Kentucky Nursing Schools

Though many people associate Kentucky with rural areas, the truth is that the state has several urban areas with large hospitals, as well.

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There are around 35 approved nursing programs within the state, ranging from programs at large universities, to ones offered by small community colleges.

Kentucky is feeling the pinch when it comes to the nursing shortage, just like anywhere else. It’s not uncommon for nurses to be offered generous sign-on bonuses from hospitals, and there are also other incentives to lure nurses out to smaller medical centers. Kentucky comprises a broad range of social, economic, and geographic areas, so nurses are sure to find a variety of educational and work experiences awaiting them after graduation.

Career Options for Kentucky Nurses

Kentucky nursing salaries vary just as much as anywhere else, from the high $40,000s to the mid $70,000s. A registered nurse in Louisville can look forward to drawing a median annual salary of $62,312. A nurse in Lexington will earn a median income of $60,000. Meanwhile, that same nurse in Hopkinsville will earn around $59,000. A big salary shouldn’t be a nurse’s only consideration when they’re looking for employment, however underfunded medical centers sometimes have generous incentives to help lure recent graduates to the hospitals that need them the most. All figures are from the BLS.


Kentucky Nursing Degrees by Program

Use the quick links below to view detailed information on the specific nursing degree you are considering. Includes degree info and school options in your state.

Job Opportunities for Kentucky Nurses

Most nurses graduate and become licensed or registered nurses with the hope of ending up employed by a large hospital, and why not? Staff nurses in large state hospitals generally earn more, and can be offered generous tuition reimbursement and sign-on bonus packages as part of the terms of their employment. As a result, there are several other areas in health care that end up hurting for qualified nurses, including community hospitals and private practices, like specialists, pediatricians’ offices, and general practitioners.

Kentucky has plenty of job opportunities for everything from APRNs to Nurse Midwives, provided nursing students are willing to look outside of large hospitals.

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Kentucky’s Board of Nursing is a nurse’s best friend when it comes to industry news, licensing and examination information, educational requirements, approved nursing programs within Kentucky, and more. Nursing students should become well acquainted with the Board. For more visit their website. Their physical location is 312 Whittington Pkwy., Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40222.

Nursing Scholarship & Grant Information in Kentucky

The following nursing scholarships and grants are for Kansas residents and students who need help paying for their nursing education.

Kentucky Board of Nursing
Through the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund, the Board offers $3,000 scholarships to nursing students beginning their education at an accredited nursing program.  Scholarships can be used for tuition and cost of living.  Only nursing courses are covered by the award. Applicants must be Kentucky residents and must agree to work in Kentucky for a minimum of one year upon graduation.  For applications and guidelines, write the Board at 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40222 or call them at (502) 429-3300.

Shelley R. and Alice S. Norris Fund, Inc.
Nursing students attending accredited nursing programs in Kentucky who plan to work in Kentucky upon graduation are eligible for nursing scholarships from the Fund.  Only graduate students can receive a scholarship from the Fund.  Award amounts vary and applications are due by August annually. For applications and guidelines, write the Fund, P.O. Box 415, Burkesville, KY 42717.

Raymond & Mary D. Barnett Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation offers $5,000 nursing scholarships for Kentucky residents attending accredited nursing programs in the state.  Each scholarship is for a two-year period.  There is no deadline for applications.  To receive an application, write the Foundation at P.O. Box 39, Milton, KY 40045.

University of Kentucky
The University’s College of Nursing administers nearly 50 scholarship programs for undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Eligibility, submission requirements, and deadlines vary for each scholarship. While many are need-based, others are merit-based according to academic achievement and career goals. For details on these scholarship opportunities, contact the College of Nursing in person or by calling (859) 323-5108.

The Humana Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation offers scholarships to the children of Humana employees.  Award amounts vary and can be used for nursing school tuition.  Applicants must attend an accredited undergraduate program to qualify for a scholarship.  Each award is renewable. For applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation by writing them at 500 West Main Street, Suite 208, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling (502) 580-4140.

