Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

Kentucky is home to many prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Kentucky.

This article will explore LPN programs in Kentucky for those looking to start a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The state has an abundance of schools that offer both traditional and online courses.

For those who want to enter the nursing field but don’t have four years of education, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is an excellent option. Kentucky’s LPN graduates are in high demand and can find employment all over the state with flexible hours that allow them to live their lives outside of work, too.

LPNs in Kentucky Quick Facts

• LPN school typically takes 9 to 12 months to complete
• LPNs in Kentucky earn an average of $25.06/hr and an annual income of $44,977
• The LPN job outlook is bright, with a 9% increase by 2028
• LPNs make up 16.3% of Kentucky’s nursing population
• LPNs in Florence, KY, make the most in the state, with an average annual income of $59,762

Many hospitals in Kentucky are struggling to hire qualified nurses. Some hospitals are even offering signing bonuses to join their staff. This allows LPNs in Kentucky to enjoy a higher starting salary than other nurses in the states. Thankfully Kentucky also has many great LPN programs in Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Bowling Green, Somerset, Paducah, Louisville, and Prestonsburg.

Overview of LPN Schools in Kentucky

There are over 20 schools in Kentucky that offer accredited programs, and they’re located throughout the state. Options vary from community colleges to private schools, but they can each help you earn a diploma or certificate so you’re ready for licensure.

LPN programs cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Nursing and Healthcare
• Pharmacology
• Nursing & Child Bearing Family
• Nursing Trends & Issues
• Management of the Geriatric Client
• Mental Health Concepts

LPN Accreditation

There are many LPN programs to choose from, but finding the right one can be difficult if you don’t know what qualities it should have. Your school needs accreditation and approval by state regulatory agencies like the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Accredited schools must meet specific requirements for academic success to maintain their status. You’ll also want to make sure that your school is accredited nationally by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

LPN Admissions Requirements

When considering a career in the medical field, it is essential to understand your options and which programs will be best for you. Researching individual university sites to see their program requirements is important since every institution will have different minimum requirements. However, most schools will need at a minimum:

• High school diploma or GED. Must be accompanied by official transcripts or scores.
• The ACT or equivalent
• Letter of Intent
• Completion of all prerequisites
• Application to the school and application fee

LPN Tuition & Costs

As a student, one of the most critical considerations is the cost of nursing school. Tuition alone can vary depending on location and type of program; for example, The LPN program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington costs about $14,000. This includes all fees as well.

The good news is that many of the schools offer financial aid options and scholarship opportunities for students who need assistance.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

To work as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Kentucky, you must complete a course from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Checklist to become a Kentucky LPN:

• Complete your accredited LPN Program
• Apply for licensure
• Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
• Pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence exam.
• Submit a criminal background check of your history and fingerprints. 

NCLEX-PN Exam

Once you are a Kentucky LPN program graduate, pass the NCLEX-PN exam to gain licensure as an LPN officially. Take some time and study for the real deal by taking an NCLEX-PN practice test first.

LPN Reciprocity

With Kentucky recognized as part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, nurses can practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses. However, nurses moving to Kentucky from a state that’s not part of the NLC must apply for an endorsement license.

LPN Salaries in Kentucky

LPNs in Kentucky earn an average of $25.06/hr and an annual income of $44,977, which is 8% lower than the national average.

According to the BLS, the average salaries of LPNs in Kentucky’s major metropolitan areas are:

• Florence, KY ($59,762)
• Bowling Green, KY ($51,046)
• Louisville, KY ($45,718)
• Lexington, KY ($45,110)
• Somerset, KY ($44,298)

Nurses have many different opportunities and work environments to explore, but the pay is rarely uniform. Someone working in a hospital will probably earn more than someone who works at an office or clinic.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Kentucky

Nurses are in high demand, but the U. S still faces a decrease in its nurse population because of retiring nurses and an increase of patients seeking help from healthcare providers. LPNs provide a quick solution for nursing shortages because they can do much of what RNs or ADNs would typically do with fewer years of study.

