Murray State University Department Of Nursing
Murray State Universitys Department of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing programs to prepare RNs for two roles/specialty areas:
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Academic Nurse Educator
Nurse Practitioner programs at Murray State have already transitioned over to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The Nurse Anesthesia program will also be transitioned to the DNP program.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They should be licensed RNs with at least one year of experience as an RN prior to application. Students should submit GRE scores. Those pursuing the Nurse Anesthesia specialization should have one year of experience in a critical care/intensive care setting.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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.
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
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Online Dnp Programs In Kentucky
Kentucky universities have embraced distance learning with a vengeance. In our KY listings, youll see plenty of schools with online or hybrid DNPs. To give you a clearer sense of expectations, we dug down into the program descriptions and DNP handbooks.
- 100% Online BSN to DNP Programs in KY: On the program website, Bellarmine states that its Leadership DNP is fully online. Students are required to participate in an orientation and per semester class meetings, but these are available through recorded video.
- Online/Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in KY: BSN to DNP tracks in APRN specialties are almost always going to have campus components. For example, FNU has Clinical Bound, MSU has campus visits in the 2nd and 3rd years of the program, KSU has a few face-to-face assemblies, and WKU has weekend coursework. Generally speaking, well-known schools in Kentucky tend to favor a hybrid format. And DNAP programs will always be intense. At NKU and MSU, anesthesia specialty courses are taught on-site.
Once you reach the post-masters level, where coursework is primarily focused on leadership & administration, youll find plenty of Kentucky DNP programs that dont require face-to-face instruction.
Note: Wondering whats available nationwide? Check out the listings of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Nurse Practitioner Salaries

The average salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $92,002 per year in Louisville, KY Area. Salaries estimates are based on 7 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Nurse Practitioner employees in Louisville, KY Area.
The highest salary for a Nurse Practitioner in Louisville, KY Area is $151,341 per year.
The lowest salary for a Nurse Practitioner in Louisville, KY Area is $55,929 per year.
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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:
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 .
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Program Information: Online Fnp Programs In Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky Universitys FNP programs are 100 percent online with no required campus visits. The MSN-FNP in rural health comprises 47 credits and 750 clinical practice hours. The study can be initiated multiple times a year. Advanced practice FNPs trained at EKU are prepared to administer care in a variety of settings such as primary care and retail clinics, urgent treatment centers, emergency departments, and federally qualified rural health centers .
The post-masters FNP certificate entails 23 to 32 credits. FNP course topics include health promotion, health education and counseling, disease prevention, and diagnosis and treatment of health disorders. Ranked as one of the best online nursing programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, EKU boasts a 100 percent passing rate among its graduates on national certifying exams.
The community-based family nurse practitioner program curriculum at Frontier University provides a firm foundation for advanced practice nursing professionals through their strong focus on academic preparation and clinical experience. Family nurse practitioners trained at Frontier are prepared to be healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the field.
Family nurse practitioner tracks to the masters, certificate, and doctoral degrees are also available at Frontier for BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. Students completing Frontiers MSN or certificate programs may bypass the application process and proceed directly on to the DNP.
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.
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Spalding University School Of Nursing
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are available through the School of Nursing at Spalding University. They offer both an RN to MSN Bridge pathway and a traditional MSN pathway. Both pathways prepare graduates for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Those entering via the RN to MSN Bridge pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associates degree in nursing as well as a Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a field other than nursing. GPAs of 3.0 or higher are preferred, but lower GPAs will be considered. Students must submit official GRE scores. They must hold a current unencumbered license to practice as an RN in either Kentucky or Indiana. Students are required to complete additional nursing bridge coursework and portfolio requirements prior to being granted unconditional admission status.
Those entering via the traditional BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Those with lower GPAs will be considered on an individual basis. Students must submit GRE scores. Candidates must hold a current unencumbered RN license in Kentucky or Indiana.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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 .
