RN Programs in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Get your RN degree in Elizabethtown, Kentucky - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Elizabethtown, Kentucky? This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an RN, including local program options, prerequisites, and employment opportunities.

Why Become an RN in Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown, often referred to as “E-town,” is a charming city in the heart of Kentucky. Known for its friendly community and rich history, Elizabethtown offers a supportive environment for aspiring RNs. The average salary for an RN in Kentucky is approximately $66,000 per year, with a projected job growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information about Elizabethtown, visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program in Elizabethtown, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites. Typically, these include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18
• Completion of required entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
• Background check and immunization records

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs generally combine classroom instruction with clinical training. Expect to cover subjects like:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Pharmacology
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing

Clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities are also a key component, providing hands-on experience.

RN Training Programs in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Here are three local schools offering RN programs:

1. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC)
   • Address: 600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
   • Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
   • Cost: Approximately $170 per credit hour for in-state students
   • Website: ECTC Nursing Program
2. Western Kentucky University (WKU) – Elizabethtown-Fort Knox Campus
   • Address: 610 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
   • Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
   • Cost: Approximately $400 per credit hour for in-state students
   • Website: WKU Nursing Program
3. Spencerian College – Louisville Campus
   • Address: 4627 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216 (about 40 miles from Elizabethtown)
   • Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
   • Cost: Approximately $500 per credit hour
   • Website: Spencerian Nursing Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Elizabethtown

Several major healthcare facilities in Elizabethtown offer employment opportunities for RNs:

1. Baptist Health Hardin
   • Address: 913 N Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
   • Website: Baptist Health Hardin Careers
   • Located in the heart of Elizabethtown, Baptist Health Hardin is a leading hospital providing a wide range of services.
2. Hardin Memorial Hospital
   • Address: 913 N Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
   • Website: Hardin Memorial Hospital Careers
   • Notable for its comprehensive healthcare services, Hardin Memorial Hospital is another key employer for RNs.

RN Certification Requirements

In Kentucky, to become a certified RN, you must:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Elizabethtown can range from $170 to $500 per credit hour. Financial aid options include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Scholarships through local organizations and schools
• Student loans
• Work-study programs

Licensure Reciprocity

Kentucky is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in other NLC states to practice in Kentucky without obtaining additional licensure. For more details, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Ready to embark on your journey to becoming an RN in Elizabethtown, Kentucky? Contact one of the local schools to learn more about their programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career in nursing. Your future as a registered nurse awaits!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Elizabethtown RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Elizabethtown?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Kentucky. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Kentucky. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Kentucky.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.