76% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Kentucky BSN Nursing Program
Morehead State University
Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program and a BSN program where students can gain valuable hands-on skills. At the same time, they study and learn to apply those skills in real-world scenarios. Students have opportunities to train in their state-of-the-art simulation labs and continue with clinical practicum placements in partnering healthcare facilities across the state.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,560
Out-of-State: $14,286
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,560 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$14,286 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.8% |
| Admission Rate |
89.8% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
8,810 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
57.7% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Kentucky
When choosing a nursing program in Kentucky, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN. Some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 44 ADN/ASN programs and 19 BSN programs in Kentucky are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Kentucky predicts it will need an additional 51,174 nurses by 2029, an increase of 12,714 nurses since 2009.
Kentucky’s healthcare system is ranked lower than most states because residents don’t have good access to medical professionals. This means that Kentucky needs more nurses to serve the population in Kentucky. Nurses can positively impact the residents of Kentucky and help make it a healthier state.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $77,620. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living and housing is also lower than the national average, making Kentucky a more affordable state to live in.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Kentucky is $77,620, and it employs 44,970 nurses. Kentucky also employs 4,520 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $109,290.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Cities in Kentucky for RNs |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN |
$81,280 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY |
$77,710 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY |
$75,730 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Kentucky
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Kentucky, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Kentucky:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your Kentucky RN license, you must renew it every year by October 31st. Before license renewal, RNs must complete 14 contact hours of continuing education from a board-approved provider. A mandatory continuing education course on suicide prevention and implicit bias is required.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Kentucky:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Kentucky.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license annually and complete 14 contact hours and an additional five contact hours in pharmacology before renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Kentucky
Is Kentucky a good place for nurses to work?
Nurses have the opportunity to help make Kentucky a healthier state. The nursing shortage in Kentucky has contributed to the challenges residents of Kentucky face with accessing healthcare. With the increasing need for nurses in Kentucky, there are plenty of job opportunities for aspiring nurses.
Is Kentucky a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Kentucky is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact nursing license for Kentucky, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Kentucky?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every year and complete 14 hours of continuing education before October 31st.
How much does a Kentucky RN license cost?
Kentucky license by endorsement is $165, and license by examination is $125.
Renewing your Kentucky RN license costs $65.