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Ashley Snellen Msn Aprn
Owner and Family Nurse Practitioner
Ashley is a graduate from the University of Louisville with a BSN and received her graduate degree from Spalding University in 2003 as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to starting Avanti, her work experience includes family practice, internal medicine, and urgent care. Ashley is a certified Master Injector with Allergan and is also a trainer for Allergan Aesthetics. She holds certification in the administration of Botox, Dysport, multiple dermal filler administrations, and numerous cosmetic laser operations. Ashley is married with 3 young children and enjoys spending any downtime at the lake.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

A pediatric acute care nurse practitioner specializes in the assessment, diagnosis and management of acute health problems for infants, children and adolescents. Graduates are prepared to care for acutely and critically ill children and adolescents. As members of a multidisciplinary health care team, practitioners work in intensive care, progressive care, other hospital units, specialty clinics and specialty physicians offices. Download the sample curriculum here.
Graduates of the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty will be eligible to sit for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam with the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board .
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Average Rating 84% Recommended
This is a great facility. The staff are caring and respectful of each other. Patient needs come first.
The atmosphere among staff is friendly and very helpful for new employees. Management can be quite understanding and sympathetic when scheduling staffing shifts.
Nurse.org surveyed 1,075 nurses from 87 hospitals in the state of Kentucky from 2015-2017 for this report. Hospitals with less than ten reviews were excluded from our list. The ranking order is based on the average rating and the percent of nurses who would recommend their hospital.
Job Outlook For Nurses In Kentucky
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the job outlook for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses as much faster than average, when compared to other occupations. This means that students graduating from nursing schools in Louisville, or that complete an online nursing degree program, likely have an outstanding opportunity to achieve their goal of becoming a nurse.
Are you currently a nurse and want to expand your skills and career opportunities? The nursing programs that offer advanced degrees prepare students for changing roles in healthcare and leadership opportunities in the nursing profession. Consider these nursing schools in Louisville to complete your entry-level or advanced nursing degree program.
Please note that listed tuition rates are for the cost of tuition only, and do not include additional school or individual nursing program fees. Contact the specific school for additional cost of attendance information.
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Earn Your National Certification
The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires all APRNs to become nationally certified within an approved population focus. This certification must be maintained to retain APRN licensure in the state. You may choose to become certified in more than one population focus area.
Each national certification organization approved by the Board maintains its own requirements for certification, requiring you to meet specified educational standards and pass a national certification examination.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing licenses APRN titles in the following general practice categories:
- Nurse practitioner
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist
- Clinical nurse specialist
Certification Programs
These national certification agencies are approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to offer APRN certification in general practice, as well as subspecialty and population focus:
You must attain national certification prior to proceeding with Kentuckys APRN licensure process. Contact the appropriate national certification agency for more information.
Who Is An Accelerated Nursing Program For
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Five Continuing Education Requirements
All nurses in Kentucky must complete 14 contact hours of continuing education from an approved provider each year from November 1st – October 31st.
There are a few mandatory courses which will count towards the total 14 contact hours required.
MANDATORY CE FOR ALL NURSES
Required CE | ||
---|---|---|
Once within first 3 yrs | ||
Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma | 1.5 Contact Hours | Once within first 3 yrs |
Note: The Domestic Violence course has been integrated into all Kentucky nursing schools curriculum since May 1998 and the Shaken Baby Syndrome course has been integrated since December 2011.
MANDATORY CE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINERS
Required CE |
---|
5 Contact Hours | Once a year |
Note: APRNs may use their national nursing certification to satisfy the fourteen contact hours needed for RN license renewal as long as the certification was initially attained during the licensure period, has been in effect during the entire licensure period, or the certification has been renewed or recertified during the licensure period.
University Of Cincinnati Rn To Bsn Online
Located just across the Kentucky and Ohio border lies the University of Cincinnati, which offers the RN to BSN online program. Current registered nurses have the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online in just nine months, or two semesters of full-time study, or within three to five semesters of part-time study.
Gain nursing skills through experiential learning, collaboration with healthcare professionals, technology and innovation.
- Tuition: $416 per credit hour
- NCLEX first time pass rate: 85%
- Accreditation: CCNE
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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.
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.
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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.