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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Kentucky
KCTCS operates practical nursing programs at community and technical colleges statewide — Bluegrass CTC (Lexington), Jefferson CTC (Louisville), and Ashland CTC (Eastern KY) are among the largest. Programs run 12 months with clinical placements at regional healthcare systems. CNA-to-LPN bridge pathways are available at several campuses for certified nursing assistants seeking advancement.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | Louisville | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | Bowling Green | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Ashland Community and Technical College | Ashland | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Kentucky
No Kentucky LPN program is fully online — the Kentucky Board of Nursing requires supervised clinical hours. KCTCS campuses offer limited hybrid coursework options at select locations. Kentucky's mix of urban and rural geography makes flexible scheduling particularly important for students outside Louisville and Lexington.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Kentucky residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Kentucky LPN Program
KCTCS programs use competitive admissions with TEAS scores as a key factor. CNA certification is not required but gives applicants a competitive advantage and may provide some clinical credit recognition. Appalachian campuses often have less competitive admissions than Louisville and Lexington programs.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Kentucky
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Kentucky earn an average of $57,410 per year ($27.60/hour). This places Kentucky below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Kentucky typically range from $42,600 for entry-level positions to $71,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Kentucky
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $59,800 |
| Lexington | $58,400 |
| Bowling Green | $56,200 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Kentucky is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,100 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Kentucky
The majority of LPNs in Kentucky work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Kentucky is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Kentucky
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Kentucky
Kentucky LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Kentucky LPNs are regulated by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) under KRS Chapter 314. Kentucky is an NLC state. LPN scope is defined as "dependent and directed" under KBN Advisory Opinion Statement #27.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Kentucky LPNs practice under the direction of an RN, APRN, physician, PA, or dentist:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments — collecting basic data through observation, physical exams, and patient interviews
- Comparing data against established standards and identifying correlations
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans and evaluating outcomes of basic nursing interventions
- Patient and family education under the RN's teaching plan
- Delegating to and supervising UAPs under KY nursing laws
Conditional IV/Infusion Therapy (201 KAR 20:490)
Kentucky regulates LPN IV therapy under a specific administrative regulation with supervision tiers based on patient stability:
- LPNs must complete an approved infusion therapy education program before performing any IV duties
- Stable patients: The supervising RN/physician does not need to be physically present but must be readily available
- Dialysis patients or unstable conditions: The supervisor must be physically present in the immediate vicinity and immediately available to intervene
- LPNs may start peripheral IVs, administer approved IV fluids and medications, and perform IV push of select medications with proper training
- LPNs CANNOT perform infusion therapy beyond their demonstrated competence
- Skills validation by a licensed RN is required before providing infusion services
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive initial assessments or independent data interpretation
- Creating, modifying, or signing off on nursing care plans
- Directing or supervising RNs
- Independently practicing, ordering products, or prescribing treatments
- Triage
Kentucky LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing (Louisville) | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | LPN-to-ADN bridge, founded in Louisville, multiple KY locations |
| Bluegrass Community & Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12 months | ADN bridge in Lexington area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Kentucky Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: kbn.ky.gov
- Phone: (502) 429-3300
- Address: 312 Whittington Pkwy, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40222
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →