Best LPN Programs in Kentucky 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Kentucky with details on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Kentucky.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Kentucky
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
Cumberland, KY - Public 2-Year - southeast.kctcs.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College delivers a compact, two-semester Licensed Practical Nursing program designed to move students efficiently toward NCLEX-PN readiness. Coursework integrates general education fundamentals — including anatomy, physiology, psychology, and quantitative reasoning — alongside core nursing instruction. Clinical rotations take place across varied healthcare environments, building hands-on competency and real-world nursing judgment. Admission is competitive, utilizing a point-based selection system with prerequisite coursework and an entrance exam required. Prerequisites include anatomy, psychology, and math. The program carries Kentucky Board of Nursing accreditation, maintains a 100% job placement rate, and costs approximately $5,291 in total tuition at $190 per credit. CPR certification and background checks are mandatory.
- Kentucky Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- $5,291 total program tuition
- $190 per credit
- 2-Semester program
- 100% job placement rate
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX PN
- Financial aid available
Hazard Community and Technical College
Hazard, KY - Public 2-Year - hazard.kctcs.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hazard Community and Technical College offers a 12-month Practical Nursing certificate program that blends classroom instruction with clinical rotations across hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and child care centers. Students develop foundational nursing skills, patient care techniques, and professional communication under experienced faculty. Admission is selective and rolling, with fall and spring start dates available. Applicants must complete a Kaplan entrance exam, attend a virtual pre-admissions conference, and finish prerequisite courses including medical terminology and anatomy. Graduates are fully prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The program is a candidate for ACEN accreditation and offers a bridge pathway toward an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 1-Year program
- Complete in 12 months
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Bridge to RN program available
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Prestonsburg, KY - Public 2-Year - bigsandy.kctcs.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Nurse - Diploma
Campus Based - Visit Website
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers a Practical Nurse Diploma designed to launch graduates directly into LPN practice. The program covers core nursing competencies including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and childbearing family care. What distinguishes this program is its flexibility — students can choose from traditional, traditional modified, or modular pathways to best fit their schedule and learning preferences. Clinical practicums provide essential real-world patient care experience, while CPR for Healthcare Professionals and nursing assistant skills training round out the hands-on preparation. The curriculum also satisfies KCTCS digital literacy requirements, positioning graduates for careers in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health.
- Includes clinical practicum
- CPR for Healthcare Professionals
- Nursing assistant skills included
- Multiple pathway options available
- Meets digital literacy requirement
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY - Public 2-Year - elizabethtown.kctcs.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Nurse - Diploma
Campus Based - Visit Website
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College's Practical Nurse Diploma program prepares students for licensure as LPNs through a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and childbearing family care. One standout feature is the program's three distinct pathways—traditional, modified, and modular—allowing students to choose a format that fits their schedule and learning needs. Clinical practicum experiences place students directly in real-world healthcare environments, reinforcing classroom knowledge. Academic standards require a grade of C or better in each course alongside a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN and are prepared for roles across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- Grade C or better required per course
- 2.0 cumulative GPA required
- Clinical practicum included
- Digital literacy graduation credit
Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, KY - Public 2-Year - madisonville.kctcs.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Integrated Nursing - Practical Nursing - Diploma
Campus Based - Visit Website
Madisonville Community College offers a Practical Nursing Diploma through its Integrated Nursing program, designed to equip graduates for LPN licensure in Kentucky. The curriculum spans 42–45 credits, combining foundational sciences like Human Anatomy and Physiology and General Psychology with nursing-specific courses covering health and wellness, alterations in health, and transition to practice. Hands-on training occurs in campus simulation labs and real clinical environments, preparing students for roles in hospitals, long-term care, and community health. Applicants must be active on the Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry, maintain CPR certification throughout enrollment, and satisfy a digital literacy graduation requirement.
- CPR certification required throughout program
- Must be active on Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
- 42-45 total credits required
- Digital literacy graduation requirement met
- PSY 223 substitutes for AHS 100
- Credit for NAA 100 outside college
Kentucky LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To apply for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Kentucky, prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED. Most programs require applicants to pass a pre-entrance exam such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), meet minimum GPA requirements, and submit background checks and drug screens. Some schools may also request letters of recommendation or proof of certain vaccinations as part of the admission process. Students should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria established by both the program and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
An LPN program curriculum in Kentucky is designed to integrate classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. Students will study anatomy, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and patient care. Specialized topics may include pediatrics, mental health nursing, and geriatrics. Clinical hours are conducted in healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Accreditation is critical when choosing an LPN program. Accredited programs ensure that the education meets state and national standards, which is a vital component for eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and gain employment. In Kentucky, programs must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, and many also seek national accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
LPN Schools and Classes
Practical nursing programs in Kentucky are offered at a variety of institutions including community and technical colleges as well as vocational schools. These schools provide accessible training options tailored to different locations and student needs. Curriculum across programs typically includes courses such as Medical-Surgical Nursing, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology, and Pharmacology. Clinical instruction allows students to practice in real-world healthcare environments under supervision, developing the competencies required to be licensed and perform effectively as an LPN.
