Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
ACNP programs help prepare nurses to care for acutely ill patients. Some ACNP programs may have a population focus, such as adult-gerontology or pediatric. The curriculum for ACNP programs may include acute care management, clinical residencies, acute care procedures and diagnostics and acute care clinical skills. Learn more about online acute care nurse practitioner programs.
Working As A Nurse Practitioner In Kentucky
When you are getting ready to graduate from your nurse practitioner program, you can begin preparing for the licensure process. This requires you to fill out an advanced practice application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing and take a thorough nurse practitioner exam. You may begin this stage of your career after getting your license.
Nurse practitioners may enjoy a positive job outlook in Kentucky. O*Net predicts a 34 percent increase in nurse practitioner jobs from 2012 to 2022.
Nurse practitioner salaries in Kentucky tend to be in line with national averages. Reported salaries range from $66,800 to $116,400 per year, and O*Net reports an average salary of $86,700 per year in Kentucky.
Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Find out what program options you have by contacting nurse practitioner schools in Kentucky now.
Types Of Nurse Practitioner Programs In Kentucky
There are many types of programs for RNs to gain their NP education and certification. These include 2 year nurse practitioner programs, doctorate of Nurse practitioner program online and in traditional learning environments, Family nurse practitioner programs, and accelerated courses.
One example of a Kentucky school’s NP program is at Northern Kentucky University.
Please see the Nurse Practitioner Resources section at the bottom of this article for more links to local NP programs.
Read Also: Ut Austin School Of Nursing Acceptance Rate
What Could I Pursue After Completing An Online Msn Fnp Program In Kentucky
The first step is often to complete the required coursework for the class. Then, students must meet the necessary requirements set by the school to graduate. After that licensure may be necessary. Some students may already have an RN license. They may need to complete additional certification exams. This typically allows the student to meet the requirements of the credentialing organization. After this, national certification may occur and a nursing degree is in hand.
Once that degree is in hand, a student may begin working in a nursing practice. This is where all of the clinical hours of study and hard work may pay off.
After completing a family nurse practitioner program, students may be able to work in a range of careers. This typically comes after full higher education is met and certification happens.
Students cannot work as an FNP without having a masters degree in the field and obtaining their license. Once that is complete, they may work in the following fields and areas.
In an evidence-based practice, they are likely to work one on one with patients most days. This is a hands on patient care field for most. Some may focus on areas of specific interest. This may include womens health.
A student who concentrates in family nurse practitioner may work as an acute care nurse practitioner . These individuals may work in high stress and fast paced environments. This may be in various clinical sites. Credentialing is often an important step here.
Why Become A Nurse In Kentucky
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 state. This means that once you graduate from a nursing school in Kentucky, you can apply for a multistate license. These licenses allow you to work in any of the 39 NLC states.
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.
Because many communities in Kentucky are underserved, special financial incentives related to these communities can entice nurses. Incentives include loan forgiveness programs for nurses or scholarships. RNs can also gain the satisfaction of helping communities in need as nurses.
Don’t Miss: Are Accelerated Nursing Programs Worth It
Salary And Career Information
In Kentucky, RNs earn mean salary amounts of $63,100 compared to the occupation’s U.S. mean salary of $75,510. The profession’s projected job growth in Kentucky is 12.1%, while the national projected job growth is 14.8%.
NPs working in Kentucky earn mean salary amounts of $99,790, while NPs throughout the country earn a mean wage of $110,030. The projected job growth for NPs in Kentucky is slightly lower than the occupation’s national projected job growth, with Kentucky reporting a job growth of 32.8% and the U.S. reporting a projected job growth of 36.1%.
Several metropolitan areas in Kentucky boast high salary opportunities for NPs. The Louisville-Jefferson County, Kentucky-Indiana metropolitan area reports the state’s highest mean salary of $108,390.
What Classes May I Take With An Online Masters In Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Program In Kentucky
Various factors may play a role in this decision. First, the school selected may set specific courses required. There may be those required for board certification as well.
Sometimes a student with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may determine he or she wants to continue their education in a brand new field or concentration. They could do this in their masters degree. This may change the type of classes taken. Concentrations range widely. Online FNP programs may offer more versatility than some schools. This may provide an opportunity for the student to complete an online Master of Science that fits their unique needs and goals.
Students who have an RN license and wish to complete their education may to take a bridge to obtaining their masters degree. As long as they have an associate degree, it may be possible to find a path that allows them to earn their BSN faster. This may include in person or clinical practice, as well as more advanced courses. The type of degree a person has may influence the courses they tend. Some of the courses common in the United States may include the following. This may change based on an advanced practice nursing degree and the school itself.
Recommended Reading: Adn Nursing Schools In Texas
List Of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools In Kentucky
The lush state of Kentucky has a rich tradition and history a quality many nurse practitioners love.
