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Kentucky's healthcare landscape is changing, dramatically increasing the state's need for a wide range of skilled healthcare professionals, including licensed practical nurses. In fact, a 2015 report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy stated that LPNs were among the fastest growing – and most significant – pre-baccalaureate healthcare occupations within the healthcare sector, yet the state is still expected to see a shortage of skilled LPNs. This shortage presents an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a career as a licensed practical nurse. The following guide offers helpful information on LPN programs in Kentucky, state licensing requirements, and employment trends for those who are ready to start working towards an LPN career.
- Top LPN Programs in Kentucky
- Finding an LPN Program
- State Licensure Requirements
- Salary for LPNs
- LPN Employment Trends
- Resources for More Support and Info
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Top LPN Programs in Kentucky
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Methodology +
The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
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West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Paducah, KY
Graduation Rate37%
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Owensboro Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Owensboro, KY
Graduation Rate31%
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Maysville Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Maysville, KY
Graduation Rate29%
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Henderson Community CollegeLocation
Henderson, KY
Graduation Rate25%
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Madisonville Community CollegeLocation
Madisonville, KY
Graduation Rate29%
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Hazard Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Hazard, KY
Graduation Rate31%
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Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Cumberland, KY
Graduation Rate29%
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Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Bowling Green, KY
Graduation Rate25%
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Ashland Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Ashland, KY
Graduation Rate20%
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Gateway Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Florence, KY
Graduation Rate30%
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Somerset Community CollegeLocation
Somerset, KY
Graduation Rate25%
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Elizabethtown Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Elizabethtown, KY
Graduation Rate24%
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Big Sandy Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Prestonsburg, KY
Graduation Rate20%
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Hopkinsville Community CollegeLocation
Hopkinsville, KY
Graduation Rate21%
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Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Lexington, KY
Graduation Rate17%
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Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Louisville, KY
Graduation Rate13%
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Where to Find LPN Programs in Kentucky
The primary sources of LPN programs in Kentucky are the state's community college and technical school systems. Here, aspiring nurses can enroll in state-approved diploma, certificate, or associate degree programs to gain the education and training they need to qualify for and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam, which is a crucial part of Kentucky's licensure process. Use the search tool below to filter through options based on your needs and preferences, and get a side-by-side comparison of your top academic selections.
[School Searches]
Explore LPN Degree Programs
Kentucky LPN Licensing
All practical nurses employed in Kentucky must have a state issued LPN license. The state agency in charge of all nurse licensing is the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Below is a brief description of the requirements that must be met to obtain licensure in Kentucky.
Basic Eligibility
- Complete an approved program of nursing, either in Kentucky or out-of-state
- Complete an approved program of nursing, either in Kentucky or out-of-state
- Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses
- Complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination
Education Requirements
LPN programs in Kentucky, as with those throughout the country, typically require one to two years of study. Part-time working students can be accommodated with extended programs lasting two years or longer. Accredited LPN programs will also include clinical experiences treating patients in a hospital or clinic environment under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Core coursework for LPN students will cover the fundamentals, such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, geriatrics, health deviations, maternity and family nursing, and mental health. Prospective students should only consider programs that are fully accredited and qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination, as the two are mandatory to receive a state license.
Other Licensure Requirements
- Request submission of a Kentucky Criminal Background Report. The report will need to be sent directly from the Kentucky State Police to the KBN.
- Submit a fingerprint card and pay the accompanying $14.75 fee
- The State of Kentucky provides endorsement for LPNs who have a license issued by another state. To qualify for license through endorsement, an applicant must complete the endorsement application and pay the $165 fee, provide verification of the out-of-state license, provide a transcript for any out-of-state nursing program, submit a Kentucky Criminal Background Report and fingerprint card, and pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination.
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Nurses educated outside of the United States must:
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Obtain a VisaScreen certificate
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Take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam
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Have a valid Social Security number
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Meet all other endorsement or examination requirements
Licensure Renewal Requirements
LPN license holders must renew their licenses between September 15 and October 31. The two major components to renewal are:
- Completion of the continuing education requirement. There are eight different ways for a license holder to fulfill the CE requirement; the most common being 14 approved contact hours. The CE requirement must be completed within the year prior to the October 31 expiration date.
- Payment of the $65 renewal fee
There is no grace period for LPN license renewal. Failure to renew before the expiration date will require the licensee to file a reinstatement application, pay a $135 fee, request a Kentucky Criminal Background Report and new fingerprint card, and complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination.
Kentucky vs. National LPN Salary
According to the Economic Research Institute, recent figures have indicated an uptick in LPN pay levels, with slightly higher salaries to be found in Kentucky's metropolitan areas. Other factors influencing salaries, besides geographic location, include specific employer and job titles.
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[Chart]
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
[Chart]
Employment for Kentucky Practical Nurses
Much like salary, employment opportunities for practical nurses in Alabama can vary depending on the specific city, county, or metropolitan area. Not surprisingly, larger cities tend to employ more LPNs than smaller areas. Use the map to find out more about the top locations for Alabama licensed practical nurses.
Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Louisville-Jefferson County KY-IN | 3,450 |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 1,320 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 1,150 |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 1,030 |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 1,030 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | 940 |
| Owensboro | 330 |
| Elizabethtown | 190 |
| Bowling Green | 180 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Kentucky
2012 - 9,960
2022 - 12,130
Average Annual Openings 460
Sources: Projections Central
Kentucky LPN Resources
Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS)
The KANS is a, “pre-professional organization for pre-nursing and nursing students enrolled in Kentucky accredited diploma, associate, and baccalaureate degree programs.” It is a constituent of the National Student Nurses Association.
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)
The official State agency for regulation of nursing education, licensing, practice, consumer protection and more. The first resource for everything you need to know about LPN licensing in Kentucky.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is a state government sponsored program whose website provides a clearinghouse of information and resources on state-run health-related programs and services.
Kentucky Department of Education – Student Health Services
Excellent site for information and resources regarding school nurses. Includes an extensive library of videos on the roles and responsibilities of school nurses.
Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA)
The KNA is the only full-time service professional organization for Kentucky's entire nurse population. Services offered include continuing education courses, career and credentialing information, and nursing scholarship opportunities.
Kentucky Nurses Association Career Center
Sponsored by the KNA, this website provides an excellent search engine and overall resource for individuals seeking nursing employment in Kentucky.
Kentucky Organization of Nurse Leaders (KONL)
A chapter of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the KONL is a non-profit organization representing nurse leaders for the purpose of advancing the development of effective administrative leadership in nursing services.
Kentucky School Nurses Association (KSNA)
The KSNA promotes the professional development and welfare of school nurses with the aim of providing better health care to Kentucky's students. The KNSA offers its member a variety of programs and services including continuing education opportunities.
KYANNA Black Nurses Association of Louisville
An affiliate of the National Association of Black Nurses, the KYANNA Black Nurses Association of Louisville is a non-profit organization of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing students from around the state of Kentucky and southern Indiana.