2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Kentucky
There are many options for students to complete their nursing education online in the state of Kentucky. Several accredited colleges offer nursing degrees, providing students with an array of programs from which to choose. For inclusion on our list, the colleges with the best online nursing degrees in Kentucky are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary campus located in Kentucky.
- The school offers an online bachelor's program in nursing or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available for the baccalaureate degree level from the previous year. 2023 pass rates are sourced from Kentucky's government reports.
- Either all or the vast majority of coursework is completed online. Many online nursing programs still require some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Kentucky
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Morehead State University | 100.0% | 1,202 |
| Kentucky Christian University | 100.0% | 61 |
| Kentucky State University | 100.0% | 494 |
| Midway University | 100.0% | 520 |
| Northern Kentucky University | 98.9% | 6,567 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 94.8% | 4,278 |
| University of Kentucky | 94.2% | 4,064 |
| Murray State University | 92.1% | 1,944 |
| University of Louisville | 91.6% | 4,193 |
| Union Commonwealth University | 77.8% | 179 |
| Spalding University | 76.5% | 313 |
Becoming a Nurse in Kentucky
You must apply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing if you wish to become a registered nurse (RN), state registered nurse aide (SRNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Kentucky. This agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is responsible for enforcing all state laws that govern the safe practice of nursing.
Generally, students can pursue one of three types of nursing programs in Kentucky to get their initial nursing licensure: a practical nursing program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. To obtain an APRN license, students will have to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from nursing schools in Kentucky or elsewhere.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Registered as an SRNA in Kentucky
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are called state registered nurse aides (SRNAs) in Kentucky. SRNAs in Kentucky are not licensed healthcare professionals; rather, they are nursing assistants who have completed a nursing aide training (NAT) program and a competency program to qualify as a nurse aide.
(CHFS) oversees the application and registry of nurse aides in Kentucky.
This NAT program is offered by the (KCTCS). The program features at least 75 hours of nursing aide instructional training, 16 hours of supervised practical training, and written and clinical skills exams along the way. Some nursing facilities have approved NAT programs and offer reimbursement to individuals who earn their license.
SRNA Renewal
All applicants who qualify as an SRNA are entered into the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, which is run by the . In addition to providing a list of all qualified SRNAs in Kentucky, this registry also records SRNAs who have a history of abuse.
To stay on the list, Kentucky SRNAs must perform at least eight hours of nursing-related functions within a two-year period. Kentucky SRNAs must renew their active status every two years, and they are required to complete 12 hours of in-service education each year.
How To Get an LPN or RN License in Kentucky
Kentucky has for earning LPN and RN licensure.
There are two ways to apply for a license, which are via or :
Endorsement
If you are already licensed in another state, you can apply for an endorsement and have your license transferred to Kentucky. The endorsement application has a $165 fee.
Examination
If you鈥檙e applying for a license for the first time, you鈥檒l need to apply via examination. The application for licensure has a $125 fee.
Applicants must complete an accredited Kentucky nursing program. You must meet the following requirements if you did not graduate from a Kentucky nursing program:
- Three contact hours of domestic violence recognition training
- One-and-a-half contact hours of pediatric abusive head trauma recognition training
- Two contact hours of suicide prevention training
- One-and-a-half contact hours of implicit bias training
Once completed, there are two required examinations:
- The first exam is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which the (NCSBN) offers.
- The next test is the which is specific to the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The Jurisprudence Exam is also run by the NCSBN and covers Kentucky nursing laws and advisory opinion statements. There is also a required background check, which has a $13.25 fee. The Jurisprudence Exam has an additional $15 fee.
LPN and RN Renewal
After LPNs and RNs earn their Kentucky nursing license, they have to renew it on a yearly basis. The cost for renewal is $65, and they must also complete 14 approved contact hours of continuing education during this period. There are a few other ways nurses can meet the licensure renewal requirements without these hours, but this is the most common method.
How To Get a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Credential in Kentucky
In Kentucky, RNs can obtain both an through a training program and an application.