Those who enroll in an online NP program in the state can expect to take some core graduate-level courses, concentrated nursing courses that relate to the specialty chosen, and clinical courses. While the academic courses can be completed online, or in a combined alternative that mixes online and on-campus classes, any clinical experience must be done under supervision at a hospital or medical center. Luckily, most students can arrange for clinical to take place close to where they live and/or work.
Executive Leadership In Health Care
Executive Leadership program is practice based and prepares nursing leaders for multidimensional responsibilities in nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The curriculum emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational/systems, evidence-based management, financial, quality/safety and information management expertise, and strategies for making health care policy impacts. Graduates will identify actual and emerging problems and will design aggregate-level health interventions. Students will take a series of leadership courses that will prepare them to be effective leaders in complex organizations/settings and to respond to the challenges of healthcare today. Competencies outlined in the American Organization of Nurse Leaders Nurse Executive Competencies, the AONL Population Health Competencies, the American Nursing Credentialing Center Nursing Executive Certification domains of practice, and the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice are addressed in the program.
Download the part time sample curriculum here.
Graduates of the Executive Leadership specialty may be eligible to sit for the Nurse Executive – Advanced certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice exam with the American Organization of Nurse Executives . Eligibility for certification also requires meeting practice requirements for the respective agency.
Also Check: Indiana Wesleyan University Accelerated Nursing Program
Frontier Nursing University Distance Education
The Frontier Nursing University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools. They offer online MSN Programs with post masters certificates in the following areas: Certified Nurse Midwifery , Womens Health Care Nurse Practitioner . FSMFN also offers an online DNP program accredited by the AACN.
Programs Offered: Online ADN MSN , Online MSN , DNP
About Our School Of Nursing
Our School of Nursing has promoted human dignity, freedom and human flourishing in healthcare through nursing education since 1933, when we started our baccalaureate nursing program.
Our BSN program is the oldest in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our MSN program is the oldest in Louisville and second oldest in the state.
Our bachelors and masters level programs are fully accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .
You May Like: Can I Take The Lpn Exam While In Nursing School
Scholarships For Online Masters In Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Financial aid may a big part of completing advanced education. There are some scholarships that may help. Scholarships may not have to be repaid, most of the time. This helps ensure a student is getting the financial support they need to pursue this high-quality education. Students who plan to pursue their degree should consider the options available. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
These may be a few of the options that may be available. Be sure to verify details before applying for this type of degree.
Value: There are four $2,500 scholarships awarded. One each quarter for a total of $10,000 in awards.Deadline: December 31
- Application form
- Nursing student
Description: This scholarship is designed for students who are pursuing a bachelors or masters degree in nursing. This is a non renewable scholarship.
Value: There are four scholarships awarded per your in increments of $2,500 per semester. This scholarship is non renewable.Deadline: December 30
- Letter of recommendation
- Essay
Description: This scholarship is for students in a graduate nursing program that is an AACN member institution. In order to be eligible the student must have at least a 3.5 GPA. If not a member already winners must join the AACN make a post summarizing their essay.
Value: There are three $2,500 non renewable scholarships. Total value for all scholarships is $7,500.Deadline: January 31
- Personal statement
- List of extracurricular activities
- Official transcript
- Personal statement
Family Nurse Practitioner Ms Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN…
This program for BSNs who have an active,…
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: This degree program is not available in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington.
- Time: 2½ years.
- Tuition and fees: $4,250 plus $1,395 in fees, per six-month term, plus a Health Professions Student Fee of $350.
College of Health Professions
- All course materials for a low flat fee.
Read Also: Post Master’s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner
Eastern Kentucky University Department Of Baccalaureate And Graduate Nursing
Eastern Kentucky Universitys Department of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer an RN to BSN to MSN pathway as well as a traditional MSN program.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles/specialties:
- Rural Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner
- Advanced Rural Public Health Nursing Administration
- Advanced Rural Public Health Nursing Education
Those entering via the RN to BSN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associates degree in nursing. They must submit GRE or Miller Analogies Test scores during their last year of the BSN completion program. They must hold a current unrestricted RN license in Kentucky or one of its recognized compact states.
Those entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited nursing program. They must have a 2.75 or higher undergraduate GPA . Those with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher as well as those who have a 3.25 or higher GPA in their last 60 hours of undergraduate work are exempt from being required to submit GRE scores. Students must have completed a course in Statistics with a grade of C or better. They must hold a current unrestricted license as an RN in an approved state.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Kentucky Aprn Scope Of Practice
Kentucky is not classified as a full practice state by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Kentucky nurse practitioners are not completely autonomous. However, they have made legislative gains in recent years, ones that some believe can improve access for the underserved. Kentucky nurse practitioners can attain independent prescriptive authority after a period of collaboration. Until then, they prescribe under formal collaborative agreements with doctors. The Board of Pharmacy has provided information about circumstances under which nurse practitioners can prescribe controlled substances .
