2023 - Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky

Kentucky’s current state of health is one that requires a high standard of care, met by professionals with specific skill sets. In order to meet those needs, the state is looking for candidates that possess a higher level of education, and are offering higher salaries, and advancements in specialties as equivalent compensation. The overall outlook on future nursing positions for the state is projected at 20% per year, which equates to an average of 1,000 new positions. The state is in need of nurses that are striving toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing or greater to help meet the demand of such a complex and diverse health care system.
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Kentucky

2023 Best RN Programs in Kentucky

Selecting the best nursing school in Kentucky can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Kentucky by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 49 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
Score: 100.00
Located in beautiful Glasgow, Kentucky, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College strives to meet the demand of the nursing profession by providing more highly qualified graduates to the workforce. They offer an Academic Career Mobility (RN) degree where students take courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing Care, and more. SKYCTC nurses are an excellent addition to the healthcare team.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (270) 651-5673
Berea College
Score: 100.00
Berea College climbs to the top of the list in Kentucky with its excellent BSN program offering. Enrolled students get the benefits of two nursing simulation labs, as well as the guidance and expertise of experienced faculty. The curriculum includes required courses such as Pharmacology, Pediatric Nursing, Research in Nursing, and many more, as well as collateral courses in Microbiology, General Psychology, and others.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (859) 985-3000
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College - Bowling Green
Score: 98.89
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College's Bowling Green campus offers a 65 total-credit Academic Career Mobility (RN) degree program. The pathway includes a curriculum that spans general education and specialty nursing courses, with courses in writing, math, and nursing care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (270) 901-1000
University of Kentucky
Score: 97.45
In the heart of Lexington, the University of Kentucky is home to a widely acclaimed nursing department. Whether they choose the traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, or RN to BSN bridge program, nursing students are prepared through knowledge-based nursing practice with an emphasis on clear and effective communication. With a 1-to-8 faculty to student ratio for undergrad clinical groups, enrollees get the benefit of small class sizes and more personal attention.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (859) 323-5108
Maysville Community & Technical College - Licking Valley Campus
Score: 96.16
The Licking Valley campus of Maysville Community & Technical College offers an exceptional associate's degree (ADN) pathway to registered nursing. The 64 total-credit program combines general education and nursing courses to prepare students for gainful RN employment. Required courses include Medical/Surgical Nursing, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Behavioral Health Nursing, and more.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (859) 234-8626
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 96.07
Northern Kentucky University's Highland Heights campus is where nursing students can obtain a highly sought after BSN degree. With several pathways, including a traditional 4-year BSN and an Accelerated BSN option, students are prepared to provide quality patient care in a variety of settings. Experiential learning is enhanced through NKU's healthcare simulation center.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (859) 572-5220
Murray State University - Murray
Score: 95.95
Murray State University provides several nursing pathways to students, including an excellent traditional 4-year BSN program. Clinical experiences take place across the state and students can even complete a pediatric rotation at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (800) 272-4678
Midway University - Midway
Score: 95.15
Midway University is home to a renowned ADN program for entry into registered nursing practice. The program's dual focus revolves around both classroom theory as well as supervised clinical experiences. With a 17:1 student to faculty ratio, personal attention and student support is at the forefront of the program.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
- Phone: (800) 952-4122
Somerset Community College - Laurel Campus
Score: 95.14
Somerset Community College's Laurel Campus in London is serving the community by preparing and training future RNs through its ADN degree program. The curriculum is delivered in a day-time format, consisting of general ed and nursing courses in both classroom and clinical environments. Laurel Campus ADN students are admitted in the spring semester each year.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (606) 877-1421
Hopkinsville Community College
Score: 94.51
Hopkinsville Community College takes pride in doing its part to meet the need for healthcare professionals in the state of Kentucky through it's 2-year ADN program. With a curriculum that includes courses in pediatrics, medical-surgical, and other specialized nursing areas, HCC students are well prepared to meet the demands of the NCLEX-RN and the professional calling that follows.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (270) 707-3700
University of Louisville - Owensboro
Score: 94.50
