How to Become an LPN in Kentucky (A Complete 2023 Guide)

Thinking about becoming an LPN in Kentucky?

Don’t know where to start?

Wondering what the whole process is like?

We’re here to tell you all you need to know. 

In this complete guide on how to become an LPN in Kentucky, we’ll walk you through all the steps — from start to finish. 

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

How to Become an LPN in Kentucky – The 4 Steps

Here are the 4 steps to becoming an LPN in Kentucky:

1. Enroll in a program
2. Register for licensure 
3. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
4. Find your first job!
   

Let’s take a deep dive into the steps. 

Step #1: Enroll in a Program 

The first step is your education. 

You need to make sure that you enroll in a state-approved practical nurse program. You can click here for a list of approved programs in Kentucky. 

Now, each program provider will have their own enrollment prerequisites. Don’t forget to ask and see whether you can meet those requirements. 

What’s more, it’s also a good idea to look into tuition fees, program length, pass rates, education quality, and all that. 

Step #2: Register for Licensure

IMPORTANT! From March 20, 2023, the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) is changing its licensure by examination application system. They recommend that you wait until the new system is intact before applying. This is to avoid delays. You can check here for updates. 

When you graduate from your program, you can now register for your LPN license.

Here is how to register for LPN licensure in Kentucky: 

1. Complete the online LPN application. You’ll be asked to provide your program details.

NOTE: You can also request a paper application. You can click here to find the form. 

2. Pay the examination application fee of $125.

3. (OPTIONAL) if you need certain accommodations when you take the NCLEX exam, you can submit an ADA Accommodation Request form through the mail. Click here to find the form. 

4. Purchase your Jurisprudence exam for $15. Go to your application status, click on “Take the Jurisprudence Exam”, and follow the online prompts. Don’t forget to save your Jurisprudence ID number as this is important. 

5. Pass the Jurisprudence Exam.

6. Complete the necessary background checks through IdentoGO. 

7. You will be issued a provisional license that allows you to do supervised practice while waiting to take your NCLEX-PN exam. 

Now that you’ve registered for licensure, you can take the NCLEX-PN exam. 

Step #3: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam

Now, in Kentucky, the NCLEX-PN exam is administered by Pearson Vue. You have to register and schedule with them. 

Here are the steps: 

1. Go to the Pearson Vue website to register. You will be asked to provide:
   1. $200 registration fee
   2. Your personal information
   3. SSN
   4. Graduation details
   5. Date of birth
   6. Email

NOTE: You can also register by calling 866-496-2539.

2. Once your registration is approved, the KBN will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) through your email. 

3. Go back to the Pearson Vue website and schedule your NCLEX-PN exam. You must provide details from your ATT. 

4. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam. 

5. Wait for your LPN license to be issued. You can view your online validation online here. 

Licensure by Endorsement in Kentucky

Are you an LPN in a different state?

Want to relocate to Kentucky without having to retake the NCLEX-PN exam?

Licensing by endorsement is the way for you!

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply for licensure by endorsement online. 

2. Pay the fee of $165. 

3. Pass the Jurisprudence Exam. 

4. Complete a state and federal background check with IdentoGO.

5. Verify your out-of-state LPN license through Nursys (if your previous state participates) or by sending a verification of licensure form. You can find the form here. 

6. Submit your out-of-state program transcript (if applicable).

7. Submit proof of continuing education (if applicable).

8. Wait for your Kentucky LPN license to be issued. 

Licensure by Reinstatement in Kentucky 

If you already held a Kentucky LPN license but it has lapsed, you can reapply through reinstatement. 

Here are the steps: 

1. Complete the online application. 

2. Pay the application fee of $135.

3. Get a background check from IdentoGO.

4. Meet the Continuing Competency Requirements (this is determined by how long your license has lapsed). 

5. Pass the Jurisprudence Exam. 

6. Wait for your new LPN license to be issued. 

Step #4: Find Your First Job!

With your LPN license in hand, it’s time to find your first job!

You can choose to work in a hospital, daycare center, medical facility, and whatnot. You can use all you learned from your program to be the best LPN out there. 

And once you find your first LPN job — Congratulations!

You made it!

Frequently Asked Questions About LPNs in Kentucky

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about LPNs in Kentucky. 

How long is an LPN program in Kentucky?

The length of an LPN program usually depends on whether you are studying the nurse training program full-time or part-time.

Here is an estimated average: 

• Full-time – 12 months
• Part-time – 18 months 

How much do LPNs earn in Kentucky?

As of December 27, 2022, LPNs in Kentucky earn an average salary of 48,140 per year. That’s an average of $22.67 per hour. 

As you can see, an LPN career in the state is a great way to help others while earning big bucks. 

Are there other career prospects after becoming an LPN?

If there is a will, there is a way! 

Becoming an LPN is certainly not the end of the line. In fact, great opportunities await you if you are up for them. 

The Licensed Practical Nurse is just the beginning of the nursing ranking system, there are several more career prospects after this: 

1. Registered Nurse (RN)
2. Advanced Practical Nurse (APN): Divided into 4 branches:
   1. Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
   2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
   3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) 
   4. Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Whilst working as an LPN, we strongly suggest you identify and understand the areas of your interest. You may like patient care and monitoring more than admin work. You may prefer working with the gynecology department more than other departments. 

Whatever it be, your interest can be catered for and specialized. 

If all that sounds interesting, check out more details right here. 

Wrapping It Up

And that was how to become an LPN in Kentucky. 

Sure, the whole process will require time and effort. But if you put your mind to it, and follow all the steps carefully, you’ll soon be a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state. 

From there, you can choose to go even higher up the scale. 

Good luck!