If you are looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field, nursing is an excellent opportunity. The Occupational Profile predicts that by 2026, Kentucky will have openings of 850 LPN jobs annually with regular turnover and new job growth.

Top LPN Schools in Kentucky

1. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College 
600 College Street Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
270-769-2371

The college was first established in 1964. It has branches in Fort Knox, Springfield, and Leitchfield, where students can get an education that keeps them competitive with today’s world of change. Besides providing online courses and transfer programs for their students from surrounding regions, they also have various associate degree options available at all three locations.

2. Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
1845 Loop Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Contact Number: 270-901-1000

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College has been around for over 75 years. It now offers 19 different degree programs and certificates and diplomas in various subjects like Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM), Health Professions, and more.

3. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College – Glasgow
129 State Avenue, Glasgow, KY 42141
270-901-1200

Established during World War II, this school was initially designed to train industrial workers and armed forces. Over the years, it has evolved while keeping up with the demands of modern education, delivering well-trained employees for different industries. The teaching staff has high competency and provides individual attention to students, giving them a relevant experience through close association with local industry and businesses throughout the area.

4. Somerset Community College 
808 Monticello Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501
606-679-8501

Studying at Somerset Community College will give you the experience of a lifetime. With experienced professors, world-class facilities, and a unique learning environment that helps students realize their goals, it offers evening, weekend, and daytime classes. Choose part-time or full-time programs. In addition, the college has a mission to improve the quality of life and employability among its students.

5. Hazard Community and Technical College—Hazard
One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
606-436-5721

Hazard Community and Technical College is one of 16 two-year, open-admissions colleges in Kentucky. Along with five campuses, the college offers courses for associate’s degrees and certificates that can be taken online or on campus.

6. West Kentucky Community and Technical College
4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42001
855-469-5282

This college offers high-quality education and provides equal opportunities for all students. It was formed by the consolidation of West Kentucky Industrial College with Paducah Community College and is accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges in Schools Commission on Colleges).

7. Somerset Community College—Laurel Campus
235 South Laurel Road, London, KY 40744
606-877-1421

Somerset Community College is a provider of workforce education and training. SCSC resides within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System as one member among others that have been acknowledged for their excellence in higher learning across America.

8. Henderson Community Colleges
2660 South Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420
270-827-1867

This college came into existence in 1960, conducting various academic, transfer, and technical programs accredited by Southern Association on Colleges Commission.

9. Somerset Community College- Albany
1273 KY Highway 90 West, Albany, Kentucky 42602
606-387-3236

Somerset Community College is a dynamic public college in Somerset, Kentucky. It offers academic courses like the humanities and social sciences and technical training to prepare you for work. In addition, to be sustainable financially, they provide an alternative tuition payment plan that can make it easier on your wallet, too.

10. Hopkinsville Community College 
720 North Drive, PO Box 2100, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-2100
270-707-3700

Since 1965, the college has ensured that its graduates are qualified to succeed in their careers and prepared for any challenges they may face without needing outside assistance. The institution offers various diploma programs and degrees that allow students to learn knowledge in theory and through formal learning opportunities provided by experienced professors.

Additional Resources

Explore the following resources for more information on becoming an LPN in the state of Kentucky:

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Nurses in Kentucky can only practice their profession with the blessing of the Board of Nursing. This agency regulates nurses’ practices and licenses them to protect patients from harm.

Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS)

Your way into nursing may be through a diploma program, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or baccalaureate degree. Kentucky Association of Nursing Students supports members enrolled in accredited programs and is also part of the National Student Nurses Association, one of the largest organizations for nurses worldwide.

Kentucky Department of Education—Student Health Services

The Student Health Services site is one of the best resources for information on everything from immunizations to first aid. The site includes educational videos and resources about the duties of being a school nurse.