Top LPN Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky LPN Schools, License Requirements, Salary, and Job Outlook
The dramatically growing aging population has witnessed several job openings for the licensed practical nurses in the state of Kentucky. If one wants to be an LPN, then s/he must fulfill some essential requirements like the completion of a high school degree, submission of the fingerprint and criminal background report, completion of the practical nursing course from the accredited nursing school in Kentucky, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, etc. During the training, the students will get to know about the legal system, laws, ethical principles and practices that underpin all the aspects of the nursing care.
Kentucky has numerous colleges that train the students to become a competent practical nurse. Individuals are required to spend a lot of time practicing in the hospitals, clinic, nursing homes, or health facilities as part of the clinical rotation requirement. The institute plays a big role in shaping the skills and giving knowledge of the patient care. You can select an appropriate college on the basis of the NCLEX-PN pass rate, the number of hours of course, student-teacher ratio, etc. To make your work easy, we are providing you the list of the best LPN schools in Kentucky.
1
Rank
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
The college has been successfully imparting education from the past 75 years. The college has six branches in different regions of the state. Out of 19 degree, certificate, and diploma programs offered by this institute, you can choose the course best suitable for you. The college aims at developing a balanced personality, giving importance to academics as well as extra-curricular activities. Moreover, it has experienced faculty that pays attention to each and every student.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
1845 Loop Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42101
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Contact Number:
270-901-1000
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2
Rank
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Certificate and Associate Degree
The college is successfully serving the region since 1964. The college has its branches in Fort Knox, Springfield, and Leitchfield. The authorities make sure that the students are provided with sufficient knowledge so that they can chase the highly competitive and changing world. The college provides online courses, transfer programs, and associate degree.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
600 College Street Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
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Contact Number:
270-769-2371
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Type of Course:
Certificate and Associate Degree
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3
Rank
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College – Glasgow
Type of Course:Diploma
The school was basically established to train the industrial workers and armed forces during the World War II. It has developed with time to keep up with the high quality of education and deliver well-trained employees. The teaching staff pays individual attention to the students. Moreover, the students gain a relevant practical experience owing to the close association of the college with industries and business.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
99.60 %
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Address:
129 State Avenue, Glasgow, KY 42141
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Contact Number:
270-901-1200
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4
Rank
Somerset Community College
Type of Course:Diploma and Associate Degree
Somerset Community College is a two-year public institute, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Experienced professors, world-class facilities, and outstanding learning environment help the students realize their goals. It offers evening, weekend and daytime classes as per the convenience of the aspirants. The college works with a mission of improving the quality of life and employability of the citizens.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
98.80 %
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Address:
808 Monticello Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501
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Contact Number:
606-679-8501
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Type of Course:
Diploma and Associate Degree
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5
Rank
Hazard Community and Technical College – Hazard
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
98.40 %
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Address:
One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
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Contact Number:
606-436-5721
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6
Rank
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
The college is maintained by the KCTCS Board of Reagents and is a 2-year, public institute. The college is accredited by the SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and offers high-quality education. It was formed by the consolidation of West Kentucky Industrial College and Paducah Community College. It offers equal education and employment opportunities to the deserving candidates, without any discrimination.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.75 %
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Address:
4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42001
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Contact Number:
855-469-5282
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7
Rank
Somerset Community College – Laurel Campus
Type of Course:Diploma and Associate Degree
The college has attained great heights and achievements in the field of academics, in a short duration. It tries to improve the quality of life of the citizens by being the provider of workforce education and training. Somerset Community College is a member of Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.66 %
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Address:
235 South Laurel Road, London, KY 40744
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Contact Number:
606-877-1421
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Type of Course:
Diploma and Associate Degree
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8
Rank
Henderson Community Colleges
Type of Course:Diploma
The college provides the high-quality education so as to meet the professional needs of the students. The college came into existence in the fall of 1960. It conducts various academic, transfer, and technical programs. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The college offers a wide range of scholarship programs and affordable tuition costs.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.60 %
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Address:
2660 South Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420
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Contact Number:
270-827-1867
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9
Rank
Somerset Community College- Albany
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
96.00 %
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Address:
1273 KY Highway 90 West, Albany, Kentucky 42602
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Contact Number:
606-387-3236
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10
Rank
Hopkinsville Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
The college was established in 1965 and is counted among the top nursing schools in Kentucky. It aims to prepare the students in such a way that they can achieve great success in their career. The college encourages teaching and learning through various diploma and degree courses and other courses that allow the students to acquire knowledge for encountering the challenges of the employment.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.33 %
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Address:
720 North Drive, PO Box 2100, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-2100
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Contact Number:
270-707-3700
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11
Rank
Big Sandy Community And Technical College- Paintsville
Type of Course:Diploma
