LPN Programs in Kentucky 2026
Kentucky Board of Nursing-approved practical nursing programs run 11 to 15 months and award a diploma or certificate. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. The Kentucky Board of Nursing maintains a searchable directory of approved programs by county and city, so you can filter by location before comparing other factors.
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Not all LPN programs are the same, and the choice matters more than it might seem. Pass rates, completion rates, admission requirements, and tuition vary significantly across Kentucky’s approved programs. The Kentucky Board of Nursing has approved programs across the state, most of them offered through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and a handful of private institutions. This guide covers what to weigh when comparing them.
Use the links below to jump to key sections on admissions, accreditation, career pathways, and what LPNs earn in Kentucky.
- Program length and format
- Admissions requirements
- NCLEX-PN pass rates
- Accreditation
- LPN-to-RN bridge programs
- Salary and job outlook
- Tuition and financial aid
Program Length and Format
Many Kentucky LPN programs run approximately 11 to 15 months at full-time enrollment. Ashland Community and Technical College and several KCTCS schools offer 11-month diploma tracks. Galen College of Nursing in Louisville offers a 12-month option with four annual start dates, plus a part-time pathway that extends to 21 months. Sullivan University runs a 15-month diploma program.
Program formats vary. Some schools deliver lectures primarily online with in-person labs and clinicals. Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s Carrollton campus runs on that hybrid model. Others are fully in-person. Clinical placements are in-person regardless of how lecture coursework is delivered.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing provides a tool to search for approved programs by county and by city, which is useful if geographic proximity is a priority.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to Kentucky LPN programs is selective at most schools. Common requirements include the ACT or an approved nursing entrance exam (some schools accept the NLN PAX or HESI in place of the ACT), a minimum GPA, proof of current CNA certification, and attendance at a pre-admission conference.
The CNA registry requirement deserves attention. Several KCTCS programs, including Somerset Community College and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, require applicants to be active on Kentucky’s nurse aide registry before applying. That may mean completing a state-approved nurse aide training program before applying. Verify each program’s specific requirements before applying. See LPN license requirements in Kentucky for what comes after program completion.
Waitlists exist at some schools, but they don’t always stretch years out. Programs factor in that some accepted candidates won’t complete enrollment steps (paying fees, documenting immunizations), so slots do open. Applying to multiple programs and staying in contact with admissions offices is a reasonable strategy.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Every LPN graduate must pass the NCLEX-PN before the Kentucky Board of Nursing will issue a license. Pass rates vary by program, and the Kentucky Board publishes five years of NCLEX-PN data by school on its website. Check kbn.ky.gov/education/Pages/nclex.aspx for current figures.
The Board cautions that pass rates shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing a program. A program with lower pass rates may have higher enrollment from nontraditional students or operate in an underserved region. That context matters. Still, comparing pass rates across your shortlisted programs is a reasonable data point. Strong five-year pass-rate averages can indicate consistent preparation for the exam.
Accreditation
State approval by the Kentucky Board of Nursing is the baseline requirement. Every program on the KBN-approved list meets that standard, and completing a non-approved program would make you ineligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
National accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is separate and voluntary. The Kentucky Board notes that ACEN accreditation “focuses on program excellence.” Some Kentucky practical nursing programs hold ACEN accreditation. Check the ACEN program search for the current list. ACEN accreditation can matter if you plan to continue your education, since some RN bridge programs prefer or require it.
Completion Rates and Student Support
Completion rates vary across programs, and at some schools, a significant portion of enrolled students don’t finish. Admission selectivity has some effect, as programs that screen more carefully tend to have higher completion rates. But completion rates also reflect the level of support available to students who hit academic or logistical obstacles.
When comparing programs, it’s worth asking directly: what tutoring, advising, or remediation resources are available to students who fall behind? Schools that place students in diverse clinical sites also tend to give graduates a broader range of contacts when it’s time to look for work. Clinical rotations don’t always lead to job offers, but they expand a graduate’s professional network.
LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs in Kentucky
Completing an LPN program isn’t a dead end. It’s the first rung on nursing’s career ladder. For an overview of the full LPN path in the state, see becoming an LPN in Kentucky. Several Kentucky schools offer pathways that allow working LPNs to advance to an ADN or a BSN without starting over.