The SANE A/A credential shows that students have been trained to examine adolescents (defined as 鈥渁 child who has reached the onset of physiological normal puberty鈥�) or older adults who have been sexually assaulted.
The SANE P/As credential allows graduates to work with children who have not reached the physiological puberty or individuals up to the age of 18 who have been sexually assaulted.
Once RNs have completed their SANE training program, they must submit a certificate of attendance and a certificate of completion to the Kentucky State Police. Individuals must also submit an , which includes a $120 fee; a Kentucky criminal background report; and a completed fingerprint card that costs an additional $13.25. If they are applying for both an A/A and P/A certification, they must pay the application fee for both applications.
Explore our article that outlines everything you need to know about nursing certifications.
How To Get an APRN License in Kentucky
The highest level of Kentucky nursing licensure is the APRN license. Having this license allows practitioners to establish their own practice and prescribe controlled substances. Because of this, all APRNs must have at least a master's degree from an accredited nursing program. Additionally, all potential APRNs must already hold RN licensure from Kentucky or another state as well as nursing certification in one of the that the Kentucky Board of Nursing recognizes.
There are a few different methods for applying to a Kentucky . Individuals with a current Kentucky or multistate/Compact RN license may apply for their initial Kentucky APRN license. If an individual already has an out-of-state APRN license, they can use their multistate/Compact RN license to apply to have that license endorsed in Kentucky. If they have both an out-of-state RN license and an out-of-state APRN license, they鈥檒l have to apply to have both licenses endorsed in Kentucky.
Applicants need to submit the Kentucky APRN licensure application and fee ($165), the fingerprint card and fee ($13.25), the Kentucky criminal history report, an official transcript of the professional's graduate-level education, and proof of their current national certification.
APRN License Renewal
Once the APRN license has been awarded, nurses need to renew it on a yearly basis by paying $55 for each APRN designation they have (in addition to the $65 fee for renewing their standard RN license). APRNs also need at least 14 approved contact hours, including at least five contact hours of pharmacology education.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Kentucky
Are There Online Nursing Schools in Kentucky?
Yes, the Kentucky Board of Nursing has a list of in the state. Several of the schools listed have online programs.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Registered Nurse in Kentucky?
The answer to this question depends on the nursing degree you pursue. You can become an RN with an ADN, which can take as little as two years. It will take another few months to take the NCLEX-RN and receive your results. But you might spend four years or more in a BSN program before taking the NCLEX-RN if you don't earn an ADN first.
Is Kentucky Good for Nurses?
Kentucky RNs make mean annual salaries of , which is much higher than the $51,490 mean wage for all occupations in the state. However, working conditions have worsened as an ongoing forces each individual to care for more patients at a time.
Are There Online LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky?
There are several colleges that offer online LPN to RN programs in Kentucky. Graduates typically earn an ADN at the end.
How Much Does It Cost To Become a RN in Kentucky?
Tution can vary widely by school. But the costs $182 per credit hour for in-state students in Kentucky. Online students pay the same amount. There is an $8 per credit hour fee for in-person students and a $20 per credit hour fee for distance learners.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
West coast university sounds fantastic when you go in for your tour. They offer everything that you could possible need to pass their courses. The truth is, the nicest department is the financial aid department. You do not get the customer service or quality education you deserve for the money you pay. Staff is passive aggressive, they do not work with you. The program gives you a RIDICULOUS amount of busy unnecessary work that you do not have actual time to study the material for the tests that... Read More
Review Date: 5/14/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
UTA is a great school, I received my BSN from this school and I will recommend this school to anybody who wants continue his/her education and be successful. You can work and still have time for the assignments, even for me who procrastinate I managed to keep up with all my assignments and passed every class with an A or B. The teachers are dedicated in what they do, they posted assignments on time with clear instructions.
