ACNP Programs in Kentucky (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
It takes a special kind of individual to become an acute care nurse practitioner in Kentucky. You need the type of personality that remains calm and resolute in high-pressure settings like the emergency room, the ICU, or the cardiac care unit. You also need expert training, which you can receive if you enroll in one of the many fine ACNP programs in Kentucky. Once you graduate and begin working in your field, you'll earn $113,060 a year, and you won't have to worry about job security since the demand for ACNPs is expected to jump by 45 percent over the next 10 years. The guide below to the best ACNP programs in Kentucky has lots more information.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Kentucky.)
1. University of Kentucky - Lexington
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in three years if you enroll full-time. There is also a five-year, part-time plan of study and a modified four-year plan of study for direct care providers. New classes are admitted to full-time study each fall. Students pursuing part-time study begin in the spring.
DNP nursing courses are offered in an online format. Core courses require on-campus attendance once per semester. DNP specialty courses require campus attendance from one to six days each semester. Both the Adult Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP programs require the completion of 74 credits and 1,020 clinical hours. 780 clinical hours are devoted to direct patient care, while the remaining clinical hours are accomplished through the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, candidates need a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and a current, unencumbered RN license. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation (the school provides a form), a curriculum vitae or resume, a Personal Statement, an example of scholarly written work, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. The final step in the admission process is to participate in an admission interview with the program faculty.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Registered nurses with a master’s degree also have the option to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specialize in Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care NP. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.
The MSN-to-DNP programs each feature a 51-credit curriculum. All students must complete a total of 1,020 clinical hours to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Kentucky. Program faculty perform a GAP analysis upon admission to determine your current competencies and then establish a personalized degree plan to ensure you meet program and board eligibility requirements for certification. Courses are delivered online with occasional campus visits required each semester. The number of campus visits required varies based on the courses in which you are enrolled.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN-to-DNP program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a school accredited by the ACEN or CCNE. A current, unencumbered RN license and APRN license, if applicable, are required. Candidates must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, an example of scholarly written work completed within the previous three years, a Personal Statement, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, reflecting a 3.0 or higher grade point average. The final step in the admission process is to participate in an admission interview with the program faculty.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program is designed for nurses who wish to specialize in a different patient foci other than the one originally obtained in their graduate degree program. Students typically complete the Post-Graduate Certificate program in an average of two years on a part-time basis.
A GAP analysis is conducted to review previous graduate program transcripts and determine which courses can be transferred in and which ones must be taken as part of the Post-Graduate Certificate program. The curriculum plan features APRN certificate specialty courses, clinical courses, and practicums. Courses are delivered in a hybrid immersion format with campus attendance required up to six days each semester.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates for the Post-Graduate Certificate program must hold a Master of Science or doctoral degree in nursing and have a current, unencumbered, unrestricted RN license and APRN license (if applicable) in the state where practice or clinical experiences will occur. Candidates must complete an application through Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation, one from a current supervisor and one from a master’s or doctoral degree program advisor or other nursing faculty member, a current CV or resume, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended, and complete an interview with the graduate faculty members.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are searching for a nursing school with a history of excellence in nursing education, the University of Kentucky is an awesome choice! The school is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the top DNP Programs in the Nation!• At the University of Kentucky, the ACNP programs are led by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their contributions to nursing in their respective specialties.
• The University of Kentucky’s College of Nursing has an exceptional Clinical Simulation and Learning Center. The Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and comprises six classrooms, five simulation competency rooms, two simulation suites, and intensive care simulation units. The Center has replicas of adult acute care, intensive care, and neonatal intensive care hospital rooms.
2. University Of Louisville - Louisville
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP), and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult Gerontology ACNP program features a 49-credit curriculum. Students in the Pediatric ACNP program complete 51 credits. The study plans include core courses such as Health Promotion & Disease Prevention in Culturally Diverse & Vulnerable Populations, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology. Each path includes coursework and clinicals tailored to the patient population you choose. Both programs include 756 clinical hours, comprising 672 hours of direct patient care and 84 hours of professional clinical experience.
MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants seeking admission to the MSN program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing, an active, unencumbered RN license, and one year of RN experience in ICU or one year of RN experience and a commitment to complete one year of ICU practice before beginning clinical courses. The University of Louisville School of Nursing utilizes NursingCAS to collect and process application documents. In addition to the Graduate Admission Application, candidates must complete a NursingCAS application and submit supplemental documents. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts reflecting all college coursework and an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, two letters of recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and responses to essay questions.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-baccalaureate DNP program at the University of Louisville offers the option to specialize in Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care. This ACNP program in Kentucky requires a minimum of three years of full-time study to earn the DNP degree.
