Jake Flannigan, NP
June 23, 2025
Students enrolled in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs in Kentucky develop into fundamental members of healthcare teams. The nursing staff receives assistance from CNA professionals who provide direct patient care through daily tasks that include bathing, dressing, and feeding. The healthcare system of Kentucky relies heavily on CNAs who both provide comfort and safety to patients while performing vital support tasks for nurses.
Paducah, KY - Public 2-Year - westkentucky.kctcs.edu
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West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Nursing Assistant Course (NAA 100) provides a fast-track pathway to healthcare employment. In just one semester, students can prepare for state certification as a Registered Nursing Assistant. The program boasts impressive completion and licensure pass rates, with comprehensive training covering essential skills, background checks, and certification requirements.
Louisville, KY - Public 2-Year - jefferson.kctcs.edu
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The Medicaid Nurse Aide certificate offers a fast-track pathway into healthcare, enabling students to gain essential patient care skills in just one semester. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this program prepares students to provide critical direct patient support across multiple healthcare settings. With state certification opportunities and comprehensive training, students learn vital skills in patient hygiene, safety, and emotional support while working under licensed nursing supervision.
CNA programs in Kentucky provide theory instruction online but students must perform clinical practice in person. Online modules let students study patient care methods along with medical vocabulary and security protocols for patient care. State regulations require students to perform clinical hours in healthcare facilities for practical skill development. The programs combine in-person lab and clinical experiences with online lecture completion.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College |
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| Jefferson Community and Technical College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Government-issued photo ID, SSN, live-scan fingerprinting, required immunizations/health screenings, and completion of a 75-hour state-approved CNA program |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Kentucky Board of Nursing’s Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 75 total hours, including at least 16 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | $115 competency evaluation ($40 written/oral + $75 skills), retests incur the same exam fees |
| Certification Exam | 75-question written/oral test (70% passing) plus a five-skill practical, up to three attempts within one year |
| Registry Activation Time | Registry updated within 30 days of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Complete eight hours of paid nursing work under RN/LPN supervision every 24 months, lapsed certifications require retraining and re-evaluation |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs transfer via online reciprocity with proof of active, unencumbered certification, no exam required |
The salary of CNAs in Kentucky depends on their work experience along with their job location and their current employer. CNAs in Kentucky earn between $16 and $18 per hour with some areas offering better compensation rates. CNAs working in Louisville and Lexington can expect slightly better compensation because of their location’s higher healthcare needs and expenses. New CNAs enter the workforce at the entry-level pay range but their compensation increases with experience. The job market for CNAs in Kentucky shows positive trends because of the rising healthcare needs alongside the growing number of older people. The employment outlook for nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies remains stable.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Kentucky | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $30,980 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $14.90 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$36,800 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $30,980 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$26,900 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~4,100 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College |
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| Jefferson Community and Technical College |
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The path to become a CNA in Kentucky creates opportunities for advancement to higher nursing positions. The majority of CNAs pursue their educational development to become LPNs and RNs. CNA experience enables students to understand patient care better which helps their nursing school applications. Many healthcare facilities provide financial support for educational advancement to their CNAs who want to continue their studies. The state of Kentucky provides bridge programs which help CNAs transition into LPN or RN programs more efficiently. The career advancement route enables CNAs to receive higher compensation and take on additional responsibilities while building their professional development in healthcare.
Additional Nursing Programs in Kentucky
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