Best Kentucky LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Kentucky’s LPN to RN bridge programs provide an educational pathway for nurses ready to expand their role. Students complete advanced coursework in pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing leadership. Clinical experiences round out training, preparing graduates to pursue RN licensure and advanced practice opportunities.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky

If you're an LPN in Kentucky looking to advance your career to become an RN, practicalnursing.org has done the hard work for you by ranking the best LPN to RN programs in the state. These programs help you build on your current skills and open doors to better job opportunities and higher pay. We evaluate factors like program quality, cost, and student support to give you reliable choices. Start your journey today by exploring our top picks. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our methodology page at https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

Ashland Community and Technical College

Ashland, KY - Public 2-Year - ashland.kctcs.edu

Associate - Advanced Standing LPN to ADN Transition (Bridge)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Ashland Community and Technical College's Advanced Standing LPN to ADN Transition (Bridge) program is a hybrid offering that blends online coursework with in-person clinicals, ideal for working LPNs seeking RN licensure. Admission mandates a current LPN license, a minimum 2.5 global GPA, completion of prerequisite courses with a C or better, and passing the LPN to ADN HESI entrance exam. This program focuses on a supportive environment to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN, emphasizing flexibility and career advancement without a specific concentration. As an associate degree program, it does not require ACT or SAT exams.

Hybrid program format.
Requires LPN license.
Global GPA of 2.5 needed.
Pass LPN to ADN HESI exam.
Pre-requisite courses required.
Supports career advancement.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Combines online and in-person learning.
Designed for working professionals.
Emphasizes supportive learning environment.

Henderson Community College

Henderson, KY - Public 2-Year - henderson.kctcs.edu

Associate - LPN to AND Bridge Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Henderson Community College provides a hybrid LPN to AND Bridge Program for Kentucky's licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nursing roles. This program mandates a current LPN license and completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum C grade. Admission is competitive, utilizing a point system that evaluates ACT, TEAS, or HESI A2 exam scores, GPA, and specific course grades to select well-prepared candidates. Emphasizing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the hybrid format offers flexibility for working professionals. It serves as a critical pathway for LPNs to enhance their nursing education and career prospects in a structured, supportive environment.

Hybrid program format.
Requires current LPN license.
Competitive admission process.
Prerequisite courses required.
ACT, TEAS, or HESI A2 scores considered.
GPA and course grades impact admission.
Structured point system for admission.
Focus on advanced nursing education.
Theoretical and practical skills emphasized.
For LPNs aiming to become RNs.

Maysville Community and Technical College

Maysville, KY - Public 2-Year - maysville.kctcs.edu

Associate - LPN to RN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Maysville Community and Technical College provides a hybrid LPN to RN program that blends online learning with essential on-campus clinical labs, ideal for working LPNs aiming to advance. Applicants must hold an unencumbered LPN license and complete prerequisites with a C or better. The curriculum emphasizes patient care management and nursing science to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. As a bachelor's-level equivalent program, no ACT or SAT is required for entry. Financial aid enhances affordability, supporting a flexible and accessible path to registered nursing.

Hybrid program format.
Requires unencumbered LPN license.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Flexible for working professionals.
On-campus clinical labs required.
Prerequisite courses needed.
Financial aid options available.
Focus on patient care management.
Nursing science emphasis.
Affordable education path.

Somerset Community College

Somerset, KY - Public 2-Year - somerset.kctcs.edu

Associate - Nursing (LPN to ADN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Somerset Community College's LPN to ADN nursing program provides a hybrid learning model, blending online coursework with in-person evening and weekend classes tailored for working LPNs. The curriculum spans 62-63 credit hours and includes extensive clinical training to build essential nursing competencies. Accredited by ACEN, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, emphasizing patient safety, teamwork, and professional growth. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky and multiple campus options, this program offers an affordable, flexible path to RN licensure, requiring a current LPN license for admission.

Evening and weekend classes
62-63 total credit hours
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Clinical training included
Lowest tuition in Kentucky
Accredited by ACEN
Requires current LPN license
Multiple campus locations
Practical skills focused
Professional development emphasis

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, KY - Public 2-Year - westkentucky.kctcs.edu

Associate - LPN-RN Accelerated Bridge

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

West Kentucky Community and Technical College's LPN-RN Accelerated Bridge program offers a fast-track hybrid pathway for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses in just 12 months. Designed for working professionals, it blends online coursework with in-person clinicals, featuring flexible evening and weekend schedules to balance career and personal life. This program emphasizes practical skills through hands-on lab and clinical experiences, accelerating career advancement and boosting earning potential without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam, as it is an associate-level bridge program.

