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RN Programs in Kentucky

Your Adventure Awaits: Becoming an RN in Kentucky

Hey there, future healthcare superstar! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the beautiful Bluegrass State? Well, buckle up because we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the path to your dream career!

Why Kentucky is the Perfect Place to Launch Your Nursing Career

Picture this: rolling hills, vibrant cities, and a community that values southern hospitality. That’s Kentucky for you! Not only is it a fantastic place to live, but it’s also an incredible state to kickstart your nursing career. The demand for RNs in Kentucky is skyrocketing, with a projected growth of 7% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, the average salary for RNs in Kentucky is around $66,410 per year. Not too shabby, right?

Prerequisites: Your Stepping Stones to Success

Before you can dive into an RN program in Kentucky, there are a few prerequisites you’ll need to conquer:

Age: Gotta be at least 18 years old to join the party.
Education: You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to get started.
Prerequisite Courses: Brush up on your biology, chemistry, and math skills.
Entrance Exams: Ace those entrance exams like the TEAS.
Background Check: Gotta make sure you’re squeaky clean!
Immunizations: Stay up-to-date on your shots and get a physical exam.

RN Program Curriculum: Your Roadmap to Nursing Greatness ️

Once you’re in an RN program, get ready for a wild ride of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. You’ll be tackling courses like:

Anatomy and Physiology: Learn the ins and outs of the human body.
Microbiology: Dive into the world of tiny organisms.
Nursing Fundamentals: Master the basics of patient care.
Pharmacology: Become a medication maven.
Mental Health Nursing: Explore the intricacies of the mind.
Maternal and Child Health Nursing: Care for moms and little ones.

Top RN Programs in Kentucky: Your Launchpads to Success

  1. University of Kentucky College of Nursing
    Location: Lexington, KY
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
    Program Page
    Description: Get ready for a top-notch education with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty. Plus, you’ll be prepped and ready to ace the NCLEX-RN exam!

  2. Western Kentucky University School of Nursing and Allied Health
    Location: Bowling Green, KY
    Program: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
    Program Page
    Description: Dive into hands-on training and hone your clinical skills at local healthcare facilities. You’ll be a nursing pro in no time!

  3. Jefferson Community and Technical College
    Location: Louisville, KY
    Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
    Program Page
    Description: Flexible scheduling options and high NCLEX-RN pass rates? Sign me up! This program will have you ready for entry-level nursing positions in a flash.

Employment Opportunities: Where Your Nursing Journey Can Take You

Kentucky is home to some incredible healthcare facilities that are always on the lookout for talented RNs like you! Check out these top employers:

  1. University of Kentucky HealthCare
    Employment Opportunities
    Description: This leading academic medical center in Lexington offers a wide range of specialties and advanced medical care. Plus, it’s known for its research and patient-centered approach.

  2. Norton Healthcare
    Employment Opportunities
    Description: Located in Louisville, Norton Healthcare is one of the largest health systems in Kentucky. With multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities, you’ll have plenty of diverse job opportunities to choose from.

  3. Baptist Health
    Employment Opportunities
    Description: Baptist Health operates several hospitals across Kentucky, including locations in Louisville, Lexington, and Paducah. It’s recognized for its quality care and community involvement.

Licensure Requirements: Your Key to Unlocking Your RN Potential

To become a licensed RN in Kentucky, you’ll need to:

Graduate from an approved nursing program
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam with flying colors
Submit an application to the Kentucky Board of Nursing
Complete a criminal background check
Meet continuing education requirements for license renewal

Financial Aid: Don’t Let Money Hold You Back

We know that the cost of RN programs can be a bit daunting, but don’t let that stop you from chasing your dreams! There are plenty of financial aid options available, including:

Federal and state grants
Scholarships from schools and private organizations
Student loans
Work-study programs

For more information, check out the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.

Licensure Reciprocity: Take Your Skills on the Road

Great news! Kentucky is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. Talk about flexibility! For more details, visit the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Ready to Start Your RN Adventure?

Alright, future RN, it’s time to take the first step towards your dream career! Contact one of the schools mentioned above through their program pages to get more information and start your application process. Trust us, the world of healthcare needs compassionate, dedicated nurses like you. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get this party started!

