[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in high demand across the country, especially in Kentucky. The state hosts more than 50 associate degree in nursing (ADN) and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs with above average licensing exam pass rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide lists the best nursing schools in the state, how to earn a Kentucky nursing license, and typical salary prospects. Read on for more about the best nursing schools in Kentucky.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because there are so many good nursing programs in Kentucky, it can be hard to choose. This guide can help you make the right decision for your career goals and background.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Kentucky, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors to consider when choosing from the many nursing programs in Kentucky include whether you want a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN, the acceptance and graduation rates, and the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate (which can indicate quality).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cost, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nurses[/hen-ui-link], and logistics should also be considered. If you’ll be attending an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]online nursing program[/hen-ui-link], look for one that offers local clinical placement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] to meeting your career and financial goals, this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for nursing schools in Kentucky is 88.8%, higher than the national average of 86.6%. In addition, Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. This means that once you graduate from a nursing school in Kentucky, you can apply for a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]multistate license[/hen-ui-link]. These licenses allow you to work in any of the 39 NLC states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you like a slower-paced rural lifestyle, Kentucky hosts many small towns. But there are also several cities with active dining and cultural scenes. Outdoor recreation options include national parks, such as Mammoth Cave. Kentucky is famous for horseback riding and the Kentucky Derby.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because many communities in Kentucky are underserved, special financial incentives related to these communities can entice nurses. Incentives include [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan forgiveness programs for nurses[/hen-ui-link] or scholarships. RNs can also gain the satisfaction of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nps-vulnerable-populations/”]helping communities in need as nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average salary for RNs in Kentucky is $64,730, and the salary for nurse practitioners (NPs) is $102,460, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While these figures are lower than the national averages of $80,010 and $114,510, respectively, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link] is lower at 93.1, compared to the national index of 100.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Between 2018 and 2028, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]BLS projects[/hen-ui-link] 20% job growth for RNs, which is above the national rate of 12.1%. While still strong, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]22.3% job growth rate for NPs[/hen-ui-link] is under the national rate of 30.8%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike many states, [hen-ui-link href=”/state/kentucky/rn-salary/”]Kentucky RN salaries[/hen-ui-link] do not show a major difference among the major metropolitan areas. However, nurses in government and hospital settings tend to earn the highest salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each of these cities offers an easygoing mix of southern and midwestern culture, as well as ample access to outdoor recreation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Areas[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Louisville/Jefferson County[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,440[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Elizabethtown — Fort Knox[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,560[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lexington — Fayette[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Owensboro[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$63,520[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bowling Green[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$60,990[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/state/kentucky/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]RN license in Kentucky[/hen-ui-link], you must [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]graduate from an ADN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] program, pass the NCLEX-RN, complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting, and pass the jurisprudence examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you attended nursing school in Kentucky, the state board of nursing automatically receives your transcripts. If not, you must have your school send an official copy. The application fee is $125. RN licenses are renewed annually.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Kentucky RN to MSN Programs” href=”/state/kentucky/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best CNA Classes in Louisville, KY” href=”/state/kentucky/louisville-cna-training/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Kentucky Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/kentucky/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I become an RN in Kentucky?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in Kentucky, you must earn an ADN or a BSN degree from a state-approved nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, complete a criminal background check, and pass a jurisprudence examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Kentucky?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN takes about two years to complete, while a BSN requires four. After graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN, it takes around 15 business days to process a license request.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The process can take up to three months if you have a criminal record other than traffic violations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much does a new nurse make in Kentucky?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/new-graduate-registered-nurse-salary/ky” target=”_blank”]According to Salary.com[/hen-ui-link], the median salary for a new nurse in Kentucky is $61,555 as of March 2022. However, in general, nurses with a BSN earn more than nurses with an ADN, as do nurses in government offices and hospitals. Those with additional certifications can also earn more.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is there a nursing shortage in Kentucky?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kentucky [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/kentucky-declares-emergency-over-nursing-shortage.html” target=”_blank”]needs 12-20%[/hen-ui-link] more nurses than currently employed, according to an executive order issued in December 2021. By 2024, the state will need an additional 16,000 nurses. Kentucky is working to increase capacity in nursing programs to help reduce the shortage.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]