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Kentucky RN Certification and Schools - KY

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 16th, 2010

Educational Programs for Nurses in Kentucky

Education and training for registered nurses in Kentucky include associates degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate programs (Masters and PhD) in nursing. All three options require varying degrees of depth and result in qualification for varying levels of patient care. Most local universities in Kentucky offer nursing education. There is a practical nursing track available Kentucky RN schools as well, which qualifies nurses to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). LPNs start out with their own training and licensure, but then can access additional training and complete the 120-hour clinical internship and upgrade their license to RN through an application process through the KBN. 

RN Continuing Education Requirements in Kentucky

Registered nursing licenses in Kentucky must be renewed between September 15th and October 31st of each calendar year. The continuing education required for license renewal must take place between November 1st and October 31st. According to the KBN, continuing education can be accomplished a number of ways, including: earning CEUs, accomplishing a national certification, completion of a research project, publication of a nursing article, facilitation of a professional nursing education presentation, and so on. Certain college courses can also be used to meet the requirement. A full list is available on the KBN website (http://kbn.ky.gov).

RN License Renewal Information in Kentucky

License renewal is an automatic function of the Kentucky Board of Nursing. If a licensed registered nurse’s email address is maintained, the KBN sends out an email renewal notification reminder well before the deadline. Nurses should renew at least two (2) weeks prior to the end of the renewal to allow for adequate processing time. The renewal fee in Kentucky is $50, and KBN will notify nurses after renewal has been processed. Online renewal is highly recommended. Using a paper application for license renewal costs and additional $40. To access the online renewal system, nurses will need:

1. the last four of their SSN.
2. their Kentucky nursing license number.
3. date of birth, and
4. method of payment.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Louisville, Lexington and Owensboro, Kentucky may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Western State Hospital, Norton Hospital and Western State Hospital.