RN Schools Near You & Online in Kentucky

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Ashland Community & Technical College

  • 1400 College Dr. Ashland, KY 41101
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (606) 326-2000

Berea College

  • Berea College Berea, KY 40404
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 985-3000

Western Kentucky University

  • 1906 College Heights Blvd. Bowling Green, KY 42101
    Programs: ADN, BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, Health Information Management-Associate, RN, RN to BSN
    (270) 745-0111

Campbellsville University

  • 1 University Drive Campbellsville, KY 42718
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (270) 789-5000

Lincoln Memorial University

  • 1 Trillium Way Corbin, KY 40701
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (606) 523-8654

Thomas More College

  • 333 Thomas More Parkway Crestview Hills, KY 41017
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 341-5800

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College

  • 700 College Road Cumberland, KY 40823
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN
    (606) 589-2145

Gateway Community & Technical College

  • 790 Thomas More Parkway Edgewood, KY 41017
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (859) 442-4138

Elizabethtown Community & Technical College

  • 600 College Street Road Elizabethtown, KY 42701
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (270) 769-2371

Beckfield College

  • 16 Spiral Drive Florence, KY 41042
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 371-9393

Kentucky State University

  • 400 East Main Street Frankfort, KY 40601
    Programs: ADN, RN, RN to BSN
    (502) 597-6000

Kentucky Christian University

  • 100 Academic Parkway Grayson, KY 41143
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)522-3181

Henderson Community College

  • 2660 S. Green Street Henderson, KY 42420
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (270) 827-1867

Northern Kentucky University

  • 1 Louie B Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, ADN, BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, LPN to BSN, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 572-5100

Hopkinsville Community College

  • 720 North Dr. Hopkinsville, KY 42240
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (270) 707-3700

Hazard Community & Technical College

  • 601 Jefferson Ave. Jackson, KY 41339
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (606) 666-7521

Bluegrass Community & Technical College

  • 470 Cooper Drive Lexington, KY 40506
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN
    (859) 246-6200

University of Kentucky

  • 410 Administration Dr. Lexington, KY 40506
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, Nursing PhD, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 257-9000

Galen College of Nursing

  • 1031 Zorn Avenue, Suite 400 Louisville, KY 40207
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN
    (502) 410-6200

Jefferson Community & Technical College

  • 109 East Broadway Louisville, KY 40202
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Medical Assistant, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN
    (502) 213-5333

Bellarmine University

  • 2001 Newburg Road Louisville, KY 40205
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    1(800)274-4723

University of Louisville

  • 511 South Floyd Street Louisville, KY 40202
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Nursing PhD, Radiation Therapy, RN, RN to BSN
    (502) 852-5140

Spalding University

  • 845 South Third St. Louisville, KY 40203
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (502) 585-9911

Madisonville Community College

  • 2000 College Drive Madisonville, KY 42431
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (270) 821-2250

Maysville Community & Technical College

  • 1755 U.S. Highway 68 Maysville, KY 41056
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (606) 759-7141

Midway College

  • 512 E. Stephens St. Midway, KY 40347
    Programs: ADN, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 846-4421

Morehead State University

  • 150 University Boulevard Morehead, KY 40351
    Programs: ADN, BSN, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    1(606)783-2221

Murray State University

  • 102 Curris Center Murray, KY 42071
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)272-4678

Owensboro Community & Technical College

  • 4800 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (270) 686-4400

West Kentucky Community & Technical College

  • 4810 Alben Barkley Paducah, KY 42001
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (270) 554-9200

Pikeville College

  • 147 Sycamore Street Pikeville, KY 41501
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (606) 218-5251

Big Sandy Community & Technical College

  • 1 Bert T. Combs Drive Prestonsburg, KY 41653
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (606) 886-3863

Eastern Kentucky University

  • 521 Lancaster Ave. Richmond, KY 40475
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, ADN, BSN, DNP, EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 622-1000

Somerset Community College

  • 808 Monticello Street Somerset, KY 42501
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (877) 629-9722

St Catharine College

  • 2735 Bardstown Rd. St Catharine, KY 40061
    Programs: ADN, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (859) 336-5082