Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky: Facts & Figures

Kentucky, with a population of just over four million, is home to many colleges and universities that offer nursing training programs. These programs are necessary to accommodate Kentucky’s growing need for nurse practitioners in various practice settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, long-term care centers, and many other healthcare facilities. Kentucky offers several types of post-secondary education nursing programs:

• Practical Nursing
• Associate Degree
• Baccalaureate Degree
• Graduate Nursing Programs
• Doctoral Programs

For students interested in working as a nurse practitioner in Kentucky, a graduate-level program will provide the necessary training to assume such positions as nurse leader, nurse educator, family nurse practitioner, and many other advanced roles.

Nursing Licensure in Kentucky

The Kentucky Board of Nursing is governed by the Nurse Practice Act which is a distinct entity from any professional association. The Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives (KCNPNM) also helps to promote the advancement of APRNs in the state.

Any nurse practitioner who wishes to practice in Kentucky must apply for their license through the board. To practice as an RN and APRN in Kentucky, you must:

1. RN and APRN licensure application and fee
2. Federal criminal background check
3. Official transcript of post-basic education
4. Proof of current national certification
5. Verification of original RN licensure
6. Proof of earning two hours of continuing education in HIV/AIDS
7. Complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam

It’s important to note that each state licenses advanced practice nurses differently. Your area of specialty will determine what steps are required to maintain your eligibility.

Average Nursing Salaries in Kentucky

All salary data is as of May 2011.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse in the state of Kentucky is $56,890, while the U.S. average is $69,110. Kentucky employs roughly 44,810 nurses. Occupational employment and wages of nurses in Kentucky’s metropolitan areas vary significantly:

Wage estimates were somewhat higher in larger cities. Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, pays nurses the most at $60,650 annually. It’s important to note that the Kentucky Board of Nursing recognizes graduates from prelicensure nursing education programs that are approved/accredited by other state boards of nursing.