The BSN offering through the University of Louisville's School of Nursing in Owensboro is a dynamic program that's both theoretical and practical in nature. The program strives to address the complex healthcare needs of diverse populations through education, research, scholarship and service. Graduates are able to demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and leadership, are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, and have a solid educational foundation on which they can continue on to master's programs and beyond.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (270) 688-1051
Jefferson Community & Technical College - Louisville
Score: 93.92
Jefferson Community & Technical College's downtown Louisville campus offers a popular ADN pathway for prospective nurses. Students can complete the degree in just 4 semesters, including general ed and hands-on practice experience.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (502) 213-5333
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Score: 93.06
Owensboro Community and Technical College shows students and professionals that nursing is one of the most necessary and vital professions in today's workforce. OCTC's ADN program utilizes numerous learning methods, including lectures, live video streaming, simulation labs, and more to ensure student success. Students are accepted into the program annually in the Fall semester.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (270) 686-4400
Lindsey Wilson College
Score: 92.23
Columbia's Lindsey Wilson College offers a pre-licensure BSN program designed to train the next generation of registered nurses. The curriculum includes courses such as Nursing Research, Adult Health Nursing, and Foundations of Professional Practice to give students the knowledge and skills needed to become successful RNs.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (270) 384-2126
Eastern Kentucky University
Score: 91.61
Eastern Kentucky University is located just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, offering students numerous BSN degree options to meet their goals. With a traditional BSN option, a 2nd degree BSN option, and an RN to BSN bridge pathway, students are able to choose the perfect program. These programs emphasize patient-centered care, utilizing small clinical groups and caring faculty to help students succeed.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (859) 622-1000
Western Kentucky University - Bowling Green
Score: 90.52
Western Kentucky University's Bowling Green campus is home to a quality BSN program that trains competent registered nurses. Western Kentucky University's offering is a full-time, four-semester program that emphasizes complex care techniques. It boasts a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of just under 100%.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
- Phone: (270) 745-4379
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
Score: 89.87
Located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Elizabethtown Community & Technical College is home to a well-respected ADN nursing program. The curriculum includes courses such as Medical Microbiology, Behavioral Health Nursing, and Pharmacology. Graduates of the program administer treatments and medications as prescribed, while advocating for improved health outcomes for patients.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (270) 769-2371
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Score: 89.76
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is known to mold nursing graduates toward an innovative and effective model of patient advocacy, with a focus on health teaching and individual counseling for patients who are ill, injured or infirm.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (270) 554-9200
Morehead State University
Score: 89.50
Morehead State University offers several pathways to registered nurse licensure, including an ADN, a pre-licensure BSN, and more. Students enrolled in these selective programs are taught through classroom lectures as well as state-of-the-art simulation labs which house computerized mannequins for a real-world experience.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
- Phone: (606) 783-2221
Bellarmine University
Score: 89.19
Bellarmine University is located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky and is home to two excellent BSN pathways: a traditional 4-year option as well as an accelerated, 2nd degree option. These programs are designed to maximize active participation through small class sizes, and clinicals are started the first semester of sophomore year. Graduates of BU are capable, confident, and caring patient and healthcare advocates.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (502) 272-8131
ADN Programs in Kentucky
High school and mature students are presented with a variety of post-secondary options – one of which is that of pursuing an ADN or Associate’s Degree in Nursing through a community or vocational college. With an ADN degree, students are able to sit the national licensure examinations, known as the NCLEX-RN and from there, be able to practice as a registered nurse.
There are over 40 college diploma programs for nurses offered at institutions throughout the state. Pre-licensure nurses who wish to learn and practice in their home state should be well equipped to do so.
What to Look For in an ADN Program in Kentucky
Examining colleges’ accreditation, licensure and program outcomes data is a great way for students to compare which school will help them meet with success in a way that aligns with their personality and values. With more than 40 schools to choose from throughout the state, comparing data like this can make it easy to eliminate all but the top two or three choices for ADN.
Accreditation
Accreditations are a voluntary industry standard that shows good faith toward the public and toward the individual consumer – in this case, the students who are interested in ADN programs. Each nursing program has the option of submitting to a periodic review of their faculty, programs, facilities, and outcomes in order to carry the ‘seal of approval’ that accreditation brings. Throughout the country, the two nursing accreditation organizations are the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Each organization has a list of which programs have met the accreditation standards in a given review period.