The program features a hybrid learning model. Students typically attend class four to six times each semester and complete the rest of their coursework online. The Adult Gerontology ACNP and Pediatric ACNP programs require 76 and 77 credits, respectively. The Pediatric ACNP program requires 77 credits. The final two years of the BSN-to-DNP program include at least 1,000 clinical, professional, and DNP project hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, applicants must have a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN-accredited nursing program, and a current, unrestricted RN license. Candidates are required to complete an application via NursingCAS and a Graduate Admission Application. Additionally, applicants must provide a current resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is recommended.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program is designed for advanced practice registered nurses, focusing on leadership in population health with the option to pursue certification in adult gerontology or pediatric acute care. The program can be completed in as few as two years of part-time study.
Students in the Adult Gerontology pathway complete 45 credits, and students in the Pediatric pathway complete 46 credits. A minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, including 330 project or professional hours, is required to earn the DNP degree. Students must provide documentation of previous clinical hours. If you have fewer than 670 documented clinical hours from your MSN degree program, you will take clinical completion courses to accomplish the total hours required.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The MSN-to-DNP program is available to candidates who have previously earned a Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE, or NLN) and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. Candidates must submit a curriculum vitae or resume, two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic and professional capabilities and potential for a scholarly career, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are preferred.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The University of Louisville offers ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate pathways that prepare nurses for national certification and advanced practice by specializing in Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care. The PGC program is structured in a hybrid format. In-person classes are typically scheduled once each week, with the remainder of the class content delivered online. Campus visits are required four to six times per semester to complete simulations and other scheduled events.
Advanced Practice RNs seeking a second specialty complete a minimum of 504 clinical hours. Students pursuing their first APRN specialty must complete a minimum of 672 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates with a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a terminal nursing degree (DNP, PhD, or EdD) are eligible to apply for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program. Graduate nursing degrees should be obtained from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN-accredited nursing program and a regionally accredited institution.
Prospective students must submit a Graduate Admission Application and application fee, complete a NursingCAS application, and submit required documentation. Applicants are required to provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, with a recommended graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, candidates must submit a Goal Statement, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Louisville, you will have access to academic advisors and counselors from the time you are admitted until you complete the program. Each faculty and staff member is dedicated to working with you to ensure you have adequate resources and support to promote your success.• The School of Nursing at the University of Louisville reports that graduates of its ACNP programs have excellent job placement rates following completion of its programs. According to the school, many students receive job offers while still enrolled in the program, and others report being employed within three to six months of graduation.
• One of my favorite aspects of teaching nursing and allied health is utilizing simulated learning to enhance students’ experiences. Simulated learning offers an excellent opportunity for students to develop and refine essential skills in a controlled environment, supported by staff and peers. At the University of Louisville, students in the ACNP program participate in opportunities within the school’s Clinical Simulation Center. The Center features high-fidelity simulation labs, patient exam rooms, and nursing skills labs equipped with state-of-the-art task trainers, low-, mid, and high-fidelity manikins, and current medical equipment.
3. Northern Kentucky University - Highland Heights
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN Adult Gerontology ACNP program features a 47-credit curriculum comprised of core courses and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty courses. You will take classes, including Differential Diagnosis & Disease Management in Acute Care, Advanced Technologies for Acute Care & Diagnostic Reasoning, and Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan. The program also includes five clinical residencies totaling 750 practicum hours and an MSN Capstone course.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited and ACEN-, CCNE, or CNEA-accredited program, an unencumbered RN license, and at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse in a critical care setting. Applicants must submit an online application, a Critical Care Verification Form, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools. Transcripts should show a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s degree and you want to pursue the academic and clinical training needed to become an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Northern Kentucky University could be the perfect option! The program has several entry points each year and can be completed in as few as 20 months.
The PMC program features online coursework and clinicals in your home region. To earn the certificate, you must complete a minimum of 35 credits. During the review of applications, you may receive a request to review syllabi from your master’s nursing program. If faculty determine the need, courses may be added to your study plan to ensure you meet the criteria to sit for national certification. Supervised clinical residencies with a total of 750 clinical hours mean you have ample opportunities to develop critical skills relevant to the AGACNP role.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, a current RN license, and one year of critical care experience (1,000 clinical hours) as a Registered Nurse. Applicants must provide official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic work completed and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all MSN coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Northern Kentucky University’s ACNP program tuition rate is $592 per credit hour, making it an affordable option for nurses who want to earn a degree or certificate. Additionally, financial aid advisors work closely with students to determine what resources are available that could help further reduce program costs.• The nursing faculty at Northern Kentucky University maintain active clinical practices, ensuring they stay current on the latest trends and advances in nursing and healthcare. As a student in the ACNP program, you can glean vital information from their experiences and insight to help prepare you for success in your role as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Graduates of the ACNP program at Northern Kentucky University consistently demonstrate outstanding performance on national certification examinations. According to the school, nearly 100% of program graduates pass their national certification exam on the first attempt.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN KENTUCKY?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY EXPECT?
