Online Nursing Programs In Kentucky
There are many options for students to complete their nursing education online in the state of Kentucky. Union College – KY has a 87% NCLEX pass rate and offers an online RN to BSN program. Northern Kentucky University, which also has a high NCLEX pass rate, has seven masters in nursing degrees and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program for students seeking higher nursing education. Nurses applying for licensure who have not attained an initial nursing degree from a Kentucky program must complete three hours of Domestic Violence continuing education and one and a half hours of Pediatric Head Abuse Trauma education. Kentucky is also one of the compact states, so nursing licenses earned in Kentucky are acceptable for use in any of the other compact states.
How To Get A Registered Nurse License In Kentucky
Earning a Kentucky RN license requires students to pursue either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. This can be done at a community college, college, or university. The next step in obtaining a Kentucky nursing license is to apply for licensure by endorsement or licensure by examination. Licensure by endorsement is for professionals who are already certified to practice as an RN in other states, while licensure by examination is for recent graduates of nursing programs.
Both methods require RN potentials to fill out an application, which will ask for pertinent personal, professional, and educational information. Applicants also need to include a fee of $125 for examination applications and $165 for endorsement applications. Next, applicants will need to have a Kentucky criminal background report done as well as complete a fingerprint card . After this is done, the applicant must complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination, which is a computerized exam based on Kentucky Nursing Laws and Advisory opinion statements that are housed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The cost to take this exam is $15. Examination applicants must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs, while endorsement applicants must verify their credentials.
What Prerequisite Science Courses Will I Need For An Absn Program In Kentucky
First applicants must have a bachelors degree from an approved university. The typical list of prerequisites for admission to the Accelerated BS in Nursing program usually include the following:
- BIOL 211/212: Human Anatomy and Lab
- BIOL 215/L: Introductory Microbiology and Lab
- BIOL 281/282: Human Physiology and Lab
- CHEM 103/L: Introductory Chemistry I and Lab
- MATH 140: Introductory Statistics
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What Is An Accelerated Nursing Program
Kentucky is home to some of the best accelerated nursing programs, including the University of Kentucky Accelerated Nursing Program. Accelerated nursing programs are designed for students with already completed diplomas or associate degrees in other majors that want to become a nurse. These accelerated nursing programs enable students to complete the nursing program in fewer than two years.
An accelerated nursing program is a fast track educational option for individuals who have the academic foundation to begin their nursing education with a reduced course load and often no general education courses. Instead of being enrolled in traditional courses , students in ABSN programs follow a carefully designed curriculum that focuses heavily on biological sciences and professional nursing topics. After students complete the required hours of class and clinical exposure, they earn a regular degree instead of an associates degree.
What You Will Learn

In the Accelerated BSN Nursing Program, you will learn how to provide care for people in different phases of the lifespan and in a variety of health care settings.Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity for collaborative practice and experiential learning in our in our state-of-the-art simulation center. Graduates of Accelerated BSN Program will be prepared to become health care leaders in a global society.
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How To Get Registered As A State Registered Nurse Aide In Kentucky
In Kentucky, CNAs are called state registered nurse aides . SRNAs in Kentucky are not licensed health care professionals rather, they are nursing assistants who have completed a training and competency program to qualify as a nurse aide. This program is offered by numerous establishments throughout the state, but in order to be official, it must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. All programs will include both a written and clinical skills exam and feature at least 75 hours of nursing aide instructional training and 16 hours of supervised practical training. The program must also be led by a registered or practical nurse with a specified amount of experience.
All applicants who qualify as an SRNA are entered into the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry run by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. In addition to providing a list of all qualified CNAs in Kentucky, this registry also records CNAs who have a history of abuse. To stay on the list, Kentucky SRNAs must perform at least eight hours of nursing-related functions within a two-year period. Kentucky SRNAs must renew their active status every two years, and it’s required that they complete 12 hours of in-service education each year.
Northern Kentucky University Ranked Among The Nations Best For Online Graduate Nursing Program
Northern Kentucky University received a national ranking for its online graduate nursing program in the College of Health Professions.
U.S. News & World Report ranked NKU 28th in its Best Online Masters in Nursing Program list.