Blue Grass Community Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation administers nearly 10 scholarship programs. Each scholarship has specific residency requirements.  Nursing students who live in Kentucky or graduated from a high school in Kentucky consider applying for a scholarship from the Foundation if eligibility criteria are met.  Scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students.  Award amounts and deadlines vary.  For applications and guidelines, send a letter of inquiry to the Foundation at 250 West Main Street, Suite 1220, Lexington, KY 40507.  For general questions, call the Foundation at (859) 225-3343.

List of Nursing Schools & Accredited Programs in Kentucky

★ Featured Nursing Schools Accepting Kentucky Applicants

List of Kentucky Nursing Schools

Ashland Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1400 College Drive
Ashland, Kentucky 41101-3683
Phone:(606) 326-2000
Phone: (800) 928-4256
Website: www.ashland.kctcs.edu

Ashland Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

ATA College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
10180 Linn Station Rd Ste A200
Louisville, Kentucky 40223
Phone:(502) 371-8330 x363
Website: www.ata.edu

ATA College is a 2-year, private for-profit institution.

Beckfield College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Kentucky Board of Nursing
16 Spiral Drive
Florence, Kentucky 41042
Phone:(859) 371-9393
Website: www.beckfield.edu
Beckfield College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, private for-profit institution.

Bellarmine University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Family Nurse Practitioner
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)/ Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
2001 Newburg Rd
Louisville, Kentucky 40205-0671
Phone:(502) 272-9131
Phone: (800) 274-4723
Website: www.bellarmine.edu
Bellarmine University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Berea College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
101 Chestnut Street
Berea, Kentucky 40404-2182
Phone:(859) 985-3000
Website: www.berea.edu
Berea College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
One Bert Combs Dr
Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653
Phone:(606) 886-3863 x0
Website: www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu
Big Sandy Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
470 Cooper Drive
Lexington, Kentucky 40506
Phone:(866) 774-4872
Website: www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu
Bluegrass Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Bowling Green Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
1845 Loop Dr
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-3601
Phone:(270) 901-1000
Website: www.bowlinggreen.kctcs.edu
is a 2-year, public institution.

Campbellsville University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioners
Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Advanced Rural Health Administrator
Advanced Rural Health Educator
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificates
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1 University Dr
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718-2799
Phone:(270) 789-5000
Phone: (800) 246-6-14
Website: www.campbellsville.edu
Campbellsville University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Eastern Kentucky University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102
Phone:(859) 622-1000
Website: www.eku.edu
Eastern Kentucky University is a 4-year, public institution.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)’
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
600 College Street Rd
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-3081
Phone:(270) 769-2371
Phone: (877) 246-2322
Website: www.elizabethtown.kctcs.edu
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) to Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nurse-Midwifery
Family Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Care
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificates
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
195 School Street
Hyden, Kentucky 41749
Phone:(606) 672-2312 x5214
Website:www.midwives.org
Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Kentucky Board of Nursing
1031 Zorn Avenue
Suite 400
Louisville, Kentucky 40207
Phone:(502) 410-6200
Website: www.galencollege.edu
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville is a 2-year, private for-profit institution.

Gateway Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
1025 Amsterdam Rd
Covington, Kentucky 41011
Phone:(859) 441-4500
Website: www.gateway.kctcs.edu
Gateway Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Hazard Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
One Community College Dr.
Hazard, Kentucky 41701-2402
Phone:(606) 436-5721 x73503
Phone: (800) 246-7521
Website: www.hazard.kctcs.edu
Hazard Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Henderson Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2660 S Green St
Henderson, Kentucky 42420-4699
Phone:(270) 827-1867
Phone: (800) 696-9958
Website: www.hencc.kctcs.edu
Henderson Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Hopkinsville Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
720 North Dr
P.O. Box 2100
Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42241-2100
Phone:(270) 707-3700
Phone: (866) 534-2224
Website: www.hopkinsville.kctcs.edu/
Hopkinsville Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Jefferson Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
109 E Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2005
Phone:(502) 213-4000
Website: www.jefferson.kctcs.edu
Jefferson Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Kentucky Christian University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Yancy School of Nursing
100 Academic Pkwy
Grayson, Kentucky 41143-1199
Phone:(606) 474-3000
Phone: (800) 522-3181
Website: www.kcu.edu
Kentucky Christian University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Kentucky State University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
400 East Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone:(502) 597-6000
Website: www.kysu.edu
Kentucky State University is a 4-year, public institution.