Licensing
The board of nursing for the state has a hand in reviewing and correcting aspects of ADN programs that are not suitable for creating qualified nursing candidates. As such, a program’s licensure is periodically under review and given feedback if it doesn't meet rigorous criteria. As stated on the Board of Nursing website, a school should have a high rate of multi-year NCLEX pass statistics that are in line with the rest of the country when adjusted for time frames and demographics.
Program Outcomes
Colleges collect information annually and use it to publish and compare their outcomes to those of other colleges – as a benchmark to success and to attracting more students and positive publicity. Parents and students can compare program outcomes between different colleges to see which might be the best investment in their nursing education.
- Graduation data
- Enrolment information and demographics
- Hiring data
- First-attempt NCLEX pass/fail data
- Consumer (student) reviews
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College in Glasgow is renowned for the strength of its ADN program. Meeting all the licensure and accreditation reviews, pre-licensure students are proud graduates of SKCTC.
ADN Program Admission Requirements in Kentucky
Each institution has its own unique requirements for student admission, but we’ve collected some of the most common elements here so that you can best prepare your application and be admitted to the school of your choice:
- Submit all transcript document directly to the Admissions department
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater; pre-requisite courses must meet competitive standards
- Professional fluency in additional languages meets the competitive standard
- Be considered ‘in good standing’ by the Admissions department
- Pass drug screening, abilities screening, and criminal background check
Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Kentucky
For students who are recent graduates of high school, the cost of tuition, materials, and living expenses can cause quite a shock. Fortunately, many students qualify for financial aid and scholarships – additionally, students can lower some costs by working part-time, and by attending an ADN program at a local college. Direct entry into the workforce after licensure also helps defray the cost of post-secondary.
Nursing students at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College can expect to pay about $182 per credit hour as an in-state student in the ADN program. On top of this cost are books, material, and administrative fees, as well as living and food costs.
Advantages of ADN Programs
The accessibility and affordability of the ADN program stream continue to ensure that the programs are in high demand, even as the industry becomes more focused on BSN offerings. With low tuition prices and accessible campuses, students find excellent value in an ADN degree. As well, diligent graduates are prepared to take the same NCLEX exam for licensure as their BSN counterparts.
LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky
Those in Kentucky who want to pursue an RN degree after having already earned a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree have a few pathways to choose from. Depending on the nurse’s career goals, they can enter an LPN to ADN or an LPN to BSN program.
LPN to ADN/BSN Programs
The quickest route to an RN degree for a practical nurse is the LPN to ADN pathway. Students can receive credit for some of the LPN courses already taken, making it much faster than a traditional RN program. Kentucky LPNs can opt for a program such as Maysville Technical & Community College’s online LPN to RN offering. Those who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing can pursue the slightly longer LPN to BSN program, which will reward them with expanded employment opportunities upon graduation. The University of Kentucky’s College of Nursing, for example, offers an LPN to BSN program that offers entry in the Summer and Fall semesters.
BSN Programs in Kentucky
BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are offered in the university environment. Candidates attend school for four years instead of an ADN’s two-year timeline and are then eligible to sit the NCLEX exam for licensure as an RN. BSN grads are well-positioned to continue to climb the career ladder; further qualifications will net them a graduate or doctoral degree depending on their path and interests.
Kentucky has more than 15 BSN programs offering 4-year degrees for pre-licensure nursing students throughout the state and beyond.
What To Look For in a BSN Program in Kentucky
When evaluating BSN programs for possible attendance, students should consider a few logistical factors, such as cost, whether a university is public or private, tuition, and faculty reputation. Beyond these measures, students may wish to consider if the university seems to share a certain set of values with them and if other students would say they benefited from the program culture and environment on campus.
University of Kentucky – Lexington offers a traditional 4-year BSN program that prepares graduates to meet the changing face of healthcare. With well-regarded classroom, lab, and clinical experiences, students can augment their education with special opportunities and internships.