| Hourly | $39.99 |
| Weekly | $1,600 |
| Monthly | $6,930 |
| Annual | $83,180 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $39.99 | $1,600 | $6,930 | $83,180 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $45.25 | $1,810 | $7,840 | $94,120 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $53.41 | $2,137 | $9,260 | $111,100 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $59.48 | $2,379 | $10,310 | $123,720 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $71.08 | $2,843 | $12,320 | $147,850 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN KENTUCKY?
| Hourly | $54.36 |
| Weekly | $2,174 |
| Monthly | $9,420 |
| Annual | $113,060 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF KENTUCKY?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bowling Green | $52.56 | $2,102 | $9,110 | $109,320 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox | $55.57 | $2,223 | $9,630 | $115,590 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $56.75 | $2,270 | $9,840 | $118,030 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $56.73 | $2,269 | $9,830 | $117,990 |
| Owensboro | $55.70 | $2,228 | $9,660 | $115,860 |
ACNP SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Kentucky ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $113,060 | $131,620 | -$18,560 | -14.10% |
ACNP SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$52,420 | -31.68% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$39,230 | -25.76% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$35,880 | -24.09% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$35,500 | -23.90% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$35,420 | -23.86% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$34,460 | -23.36% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$33,250 | -22.73% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$27,260 | -19.43% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$27,040 | -19.30% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$25,240 | -18.25% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$25,070 | -18.15% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$23,650 | -17.30% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$22,780 | -16.77% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$22,730 | -16.74% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$21,240 | -15.82% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$20,950 | -15.63% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$20,860 | -15.58% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$20,120 | -15.11% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$18,400 | -14.00% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$18,050 | -13.77% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$17,870 | -13.65% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$17,810 | -13.61% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$17,490 | -13.40% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$16,930 | -13.02% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$16,180 | -12.52% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$16,110 | -12.47% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$14,620 | -11.45% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$14,520 | -11.38% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$14,300 | -11.23% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$13,510 | -10.67% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$13,260 | -10.50% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$12,870 | -10.22% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$12,800 | -10.17% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | -$11,900 | -9.52% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | -$11,580 | -9.29% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | -$11,490 | -9.23% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | -$11,040 | -8.90% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | -$10,870 | -8.77% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | -$10,750 | -8.68% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | -$10,560 | -8.54% |
| Florida | $122,630 | -$9,570 | -7.80% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | -$9,120 | -7.46% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | -$8,500 | -6.99% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | -$7,290 | -6.06% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | -$6,730 | -5.62% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | -$6,460 | -5.40% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | -$3,150 | -2.71% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | -$3,110 | -2.68% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$360 | +0.32% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$6,810 | +6.41% |
ACNP SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN KENTUCKY
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $185,630 | -$72,570 | -39.09% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $113,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,770 | +$31,290 | +38.27% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,370 | +$33,690 | +42.45% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,100 | +$57,960 | +105.19% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,980 | +$77,080 | +214.23% |
ACNP SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN KENTUCKY
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $186,480 | -$73,420 | -39.37% |
| Optometrist | $161,300 | -$48,240 | -29.91% |
| Pharmacist | $131,020 | -$17,960 | -13.71% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $113,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $104,380 | +$8,680 | +8.32% |
| Physician Assistant | $99,290 | +$13,770 | +13.87% |
| Radiation Therapist | $95,720 | +$17,340 | +18.12% |
| Physical Therapist | $87,480 | +$25,580 | +29.24% |
| Occupational Therapist | $86,860 | +$26,200 | +30.16% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,310 | +$29,750 | +35.71% |
| Chiropractor | $82,040 | +$31,020 | +37.81% |
| Audiologist | $76,370 | +$36,690 | +48.04% |
| Dental Hygienist | $73,850 | +$39,210 | +53.09% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Kentucky?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Kentucky?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Kentucky?
| $54.36 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Kentucky?
| $2,174 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Kentucky?
| $9,420 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Kentucky?
| $113,060 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Kentucky?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +45.24% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Best ACNP Programs in Other States