Madisonville Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2000 College Drive
Madisonville, Kentucky 42431-9199
Phone:(270) 821-2250
Website: www.madcc.kctcs.edu
Madisonville Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Maysville Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
1755 U.S. 68
Maysville, Kentucky 41056
Phone:(606) 759-7141 x0
Website: www.maycc.kctcs.edu
Maysville Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Midway College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
512 E. Stephens St, Midway, Kentucky 40347-1120
Phone:(859) 846-4421
Website: www.midway.edu
Midway College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Morehead State University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
150 University Blvd
Morehead, Kentucky 40351
Phone:(606) 783-2221
Phone: (800) 585-6781
Website: www.moreheadstate.edu
Morehead State University is a 4-year, public institution.

Murray State University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia
Post-masters certificates
Academic Nurse Educator
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
102 Curris Center
Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318
Phone:(270) 809-3011
Phone: (800) 272-4678
Website: www.murraystate.edu
Murray State University is a 4-year, public institution.

National College-Lexington

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
2376 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, Kentucky 40509
Phone:(859) 253-0621
Website: www.national-college.edu
National College-Lexington is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, private for-profit institution.

Northern Kentucky University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nurse Practitioner
Education
Nurse Executive Leadership
Nursing Informatics
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificates
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099
Phone:(859) 572-5100
Website: www.nku.edu
Northern Kentucky University is a 4-year, public institution.

Owensboro Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
4800 New Hartford Rd
Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Phone:(270) 686-4400
Phone: (866) 755-6282
Website: www.owensboro.kctcs.edu
Owensboro Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Pikeville College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
147 Sycamore St
Pikeville, Kentucky 41501
Phone:(606) 218-5250
Website: www.pc.edu
Pikeville College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Saint Catharine College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2735 Bardstown Rd
Saint Catharine, Kentucky 40061
Phone:(859) 336-5082
Phone: (800) 599-2000
Website: www.sccky.edu
Saint Catharine College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, private not-for-profit institution.

Somerset Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
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Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
808 Monticello Street
Somerset, Kentucky 42501-2973
Phone:(877) 629-9722
Website: www.somerset.kctcs.edu/
Somerset Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
700 College Rd
Cumberland, Kentucky 40823
Phone:(606) 589-2145
Website: www.southeast.kctcs.edu
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Spalding University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
845 S. Third Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203-2188
Phone:(502) 585-9911
Website: www.spalding.edu
Spalding University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Spencerian College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
4627 Dixie Hwy
Louisville, Kentucky 40216
Phone:(502) 447-1000
Phone:(800) 264-1799
Website: www.spencerian.edu
Spencerian College is a 2-year, private for-profit institution.

Thomas More College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
333 Thomas More Parkway
Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017-3495
Phone:(859) 341-5800
Website: www.thomasmore.edu
Thomas More College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

University of Kentucky

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
315 College of Nursing Building
Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0032
Phone:(859) 323-5108
Website: www.uky.edu
University of Kentucky is a 4-year, public institution.

University of Louisville

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Heath Professions Education
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
PhD in Nursing
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) PhD in Nursing
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) to PhD in Nursing
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
2301 S 3rd St
Louisville, Kentucky 40292-0001
Phone:(502) 852-5555
Phone: (800) 334-8635
Website: www.louisville.edu
University of Louisville is a 4-year, public institution.

University of Phoenix-Louisville Campus

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nursing and Health Care Education
Family Nurse practitioner
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master’s of Health Administration
PhD in Nursing
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
10400 Linn Station Road
Suite 120
Louisville, Kentucky 40223-3839
Phone:(502) 423-0149
Phone: (800) 697-8233
Website: www.phoenix.edu
University of Phoenix-Louisville Campus is a 4-year, private for-profit institution.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, Kentucky 42002-7380
Phone:(270) 554-9200 x0
Website:www.westkentucky.kctcs.edu
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Western Kentucky University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificates
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1906 College Heights Blvd
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1000
Phone:(270) 745-0111
Website: www.wku.edu
Western Kentucky University is a 4-year, public institution.