12-month accelerated program
Hybrid learning format
Flexible evening/weekend classes
Designed for working LPNs
Clinical and lab experiences

*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

Kentucky LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Kentucky LPNs considering an LPN to RN bridge should plan for selective admission. While each college sets its own criteria, applicants commonly need:

An active, unencumbered LPN license issued by Kentucky or a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Graduation from a state approved practical nursing program.
Minimum college GPA, often 2.5 to 3.0, and successful completion of prerequisite courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, English Composition, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Nutrition, and a math course such as College Algebra or Statistics. Programs may require recent completion of science courses.
A standardized admission exam such as TEAS or HESI, plus reading and math placement as required.
Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers, up to date immunizations and titers, TB screening, physical exam, and proof of health insurance.
Criminal background check and drug screen that meet clinical partner requirements.
For working LPNs, recent clinical employment may strengthen the application. Some Kentucky programs award advanced standing after validation testing or a transition course based on an active LPN license and recent practice.

To become licensed as an RN in Kentucky, graduates must complete a Kentucky Board of Nursing approved program and pass the NCLEX RN. Review licensure and program approval information with the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LPN to RN bridge curricula in Kentucky build on practical nursing experience while expanding RN scope. Expect a transition course that covers the RN role, nursing process, and professional standards, followed by sequenced courses in:

Health assessment and pathophysiology
Pharmacology and safe medication management
Adult medical surgical nursing including complex care
Maternal newborn and pediatrics
Mental health and community health nursing
Leadership, quality and patient safety, and interprofessional collaboration

Learning occurs through classroom or online didactic work, nursing skills lab and simulation, and supervised clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings. Programs are designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX RN and entry level practice in Kentucky.

Accreditation matters in Kentucky. State approval by the Kentucky Board of Nursing is required for RN licensure eligibility, while national nursing accreditation, typically ACEN or CCNE, supports transfer of credit, employer tuition reimbursement, and graduate school admission. Institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is often required for federal financial aid. When evaluating programs, confirm current Kentucky Board of Nursing approval and whether the nursing program and institution hold appropriate accreditation.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

Across Kentucky, LPN to RN bridge options are offered by public community and technical colleges, regional public universities, and private colleges. Delivery formats vary by campus, and many programs partner with clinical sites in their local communities to provide hands on training.

Coursework typically includes transition to professional nursing, advanced medical surgical nursing, family focused care, psychiatric mental health, pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing research or informatics. Upper level or advanced classes focus on care of patients with multisystem conditions, acute and chronic disease management, population health, leadership and management, and preparation for professional practice. Students refine clinical judgment through simulation and direct patient care rotations in medical surgical units, long term care, maternal child, pediatrics, behavioral health, and community settings.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in Kentucky work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, primary care, home health, long term care, behavioral health facilities, schools, public health, and dialysis centers. Scheduling varies by setting. Hospitals commonly use 12 hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays, while many clinics offer weekday schedules. Rural and underserved communities across Kentucky create steady demand for RNs, and Kentucky’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact facilitates multistate practice for eligible nurses.

Compared with LPN practice, the RN role includes broader assessment authority, independent development of nursing care plans, leadership and delegation, and a wider range of specialty pathways. RNs generally have access to more acute care roles and advancement opportunities, which can support higher earning potential and career mobility.

LPN to RN Program Length

Full time ADN bridge: commonly 3 to 4 consecutive semesters after prerequisites, about 12 to 18 months.
Part time ADN bridge: typically 5 to 8 semesters, about 18 to 30 months, depending on course load and clinical availability.
BSN bridge: about 2 to 3 academic years full time after prerequisites, longer if part time.
Evening and weekend formats: some campuses offer cohorts with lectures and labs outside standard daytime hours. Clinicals may still require some weekday availability. Time to completion is often similar to part time tracks.

Total time varies based on transfer credits from the LPN program, recency of science prerequisites, admission cycles, and clinical placement schedules.

