Become An Advance Practice Registered Nurse In Kentucky
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Rn Salaries In Kentucky
The average mean wage of RNs in Kentucky is approximately $57,520. This figure will often fluctuate for nurses who have sought out higher education. There are over 60,000 nurses actively registered in Kentucky. It is also reported that more students than ever are pursuing a bachelors degree in nursing. The hospitals in Kentucky provide nurses with many job opportunities in areas such as management, utilization review, quality control, infection control, and wound care specialization. There are also case manager positions available within a hospital as well as home healthcare and community-based healthcare facilities.
University Of Kentucky Score 6400
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%
- In-state tuition: $12,610
- Out-of-State tuition: $31,608
At the top of the list is the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. The University of Kentucky offers opportunities ranging from the traditional BSN degree to a Ph.D. in Nursing. Theyre a large program: at the time of their Fall, 2021 enrollment there were a total of 1,589 students enrolled in the College of Nursing. According to the UK website, the National Institute for Research database ranks them at No. 14 nationally among all public and private nursing schools. Their graduation rate is 63%.
The programs being offered at UK are CCNE accredited and include:
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S Best Accredited Nursing Schools In Kentucky
With an expanding pool of nursing schools in Kentucky, finding the one that meets your educational, financial, and professional needs can feel overwhelming. To help you with this process, we identified some of the top nursing programs in Kentucky offering affordable tuition, proper accreditation, and top-tier student support. The three below set the standard for quality nursing schools and programs in the state.
University of Kentucky
The College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky offers a breadth of nursing programs to meet students where they are and provide the education they need to land meaningful and well-paying jobs. Students select from programs like the traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in nursing, and a postgraduate APRN certificate. The department also provides continuing education opportunities through live events and web courses.
Online programs include the RN to BSN and MSN, while the DNP takes a hybrid approach. UK is devoted to educating nurses who can work with the states large smoking population. To that end, it also provides a tobacco treatment specialist graduate certificate.
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
In addition to providing multiple scholarships, WKU also offers several tools to help students make informed, confident decisions. Prospective students can take virtual tours of the BSN program, and theres also a detailed guide on how to select a top-tier nursing program.
Bsn To Dnp Programs In Kentucky
You wont be lacking for options in Kentucky! Our listings contain all kinds of BSN to DNP specialties, including a range of APRN tracks. When we were analyzing the programs, we noticed a few trends.
- Multiple APRN Specialties: Universities with top rankings and big reputations tend to have the most choice. FNU plays to its strengths in family care . UofL is willing to offer an NNP track. And UK has routes for aspiring PNPs.
- AGPCNP: If youre considering adult gerontology primary care, you may wish to compare & contrast UofL and KSU.
- FNP: Alternatively, you could consider schools that specialize in the FNP. Examples include MSU and WKUs hybrid BSN to DNP programs.
- Leadership: Take a look at Bellarmines 100% online BSN to DNP in leadership, WKUs hybrid program for the Nurse Executive, or UKs track in Executive Leadership in Health Care.
- Nurse Anesthesia: Your two choices in Kentucky are NKU and MSU. Both programs are blendedDNP core courses are online, but specialty courses involve clinical training on-campus.
Note: You can expand your search parameters beyond Kentucky with our directory of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs.
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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.
Top Nursing Schools In Kentucky: Most Expensive To Least Expensive
If youre aspiring to go back to nursing school, you may be wondering how to pay for it. College tuition is already expensive, and that isnt the only cost you have to consider. There are also the costs of the application process, other registration fees, textbooks and supplies, and of course your personal living expenses. This may all seem daunting, but its important to remember that some schools, and some programs, are more expensive than others. Private colleges and universities tend to be the most expensive, followed by public colleges and universities. Community colleges are generally the least expensive and most accessible. Longer programs are also more expensive than shorter programs. Therefore, earning a bachelors degree or masters degree to become a nurse practitioner, which can take 6-7 years, is more expensive than completing an eight- to ten-week program to become a nursing assistant.
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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.
Best Ranked Rn Programs In Kentucky
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Kentucky and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 26 ADN degree programs and 14 BSN degree programs in Kentucky. We obtained each institutions first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Kentucky to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
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Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors including:
- Transfer credits
- Amount of credits taken per year
- Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
Does An Rn To Bsn Increase My Salary
Registered nurses who aim to advance in their current jobs or pursue higher-level specialty nursing jobs can expect to make more money. The catch is that many of these positions require at least a BSN degree. Aside from the higher salary, a BSN makes a candidate much more attractive to employers in hospitals, care facilities, and other healthcare environments.
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Getting A License In Kentucky
Kentucky is a member of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact , meaning a nursing license in Kentucky is recognized by other compact states. This is good news if you end up wanting to work in nearby Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, or another compact state. As a compact state, Kentucky also has a standardized process for obtaining licensure:
- Study at an accredited nursing school
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
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.
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Tips For Choosing The Top Nursing Schools In Kentucky
While you narrow down your list of top nursing programs in Kentucky, you may wonder what factors are important in your school selection. The Kentucky Board of Nursing may be a good resource in this area. They maintain a list of approved nurse education programs.
Make sure that the school you select is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing if you want to move through the licensure process as quickly as possible.