The college has been successfully imparting quality education for more than 75 years. It offers 30 technical and academic programs along with more than 200 credentials that lay importance on student learning. The college aims to promote regional growth by economic and workforce development. Moreover, it works to provide affordable learning opportunities through scholarships and financial aid.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.00 %
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Address:
1 Bert T. Combs Drive, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
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Contact Number:
606-886-3863
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12
Rank
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
The college is a member of Kentucky Community and Technical College System. It aims to provide excellence in teaching and learning. The college has been giving its services for more than 75 years. This nursing college offers various courses and programs to help students realize their dream. Tuition costs of the programs are affordable, and financial aid is also provided by the college.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
93.60 %
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Address:
470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, KY 40506-0235
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Contact Number:
855-246-2477
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13
Rank
Beckfield College – Florence
Type of Course:Diploma
The college was established in 1984 by Dr. Harry. L. Beck with a view to providing personalized training to the individuals. The custom continues but has improved over the years with more programs. It consists of an expertise staff and faculty that prepare the students for personal and professional development. The teachers make learning easy by bringing the practical and real-world experience into the classroom.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
92.20 %
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Address:
16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY 41042
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Contact Number:
859-371-9393
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14
Rank
Bluegrass Community & Technical College – Danville
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
91.80 %
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Address:
59 Corporate Drive, Danville, KY 40422-9690
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Contact Number:
859-239-7030
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15
Rank
Maysville Community and Technical College- Maysville
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
90.60 %
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Address:
1755 U.S. Highway 68, Maysville, Kentucky 41056
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Contact Number:
606-759-7141
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16
Rank
Spencerian College – Louisville
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.00 %
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Address:
4627 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40216
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Contact Number:
502-447-1000
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17
Rank
Galen College of Nursing – Louisville
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.00 %
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Address:
1031 Zorn Avenue, Suite 400, Louisville, KY 40207
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Contact Number:
877-223-7040
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18
Rank
Jefferson Community and Technical College – Louisville
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.20 %
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Address:
109 East Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
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Contact Number:
502-213-5333
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19
Rank
Ata College- Louisville
Type of Course:Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
84.00 %
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Address:
10180 Linn Station Road, Suite A-200, Louisville, KY 40223
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Contact Number:
502-371-8383
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Type of Course:
Associate Degree
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20
Rank
Ashland Community and Technical College – Ashland
Type of Course:Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
84.00 %
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Address:
1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY 41101-3617
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Contact Number:
606-326-2000
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Type of Course:
Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate
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21
Rank
Brown Mackie College – Fort Mitchell
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
80.40 %
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Address:
309 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
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Contact Number:
859-341-5627
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22
Rank
Brown Mackie College – Louisville
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
76.80 %
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Address:
3605 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, KY 40219
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Contact Number:
502-968-7191
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23
Rank
Maysville Community & Technical College – Morehead
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
69.20 %
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Address:
609 Viking Drive, Morehead, KY 40351
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Contact Number:
606-783-1538
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Licensure Requirements
Just completion of an LPN program does not entitle you to start working as a licensed practical nurse; possession of a license is essential. The LPN license can be obtained by passing the NCLEX-PN test. Initially, there is an online jurisprudence examination. Once the application is submitted, candidates can appear for this examination. It is an open-book test and has to be completed in one sitting. If, somehow, the candidate is unable to complete the test within three weeks, s/he will have to pay the fees ($9) again and take the test. Along with this, fingerprint report card is another essential requirement that needs to be sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing along with a fee of $16.5. The candidates also require a state background check. After all this, the candidates must register for the NCLEX-PN test. Once the candidate is authorized, the Kentucky Nursing Board arranges for the examination. If the candidate fails in the first attempt, the Board grants him/her the time of 46 days before retesting. The Board does not issue license cards; rather it is an online process where the candidates get the license number via email. In order to fill the application form online, visit the following link and select the “examination” option.
https://kbn.ky.gov/licensees/Pages/default.aspx
By depositing a fee of $125 and providing the Social Security Number (SSN), you can proceed further.
Kentucky nurse license verification can be carried out with the help of Kentucky nurse aide registry.
Out-of-State LPNs
The LPNs who have been licensed in any other state can get the license by endorsement. Just visit the below-mentioned link and select the option of endorsement.
https://kbn.ky.gov/licensees/Pages/default.aspx
The procedure requires you to deposit a fee of $165.
Kentucky comes under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) that allows the licensed practical nurses of other states to practice in the state. All those nurses who are willing to practice the profession out-of-the-state must apply for the licensure by endorsement.
For this, you need to fulfill certain requirements. They are as follows –
- You need to request for a Kentucky Criminal Background Report from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Kentucky Board of Nursing will receive an electronic copy of the document.
- A fingerprint card with a fee of $12 payable to the “Nursing Board of Kentucky.” Processing may take about 2 to 3 weeks once the card is mailed to the state board.
- After filling the endorsement application, candidates are required to complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination online.
- Verification of your original license is required to be submitted by the state in which you took and passed the NCLEX examination.
