collageRegistered Nurses (RNs), both independently and as a member of a team, provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions. The nursing program at WKCTC prepares graduates to fulfill the professional roles of the RN with a curriculum that combines general education and nursing courses that correlate classroom and clinical instruction in a variety of community agencies. These professional roles include human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry.
Graduates of the Associate Degree Program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
What are my career options?
A few examples of workplaces in your local area:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Community clinics
- Home healthcare
- Rehabilitation and nursing care facilities
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Serve in the military
- Business and industry
- Travel companies
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What are my degree, diploma, certificate options?
- It will take a minimum of five (5) semesters to get an associate degree in nursing
- Our LPN-RN accelerated track: If you are a licensed practical nurse seeking to continue your education the LPN-RN Bridge is for you! The Bridge semester is part-time and allows LPNs to transition back into the role of the student and focuses on the transition from an LPN to RN. The final year of the program is full-time and is integrated with the traditional ADN students. Download the LPN-RN Accelerated Bridge Curriculum information.
Associate Degree in Applied Science
Associate Degree Nursing | Download the academic plan
An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years.
How do I apply for this program?
The nursing program admits a class every fall and spring. The application deadline for the fall semester is March 1 and the deadline for the spring semester is July 1.
- Attend a pre-admission conference.
- Apply for admission to West Kentucky Community & Technical College if not currently enrolled.
- Submit an official transcript of all previous college work.
- Traditional students must submit score results of the ACT or National League for Nursing (NLN) Preadmission Exam or Evolve Admission Assessment Exam.
- Practicing LPN’s applying to the LPN-RN Accelerated Program must submit results of the National League for Nursing Accelerated Challenge Exam (NACE). Information regarding the NACE exam and student support for success.
Enrollment in the Associate Degree Nursing program may be limited because of available health care facilities in the community, as well as faculty/student ratios required by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The admissions point scale is designed to objectively evaluate applicants. Applicants with the highest total points will be admitted to the program.
Selective Admission Points Scale
Transfer Student
The nursing program does accept transfer requests from applicants desiring to transfer from another nursing program.
Additional Information
CPR certification at healthcare provider level, proof of immunizations, background checks, and drug screens are required after a student is admitted and prior to starting the first semester of the nursing program.
Field Licensure Requirements
In addition to completing the program, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a licensed as a registered nurse.
Accreditation / Program Success
Associate Degree Nursing: The Associate Degree Nursing program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College located in Paducah, KY is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Pursuant to the Kentucky Board of Nursing regulation 201 KAR 20:340, Learn more about benchmark data for nursing programs in the state of Kentucky.
What Is Practical Nursing?
Practical nurses are integral members of the health care system, prepared to provide nursing care and health promotion activities to individuals across the life span in various health care settings under the direction of the registered nurse, licensed physician, and/or dentist. The Practical Nursing program at WKCTC prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing. Use of the nursing process at the practical nursing level toward the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of persons experiencing changes in their health processes, and the evaluation of health practices of patients are emphasized.
What are my career options?
A few examples of workplaces in your local area:
- Hospitals
- Health care provider offices
- Long term care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Group homes
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Hospice
- Home health
Data displayed based upon: Kentucky, USALicensed Practical Nursing in the Real World
Kentucky, USASearch New RegionChange location, please type 2 letters for suggestions to appears, then use up and down arrow keys to highlight the locations, then use the enter key to select a location.Overview59,640
Currently Employed$27,289
Average Salary3,447
Current Job PostingsEmployment Trends2.6%
Past Growth
2018-20218%
Projected Growth
2021-2025
A line graph showing employment trends from 2018 to 2025. Here is a list of employment numbers by year: 2018: 59,805, 2019: 60,859, 2020: 59,640, 2021: 61,356, 2022: 62,847, 2023: 64,183, 2024: 65,366, 2025: 66,281.Top Occupations by Income Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$37,701 Nursing Assistants$23,634 Home Health and Personal Care Aides$20,532.
How long will this program take?
It will take a minimum of 3 semesters to get diploma in practical nursing.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Diploma(s)
Practical Nursing | Download the Academic Plan
Diploma programs are usually short-term and less comprehensive than associate’s degree programs. WKCTC offers diploma programs as educational opportunities for students who aren’t pursuing full-time degrees. Diploma programs usually consist of several courses in a specific subject area or skill and can lead you toward entry-level employment in a professional field.
How do I apply for this program?
1. Attend a pre-admission conference.
2. Apply for admission to West Kentucky Community & Technical College if not currently enrolled.
3. Submit an official high school transcript
4. Submit an official transcript of all previous college work.
5. Submit ACT or National League for Nursing (NLN) Preadmission Exam or Evolve Admission Assessment Exam score.
Admission is based upon a point system. The admissions point scale is designed to objectively evaluate applicants. Applicants with the highest total points will be admitted to the program.
Download the Selective Admission Points
Transfer Student
The practical nursing program does accept transfer requests from applicants desiring to transfer from another practical nursing program.
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