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“The need for care in the rural regions of Kentucky is pivotal to improving the social determinants of health and fostering a better quality of life.”
Erin Robinson, EdD, Associate Professor, Northern Kentucky University’s School of Nursing
Nurses are critical professionals within the healthcare system. In Kentucky, as in many other states, the early 2020s have proven a challenging time characterized by nursing workforce shortages, professional burnout due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and other issues. The Kentucky Hospital Association’s most recently published annual workforce survey report shows Kentucky continues to face serious challenges (KHA 2025), and the vacancy rates for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses remain some of the highest in the health professions.
Workforce shortages are attributable to many factors that are mutually intertwined. Persistent understaffing due to high vacancy rates can hasten burnout and related issues for existing workers as they often must carry an unreasonably heavy workload to compensate for the lack of personnel. This can exacerbate another issue, namely the staff turnover rate. When people do not remain in their jobs for a long time this high turnover rate can easily undermine morale for those who do remain. A lack of a stable workforce can also impede the critical transfer of nursing knowledge to incoming nursing professionals, increasing risks to patient safety and health outcomes.
The challenges that Kentucky and many other states face predate the Covid-19 pandemic. Structural issues are a major factor. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted that to fulfill demand, the US healthcare delivery system will require 1.9 million more workers nationwide in the coming decade.
As in many other states, Kentucky also faces challenges in providing quality care to its rural residents. Kentucky faces a stark divide between the care it provides its urban residents and those who live in the countryside. Several factors contribute to this divide. One is the fact that rural hospitals are rarely very financially sustainable. In addition, a lack of transportation, communications, and other infrastructure can make it difficult for many residents to access care. The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine is an example of a school formed to recognize the particular challenges of rural care. This school is briefly profiled immediately below.
Kentucky is fertile ground for investing in the education and employment of new nursing professionals. Kentucky features a variety of academic programs for nursing professionals seeking to begin or advance their careers. These programs vary in terms of duration, intensity, and complexity. Read on to discover Kentucky’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Meet the Expert: Erin Michele Robinson, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, FNAP
Dr. Erin Robinson is an associate professor and interim co‑director of undergraduate nursing studies at Northern Kentucky University’s School of Nursing. She earned her BSN from Duquesne University, an MSN in nursing education from the University of Pittsburgh, and an EdD in educational leadership with a focus on nursing education from Northern Kentucky University.
Dr. Robinson directs NKU’s accelerated BSN (ABSN) program and serves as a key faculty mentor for students navigating high-stakes testing and early career pathways in nursing . Her scholarship centers on student perceptions of stress in high-stakes testing environments, and she co-leads a longitudinal study, “Pathways to a Nursing Degree,” tracking high school students’ pursuit of nursing.
Dr. Robinson is also active in the Northern Kentucky Nursing and Interprofessional Research Collaborative, helping nurses develop manuscripts for publication, including a forthcoming work on enriching the doctoral experience . She holds certification as a nurse educator (CNE) and is a fellow of the National Academies of Practice (FNAP).
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish people knew about nursing in Kentucky?
Dr. Robinson: There are endless things to share about nursing in Kentucky! Kentucky, like many states, is experiencing a shortage of nurses, as well as nurse educators. Kentucky needs nurses at all levels of practice who can provide excellent care to improve healthcare outcomes for the residents of the commonwealth. The need for care in the rural regions of Kentucky is pivotal to improving the social determinants of health and fostering a better quality of life.
There are many wonderful programs of nursing in Kentucky, and many opportunities and options for career mobility within the profession of nursing. A nurse can practice in areas such as pediatrics, psych-mental health, maternity, intensive care, community health, or areas that require medical-surgical knowledge, such as the operating room. Nurses have the ability to continue their education and become nurse practitioners, educators, leaders, or nurse anesthetists. Many nurses are creating unique and innovative pathways for practice.
NursingColleges.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring nurses?
Dr. Robinson: My advice for aspiring nurses isto allow yourself time to discover through your clinical experiences and experiential learning what area of nursing practice fulfills you as a nurse. There are many wonderful areas of practice that should be considered. My other piece of advice is to find a strong team to support you on your educational journey.
NursingColleges.com: What does the future of nursing look like to you?
Dr. Robinson: Nursing is dynamic and will continue to be dynamic. I believe that technology, specifically AI, will shape the future of nursing. Colleges and schools of nursing need to foster strong clinical judgment and adaptive thinking among their graduates to meet the needs of the ever-changing healthcare workforce.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University offers a Kentucky Board of Nursing-approved BSN nursing program. The nursing program curriculum, offered through the NKU College of Health and Human Services, trains students in caring for people of all ages in various practice settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics and community agencies. Students develop skills and confidence through experiential learning within the simulation center. The program is designed to prepare nursing professionals who can be influential healthcare leaders in a global society.
Students seeking a BSN have three options: a traditional BSN track, an accelerated BSN track, or an online RN-to-BSN track. Those wishing to pursue additional studies upon graduation may choose from many additional options at NKU.
- Location: Highland Heights, KY
- Duration: Three to four years; varies depending on track and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Pikeville (Online)
The University of Pikeville Elliott School of Nursing offers a 120-credit hour RN-BSN program designed to give nurses who already hold an associate degree in nursing the opportunity to earn a BSN through its online curriculum. The online delivery model allows registered nurses who are already working the flexibility to complete their coursework within their own schedules.
Students of this program are trained in evidence-based patient care and provided with the requisite skills to ultimately take advanced staff and leadership roles within a variety of nursing practice settings. Graduates of this program are also well-prepared for graduate-level education.
The University of Pikeville also includes the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM). It was recently ranked second among all DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) and MD (medical doctor) degree-granting medical schools in the United States for graduates seeking primary care residencies. Guided by a mission to focus especially on underserved and rural areas, KYCOM can prove an excellent choice for students seeking to establish a healthcare career focused on providing healthcare to rural Americans.
- Location: Pikeville, KY
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Midway University (In-person or online)
Midway University offers a BSN degree program featuring two different track options. These are the prelicensure BSN and the RN-BSN program.
The prelicensure BSN program is a traditional four-year undergraduate degree in which students attend in-person classes and often live on campus. Students complete 120 credit hours to graduate. The curriculum combines general education courses, professional nursing theory coursework, and supervised clinical experiences. Throughout their training, students are also required to take nationally normed assessments from the Assessment Technologies Institute. These assessments are performed to both supplement coursework and prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN).
Students of the RN-BSN track often have previously completed an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students who complete their ADN and pass the NCLEX exam can pursue the online RN-BSN track while concurrently working as an RN. This program track is thus especially suitable for existing nursing professionals seeking a program that is less demanding of their time and finances. Except for two practicum courses, all coursework can be completed online. This program can be completed in as little as one year but may require up to two years. Admission to the program is also highly flexible. Students can enter at one of five times throughout the year, namely January, March, June, August or October.
- Location: Midway, KY
- Duration: One to two years for RN-BSN program; four years for traditional program
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a BSN program designed to meet the needs of both students and existing nursing professionals. WKU offers two tracks for students seeking to become nurses.
WKU’s traditional BSN program is a full-time, four-semester, upper-division option for students who have completed a minimum of 63 credits and required prerequisite courses. Students complete their prerequisite coursework before focusing solely on their nursing training requirements. In addition to traditional coursework, students must also complete 700 clinical contact hours. Supervised clinical experience is provided in varied hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery and other settings such as nursing homes, schools, and health departments. Graduates are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.
WKU also offers a second-degree entry option. This track is available to those with a BS or BA in a non-nursing field. Students with a past bachelor’s degree are exempt from WKU general education requirements. The only exception may occur in cases where those general education requirements are determined not to have been fully fulfilled by past coursework. Students must also complete nursing-specific prerequisites before entry into the nursing program. Completing the nursing curriculum necessary to get a BSN typically requires four semesters over two years.
