Becoming a nurse in Kentucky is regulated by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). The KBN ensures all practicing nurses meet defined standards of competence and education. Successfully navigating the requirements involves a sequence of steps, beginning with selecting an approved educational program and culminating in passing a national examination. This guide outlines the procedures necessary to achieve and maintain your nursing credential in Kentucky.
Understanding Kentucky Nursing Roles and Educational Pathways
The nursing profession in Kentucky is structured around different levels of practice, tied to specific educational pathways. Aspiring nurses choose between becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). An LPN completes a one-year practical nursing program and functions under the direction of an RN, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider. The LPN role focuses on direct patient care, data collection, and implementing the established plan of care.
The Registered Nurse (RN) operates at an independent level, requiring specialized knowledge and judgment. RN candidates pursue either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which are two-year and four-year programs, respectively. The RN is responsible for the comprehensive assessment of patients and developing the overall nursing care plan. While the BSN is not required for initial licensure, it is often preferred by employers and serves as the foundation for pursuing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license later.
Completing Your Nursing Education Program
A nursing career begins by enrolling in a program approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). The KBN oversees all pre-licensure nursing education programs within Kentucky, ensuring they meet state standards for curriculum and clinical experience. Students attending out-of-state or online programs must ensure the institution is approved or accredited by its own state’s board of nursing to be eligible for Kentucky licensure.
Successful completion requires meeting all academic and clinical performance requirements, including specific science prerequisites and minimum GPA standards. A substantial component involves supervised clinical hours, where students apply theoretical knowledge in patient care settings. Upon graduation, the program administrator must verify the candidate’s education by submitting an Affidavit of Graduation (AOG) through the KBN’s online portal, which grants permission to move forward with the licensure application process.
Applying for Initial Licensure Through the Kentucky Board of Nursing
The administrative path to licensure begins by submitting an application to the KBN through their official online Nurse Portal. This formal request allows the KBN to review credentials and establish eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee, and the application is valid for one year, requiring a complete restart if requirements are not met within that timeframe.
A mandatory requirement is the completion of a state and federal criminal background check. This is conducted through the IdentoGO live scan process, requiring applicants to register using the KBN Service Code, 27GKJR, and pay a $54.00 fee. Additionally, all candidates must successfully complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Nursing Exam, which tests knowledge of the Kentucky Nurse Practice Act (KRS Chapter 314) and related administrative regulations. Once documentation is reviewed, the KBN determines eligibility and sends notification to the national testing vendor.
Registering for and Passing the NCLEX Examination
After the KBN determines eligibility, the final step involves registering for and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This examination is administered by Pearson VUE and requires a separate registration and payment of a $200 fee. Following registration, the candidate receives an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email.
The candidate must schedule and take the NCLEX within the ATT’s validity dates, which cannot be extended. The NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses and the NCLEX-PN for Practical Nurses use computer adaptive testing, adjusting difficulty based on performance. First-time test takers are typically offered an appointment within 30 days of requesting to schedule. Passing the NCLEX is the final requirement; results are sent to the KBN, and the license is officially issued.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Kentucky Nursing License
Kentucky nurses must comply with annual renewal requirements to maintain active practice status. The licensure and earning period for continuing education (CE) runs from November 1 to October 31 each year. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses must complete at least 14 contact hours of CE annually, or they may opt to complete 7 contact hours plus provide a satisfactory employment evaluation covering at least six months of the earning period.
Kentucky mandates several one-time, content-specific CE requirements for nurses whose original program did not include the content. These include:
- 3 contact hours on domestic violence.
- 2 contact hours on suicide prevention.
- 1.5 contact hours on implicit bias.
- 1.5 contact hours of training on the recognition and prevention of pediatric abusive head trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome).
Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means a Kentucky license is a multistate license, allowing the nurse to practice physically or electronically in other NLC member states without obtaining additional licenses.