Career Outlook
The demand for LPNs in Kentucky remains strong, especially in long-term care facilities, home health care services, and rural health clinics. According to state employment trends, LPNs enjoy favorable job prospects due to ongoing healthcare needs and a growing elderly population. Work can be found across diverse settings including hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, and rehabilitation centers. Many LPN positions offer stable schedules and balance, though shift work including evenings, nights, and weekends is common in healthcare settings.
LPN Program Length
LPN programs in Kentucky are typically completed in 12 to 18 months for full-time students. Part-time programs are available for students who need flexible scheduling, and these usually extend the completion time to about 18 to 24 months. Several institutions also offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals or students with family responsibilities, with program lengths varying depending on course load and clinical hour scheduling.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Kentucky
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville |
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| West Kentucky Community and Technical College |
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| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College |
|
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Kentucky generally ranges from approximately $8,000 for in-state public colleges to over $30,000 for out-of-state enrollment or private institutions, depending on the school and program length. In addition to tuition, students should budget for textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, licensing exam fees, and transportation to clinical sites. Housing in Kentucky is relatively affordable compared to national averages, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas, but costs can vary significantly by region and lifestyle.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Kentucky
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College |
|
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| Somerset Community College |
|
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| Ashland Community and Technical College |
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
In Kentucky, LPN programs cannot be completed entirely online due to the essential hands-on clinical training required for licensure. While some theoretical coursework may be offered in a hybrid format, all students must complete their clinical hours in person at approved healthcare facilities. The Kentucky Board of Nursing mandates these supervised clinical experiences to ensure students gain the practical skills needed to provide safe and competent patient care.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Indiana
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky, candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN exam after completing a state-approved practical nursing program. The exam measures a candidate’s knowledge and skills necessary to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level LPN. Kentucky nursing program graduates must apply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) for authorization to test and complete a criminal background check prior to scheduling the NCLEX-PN. Exam registration is managed by Pearson VUE, and candidates must register and pay a fee before receiving their Authorization to Test (ATT).
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Kentucky issues LPN licenses by endorsement for nurses licensed in other states. Applicants must submit proof of current licensure, complete a criminal background check, and provide verification of education and licensure. Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs from other NLC states to practice in Kentucky without obtaining a separate license. Similarly, a Kentucky-issued multistate license permits LPNs to work in all other compact states without additional licensure.
Licensure Requirements
The Kentucky Board of Nursing oversees practical nursing licensure. To qualify for initial licensure, applicants must:
- Graduate from a Kentucky Board-approved LPN program or a substantially equivalent program out of state
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
- Submit a completed application and fee
- Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check
The Board also requires direct submission of transcripts from nursing schools and verification of eligibility for licensure from other jurisdictions if applicable.
License Renewal
Kentucky LPN licenses must be renewed annually by October 31. To maintain licensure, LPNs are required by KBN regulations to complete 14 continuing education (CE) hours each year. Acceptable CE activities must meet Board standards and include content relevant to the licensee’s practice area. In certain cases, such as the first renewal after initial licensure, specific courses like HIV/AIDS education may be required. Additionally, LPNs must maintain documentation of CE completion and are subject to audit by the Board.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Kentucky LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
11-15 months.
Credential Awarded:
Diploma or Certificate.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Concentrates on core nursing theory and essential hands-on clinical skills required for entry-level LPN practice.
Average In-State Tuition in Kentucky:
$9,000 - $15,000 at public institutions (KCTCS). Private and for-profit colleges are typically higher.
Best For:
Individuals seeking the quickest and most direct path to enter the nursing workforce as an LPN.
School Types:
Community colleges (the majority of KCTCS schools) and private vocational/career colleges.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
2 years (approximately 24 months).
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Includes all LPN clinical training plus required general education courses like English, math, and social sciences for a broader academic base.
Average In-State Tuition in Kentucky:
$11,000 - $16,000 at public institutions (KCTCS), covering the full two-year program.
Best For:
Students who want a college degree and may plan to bridge to a Registered Nurse (RN) program in the future.