- Location: Bowling Green, KY
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Thomas More University offers two tracks to attain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. These are the traditional BSN program and the RN to BSN program. The degree typically requires 52 credit hours of nursing courses and a roughly identical number of credit hours derived from supporting courses in biology, chemistry, psychology, mathematics, and English. A distinct advantage of Thomas More is its size. As a small, liberal arts institution it offers students the opportunity to develop supportive relationships with faculty. Students may develop relationships with professors as scholars, mentors, and also friends. Classmates also prove to be a great resource for nursing students as they may be study partners and durable friends.
The university is well respected and repeatedly acknowledged for how incredibly well-prepared its graduates are to enter the workforce. Graduates may fill any number of roles, including bedside nurse, clinical specialist, educator, healthcare administrator, emergency room nurse, researcher, and community health nurse.
- Location: Crestview Hills, KY
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University’s School of Nursing offers fully online, CCNE-accredited graduate nursing programs tailored to the evolving roles of advanced practice and leadership in healthcare. Its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offerings and Post‑Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialization enable registered nurses to pursue leadership, education, or clinician roles while balancing professional responsibilities.
NKU’s MSN program features five fully online concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult‑Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric‑Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Nurse Executive Leadership.
For nurses holding a master’s degree, NKU’s Post‑Master’s DNP specialization provides a fully online pathway to doctoral preparation in leadership, advanced practice, health systems, or policy. The curriculum is designed to cultivate system-level improvement expertise, data-driven care models, and strategic innovations—aligned with AACN’s DNP Essentials. Each student completes tailored practicum projects to translate best practices into measurable healthcare outcomes.
Together, NKU’s graduate nursing programs emphasize affordability, flexibility, and clinical relevance. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, graduate GPA of 3.0, and, for the DNP, a scholarly writing sample and leadership-ready experience. Both MSN and DNP graduates are well prepared for certification, leadership roles, and expanded responsibilities across healthcare settings.
- Location: Highland Heights, KY
- Duration: One to two years; varies depending on track and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Louisville (Hybrid)
The University of Louisville offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program with a concentration in advanced practice nursing (APRN). The program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. It offers specializations in adult gerontology care (both acute and primary care), family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. In addition to traditional coursework, students complete at least 672 hours of patient care clinical experience. This experience may be accrued through both in-person care and simulation experience.
The MSN APRN program features a holistic admission review process in which several criteria are considered to decide. These criteria include professional career goals, academic ability, past coursework performance, work experience and demonstration of leadership and related abilities in past activities such as volunteer work. Admission is offered in fall, spring, and summer. Courses are taught in a hybrid format.
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Bellarmine University (Online)
Bellarmine University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree designed to prepare nursing professionals to successfully address healthcare delivery and design issues through advanced knowledge and leadership skills. Admissions decisions are thus guided by a focus on candidates who demonstrate capacities in both higher level knowledge acquisition and leadership.
The MSN program offers four distinct tracks: family nurse practitioner, administration, education, and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. Because the MSN program builds on the curriculum of the university’s bachelor’s degree nursing program, graduates may find pursuing further study at Bellarmine especially suitable. In addition, regardless of past academic history, students design and complete their customized curriculum through ongoing collaboration with their faculty adviser.
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Duration: Two years (may also include summer study)
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Kentucky (Online)
Nursing professionals interested in assuming a leadership role focused on the functioning of healthcare systems are recommended to consider the University of Kentucky’s 38-credit-hour MSN in healthcare systems leadership degree program. Nursing coursework emphasizes effective leadership in organizational systems/settings, evidence-based practice and management, research methods, and quality and safety in healthcare. A portion of the required hours is earned through completion of the practicum. The practicum consists of 540 hours of clinical experience. Practicum hours provide tangible experience in leadership, complemented by the MSN capstone project.
Graduates are well prepared for roles demanding skills in improving the quality of patient outcomes, fostering a workplace culture defined by excellence and a commitment to continued learning, collaborative caregiving, integrated healthcare system operations, and innovative nursing practices.
