2024 - Best LPN Programs in Kentucky

Details on Kentucky LPN Schools & Classes

To become an LPN, you must first enroll and graduate from an accredited LPN program. From there, the NCLEX-PN exam must be taken and passed. Most LPN programs take between one and two years to complete, depending on the school and whether you opt for part-time or full-time attendance. Kentucky LPN programs can be found at local community colleges and technical/vocational schools throughout the state. LPN programs typically consist of a mix of specialized nursing courses and labs. Course titles may include:

• Introduction to Nursing and Healthcare
• Pharmacology
• Nursing & Child Bearing Family
• Nursing Trends & Issues
• Management of the Geriatric Client
• Mental Health Concepts

Accreditation

A great way to narrow down schools is to search for ones with proper accreditations. An accredited school and program will be held to high standards and tend to carry more weight on a resume. For example, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is the main accrediting body for nursing programs. The Kentucky Board of Nursing can also point you in the direction of a board-approved LPN program.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into your LPN school of choice, you’ll need to ensure that you meet all the admissions requirements. Each school will have its own set of requirements, but common ones include:

• High school diploma or GED with official transcripts/scores
• Results of ACT or equivalent on file
• Written letter of intent
• Completion of all prerequisite courses
• Submission of application and any fees

Tuition and Costs

LPN programs in Kentucky are actually more affordable than you might think, thanks in part to their relatively short duration. As with most college degrees, students will need to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and additional expenses such as textbooks and course materials. For example, the total cost of the LPN program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington runs approximately $14,500, including all expenses and fees. Financial aid is widely available for students who qualify.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Kentucky LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Kentucky LPN Licensing Requirements

Individuals looking to acquire an LPN license in Kentucky must attend a certified nursing program and complete the NCLEX with a satisfactory score. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:

• Official transcript from the state-approved nursing program.
• Pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence exam.
• Documentation of passing the NCLEX exam.
• Met continued competency requirements—2 hours HIV/AIDs and 2 hours Domestic Violence.
• Submit a criminal background check and fingerprinting card.

NCLEX Exam Information

All graduates of a Kentucky LPN program will need to sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to officially gain licensure as a practical nurse. Check out our comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN exam here.  Additionally, students are encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test to study and prepare for the real deal.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Kentucky is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If a nurse is licensed in another NLC state, additional licensing will not be required to work in Kentucky. LPNs licensed outside of the NLC who wish to work in the state of Kentucky can be licensed by endorsement and must provide the following:

• Completed endorsement application with application fee.
• Proof of passing the Kentucky Jurisprudence exam.
• Official transcript of state-approved nursing program.
• Proof of licensure in another state.
• Verification that he or she has completed 2 hours of Kentucky-approved continued education re: HIV/AIDS.
• Federal background check.

Applicants that have studied abroad and hold a comparable license in another country must become licensed in Kentucky. The applicant must also submit proof of continued competency, proof that he or she has previously been licensed in the US, documentation of legal residence, and a valid copy of his or her social security card.

2024 KY NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

• Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 26
• Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 579
• 2022 Average Statewide Kentucky NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 79.6%

LPN Salary in Kentucky

The table below lists career information retrieved from the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Kentucky. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)