Review Date: 7/4/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Easy access to classroom activities. The writing center is key to success. Faculty is also available to make your transition through school easier to get through. I feel the work presented at Walden has greatly improved my ability to critically think. Yes there is a lot of research and writing involved through papers and discussions. I am at the point where I just wanted to do what I need to do to get where I want to be. I do not need too much interaction with other students and most of the work... Read More
Review Date: 7/10/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I wanted to try other areas in nursing but a BSN was required . I am 58 years old and graduated with a diploma certificate in 1981. I am an adult critical care nurse presently in the ED for 26 years. To go back to school was a huge decision but as I started WGU and had my first course I fell in love with the program. I stayed enrolled and completed each course on time and learned so much of nursing that I actually never knew! I made this my goal to complete each task and course, and the 2 years flew... Read More
Review Date: 10/30/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Has a great online program. Instructors are easy to communicate with.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Aspen has a great Nursing bridge program. If you are a RN wanting or needing to obtain your BSN you can complete it with 10 just classes! I already has 120 credits which was more than necessary to get into their program. I have been a critical care RN for 20 years and find the program very pertinent to current nursing topics and practice! Lots of research and writing APA formatted papers....not difficult, but it is time consuming if you put in the work.
Review Date: 4/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I completed my BSN at Excelsior College in 2013 and am now pursuing my MSN there. Excelsior College is a National League for Nursing recognized Center for Excellence in Nursing Education and the high quality faculty they employ show it. My BSN greatly enhanced my knowledge of nursing and it has given me immediate promotional opportunity as well as increased income. I received excellent financial aid assistance in my BSN and I wish such aid existed for graduate nursing education. I reviewed a lot... Read More
Review Date: 1/2/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Not only did Keiser University help me with the hands on training that I needed to walk right from my graduation into the job I wanted, I knew that everyone from the Admissions team to the Professors actually cared about my success. I will forever be grateful to the faculty and staff that helped me achieve my goals.
Review Date: 3/19/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The university of Cincinnati is growing immensely and is becoming a major competitor to previously renown universities such at THE Ohio State University. UC gives students a great social atmosphere as well as an amazing education with highly accredited programs such as their Linder Business College and DAAP. Nursing (my major) is also, like everything at UC, is very much on the rise. However, with such a rapid rise they are struggling with organization and professors are overwhelmed. That being said... Read More
Review Date: 12/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UCLA has an amazing healthcare network, which provides in depth teaching and the ability for excellent clinical learning in the hospital setting. The program is very competitive but the school of nursing has a huge diversity within the cohort. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and education levels are integrated into the program providing a more rounded experience.
Review Date: 8/14/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Utah Valley University's Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program is the most diverse academic experience in the State of Utah. All races, genders, and orientations are welcomed here, making the learning experience enriching and vast. Each student brings a welcome wealth of understanding, and with the small class sizes, each member of the cohort takes turns as both the learner and the teacher. Speaking of teachers, the faculty at UVU are both experienced practitioners and skilled lecturers making... Read More
Review Date: 3/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My name is Alexa K. I am a 23 year old graduate student with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. When I was a child I wanted to be a veterinarian. I was fascinated with animals! When I was in high school, two of my grandparents passed away with the assistance of hospice and compassionate registered nurses. After such a positive impact the nurses left on me, I had my heart set on becoming a registered nurse. Through a program offered in high school, I was able to become... Read More
Review Date: 6/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Avila University was a great college to attend for my undergraduate degree. I was in the School of Nursing and believe the program was exceptional. The class sizes were small enough that the instructors could provide valuable one on one time with students. The professors in the School of Nursing also genuinely care about their students and want them to succeed, which was a huge confidence booster. The instructors were always more than happy to help when asked. Instead of large lectures, there were... Read More
Review Date: 8/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing was a wonderful program. Classes were small. Direct relationships with your instructors. In-hospital clinicals early on in the program. Accepted Job right after I graduated. Last semester was in hospital shadowing. Not a college with parties. Tons of networking opportunities. Large focus of education was real-world. Several community activities and they have a yearly mission trip over seas! Smaller college but I would recommend it to anyway who wants to pursue... Read More
Review Date: 7/8/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The curriculum is engineered to include everything you need to be successful at passing the NCLEX exam the very first time. It is not an easy program but organized and fair. Competition for entry is fierce; but once in the program, one is destined to be successful with dedication and hard work.
Review Date: 11/23/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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