BSN Program Length in Kentucky
Eight semesters is the traditional length of time for an undergraduate degree. Students must successfully complete about 120 credit hours of classroom time, as well as their clinical placements in order to be eligible for graduation. Students can also pursue an accelerated degree, which is condensed to about 2.5 years of continuous education. RNs who have graduated previously from an ADN program and who wish to upgrade their qualifications may apply to the state’s RN to BSN programs, which are also shorter than the traditional 4-year track.
BSN Program Admission Requirements in Kentucky
BSN programs each strive to enroll the best pool of applicants from high school, the workforce and post-secondary transfer. With that in mind, you can see how admission requirements would be similar yet unique across programs in the state. Here we’ve listed a few of the most common ones for your review:
- Complete and accurate online application submitted
- 3.25 GPA or higher as per official transcript
- ACT composite score of 22+ and math score of 19+
- Pre-requisite courses have competitive marks
- You are a student ‘in good standing’ with the university
- Negative background and drug screening results
Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Kentucky
Tuition and other costs associated with attending school can be considerable – there is also quite a bit of difference between different universities in the same state. In order to best prepare yourself for the investment in your future, be aware that you’ll have administrative fees, tuition, housing and food costs, transportation, materials and books, and nursing equipment to provision for.
Kentucky State University has tuition of about $5,700 per semester, with room and board at about $7,000 per semester and books and supplies about $1,300 for the year.
Advantages of BSN Programs
It’s advantageous to pursue a BSN! Those students with a 4-year degree will find that they have different and more mobile career paths, as well as the opportunity for more pay sooner than their ADN counterparts do. When pursuing a leadership role or graduate studies, those students with a BSN are considered more competitive due to their degrees.
MSN Programs in Kentucky
Nurses who wish to earn within the top range of salary for their profession should look to pursue a Master's of Science in Nursing or MSN degree. With specialties like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Teacher, and roles in leadership and policymaking, MSN degrees are increasingly in demand.
About five graduate degree programs throughout the state lead RNs to an MSN degree. There is a mix of online, on-campus, and hybrid options available.
MSN Program Length in Kentucky
The average length of an MSN program in the state is 2 to 3 years. Students must participate in about 40 credit hours of didactic study, coupled with almost 800 hours of clinical time in order to be eligible for graduation. While part-time study is available in most cases, nurses may run into time requirements to complete various components of their degree.
MSN Admission Requirements in Kentucky
MSN programs are becoming more in demand year over year as our population continues to age. Each program has its own unique criteria for admission, but there are some similarities:
- Able to practice nursing in Kentucky
- Minimum BSN GPA of 3.0
- Have submitted professional letters of recommendation from practicing nurses
- Submit all post-secondary and CE transcripts
- Submit a professional resume and personal statement
For NP programs visit:
- Kentucky DNP Programs
- Kentucky FNP Programs
- Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Kentucky Post-Graduate Certificate Nursing Programs
Getting a Kentucky Nursing License
Kentucky state candidates looking to acquire nursing licensure through examination or endorsement are required to provide:
A completed application and the corresponding fees, as well as further information such as:
- Criminal background check
- Fingerprint card - signed and completed
- Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam completed
- Graduate of an approved nursing program
- Passing score on NCLEX exam
Candidates that are applying by endorsement must include all preceding documentation and these additional requirements:
- Proof of required continuing competency
- Verification of licensure from original state
- Official transcripts from nursing program - sent directly via program to state board
Accelerated Nursing Programs in Kentucky
A BA in another field could help you earn a BSN in nursing! The accelerated programs offered at several different institutes throughout the state, can provide you with a second degree in as little as 12 months. The 12-month timeframe can vary a little bit depending on any required course to be completed before entrance will be permitted. The additional course can add to the cost of completing the degree program, so research the program and college to find out more about tuition costs for accelerated programs.