Its important to spend some time thinking about how you learn and what you need to succeed in an educational environment. You may prefer small classes or be interested in a nursing student mentorship program. Maybe you want extensive lab time and unique clinical opportunities. Make a list of your priorities and ask each school that you contact about what they offer.
Another factor to look at is the NCLEX pass rate. To become an LPN or RN, you have to pass the appropriate NCLEX test. Attending a school with a high NCLEX pass rate may indicate that a school properly prepares its students for the rigorous testing process. While contacting each school, find out if they have NCLEX review or study programs to support graduating students.
Complete An Accredited Nursing Program
The path to becoming a registered nurse starts with completing a nursing degree. This makes picking the best nursing program critical to your success as an RN in the future.
There are three types of pre-licensure nursing programs in Kentucky. Offered at several community colleges, an Associate Degree in Nursing requires takes two to three years to finish. Completing this degree means gaining the skills and knowledge required in providing nursing care in different settings.
The second one is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN programs. Compared with ADN programs, a BSB program takes a longer time to finish. It usually takes a student 4 years to complete the program.
Then, there the ELM or Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing. This one is offered to students with a baccalaureate degree in a different field and plan to become RNs. Graduates of this program are given a masters degree after completion.
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S To Advanced Practice Licensure In Kentucky
Advanced practice licensure in Kentucky is applicable to four groups: nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists.
Nurses licensed in Kentucky or a compact state who are nationally certified by a board-approved body can become licensed as both an RN and an APRN by submitting a $330 fee for the upgrade. Additionally, they must:
- Complete post-basic nursing education
- Complete state and federal criminal background checks
- Fill out a fingerprint card
- Arrange for their official transcripts to be sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Show proof that they are nationally certified
- Verify their original RN license
- Pass the state jurisprudence exam
In order to renew an APRN license, advanced practice registered nurses need five hours of continuing education contact hours in pharmacology. In addition to paying the $65 to renew their RN license, they must pay $55 for each APRN specialty they are renewing.
More details on APRN licensure can be found at the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Nku Named Among Kentuckys Best Nursing Schools
Student Administering COVID-19 Vaccine
NKU ranks second on the best universities for transitioning registered nurses to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. NKU also ranked as fastest RN to BSN online programs in the online resourceâs 2021 list. RNtoMSN.org, one of the most popular online resources for registered nurses, analyzed over 500 schools and evaluated their tuition rate, net price and academic outcomes to compile the rankings for each state.
âFast, affordable, and 100% onlineâthese are just a few reasons to take a look at NKUâs Online RN to BSN. We also like the fact that this flexible program features straightforward pricingâonline rates are the same for everyone, with all fees includedâand 21st century coursework,â stated the website in its review of NKU.
When compiling the ranking, RNtoMSN.org also gave NKU high remarks for its hands-on learning opportunities and alumni reputation in the field.
âIn addition to achieving respectable NCLEX and certification pass rates, NKUâs School of Nursing runs a dedicated Nurse Advocacy Center for the Underserved and works closely with St. Elizabeth Medical Center on research-based, community-driven interventions,â stated RNtoMSN.org.
To learn more about the universityâs latest ranking and view the siteâs complete list, visit here.
###NKU###
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Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is one of the 16 open-enrollment, two-year Community Colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Students can either earn their LPN, ADN or RN certification upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates can enter their careers within two years of starting the program or they can use their education gained at Southcentral as a springboard to enter a university to earn their BSN degree. Southcentral offers two locations, one in Bowling Green and one in Glasgow.
At A Glance
- Teacher to Student Ratio: 25:1
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
Best Private Nursing Schools In Kentucky
Unlike public schools, private colleges and universities are not subsidized by the government, which means they are often more expensive. However, they are frequently viewed as more prestigious, offer a number of advantages that public universities do not, and often make up for their higher tuitions by offering scholarships and financial aid. One major advantage to private colleges is that they tend to have fewer students and thus smaller class sizes than public schools. That means that at a private college, you can expect to have more individual attention and personal contact with your professors. Another benefit to private colleges is that they are often held in higher esteem than public schools, which will help you differentiate yourself when applying for jobs.
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Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
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 degree where students take courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing Care, and more. SKCC nurses are an excellent addition to the healthcare team.
Career Outlook For Nursing Professions
Once youve finished your education at one of the best nursing schools in KY, you should be ready to tackle the licensing process. This is regulated by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. You may be able to start applying before you graduate doing so may help you get an earlier testing date.
If you complete your training at one of the licensed practical nursing degree programs in Kentucky, you may find several LPN job openings at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. On average, Kentucky LPNs earn $39,460 per year . Between 2014 and 2024, demand for licensed practical nurses may increase 27% .
After earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree, you may get the title of registered nurse. Demand for registered nurses is very high in Kentucky. By 2024, job openings for registered nurses may swell 36% . The average annual salary for a Kentucky registered nurse is $59,810 .
There are many careers you may pursue with a Master of Science in Nursing degree, but it really all depends on which specialty you study. Becoming a nurse practitioner is a popular choice, since it gives you the chance to work with your population of choice and take on primary care roles. There is a severe shortage of nurse practitioners in Kentucky, leading to an expected 43% increase in job openings by 2024 .
The average salary for a nurse practitioner in this state is $94,790 per year .
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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 a 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.