Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky

Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky: Here is a guide on the best nursing schools in the US and the best nursing programs in the US that are in Kentucky.

Thankfully, Kentucky has many great public and private nursing schools to choose from, and also regardless of the high-quality BSN program, it is still very affordable for any state resident.

Also, most of the schools have high NCLEX pass rates, therefore, Kentucky is an excellent place to earn a BSN.

You will find the list of the best nursing schools and programs in the US that are resident in Kentucky in this guide. Also, we'll share a few tips on how to become a nurse in Kentucky, USA.

Ready?

Let's get the ball rolling!!!

READ ALSO: Top 10 Rated Nursing Programs in America

What Is The Job Outlook For Nurses In Kentucky?

Kentucky has about 43,540 nurses employed in the state. This equals 23.68 for every 1,000 workers. 

This is much higher than the national average. This shows a good job outlook for nurses in the state.

Do you want to learn how to become a nurse in Kentucky, USA? keep reading for more info…

What Requirements Do I Need To  Apply To Nursing Schools In Kentucky?

Here are the requirements you need to apply to nursing schools in Kentucky;

• ACT and/or SAT scores
• College entrance essay(s)
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• High school transcript (GPA).

List Of Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Nursing School In Kentucky 

Here is a checklist of essential factors to consider when choosing a nursing school in Kentucky;

• NCLEX pass rate
• Program outcomes
• Cost of living on-campus or in the area
• Type of program (BSN or associate degree)
• Distance from hospitals for clinical practice 
• School and nursing program acceptance rate
• Annual tuition and total nursing program cost
• Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
• School accreditation (regional and national).

ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii 2023 | A Detailed Guide 

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky  

Now let's take you through the best nursing schools in Kentucky that will train you on how to become a nurse in the state; 

1. Western Kentucky University

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
• Tuition Per Year: $11,112 (In-state), $27,000 (Out-of-State)
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

If you're looking to study in a lively city in Kentucky, then you should consider enrolling at Western Kentucky University. It is one of the best nursing schools in Kentucky, USA.

WKU is located in a city whose population is 3x the size of WKU's student body. 

The school itself is a large school graduating about 176 students each year. Also, Western Kentucky University has the largest nursing programs in Kentucky as well.

Its nursing program includes the traditional BSN, RN-BSN, LPN-ASN, MSN, and DNP programs.

APPLY TO WKU NURSING PROGRAM 

READ ALSO: 15 Highest Paid Nursing Homes In Springfield, Missouri

2. Lindsey Wilson College

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 82%
• Tuition Per Year: $25,944 (All Nursing Students) 
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Lindsey Wilson College is a small private school that offers students a true college experience in Columbus. It is one of the best nursing schools in Kentucky, USA.

Each year, Lindsey Wilson College graduates at least 17 nursing students who do so with a high NCLEX pass rate.

The only nursing option for undergraduates is a pre-licensure BSN. 

APPLY TO LINDSEY WILSON COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM 

3. Northern Kentucky University

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
• Tuition Per Year: $10,208 (In-state), $20,464 (Out-of-State) 
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

Northern Kentucky University is one of the fastest-growing nursing schools in Kentucky offering reduced tuition to Indiana and Ohio residents. 

NKU School of Nursing is also one of the largest nursing schools in Kentucky with its nursing program including the traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and online RN-BSN bridge program. 

APPLY TO NKU SCHOOL OF NURSING PROGRAM 

READ ALSO: Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana Today 

4. University of Kentucky

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
• Tuition Per Year: $12,860 (In-state), $32,276 (Out-of-State)
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

The University of Kentucky is Kentucky's pride university holding both local and international recognition. Its College of Nursing is considered one of the best nursing schools in the US. 

The nursing program options include a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, online RN-BSN, and various graduate degrees.

Keep in mind that admissions can be highly competitive at the University of Kentucky.

APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY NURSING PROGRAM 

5. Spalding University

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 53%
• Tuition Per Year: $27,450 (All Nursing Students) 
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

If you have an interest in community service, then you should consider enrolling at Spalding University college of nursing in Louisville.

Its nursing program includes the MSN, online DNP, and traditional BSN program that allows nurses to spend their clinical in top healthcare facilities in Louisville, Kentucky. 

However, keep in mind that Spalding University NCLEX pass rates have been less than ideal over the years. 

APPLY TO SPALDING UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM 

READ ALSO: Best Nursing Schools in Maine 

6. University of Louisville

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 84%
• Tuition Per Year: $12,324 (In-state), $28,670 (Out-of-State)
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

The University of Louisville has one of the best nursing programs in the US.

Although a nationally renowned school, the University of Louisville is also one of the largest schools in Kentucky. 

The BSN program at the University of Louisville is offered at its Louisville and Owensboro campuses.

Other nursing program options include an online RN-BSN bridge program, a master's entry accelerated program, and a two-year program for non-BSN students.

APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE NURSING PROGRAM 

7. Morehead State University 

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 88%
• Tuition Per Year: $9,240 (In-state), $13,966 (Out-of-State)
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Morehead State University is one of the best nursing schools in the US as it has one of the best nursing programs in the US.

Although it is not a popular school in Kentucky, it has a lot to offer prospective students, especially nursing students enrolled in either of its pre- and post-licensure BSN programs.

Keep in mind that MSU's BSN is ranked as one of the top BSNs in the nation due to its affordability for all students. 

APPLY TO MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM 

READ ALSO: Best Nursing Schools in Nigeria Today | Tuition and their Requirements

8. Murray State University

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%
• Tuition Per Year: $9,432 (In-state), $14,328 (Out-of-State)
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Murray State University is a small school in Kentucky with less than 10,000 students enrolled across its programs. Although a small school, the quality of its nursing program is top-notch.

Its traditional BSN requires students to complete clinical in Kentucky. However, learning can extend to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 

In addition to the BSN program is the RN-BSN, two DNP nursing programs: an online post-master's DNP (2 years) and a partially online DNP (3 years). 

APPLY TO MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM 

9. Eastern Kentucky University

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 89%
• Tuition Per Year: $9,544 (In-state), $19,922 (Out-of-State)
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (No), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

By enrolling in Eastern Kentucky University, students have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of its prime location as it's close to Lexington, Richmond, Cincinnati, and Louisville. 

Also, the Eastern Kentucky University nursing program is one of the best nursing programs in Kentucky providing adequate training and clinical experience for both BSN and accelerated second-degree BSN programs.

RN-BSN and multiple graduate programs.

Its pre-licensure BSN is the major program in the nursing school and students start taking nursing classes in their second year. 

APPLY TO EKU NURSING PROGRAM 

READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Maryland 

10. Bellarmine University

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 83%
• Tuition Per Year: $45,630 (All Nursing Students) 
• Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

Bellarmine University is a private school offering one of the best nursing programs in the US. As a private school, Bellarmine University comes with hefty tuition. 

One good reason to enroll in Bellarmine University is that its graduates earn “30% higher median salaries” in Kentucky. 

Bellarmine University's nursing program option includes a traditional BSN, accelerated second-degree BSN, and online graduate options. 

APPLY TO BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM 

ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Indiana 2023 | A Detailed Guide 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Nursing Schools In Kentucky 

READ ALSO: Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii 2023 | A Detailed Guide 

Conclusion

There you have it, the top 10 best nursing schools in Kentucky, USA. It's now up to you to use this information to your advantage and choose from the best nursing programs in the US.

References

• Nurse.org
• Nursingprocess.org
• usnews.com

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