School Types:
Primarily offered at community and technical colleges.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Entry into the Workforce: The significantly shorter program length allows you to start working and earning an income in about one year.
- Lower Overall Cost: With fewer credit hours required, the total tuition and associated costs are generally lower than for a two-year degree program.
- Focused Curriculum: The program is streamlined to teach you exactly what you need to pass the NCLEX-PN and succeed in an entry-level LPN role without extra general education classes.
- Wider Availability: In Kentucky, diploma and certificate LPN programs are more common and offered at more locations than standalone LPN associate degree programs.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Smoother Pathway to RN: The included general education credits are often required for RN programs, making the future transition to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) easier.
- Broader Skill Set: General education courses help develop valuable soft skills in communication, critical thinking, and writing that are beneficial in healthcare settings.
- Earn a College Degree: You graduate with a formal academic degree, which can be a personal goal and may be viewed favorably by some employers.
- Greater Career Flexibility: An associate degree provides a stronger foundation for pursuing further education, potentially opening more doors for long-term career advancement.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Kentucky
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $48,000 - $67,000 | 11-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 500-700 hours | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| MA | $31,000 - $48,000 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) Exam | 160-220 hours | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| CNA | $29,000 - $41,000 | 4-8 weeks | Kentucky Nurse Aide Competency Exam | 16+ hours (within a 75-hour minimum total program) | $500 - $1,500 |
| DA | $36,000 - $56,000 | 9-12 months | DANB CDA Exam; State-specific exams for expanded duties | 300-500 hours | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $30,000 - $47,000 | 4-9 months | PTCB CPhT Exam | 120-300 hours | $3,000 - $11,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $30,000 - $49,000 | 2-4 months | CPT (NHA) or PBT (ASCP) Exam | 40-120 hours | $800 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $48,000 - $79,000 | 2 years (Associate's Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | 640+ hours | $18,000 - $35,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Kentucky
Ashland, KY
Ashland Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma Program
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 11-Month program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Careers in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- LPN to RN bridge program available
- Approved by Kentucky Board of Nursing
Bowling Green, KY
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Nurse - Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Clinical practicum included
- Meets digital literacy requirement
- Multiple pathway options
- Offered at multiple campuses
- Grade C or better in each course
Cumberland, KY
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Kentucky Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- $5,291 total program tuition
- $190 per credit
- 2-Semester program
- 100% job placement rate
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
Elizabethtown, KY
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Nurse - Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- Grade C or better required per course
- 2.0 cumulative GPA required
- Clinical practicum included
- Digital literacy graduation credit
Florence, KY
Beckfield College-Florence
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation accredited
- 15-Month program
- 86% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- 97.7% NCLEX pass rate in 2024
- Virtual-ATI NCLEX Review provided
- No waitlist for admission
- Taught by professional nurses
Hazard, KY
Hazard Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 1-Year program
- Complete in 12 months
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
Hopkinsville, KY
Hopkinsville Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Kentucky Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Lowest tuition in Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- $10,300 total program tuition
- Complete in less than one year
- 53 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
Louisville, KY
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical/Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 12-Month program
- 4 start dates per year
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Jefferson Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Kentucky Board of Nursing accredited
- 12-Month program
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Hybrid format available
- Diploma in Practical Nursing awarded
- Hands-on skills labs and clinicals
- Downtown and Carrollton campuses
- Preadmission conference required
Sullivan University
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- Kentucky Board of Nursing accredited
- 15-Month program
- 14 total courses
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Military benefits accepted
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Madisonville, KY
Madisonville Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Integrated Nursing - Practical Nursing - Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- CPR certification required throughout program
- Must be active on Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
- 42-45 total credits required
- Digital literacy graduation requirement met
- PSY 223 substitutes for AHS 100
- Credit for NAA 100 outside college
Maysville, KY
Maysville Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Nurse - Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- 4 clinical hours
- Multiple pathway options available
- Pathway 2 Traditional Modified
- Pathway 3 Modular option
- Clinical practicum included
Paducah, KY
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Kentucky Board of Nursing accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Practice skills in real-world settings
- Lowest tuition in Kentucky
- Work Ready KY Scholarship eligible
Pikeville, KY
Galen Health Institutes-Pikeville
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month full-time completion.
- 21-month part-time option.
- On-campus class mode.
- No prerequisites required.
- Four start times per year.
- Free application process.
- Entrance assessment required.
- Proof of graduation needed.
Prestonsburg, KY
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Nurse - Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- Includes clinical practicum
- CPR for Healthcare Professionals
- Nursing assistant skills included
- Multiple pathway options available
- Meets digital literacy requirement
Somerset, KY
Somerset Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 11-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
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