Kentucky Nursing License Requirements

• LPNs and RNs follow similar steps to get, transfer, and keep their licenses in Kentucky.
• You have two tries to pass the NCLEX before you must resubmit your application and fee.
• You must complete annual continuing education requirements by Oct. 31 to renew your license.

Are you looking to get your nursing license in Kentucky? The Kentucky Board of Nursing offers nursing licenses by examination or endorsement. Kentucky is a nursing license compact (NLC) state, allowing nurses to have one multi-state license. Find out more about nursing license requirements in Kentucky.

Kentucky State Board of Nursing

The Kentucky Board of Nursing regulates standards for nursing practice, license eligibility, and license renewal. It issues and renews licenses for all nurses in Kentucky. It offers provisional licenses to registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) awaiting their NCLEX test results as long as they pass the NCLEX within the first two tries.

Kentucky Nursing Education Requirements

The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires you to complete an accredited nursing program and ask your nursing school to submit your transcripts or affidavit of graduation. You can fulfill these education requirements in 2-4 years.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An ADN typically takes less time and money than a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), but it still allows you to become a registered nurse. An ADN teaches you fundamental nursing skills, including taking vital signs, caring for specialty populations, controlling infections, giving medication and treatments, and updating health records.

Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN helps prepare you for leadership roles in nursing. Some healthcare settings may require nurses to have this degree. A BSN program provides a more comprehensive nursing education than an ADN. In addition to fundamental nursing skills, BSn classes cover leadership, nursing informatics, global public health, and statistics and research.

Applying for a Nursing License in Kentucky

Nurses can apply for nursing licensure in Kentucky through examination or endorsement. The Kentucky Board of Nursing maintains the same eligibility requirements for LPNs and RNs. Kentucky participates in the NLC, so nurses can apply for a multi-state license if they meet the residency and eligibility requirements for licensure by endorsement in Kentucky.

RN Licensure by Examination

RNs applying for their first nursing license must take the NCLEX and apply for their license by examination. To apply for licensure by examination:

• Submit an online application.
• Pay the $125 application fee.
• Earn an 80% or higher on the jurisprudence exam.
• Complete a background check.
• Verify completion of an accredited nursing program.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

You can attempt the NCLEX twice before resubmitting your application and fee. If you must take the NCLEX a third time, you must resubmit your application and provisional license.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

If you already have a nursing license in another state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement. Even if you have a multi-state license, you must meet the residency requirements before transferring your primary state of residence. To apply for your licensure by endorsement:

• Submit an online application.
• Pay the $165 application fee.
• Earn an 80% or higher on the jurisprudence exam.
• Pass a background check.
• Submit your official transcripts if you earned a nursing degree in California, Connecticut, Washington, or Hawaii.
• Report any criminal convictions.
• Verify your nursing license from the state where you passed the NCLEX and received your license by examination.

How to Maintain Your Nursing License in Kentucky

Once you get your Kentucky nursing license, you can get nursing positions in hospitals, outpatient care centers, physician offices, or skilled nursing or residential care facilities. Your responsibilities will vary based on your work setting and specialty.

As a nurse in Kentucky, you’ll renew your license annually between Sept. 15 and Oct. 31. To apply for renewal:

• Complete an online application.
• Pay the $65 renewal fee.
• Confirm that you have completed or will complete at least 14 contact hours of required continuing education by Oct. 31.

Kentucky requires you to complete one-time continuing education units in implicit bias, suicide prevention, pediatric abusive head trauma, and domestic abuse. You can fulfill your contact hour requirements through post-graduate nursing college courses, continuing education hours, precepting nursing students or new employees, and publishing academic research studies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Kentucky

How long does it take to get a Kentucky RN license?

It could take 2.5-5 years to get a Kentucky RN license, depending on your pathway, degree, and how long it takes to pass the NCLEX-RN. The Kentucky Board of Nursing gives candidates up to one year or two failed attempts at taking the NCLEX-RN to qualify for RN licensure – whichever comes first.

What do you need to become an RN in Kentucky?

To become an RN in Kentucky, you must submit your ADN or BSN program transcripts, pass the NCLEX-RN and jurisprudence exam, complete an online application, and pay the nonrefundable application fee. If you're applying for licensure by endorsement, you must verify your initial nursing license from the state where you passed the NCLEX-RN.

How much does an RN earn in Kentucky?

RNs in Kentucky make an average annual salary of $77,620, or $37 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The bottom 10% of earners make less than $56,120, while the top 90% make $98,540.

How often do you renew a Kentucky nursing license?

You'll renew your nursing license every year between midnight EST on Sept. 15 and midnight EST on Oct. 31. You must complete at least 14 contact hours of continuing education, pay a $65 renewal fee, and complete an online application.