- Transcripts: In case; you were licensed from one of the following states, you need to request your nursing program to send an official transcript (depicting degree and graduation date) to the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
The states are- California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Kentucky Nursing License Renewal
Once you get the license, it will be valid for a period of 2 years. After that, in order to continue working as an LPN, you have to renew the license by submitting the application form, a fee of $65, and one of the following documents.
- An evidence showing completion of 14 contact hours of nursing education.
- A national certification or recertification pertinent to the nurse role earned during the period.
- Involved with a nursing-related project as an investigator, project director, or co-investigator.
- You should have published an article concerned with the nursing.
- The evidence of the approval of the nursing presentation developed by the applicant and shown to the nurse or health care professional through a letter, course syllabi, or a program brochure.
- A proof of 7 contact hours along with a nursing employment evaluation attested by the supervisor and earned during 6 months of the valid license period.
- Played a role of preceptor for at least one nursing student or a neophyte employee going through orientation (for a minimum of 120 hours). The preceptorship should be backed by the documentation.
- Meet the continuing education requirements.
Note: A semester signifies 15 contact hours, whereas a quarter refers to 12 contact hours.
Successful completion and submission of the online form will get the license renewed on the next working day.
To apply online for the license renewal, click here.
To download the offline application form, click here.
Reinstatement of the LPN License
A license gets lapsed if you fail to renew it within the prescribed time limit. Now, you need to reinstate it so that you can again continue your services as an LPN. For reinstatement, visit the below provided link and deposit a fee of $135.
https://kbn.ky.gov/licensees/Pages/default.aspx
You need to submit a reinstatement application along with the proof of at least 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment within past five years, or any of the following, depending on the time lapsed.
Within One Year
- 14 CE obtained within the past one year; or
- 7 CE and a nursing employment evaluation obtained in the last year; or
- Verification of minimum 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment in the last 5 years; or
- One of the continued competency validation methods as provided in 201 KAR 20:215, Section 2.
Within One to Two Years
- 28 CE, out of which, 14 must belong to the last year; or
- Verification of minimum 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment in the last 5 years.
Within Two to Three Years
- 42 CE, out of which, 14 must be obtained within the last year; or
- Verification of minimum 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment in the last 5 years.
Within Three to Four Years
- 56 CE, 14 should have been obtained in the last year; or
- Verification of minimum 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment in the last 5 years.
Within Four to Five Years
- 70 CE, 14 obtained in the last year; or
- Verification of minimum 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment in the last 5 years.
More Than Five Years
- 120 CE, 14 must have been obtained in the previous year; or
- An evidence showing the completion of the KBN-approved refresher course. The course should have been completed within two years of the date the application is received by the KBN; or
- Verification of minimum 500 hours of Non-Kentucky nursing employment in the last 5 years.
Average Annual Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky
The average salary of LPNs in the state of Kentucky was $44,000 as per the statistics of indeed.com (as of January 16, 2017). As per the BLS, mean annual mean and hourly wages of the licensed practical nurses were $39,180 and $18.84, respectively (as of May 2015).
Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs With Average Annual Salaries
| Job Titles |
Salary |
| Long Term Care LPN |
$23,000 |
| Renal Dialysis Nurse |
$45,000 |
| LPN Ambulatory |
$29,000 |
| Nurse RN LPN |
$42,000 |
| CNA Medical Surgical |
$23,000 |
| Nar Nursing Assistant Hope |
$21,000 |
| Clinical Nurse LPN |
$32,000 |
| LPN Primary Care |
$40,000 |
| Patient Care Technician Student |
$15,000 |
| Medical Assistant Family Practice |
$25,000 |
| Correctional Prison Facility LPN |
$20,000 |
| LPN Cma Rma |
$26,000 |
| LPN Long Term Care |
$28,000 |
| LPN LVN |
$35,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse |
$49,000 |
Information Source: www.indeed.com
Psychiatric Nurses were the highest paid professionals with $49,000 per annum, while with $15,000 per annum, Patient Care Technician Students were the lowest paid professionals.
Average Annual Salary of LPNs/LVNs in Different Cities of Kentucky
| Name of the City |
Salary |
| Bowling Green |
$39,370 |
| Hopkinsville |
$40,417 |
| Owensboro |
$39,140 |
| Covington |
$43,657 |
| Lexington |
$42,341 |
| Frankford |
$42,971 |
| Richmond |
$42,341 |
| Louisville |
$42,975 |
Information Source: salary.com
LPNs were paid the highest (i.e., $42,975) in the Louisville, whereas they were paid the least (i.e., $39,140) in Owensboro.
Job Outlook for Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses in Kentucky
People working as an LPN or who want to opt LPN as their career hold a bright future ahead. Currently, the U.S. is facing a shortage of licensed practical nurses. Moreover, with technological advancements and reforms in the nursing industry, it has become easy to avail the health care services. It has also augmented the demand of LPNs in the country. The BLS has predicted that a large number of LPNs will retire in the next 10 years, creating job opportunities. So, pursue the practical nursing course and obtain the license to grab the upcoming opportunities.
