How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky

Kentucky map

Licensed Practical Nurses are highly sought after in the medical community.

You can work in various aspects of medicine once you obtain your certificate from an accredited program.

Learn more about how to become an LPN in Kentucky by exploring schools and finding out what LPNs will commonly earn.

5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Kentucky

Schools in Kentucky can vary in terms of the Licensed Practical Nurse certificate programs.

You will want to see how long it will take to complete the program, the costs, and if the school offers anything unique.

ATA College

ATA College Logo

ATA College has campuses around the country, including one in Louisville, KY.

You can study Practical Nursing along with Medical Coding, Medical Assisting, and more.

The LPN program is a 15-month associate’s Degree program with no entrance exam.

The classes are offered during the day, and some classes are available online.

Students will train in a classroom and utilize on-site laboratories.

Offsite clinical experience is also included within the program.

The cost of the program is $30,900, though many students qualify for at least some financial aid.

Career placement is another perk of attending the school.

Galen College of Nursing

Galen College of Nursing Logo

Galen College of Nursing is located in Louisville, KY, though there are also campuses elsewhere around the country.

Beyond the LPN program, there are also AND, BSN, and MSN degree programs.

The Practical Nursing Diploma Program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

There are both full-time and part-time options available.

Students will enjoy small class sizes and a hands-on educational experience.

There is also personalized faculty support to help with learning and finding a job.

The program tuition is $21,803 and includes all of the books, clinical supplies, and uniforms.

Students will also have the ability to apply for financial aid.

Beckfield College

Beckfield College Logo

Beckfield College is located in Florence, KY. The practical nursing program can be completed in approximately 15 months.

Students will be given real-world experience throughout the learning process, ad that includes learning about behavioral and biological sciences.

Upon completing the certificate program, students will be prepared to take their board exam – and the school can help with employment.

The average cost of a program is $36,000, but it depends on whether courses are being taken full-time or part-time

There is a financial aid department to help manage the cost of attending.

Sullivan University College of Nursing

Sullivan University College of Nursing Logo

The Sullivan University College of Nursing offers a Practical Nursing Certificate program along with an Associate of Science in Nursing.

The Louisville campus has been offering programs since the 1970s.

There are small class sizes, providing more one-on-one time with instructors and more hands-on training.

There are simulation labs and an on-campus library.

The program includes a total of 86 credit hours or 1420 clock hours.

The cost of the Practical Nursing Diploma program is $275 per credit hour, and the school also offers discounts for military students as well as tuition and aid for everyone.

MedQuest College

MedQuest College Logo

The Practical Nursing Program at MedQuest College is conveniently located on the Lexington and Louisville campuses.

The program is a total of 588 hours of lecture, 192 hours in the lab, and another 432 at a clinical site that is assigned.

Every student meets with the Director of Career Services for help with resumes, interviewing, and networking.

The time it takes to complete the program is 53 weeks, and there are two start dates a year.

The cost of the program is $13,426.

Upon completion of the program, students will not only receive their diploma but also be eligible to take the national certification examination.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Kentucky – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Kentucky

School NameAddress
ATA College10200 Linn Station Rd #125, Louisville, KY 40223
Galen College of Nursing3050 Terra Crossing Blvd, Louisville, KY 40245
Beckfield College16 Spiral Dr, Florence, KY 41042
Sullivan University College of Nursing4000 Dupont Cir, Louisville, KY 40207
MedQuest College10400 Linn Station Rd #120, Louisville, KY 40223

Salary

The median salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky is $47,723, according to salary.com.

Depending on your experience, education, and whether you are a supervisor to others, you could earn in the 90th percentile, which is $57,965.

The need for qualified LPNs is growing, so many companies are becoming highly competitive.

Explore the opportunities that exist and remember that you can always negotiate your salary.

Annual Salary Range:
$43K
$47K
$52K

Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Kentucky

City NameSalary
Lexington-Fayette$47,657
Louisville$47,723
Owensboro$47,529
Bowling Green$45,811
Covington$49,489
Hopkinsville$45,546
Frankfort$46,265
Henderson$47,832
Richmond$47,178
Jeffersontown$47,252
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Kentucky

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bowling Green, KY250$53,490$25.72$61,360$43,340
Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY180$55,060$26.47$64,510$46,200
Lexington-Fayette, KY1,050$56,070$26.96$64,650$47,480
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN3,130$58,300$28.03$67,890$48,030
Owensboro, KY170$56,890$27.35$64,890$46,380
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to become licensed in Kentucky?

To become licensed in Kentucky, you need to complete an accredited program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and complete the application from the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

Additionally, you will need to complete both a state and federal criminal background check.

Where are the most opportunities for LPNs in Kentucky?

You will find more opportunities to work as an LPN in some of the bigger cities of Kentucky, such as Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green.

What are the top employers in Kentucky for LPNs?

When you are searching for a job in Kentucky, it is important to explore some of the top employers.

LPNs are often highly sought after by such companies as ResCare, Humana, Kindred Healthcare, and Seven Counties Services.

Are continuing education credits needed for license renewal?

LPNs must complete at least 14 contact hours of continuing education in the nursing field every single year.

How often does a license need to be renewed in Kentucky?

Licensing in Kentucky has to be renewed every year, between September 15 and October 31.

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