Western Kentucky University offers an LPN-to-ASN bridge program with online coursework. Jefferson Community and Technical College offers an LPN-to-ADN track for graduates of its PN program. Somerset Community College also provides an LPN-to-ADN pathway. These programs credit LPN coursework toward the RN credential, reducing the time and cost of advancing.
The Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF) gives preference to LPNs training to become RNs. Information on that scholarship is available at kbn.ky.gov/nisf/Pages/default.aspx.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Kentucky
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Kentucky earned a median annual wage of $60,460 as of May 2025. Kentucky employs approximately 8,570 LPNs statewide. Wages increase with experience and specialty setting. Long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics are among the most common practice environments for Kentucky LPNs.
| Metric | Kentucky LPNs |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage (May 2025) | $60,460 |
| State Employment | 8,570 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 6.7% |
| Avg. Annual Openings (2022–2032) | 910 |
Projections Central estimates 6.7% employment growth for LPNs in Kentucky between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 910 job openings per year. That growth rate exceeds the national average for the occupation.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition varies considerably. KCTCS programs are generally the most affordable options in the state. Some programs have had total costs under $6,000, though fees change each year. Private programs can run substantially higher. Verify current tuition and fees directly with each program. The figures published on school websites may not reflect recent changes.
Several funding options are available. The federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for need-based grants and subsidized loans. Some KCTCS programs are approved for funding through state workforce development programs, which may reduce or eliminate tuition for qualifying applicants. Somerset Community College, for example, has offered free tuition through Kentucky’s Work Scholarship program for eligible students.
Taking on significant student loan debt for an LPN program deserves careful consideration. LPN wages in Kentucky average around $60,000 per year. A manageable debt load is one that you can realistically repay on that income while building toward your next career move.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an LPN program take in Kentucky?
Many Kentucky LPN programs run approximately 11 to 15 months at full-time enrollment. Some KCTCS programs can be completed in 11 months. Private programs like Galen College of Nursing offer a 12-month full-time option and a 21-month part-time pathway. Program length depends on the school’s format and your enrollment status.
Do I need to be a CNA to get into an LPN program in Kentucky?
Some programs require it, others don’t. Several KCTCS programs, including Somerset Community College, require applicants to be active on Kentucky’s nurse aide registry. Others, like Galen College of Nursing, accept applicants with no prior healthcare experience. Check the specific admission requirements for each program on your list before applying.
What exam do Kentucky LPN graduates take to get licensed?
LPN graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN, a national licensure exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. After passing, graduates apply for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The KBN publishes five years of NCLEX-PN pass rates by program, which is a useful benchmark when comparing schools.
What do LPNs earn in Kentucky?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Kentucky earned a median annual wage of $60,460 as of May 2025. Wages vary by practice setting and experience level. Long-term care, home health, and physician offices are common settings for Kentucky LPNs.
Can Kentucky LPNs advance to become RNs?
Yes. Several Kentucky schools offer LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-ASN bridge programs, including Western Kentucky University and Jefferson Community and Technical College. These programs credit LPN coursework toward the RN credential. The Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund also gives preference to LPNs pursuing RN licensure.
Key Takeaways
- Programs run 11 to 15 months — most KCTCS programs can be completed in 11 to 12 months at full-time enrollment, with part-time options available at some schools.
- CNA certification is required for admission at some programs — verify requirements before applying, as several KCTCS schools require active registry status as a prerequisite.
- NCLEX-PN pass rates are published by the KBN — five years of data by program are available at kbn.ky.gov, giving you a concrete benchmark for comparing schools.
- Kentucky LPNs earned a median of $60,460 in 2025 — BLS state data, with projected job growth of 6.7% through 2032.
- Bridge programs exist for advancement — multiple Kentucky schools offer LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-ASN tracks, and the NISF scholarship supports LPNs pursuing RN licensure.
Use the tool below to find Kentucky Board of Nursing-approved LPN programs, compare tuition and accreditation, and review program-specific admission requirements.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.