Although the program is online, the faculty and students develop a strong professional relationship faculty work closely with each student to provide strong mentorship. Classes are kept small to facilitate learning and collaboration. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. U.S. News stated in NKUs profile.
NKUs program was ranked according to its performance across different indicators of excellence. These include student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation, admissions selectivity and student services and technology.
It is an incredible honor to be highlighted by U.S. News for having one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the country, said Dr. Dale Stephenson, Dean of the College of Health Professions.
Stephenson
Our goal is to meet our graduate students where they are by providing the programs online. We understand they have busy lives and careers.
U.S. News also highlighted the easy access to lecture material because the university keeps an archive of recorded classes. NKU has 475 students enrolled in its Masters of Science in Nursing Online Program.
For more details on the ranking, click here.
For more information on the program, click here.
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Becoming A Nurse In Kentucky
Those who wish to become a registered nurse , state registered nurse aide , licensed practical nurse or advanced practice registered nurse in the state of Kentucky must apply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing. This organization is an agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is responsible for enforcing all state laws that govern the safe practice of nursing. Generally, students can pursue one of three types of nursing programs in Kentucky to get their initial nursing licensure: a practical nursing program, an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. To obtain an APRN license, students will have to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree from nursing schools in Kentucky or elsewhere.
What Will I Study In My Kentucky Accelerated Nursing Program
Curricula will vary a little but they are all designed to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Most schools will have course lists available online of what you will take during your program. In general you can expect to take courses similar to the following curriculum as offered by a typical five semester program where summers are required.
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Kentucky Board Of Nursing
The Northern Kentucky University BSN nursing programs are approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing .
The Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Nursing certifies that the Northern Kentucky University Baccalaureate Degree Program has met the requirements established by law and the Kentucky Board of Nursing. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Education regulation 34 CFR 668.43 for Nursing Education, the Baccalaureate Degree Program at Northern Kentucky University provides a comprehensive curriculum which prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Students seeking licensure in states other than Kentucky and Ohio should refer to https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm for additional licensure requirements.
Faqs For Kentucky Accelerated Nursing Schools
Can I Work During My ABSN?
Students are expected to not work during their year of nursing study and clinicals so that they can devote all their time fully towards exam preparation and gaining experience in nursing with a goal of taking the NCLEX-RN, which is required to become a registered nurse.
How Long Are Accelerated Nursing Programs in Kentucky?
The typical duration for an Accelerated BSN program is 11 to 18 months, depending on the prerequisites. An accelerated masters degree in nursing will generally take about three years.
Are There Accelerated Nursing Programs for LPNs or RNs?
Yes. These are generally call LPN to RN or RN to BSN programs and are designed for nurses who already nurses but want to earn an advanced degree.
How Hard Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Since ABSNs are only 11-18 months long, ABSN students often struggle with staying ahead of their coursework as well as keeping up with clinical rotations . The need to balance academics while working towards practical experience can place great strain on ABSN students who want to excel academically but also maintain a high standard during clinical rotations. Therefore it is often advised for ABSN students not to work while attending school.
What Are the Best Ranked Nursing Programs in Kentucky?
Find a list of merit-based best ranked nursing programs in Kentucky.
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Student Debt Of Nursing Graduates With A Bachelor’s Degree
While getting their bachelor’s degree at NKU, nursing students borrow a median amount of $25,500 in student loans. This is higher than the the typical median of $23,387 for all nursing majors across the country.
The typical student loan payment of a bachelor’s degree student from the nursing program at NKU is $265 per month.
Cities In Kentucky Offering Accredited Nursing Programs

If you are not finding the right nursing program in Highland Heights or want to compare nursing schools from other cities in Kentucky? Compare average NCLEX scores, in-state and out-of-state tuition costs as well as schools with strong alumni networks. The following is a list of cities in with accredited nursing programs in Kentucky:
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Who Is An Accelerated Nursing Program For
S To Register For The Nclex
Be sure to talk to your school about the requirements for signing up for the NCLEX. They can help you with timing and steps. The process can take some time, so dont wait until the last minute. Here are some important steps you need to take to register for the big day:
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How Long Does It Take To Complete An Accelerated Nursing Program In Kentucky
This all depends on the school of course so take some time to shop around. In general you will be able to earn your BSN through an accelerated nursing program in 18 months or less. Some of these programs will be non-stop year round, while others may factor in a break. You will complete not only course work but also required hands on clinical experiences during this time so that you can master your new nursing skills.