Latest Kentucky NCLEX-RN Pass Rates and Statistics
- Total Number of State Approved Schools: 49
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2021: 3,058
- 2021 Average Statewide Kentucky NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.1%
Continued List of All RN Programs in Kentucky
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
21. |
Galen College of Nursing - Louisville
Louisville, KY 40207 | Phone: (502) 410-6200
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 89.12 | galencollege.edu |
22. |
Henderson Community College
Henderson, KY 42420 | Phone: (270) 827-1867
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 88.32 | henderson.kctcs.edu |
23. |
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College - Pineville
Pineville, KY 40977 | Phone: (606) 589-2145
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 88.31 | southeast.kctcs.edu |
24. |
Maysville Community & Technical College
Maysville, KY 41056 | Phone: (606) 759-7141
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 88.29 | maysville.kctcs.edu |
25. |
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40202 | Phone: (502) 852-5825
| Programs: BSN | 88.11 | louisville.edu |
26. |
Somerset Community College
Somerset, KY 42501 | Phone: (606) 679-8501
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 87.68 | somerset.kctcs.edu |
27. |
Morehead State University - Mt. Sterling
Mt Sterling, KY 40353 | Phone: (859) 499-0780
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 87.17 | moreheadstate.edu |
28. |
Bluegrass Community and Technical College - Lawrenceburg
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 | Phone: (859) 246-6470
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.61 | bluegrass.kctcs.edu |
29. |
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY 41017 | Phone: (859) 341-5800
| Programs: BSN | 86.39 | thomasmore.edu |
30. |
Madisonville Community College - Madisonville
Madisonville, KY 42431 | Phone: (270) 821-2250
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.92 | madisonville.kctcs.edu |
31. |
Campbellsville University - Campbellsville
Campbellsville, KY 42718 | Phone: (270) 789-5000
| Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 84.88 | campbellsville.edu |
32. |
Kentucky Christian University - Grayson
Grayson, KY 41143 | Phone: (800) 522-3181
| Programs: BSN | 84.57 | kcu.edu |
33. |
Lincoln Memorial University
Corbin, KY 40701 | Phone: (423) 869-6556
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 84.26 | lmunet.edu |
34. |
Galen College of Nursing - Hazard
Hazard, KY 41701 | Phone: (606) 629-3141
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 83.40 | galencollege.edu |
35. |
Union College - Barbourville
Barbourville, KY 40906 | Phone: (606) 546-4151
| Programs: BSN | 83.03 | unionky.edu |
36. |
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, KY 41501 | Phone: (606) 218-5250
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 82.02 | upike.edu |
37. |
Hazard Community and Technical College - Hazard
Hazard, KY 41701 | Phone: (606) 436-5721
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 80.54 | hazard.kctcs.edu |
38. |
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College - Cumberland
Cumberland, KY 40823 | Phone: (606) 589-2145
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.74 | southeast.kctcs.edu |
39. |
Kentucky State University - Frankfort
Frankfort, KY 40601 | Phone: (502) 597-6000
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.23 | kysu.edu |
40. |
Big Sandy Community & Technical College - Prestonsburg
Prestonsburg, KY 41653 | Phone: (606) 886-3863
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.00 | bigsandy.kctcs.edu |
41. |
Gateway Community and Technical College
Edgewood, KY 41017 | Phone: (859) 442-4138
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 77.96 | gateway.kctcs.edu |
42. |
Beckfield College
Florence, KY 41042 | Phone: (859) 371-9393
| Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 76.24 | beckfield.edu |
43. |
Ashland Community & Technical College - Ashland
Ashland, KY 41101 | Phone: (606) 326-2000
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 74.81 | ashland.kctcs.edu |
44. |
Spalding University - Louisville
Louisville, KY 40203 | Phone: (502) 585-9911
| Programs: BSN | 68.20 | spalding.edu |
45. |
American National University
Pikeville, KY 41501 | Phone: (606) 478-7200
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 63.82 | an.edu |
46. |
ATA College
Louisville, KY 40223 | Phone: (502) 371-8383
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 62.70 | ata.edu |
47. |
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY 42718 | Phone: (800) 264-6014
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | 51.40 | campbellsville.edu |
48. |
Hazard Community & Technical College
Jackson, KY 41339 | Phone: (606) 436-5721
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | hazard.kctcs.edu |
49. |
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY 40769 | Phone: (877) 713-8767
| Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | ucumberlands.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.