Complete Guide: Salaries, Programs & Fast ROI
Kentucky LPNs earn $53,970/year while RNs earn $76,315/year—a $22,345 annual increase (41%). Louisville Metro: LPN $56k-$64k, RN $78k-$88k. Lexington: LPN $55k-$63k, RN $76k-$86k. Travel RNs: $1,500-$2,000/week.
Location: Bowling Green | Duration: 12-18 months | Cost: $12k-$16k
Website: wku.edu
Hybrid program with online lectures and challenge exams. Approved by KY Board of Nursing.
Location: Paducah | Duration: 12 months (accelerated) | Cost: $8k-$11k
Website: westkentucky.kctcs.edu
Fall 2026 admission. Accelerated track for current LPNs. Affordable community college tuition.
Location: Henderson | Duration: 15-18 months | Cost: $9k-$12k
Hybrid program approved by Kentucky Board of Nursing. Strong clinical partnerships.
Location: Louisville | Duration: 18 months | Cost: $28k-$34k
Website: galencollege.edu
ACEN-accredited. Specialized bridge program. Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Location: Louisville | Duration: 12-15 months | Cost: $18k-$24k
Website: ata.edu
Accelerated track. Approved by KY Board of Nursing. Associate Degree in Nursing.
Location: Pikeville (Eastern KY) | Duration: 18 months | Cost: $20k-$26k
ADN program approved by KY Board of Nursing. Also offers RN-to-BSN pathway online.
Other accredited options: Ashland Community & Technical College, Bluegrass Community & Technical College, Jefferson Community & Technical College, Midway University (Hybrid ADN).
Full list: KBN Approved Programs
Prerequisites: Active KY LPN license, high school diploma/GED, A&P I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, English, Psychology. TEAS Exam: 60-70% (70%+ competitive). Additional: Background check, drug screen, immunizations, CPR, health exam. Application deadline: Varies; typically Feb-Apr for fall, Sep-Nov for spring.
Federal: Pell Grant up to $7,395/year; Direct Loans; Work-Study. Kentucky: CAP Grant up to $2,000/year; KHEAA Work-Study; Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). Nursing Scholarships: HRSA Nurse Corps, Kentucky Nurses Foundation, hospital scholarships. Employer Tuition Assistance: $2,500-$7,000/year (Baptist Health, Norton Healthcare, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, UK HealthCare, UofL Health).
RN Job Growth: 7-10% (2024-2034). Annual Openings: ~4,500 RN positions. Major Employers: Norton Healthcare (Louisville, $76k-$88k), Baptist Health (statewide, $74k-$86k), UK HealthCare (Lexington, $75k-$87k), UofL Health ($76k-$88k), St. Elizabeth Healthcare (Northern KY, $78k-$90k). High-Demand Specialties: ICU ($80k-$98k), ED ($78k-$95k), OR ($79k-$96k), L&D ($76k-$92k).
Process: Graduate → Apply to KY Board of Nursing → Background check → Register for NCLEX-RN → Pass exam → Receive RN license. NCLEX Pass Rate: KY 86-90% (national 79-82%). License Renewal: Every 2 years; 14 CE hours required. eNLC: Yes—KY RN license valid in 40+ states.
Competitive salaries + low cost of living: Your $76k RN salary has strong purchasing power. eNLC license: Practice in 40+ states. Quality of life: Four seasons, horse racing culture, bourbon heritage, affordable housing. Major metros: Louisville, Lexington, Northern KY (Cincinnati metro). Affordable education: Community college programs $8k-$12k. Career advancement: BSN-to-MSN programs at UK, UofL, WKU, Bellarmine.
Investment: ADN $8k-$15k (avg $11,500); Books $1,200; NCLEX $400; Licensing $200 = Total $13,300. Annual Return: $22,345 salary increase. Break-Even: 7 months. Lifetime Gain: $893,800 over 40 years. Additional Benefits: Better health insurance, retirement, PTO, shift differentials (+$4k-$8k/year), overtime ($55-$65/hour), travel nursing premium (30-45%).
Immediate: Research programs, assess prerequisites, contact employers about tuition assistance. 3-6 Months: Complete prerequisites, take TEAS, apply for financial aid, gather application materials. Application Phase: Submit to 2-4 programs, complete background checks, attend interviews. Post-Graduation: Register for NCLEX, intensive review, pass exam, apply for RN positions.
Your ROI is 7 months. Your lifetime gain is $893,800+.
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