2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky

Looking for the fastest LPN to RN programs in Kentucky? These programs help you move from a Licensed Practical Nurse to a Registered Nurse quickly, with options for Associate or Bachelor's degrees. In Kentucky, including areas like Louisville and Lexington, you can find programs that focus on getting you through your studies in the shortest time. This is important because it lets you start your new career sooner, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. The table below shows details like graduation and retention rates to help you pick the right fit for your goals.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
West Kentucky Community and Technical College LPN-RN Accelerated Bridge	12-month accelerated program Hybrid learning format Flexible evening/weekend classes Designed for working LPNs Clinical and lab experiences	Graduation Rate: 49% Retention Rate: 71% Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Gateway Community and Technical College LPN to RN Advanced Standing Bridge Program	Campus-based program. Three semesters duration. Lowest tuition in KY. Financial aid available. NCLEX-RN exam preparation. Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Prerequisite courses needed. Year of bedside experience.	Graduation Rate: 49% Retention Rate: 73% Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Hopkinsville Community College LPN to RN Bridge	Two-year degree completion Flexible admission cycles Requires current LPN license Advanced clinical training Approved by Kentucky Board of Nursing Specific prerequisite courses required NACE exam for admission Additional science coursework needed	Graduation Rate: 37% Retention Rate: 66% Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

Tuition and Costs

Costs vary by institution and how many credits transfer from your LPN studies.

Public community and technical colleges in Kentucky often price in state tuition by the credit hour. For the nursing portion of an ADN bridge, many students complete roughly 30 to 50 additional credits. At typical Kentucky public two year in state rates, tuition for those credits commonly falls in the general range of about 6,000 to 11,000 dollars, not including fees.
Public university based BSN bridge options usually carry higher per credit tuition. Depending on how many credits you need to finish, in state tuition for the remaining 60 to 75 credits can fall roughly in the 24,000 to 45,000 dollar range, before fees.
Expect additional costs for application and testing fees, lab and simulation fees, background checks and drug screens, liability insurance, uniforms and supplies, immunizations, textbooks and digital resources, transportation to clinical sites, and NCLEX and licensure fees.
Housing and living expenses depend on location. Public university cost of attendance figures in Kentucky commonly list room and board in the range of about 8,000 to 12,000 dollars per academic year. Off campus rent varies by market and roommates, and students should budget for utilities, internet, and commuting costs.

2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky

Looking for affordable LPN to RN programs in Kentucky for 2026? These programs offer an Associate or Bachelor's degree, making it easier to advance your nursing career without breaking the bank. Affordable tuition is key, as it helps students manage costs while gaining essential skills. In regions like Louisville, Lexington, and across the state, low-cost options ensure that education remains accessible. This focus on economical learning supports more people in entering or moving up in the healthcare field, boosting job opportunities and community health.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Somerset Community College Nursing (LPN to ADN)	Evening and weekend classes 62-63 total credit hours Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam Clinical training included Lowest tuition in Kentucky Accredited by ACEN Requires current LPN license Multiple campus locations	$3,700 - $5,600 (Undergrad In-State) $5,000 - $7,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Maysville Community and Technical College LPN to RN	Hybrid program format. Requires unencumbered LPN license. Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam. Flexible for working professionals. On-campus clinical labs required. Prerequisite courses needed. Financial aid options available. Focus on patient care management.	$3,700 - $5,600 (Undergrad In-State) $5,000 - $7,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Transition to ADN Bridge Course	Four-semester nursing program NCLEX preparation included Accredited by ACEN Clinical experiences in multiple settings Minimum 62 credit hours required No waiting list for admission Competitive admission process Affordable tuition rates	$3,700 - $5,600 (Undergrad In-State) $5,000 - $7,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)

*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Kentucky approved LPN to RN programs may offer didactic courses in online or hybrid formats, especially general education and some nursing theory. However, all prelicensure RN programs include required hands on learning through skills lab, simulation, and supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings. These clinical components occur in person at approved sites in Kentucky or affiliated locations. In practice, that means many students complete a hybrid program, with some online coursework paired with on campus labs and in person clinical rotations. Fully online pathways are not feasible for the clinical portions that are essential for RN licensure preparation in Kentucky.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Kentucky

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

After completing an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN program, graduates seeking Kentucky RN licensure by examination must be deemed eligible by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and then pass the NCLEX-RN. Candidates register and pay the exam fee through the official NCLEX website, receive an Authorization to Test, and test at a Pearson VUE center. Exam results are sent to the Board for licensure decisions. If unsuccessful, candidates may retake the exam after the standard waiting period. The Board provides application steps, background check instructions, and NCLEX eligibility details specific to Kentucky.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Kentucky licenses experienced RNs from other states by endorsement. If you are relocating to Kentucky and will declare Kentucky as your primary state of residence, you must apply for Kentucky RN licensure by endorsement before practicing, unless you hold an active multistate license from another compact state and maintain that state as your primary residence.

Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. A valid multistate RN license from your home compact state allows practice in Kentucky without obtaining a separate Kentucky license. For compact participation details and the current list of member states, see the Nurse Licensure Compact. Kentucky does not maintain separate bilateral recognition agreements outside the Compact.

Licensure Requirements

To obtain an RN license in Kentucky by examination after an LPN-to-RN bridge program, applicants generally must:

Graduate from an approved RN program and have the school send an official transcript showing degree or diploma awarded.
Submit an application for licensure by examination to the Board and pay required fees.
Complete state and federal criminal background checks with fingerprinting as directed by the Board.
Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Provide any additional documentation requested, such as verification of licensure status for any other licenses held or credentials review if educated outside the United States.

For licensure by endorsement, applicants typically must hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, request primary-source verification of that license, complete a background check, and meet all Kentucky requirements before practicing.

License Renewal

Kentucky RN licenses renew annually and expire on October 31. The renewal window typically opens in early fall. Continuing competency must be completed during the earning period that aligns with the renewal cycle, and documentation is subject to audit.

Renewal frequency: every year by October 31.
Continuing competency: Kentucky accepts multiple ways to meet the requirement, including traditional continuing education hours and approved alternatives such as academic coursework or national certification. Keep certificates and proofs of completion for the period required by the Board in case of audit.
Practice status: You may not practice if your license is not renewed by the deadline. Lapsed licenses require reinstatement and additional fees, and you must meet continuing competency requirements for the period specified by the Board.

The Board provides detailed instructions each renewal cycle on accepted continuing competency options, audit procedures, and important dates.

Average LPN State Salary in Kentucky

$57,410

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Kentucky

$83,900

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 1 to 2 years. Many programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Credential Awarded:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Program Focus:

These programs build upon the existing knowledge and skills of LPNs, with a curriculum focused on providing the core competencies of a registered nurse. The emphasis is on direct patient care in various healthcare settings.

Average In-State Tuition in Kentucky:

Tuition varies by institution. For example, community and technical colleges often have lower tuition rates. Some schools may offer financial assistance, such as the Rural Health Nursing Fellowship. It is best to consult individual program websites for the most current tuition information.

Best For:

LPNs who wish to become an RN quickly and affordably, providing a direct route to expanded clinical roles and responsibilities.

School Types:

Community and technical colleges, as well as some private nursing colleges, are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Kentucky.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Generally 2 to 4 years, depending on the program structure and the number of transferable credits.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a registered nurse.

Program Focus:

LPN to BSN programs offer a more comprehensive education that includes all the core nursing skills of an ADN program, with additional coursework in nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. This pathway prepares graduates for a broader range of nursing roles and leadership positions.

Average In-State Tuition in Kentucky:

Tuition for university programs is generally higher than that of community colleges. However, some programs offer reduced tuition rates for online or concurrent enrollment options. For example, the University of Louisville has offered a reduced tuition rate of $385 per credit hour for their concurrent enrollment program. Specific tuition details should be obtained directly from the universities.

Best For:

LPNs who are aiming for leadership or administrative roles, specialized nursing fields, or who plan to pursue graduate-level nursing education in the future.

School Types:

Universities and four-year colleges typically offer LPN to BSN bridge programs, with many providing online and hybrid formats to accommodate working professionals.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

Faster Entry into the RN Role: LPN to ADN programs offer the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse, often in under two years.
Lower Cost of Education: Community and technical colleges, which are the primary providers of these programs, generally have more affordable tuition compared to four-year universities.
Strong Foundation for Bedside Nursing: The curriculum is intensely focused on the essential clinical skills needed for direct patient care, making graduates well-prepared for hospital and other clinical settings.
Pathway to Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program, allowing individuals to work as an RN while continuing their education.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a requirement for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, and is increasingly preferred by hospitals, especially those seeking Magnet status.
Higher Earning Potential: On average, RNs with a BSN tend to have a higher salary than those with an ADN.
Foundation for Advanced Practice: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing graduate studies, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which are required for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles like nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.
Development of Leadership and Critical Thinking Skills: The curriculum includes a broader education in areas like nursing research, leadership, and public health, which enhances critical thinking and prepares graduates for more complex roles within the healthcare system.

List of LPN to RN Programs in Kentucky

If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky looking to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you have many options to advance your career. The LPN to RN programs in Kentucky help you build on your experience and education to reach your goals. Below, you can find a list of schools and their programs. The table includes the city and state location, key program highlights, and links to each school's program page for more details.

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