Olivia Chen, NP
June 2, 2025
The healthcare industry in Kentucky is dependent on the support of LPNs in patient-care roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. LPNs check patients’ vital signs, administer medicine, and help patients recover. Kentucky relies heavily on LPNs for access to care in health professional shortage areas, due to inadequacy of available service in rural areas. The practical training combined with direct patient interaction makes LPNs vital for maintaining community health throughout the state.
Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville offers a Practical/Vocational Nursing program that provides an accelerated 12-month full-time or 21-month part-time on-campus pathway to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. With four start times annually, it includes engaging clinical coursework and practice-based training to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam, making it an accessible entry into healthcare without requiring entrance exams.
Ashland, KY - Public 2-Year - ashland.kctcs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ashland Community and Technical College's 11-month Practical Nursing Diploma Program offers a fast-track route to LPN licensure, approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. It covers 45-53 credit hours, focusing on essential nursing skills for diverse healthcare environments like hospitals and long-term care. Kentucky residents may qualify for free tuition, and graduates can pursue LPN to RN transitions for career advancement.
Cumberland, KY - Public 2-Year - southeast.kctcs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College provides a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program that can be completed in just two semesters, preparing students for the NCLEX PN exam. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with clinical experiences, focusing on patient care and professional skills. Admission is selective, requiring a pre-admission conference, ACT or NLN exam, minimum 2.0 GPA, proof of Nurse Aid certification, and document submission by October 1. The total approximate cost is $5,291, covering tuition, uniforms, and other essentials, with financial aid available. Accredited by SACSCOC and approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, this program offers a fast-track to a healthcare career.
Bowling Green, KY - Public 2-Year - southcentral.kctcs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College offers a campus-based Nursing - Practical Nurse Diploma program, focusing on essential nursing skills and patient-centered care. Students engage in hands-on clinical practicums to gain practical experience in diverse healthcare settings. The program requires a grade of 'C' or better in each course and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, while meeting KCTCS digital literacy standards. This diploma prepares graduates for rewarding careers in nursing, emphasizing high-quality care and adaptability in the modern healthcare environment.
Hazard, KY - Public 2-Year - hazard.kctcs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hazard Community and Technical College offers a 12-month Practical Nursing diploma program, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The curriculum includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, focusing on essential skills like vital signs monitoring and IV management. With a selective admissions process requiring a high school diploma or GED, assessment tests, and a pre-admission conference, this program may offer free tuition for Kentucky residents, making it an accessible and affordable pathway to an LPN career, with options to bridge to an RN program.
The clinical requirements of LPN programs make fully online programs impossible to obtain. The programs combine online theory-based courses with in-person laboratory and clinical requirements. The programs offer evening and weekend tracks specifically for working adults. Students can pursue flexible educational paths that accommodate their responsibilities yet must complete their clinical hours in person.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Maysville Community and Technical College |
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| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College |
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| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville |
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| Certifying Board | Kentucky Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a KBN-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts |
| Application & Fees | $125 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, $54 IdentoGO background check, provisional license valid for six months pending exam |
| Jurisprudence Exam | Must pass the KBN Jurisprudence Exam with a minimum score of 80% |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in about 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically issued within 4–6 weeks after passing NCLEX |
| Renewal & CE | Annual renewal September 15–October 31 with a $65 fee, complete required CE courses by October 31, no grace period |
| Endorsement | $165 endorsement application fee, verification of current unrestricted LPN license, background check, Jurisprudence Exam, and official transcripts if educated out of state |
The average yearly compensation for LPNs in Kentucky reaches approximately $47,000 although salaries differ according to work experience and geographic location. The state of Kentucky provides LPNs with stable employment opportunities throughout its regions although urban areas tend to pay slightly more. The healthcare industry in Kentucky maintains a consistent requirement for practical nurses which establishes LPN as a secure and sought-after profession in the state’s expanding healthcare sector.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Kentucky | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,046 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$60,401 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$54,046 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,720 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~6.7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~850 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College |
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| Hazard Community and Technical College |
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| Somerset Community College |
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LPNs in Kentucky have multiple career advancement options available to them. LPNs who want to advance their careers typically enroll in LPN-to-RN bridge programs to obtain additional credentials which enable them to practice in more areas. Some nurses choose to specialize in IV therapy, geriatric care, or wound management. LPNs who pursue additional education and work experience can transition into leadership positions and eventually earn bachelor’s or advanced nursing degrees to build their careers for the long term.
Additional Nursing Programs in Kentucky
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