Student Debt Of Nursing Graduates With A Master’s Degree
At NKU, a typical nursing student working on their master’s degree borrrows about $42,571 in student loans. This is not favorable since the median amount of student debt for all nursing master’s graduates is $41,000.
Those master’s students from NKU on a 10-year student debt repayment plan end up paying a median amount of $496 per month.
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Academic Partnerships Select Inplace As Nkus Clinical Placement Software Provider
We welcome our new client, Northern Kentucky University
InPlace Software has collaborated with Academic Partnerships to launch InPlace at Northern Kentucky University. The university will use the software to manage the clinical placement process for graduate nursing progams.
Having helped over 60 universities worldwide to scale their online learning services, Academic Partnerships supports Northern Kentucky University in delivering a comprehensive list of online learning programs. This includes workplace learning programs that are key for students to develop their employability skills.
AP reviewed and assisted in the selection process for a student placement management software to better enable Northern Kentucky Universitys staff to manage clinical learning experiences for students. NKU selected InPlace due to its rich functionality and ability to scale their placement management process. Namely, delivering the numerous manual processes through an online workflow.
Deployed and live in just 30 days
InPlace has been deployed across nursing programs in an effort to engage as many students as possible in preceptored learning opportunities. The end-to-end rollout was completed in five weeks.Now live, university staff and students will be using InPlace primarily for matching graduate nursing students with preceptors, managing agreements and compliance documentation.
What To Expect From The Northern Kentucky University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Admission Requirements: All nursing applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. The application process is streamlined with graduate entrance exams, a resume, and references not required. Application materials include an application, application fee , official transcripts, and verification of an unencumbered RN license.
- Program Specific Admission Requirements
- MSN: Hold a BSN degree from an ACEN, CCNE, CNEA-accredited nursing program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree may be granted admission and must take two additional MSN courses. All applicants must have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or higher and have at least 1,000 hours of RN work experience.
- Post-Masters Certificates: Hold a master of science in nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA-accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must have at least 1,000 hours of RN work experience. Those earning a second specialty must provide proof of the appropriate earned NP specialization when applying.
As always, students in any state outside Kentucky should check with the admissions department of the NKU College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing to verify eligibility, as state approvals do change from time to time. Those in approved states should verify requirements for NP licensure with their state board of nursing.
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Nku Nursing Bachelors Program
During the 2019-2020 academic year, 223 nursing majors earned their bachelor’s degree from NKU. Of these graduates, 17% were men and 83% were women.
The majority of bachelor’s degree recipients in this major at NKU are white. In the most recent graduating class for which data is available, 91% of students fell into this category.
The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s in nursing.
Ethnic Background |
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Nku Nursing Program Receives National Honors

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. Northern Kentucky Universitys nursing degree has been recognized among The Princeton Reviews best online nursing programs.
The Princeton Review recently compiled the inaugural list analyzing specific factors, such as each programs affordability, flexibility and access to innovative technologies. NKU received high remarks in each category, as well as its commitment to preparing the next generation of health professionals and equitable approach to admissions.
Despite all that 2020 brought with it, program has proven to be just as rigorous as on-campus counterparts and even more relevant to be featured on this prestigious inaugural list, stated The Princeton Review. It is prevalent that their faculty is dedicated to ensure success in their students careers.
The latest ranking comes on the heels of Dr. Gannon Tagher receiving national honors for co-authoring two of the best scholarly works in 2020. Dr. Gannon Tagher, who serves as interim assistant vice provost for academic advising and first-year experience, recently published Pediatric Nursing: A Case-Based Approach, 1st Edition, which reflects the teaching innovations at NKU.
The textbook earned first place in the nursing and allied health category from the American Association of Publishers PROSE Awards and second place in the child health category from the American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Awards.
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