Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky
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.
2023 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.

Grayson, KY
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
Richmond, KY
Nurses can work as primary care providers when they complete an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program online at Eastern Kentucky University. The unique, rural population-focused programs enable nurses to treat and care for patients across the lifespan for a range of health conditions.
Highlights:
- 100% first attempt pass rate on national cert exams
- Flexible scheduling with no on-campus visits
- Recipient of Blackboard Catalyst Award for Teaching
Morehead, KY
For many rural communities, a Family Nurse Practitioner is a patient's primary healthcare provider for wellness checks and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. RNs can step into this leadership role by earning their MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner online at Morehead State University in Kentucky.
Highlights:
- Part-time and full-time options available
- Readies graduates to work autonomously
- A comprehensive public university
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online
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
Graduate Certificate-FNP Programs
DNP-FNP Programs
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
Graduate Certificate-AGNP Programs
DNP-AGNP Programs
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
DNP-PNP Programs
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
Graduate Certificate-PMHNP Programs
DNP-PMHNP Programs
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
Graduate Certificate-WHNP Programs
Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.