Look to the states healthcare organizations, and one will find nurse practitioners taking responsibility for a wide range of health and disease related services, but with some legislative and organizational limitations. Northern Kentucky University, for example, offers nurse practitioner services as part of its student health and wellness program . Theres a lot their nurse practitioners can do for students: provide physical exams and womens health exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, assist with tobacco cessation, provide birth control evaluation, write prescriptions, provide travel evaluations, treat injuries, treat warts, and make referrals for physical therapy. But the school notes that their nurse practitioners cant write prescriptions for ADHD medicines.
Recommended Reading: Arizona State University Online Nursing
Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
For nurses seeking to become a womens health nurse practitioner, an online womens health nurse practitioner program may help prepare students to provide gynecologic and primary care to women. As an online WHNP student, you will learn and acquire the skills and experience to treat and prevent illnesses and health concerns unique to women. Areas of focus will include primary care, prenatal and postpartum care, menopause, reproductive healthcare, and general wellness.
Opportunities Available To Dnp
Outstanding opportunities exist for DNP-educated nurses in Kentucky. Fortunately, earning a DNP is easier than ever, thanks to the many Kentuckys colleges and universities that offer this program, both for BSN- and MSN-prepared candidates. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Kentucky was home to 10 DNP programs in 2019.
The following job posts reveal just some of the exciting opportunities available to nurses in Kentucky who hold a DNP:
MSN Online Faculty, Spalding University, Louisville, KY
- Masters degree in nursing required DNP or PhD or actively enrolled in a post-graduate DNP or PhD is preferred
- Active unencumbered RN license
- 5 years of clinical nursing experience
- 2 years of teaching experience
Director, School of Nursing, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY
- Doctoral degree in related field required
- Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience within the past 7 years
- Minimum of 2 years of full-time teaching experience in nursing within the past 5 years
- RN license in KY
- Masters degree in nursing, education, or health related field required DNP or PhD preferred
- Minimum 7 years of experience and 5 years of leadership experience
Examples of DNP nursing positions were taken from a survey of job listings in January 2020 and are shown for illustrative purposes only. These examples do not represent job offers or positions that are currently available.
Recommended Reading: Schools With Accelerated Nursing Programs
Explore The Best Kentucky Online Nurse Practitioner Programs And Schools
Located in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University offers a master of science in nursing with a concentration in rural health family nurse practice. The program consists of 47 credits, and students can complete the degree in 7-9 semesters. Students may also transfer in up to 12 credits. Regular semester courses last eight weeks, while summer courses last six weeks.
The curriculum focuses on health promotion and disease prevention, with courses like advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology. Courses run on an asynchronous schedule, allowing students to complete coursework on a more flexible timeline. In addition to online courses, learners complete 750 direct patient care hours through clinical courses and an internship.
Campus: Richmond, Kentucky
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
A primary care pediatric nurse practitioner specializes in health promotion and prevention/management of common acute illnesses and chronic conditions affecting children from birth through young adulthood. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner practices in a range of primary care settings utilizing their in-depth knowledge and experience in meeting the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of children within the context of the child’s family, community and environment. Download the sample curriculum here.
Graduates of the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty will be eligible to sit for the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board .
Recommended Reading: Accelerated Nursing Programs In Charlotte Nc
Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
As with most other areas of the nursing profession, the demand for Nurse Practitioners is on the rise. This has, in turn, increased the demand for more convenient ways for working RNs to continue their education such as online programs.
One example of a Kentucky school’s online NP program is at Northern Kentucky University.
Please see the Nurse Practitioner Resources section at the bottom of this article for more links to local NP programs.
Why Pursue An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In Kentucky
Nurse practitioners, or NPs, have advanced training in specialized medical fields. They are licensed and autonomous healthcare clinicians who manage patients illnesses, injuries, and medical needs. NPs often assist in the field of preventive medicine, helping patients avoid emergencies.
Over the years, remote and underserved areas in Kentucky may lack in critical medical care as physician shortages continue. NPs can quickly assist their community by filling in for an absent or overworked physician.
Nurse practitioners can order and interpret lab work, diagnostic tests, and x-rays. They keep detailed digital patient records and help identify and treat chronic health conditions. Additionally, they can prescribe medication and manage patient care. Patient education is a large part of prevention and helping patients make better health choices.
While NPs are already advanced in training and education, focusing on a specialty area like pediatrics or womens health can guarantee future demand for their skills.
Typically, it takes six to eight years of education and training to become an NP, including a four year Bachelors degree in nursing followed by an additional two to four years of graduate nursing education via a masters degree, or a doctoral nursing degree.
Also Check: Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner