2024 - Best LPN Programs in Kentucky

Last Updated/Verified: Oct 16, 2023

Kentucky has strengthened its commitment to improved healthcare by playing host to a number of schools that offer a licensed practical nursing (LPN) program. Becoming an LPN is a great way to break into the rewarding healthcare industry, and the nursing shortage means that LPNs are in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a favorable job outlook for LPNs, at nearly 9% growth through 2029. To start your journey toward becoming an LPN, you must first find the right LPN program. LPNs in Kentucky earn approximately $23.83 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $49,570. This is roughly $6,290 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Kentucky? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Kentucky are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 26 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Kentucky click here.

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%

Top Ranked Kentucky LPN Programs

1

Maysville Community & Technical College - Rowan

609 Viking Dr., Morehead, KY 40351 - (606) 783-1538 - Visit Homepage

Maysville Community & Technical College in Morehead, a public educational institution, provides a dynamic learning environment. With a focus on hands-on education, it proudly offers a renowned practical nursing program. Nestled in a charming town, it's an ideal place to embark on a fulfilling educational journey.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Somerset Community College - Laurel Campus

100 University Dr., London, KY 40741 - (606) 877-1421 - Visit Homepage

Somerset Community College (SCC) - Laurel Campus is located in London, Kentucky, and is home to a highly respected PN program. Students can complete the curriculum in just 11 months, and can opt to take the NCLEX-PN exam and practice immediately or move on to a registered nursing degree.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College - Bowling Green

1845 Loop Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42101 - (270) 901-1000 - Visit Homepage

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC) is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The college seeks to improve the employability of its students by providing certificates, diplomas, associate's degrees, adult education, and workforce training. SKYCTC's Practical Nursing program trains entry-level nurses through its 52 credit hour curriculum, incorporating classroom learning and hands-on training.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Somerset Community College - Somerset

808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY 42501 - (606) 679-8501 - Visit Homepage

Somerset Community College (SCC) main Somerset campus is committed to training practical nurses. It offers a daytime practical nursing program as well as a part-time evening option to accommodate busy student schedules. Grads are well-prepared to provide safe patient care in a variety of medical settings.

Overall Score: 98.92 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College - Glasgow

129 State Ave., Glasgow, KY 42141 - (270) 901-1200 - Visit Homepage

At Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, classroom instruction in theory and basic nursing skills are provided on campus. Under the guidance of program faculty, students gain valuable experience in the care of all ages in a variety of health care settings and/or community hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics or child care centers.

Overall Score: 97.13 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Maysville Community & Technical College - Maysville

1755 U.S. Highway 68, Maysville, KY 41056 - (606) 759-7141 - Visit Homepage

Maysville Community & Technical College offers students a practical nursing program that primes them for entry-level patient care. Enrolled students move through a curriculum that includes classroom theory as well as off-campus clinical experiences in local healthcare facilities.

Overall Score: 96.46 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

West Kentucky Community & Technical College

4810 Alben Barkley Dr, Paducah, KY 42001 - (270) 554-9200 - Visit Homepage

The Practical Nursing program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing. Students learn to use the nursing process at the practical nursing level toward the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of persons experiencing changes in their health processes, and the evaluation of health practices of patients are emphasized.

Overall Score: 96.44 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Madisonville Community College

750 North Laffoon Street, Madisonville, KY 42431 - (270) 824-7552 - Visit Homepage

Madison Community College offers a wonderful integrated nursing program that provides a seamless educational curriculum with two exit points allowing you to choose a career as a Practical Nurse (PN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Students are prepared by exceptional faculty and staff and are ready to find success on the NCLEX-PN.

Overall Score: 94.43 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Campbellsville University - Harrodsburb

1150 Danville Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330 - (859) 605-1389 - Visit Homepage

Campbellsville University - Harrodsburg, a private institution, stands as a beacon of educational excellence. Located in Harrodsburg, this esteemed university is home to a sought-after practical nursing program. Despite its intimate size, it offers vast opportunities for personalized growth and professional development.

Overall Score: 93.50 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Bluegrass Community & Technical College - Lexington

470 Cooper Dr, Lexington, KY 40502 - (855) 246-2477 - Visit Homepage

Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) is located in Lexington, Kentucky, with additional campuses located in Danville, Lawrenceburg, and Winchester, as well as off-campus sites in Georgetown. BCTC seeks to provide general education and transfer programs, career and technical programs, transitional education, workforce training, and continued education for lifelong learning.

Overall Score: 93.45 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Kentucky

RankedProgramScore
#11 Hopkinsville Community College
720 North Dr, Hopkinsville, KY 42240
(270) 707-3700
93.28
#12 Galen College of Nursing - Louisville
1031 Zorn Avenue, Suite 400, Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 410-6200
93.21
#13 Bluegrass Community & Technical College - Danville
59 Corporate Dr, Danville, KY 40422
(859) 239-7030
92.75
#14 Jefferson Community and Technical College
109 East Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 213-5333
87.70
#15 Ashland Community & Technical College
1400 College Dr, Ashland, KY 41101
(606) 326-2000
87.14
#16 Campbellsville University - Campbellsville
1 University Drive, Campbellsville, KY 2718
(270) 789-5142
86.25
#17 ATA College
10200 Linn Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223
(502) 412-4028
83.21
#18 Big Sandy Community & Technical College
1 Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
(606) 886-3863
80.70
#19 Beckfield College - Florence
16 Spiral Dr, Florence, KY 41042
(859) 371-9393
75.16
#20 Hazard Community & Technical College - Jackson
601 Jefferson Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
(606) 436-5721
74.40
#21 MedQuest College - Lexington
1575 Winchester Rd Suite 110, Lexington, KY 40505
(859) 554-3919
63.10
#22 Sullivan University
3101 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 456-6505
38.75
#23 MedQuest College - Louisville
10400 Linn Station Rd #120, Louisville, KY 40223
(502) 245-6177
38.15

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Big Sandy Community & Technical College - Prestonburg
1 Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
(606) 886-3863
Galen College of Nursing - Pikeville
150 Healthcare Drive, Pikeville, KY 41501
(606) 727-9015
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
700 College Road, Cumberland, KY 40823
(606) 589-2145

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional KY Nursing Resources

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.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Louisville/Jefferson County3,420$25.32$52,670
Lexington, Fayette1,240$24.21$50,360
Bowling Green300$22.96$47,760
Owensboro260$24.07$50,070
Elizabethtown, Fort Knox190$23.92$49,760

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