Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky

Last Updated/Verified: Feb 27, 2024

Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Kentucky?

Nurse practitioners, or NPs, have advanced training in specialized medical fields. They are licensed and autonomous healthcare clinicians who manage patient’s illnesses, injuries, and medical needs. NPs often assist in the field of preventive medicine, helping patients avoid emergencies.

Over the years, remote and underserved areas in Kentucky may lack in critical medical care as physician shortages continue. NPs can quickly assist their community by filling in for an absent or overworked physician. 

Nurse practitioners can order and interpret lab work, diagnostic tests, and x-rays. They keep detailed digital patient records and help identify and treat chronic health conditions. Additionally, they can prescribe medication and manage patient care. Patient education is a large part of prevention and helping patients make better health choices. 

While NPs are already advanced in training and education, focusing on a specialty area like pediatrics or women’s health can guarantee future demand for their skills. 

Typically, it takes six to eight years of education and training to become an NP, including a four year Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) followed by an additional two to four years of graduate nursing education via a master’s degree, or a doctoral nursing degree. 

If the thought of continuing your nursing education makes you nervous, online nurse practitioner programs can make the process a lot easier. These programs allow students to complete their coursework from just about anywhere, whenever they choose. This allows many RNs to continue working while they complete their NP education.

2024 Top Ranked Kentucky Online NP Programs

Are you an RN in Kentucky thinking about continuing your nursing education? Enrolling in an online nurse practitioner program in the state is an excellent way to advance your nursing career and earn a higher salary. Choosing the right program, however, can be daunting. That's why we have ranked the best online nurse practitioner programs in the state of Kentucky. Take a look at our list below, and visit our methodology page to learn more about how we created our rankings.

1.
Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, KY

Overview:

For RNs who believe nursing is their divine calling, Kentucky Christian University offers an online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner program. The recognized program prepares nurses to become primary care providers filling in healthcare gaps across the region.

Highlights:

  • Clinicals are completed at the student's home location
  • No on-campus visits are needed
  • A Christian-integrated nursing curriculum
2.
Frontier Nursing University

Hyden, KY

Overview:

Discover the forefront of online education with Frontier Nursing University's Nurse Practitioner programs. Unlock a world of possibilities in advanced nursing practice. Empower your career with flexible, accredited programs designed for the modern healthcare professional.

Highlights:

  • A leader in distance education since 1989
  • Flexible format
  • A focus on rural and underserved populations
3.
Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY

Overview:

Embark on a transformative journey in advanced nursing practice with Northern Kentucky University's online Nurse Practitioner programs. From Adult-Gerontology to Psychiatric-Mental Health specialties, empower your career with flexible, innovative learning experiences. Benefit from expert faculty guidance and cutting-edge resources, preparing you to excel in today's dynamic healthcare landscape.

Highlights:

  • Designed to be flexible and accessible fo working nurses
  • Program duration: as few as 24 months
  • $550 per credit hour

List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Kentucky

The lush state of Kentucky has a rich tradition and history; a quality many nurse practitioners love.

Those who enroll in an online NP program in the state can expect to take some core graduate-level courses, concentrated nursing courses that relate to the specialty chosen, and clinical courses. While the academic courses can be completed online, or in a combined alternative that mixes online and on-campus classes, any clinical experience must be done under supervision at a hospital or medical center. Luckily, most students can arrange for clinical to take place close to where they live and/or work.

Family Nurse Practitioner

A popular nurse practitioner specialty, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cares for patients of all ages, often acting in a primary care role. Prospective FNPs can enroll in any of the 12 online programs in Kentucky below:

MSN-FNP Programs

Bellarmine University

Hybrid - MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Louisville, KY

Eastern Kentucky University

Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner

Richmond, KY

Frontier Nursing University

Family Nurse Practitioner

Hyden, KY

Kentucky Christian University

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Grayson, KY

Morehead State University

Family Nurse Practitioner

Morehead, KY

Northern Kentucky University

MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

Highland Heights, KY

Spalding University

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Louisville, KY

Graduate Certificate-FNP Programs

Eastern Kentucky University

Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Richmond, KY

Frontier Nursing University

Family Nurse Practitioner

Hyden, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Family Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

Western Kentucky University

Family Nurse Practitioner

Bowling Green, KY

DNP-FNP Programs

Western Kentucky University

BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner

Bowling Green, KY

Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Nurses who wish to focus on the care of adult patients from the teen years through the geriatric years, whether in a primary or acute care setting, can opt for one of the 7 online programs in Kentucky below.

MSN-AGNP Programs

Northern Kentucky University

MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Highland Heights, KY

Graduate Certificate-AGNP Programs

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

DNP-AGNP Programs

Kentucky State University

BSN-DNP: Doctorate Of Nursing Practice

Frankfort, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - BSN-DNP: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - BSN-DNP: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Lexington, KY

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners focus their care on children from birth through adolescence. To become a Pediatric NP, students in Kentucky can choose to enroll in any of the 4 online programs below.

Graduate Certificate-PNP Programs

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

DNP-PNP Programs

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - BSN-DNP: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - BSN-DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Lexington, KY

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are tasked with caring for patients with a range of mental health illnesses and disorders. As the demand for mental health practitioners continues to grow, prospective PMHNPs in Kentucky can earn their specialized degree by enrolling in one of the 9 online programs below.

MSN-PMHNP Programs

Eastern Kentucky University

Psychiatric Mental Health

Richmond, KY

Frontier Nursing University

Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

Hyden, KY

Northern Kentucky University

MSN - Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Highland Heights, KY

Western Kentucky University

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Bowling Green, KY

Graduate Certificate-PMHNP Programs

Eastern Kentucky University

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-MSN)

Richmond, KY

Frontier Nursing University

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Hyden, KY

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

Lexington, KY

Western Kentucky University

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Bowling Green, KY

DNP-PMHNP Programs

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Hybrid - BSN-DNP: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Track

Lexington, KY

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s health issues range from reproductive and gynecologic health to childbearing to menopause and everything in between. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) help women through these unique health challenges. To become a WHNP, students in Kentucky have the option to enroll in any of the 2 online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner programs below.

MSN-WHNP Programs

Frontier Nursing University

Women's Health Care NP

Hyden, KY

Graduate Certificate-WHNP Programs

Frontier Nursing University

Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner

Hyden, KY

Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.