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Duration: Two to three years, depending on pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Western Kentucky University (WKY) School of Nursing and Allied Health offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program. The MSN curriculum builds directly off the school’s BSN program. Students develop advanced nursing skills and thereby become qualified to fill positions featuring demand for levels of accountability, skill, and leadership ability higher than those typically expected of nurses holding a BSN. Students may choose between the family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specializations.
The FNP specialization trains students to effectively diagnose and treat varied health conditions observed among patients of diverse ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and other significant characteristics. Students become prepared to take the FNP certification exam. Admission is offered in fall and spring terms.
Compared to becoming an FNP, the PMHNP specialization has a narrower focus. Nurses in this program develop specialized knowledge in mental health. They focus on the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illnesses and mental health conditions observed among patients across the lifespan. Admission is offered in spring and summer terms.
- Location: Bowling Green, KY
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a vital process that guarantees nurses have the most current knowledge, skills, and competence aligned with industry standards. It brings security and peace of mind to all stakeholders, including future nurses, training institutions, employers, support staff, and patients.
Students must complete a nursing program accredited by institutional or programmatic accrediting bodies to practice nursing legally. When it comes to nursing school accreditation, there are two categories: institutional and programmatic.
The leading organizations for programmatic accreditation in nursing schools are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Other nursing accreditation organizations focus on specialized curriculums, such as the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
Institutional accreditation is an evaluative mark of a college or university’s quality. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), recognized by the US Department of Education, identifies seven regional organizations that review and grant institutional accreditation status. These independent bodies evaluate academic integrity, financial stability, faculty expertise, and degrees awarded to determine a university’s standards.
Lastly, it is crucial to consider the state authorization status when researching online and hybrid nursing programs, especially for degrees that require state licensing. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) regulates this to help prospective students ensure their educational institution is compatible with state boards of nursing requirements for online or hybrid nursing programs. Confirming state authorization status is essential to avoid expensive challenges during state licensing tests or even the inability to receive credentials.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Kentucky?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2024—the latest data available as of August 2025. State salary data for nurse midwives is drawn from Salary.com and was calculated in August 2025. (No BLS figures in that profession were available for the state.)
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 9,190 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $57,410 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $46,230 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $58,450 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $69,310 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 48,170 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $83,900 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $63,180 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $79,910 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $104,430 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 1,050 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $224,920 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $181,360 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $212,430 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | N/A |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | N/A |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $89,870 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,790 | $105,864 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $126,803 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 4,710 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $116,930 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $89,760 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $113,870 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $149,350 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Board of Nursing | To earn a license in the state of Kentucky as an LPN, a candidate must:
| LPNs in Kentucky are required to new their licenses annually by the 31st of October. The requirements to renew include:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Board of Nursing |
In order to earn a license in the state of Kentucky as an RN, a candidate must:
|
An RN is required to new their license annually by the 31st of October. The requirements to renew include:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be licensed as a CNS in the state of Kentucky, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| CNS licensure renewal in Kentucky occurs every year between September 15 and October 31. Licensees are required to complete five contact hours of continued education, along with the requirements set forth by the certifying body/agency for continued education. Pay the renewal license fee. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Board of Nursing | To be licensed as a CNM in the state of Kentucky, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| CNM licensure renewal in Kansas occurs every year between September 15 and October 31. Licensees are required to complete five contact hours of continued education, along with the requirements set forth by the certifying body/agency for continued education, and pay the renewal license fee. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the state of Kentucky, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| APRN licensure renewal occurs every year between September 15 and October 31. Licensees are required to complete five contact hours of continued education, along with the requirements set forth by the certifying body/agency for continued education. Pay the renewal license fee. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be licensed as a CRNA in the state of Kentucky, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| CRNA licensure renewal in Kentucky occurs every year between September 15 and October 31. Licensees are required to complete five contact hours of continued education, along with the requirements set forth by the certifying body/agency for continued education. Pay the renewal license fee. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.