Kentucky Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

If you’re a nurse in the Bluegrass State, knowing the ins and outs of the Kentucky nursing license renewal process is crucial to keeping your career moving forward. With a growing population of 4.6 million people and plenty of nursing job openings, Kentucky needs every nurse to stay licensed to provide high-quality care across hospitals, clinics, and rural communities. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable states to live in, offering a comfortable lifestyle with a lower cost of housing and everyday expenses compared with the national average.

The guide below breaks down the Kentucky Board of Nursing license renewal process step by step, so you can take full advantage of the opportunities the state has to offer.

Kentucky Nursing Facts

Building your future as a nurse in Kentucky? This guide covers the essentials. For an in-depth overview of state nursing regulations, check out our article on the Kentucky Nurse Practice Act.

Is Kentucky part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)? Yes.

How much do nurses in Kentucky earn?

• The average SRNA salary in Kentucky is $37,960 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Kentucky is $57,410 per year.
• The average RN salary in Kentucky is $83,900 per year.
• The average NP salary in Kentucky is $116,930 per year.

How can I contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing?

Website: https://kbn.ky.gov/
Phone number: 502 429-3300
Fax number: 502-429-3311
Email address: kbn.webmaster@ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing Address
312 Whittington Pkwy #300
Louisville, KY 40222

For help or guidance from the Kentucky Board of Nursing, you can contact the executive assistant.

Kentucky Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

If you already hold a Kentucky RN license, you can renew it by following these three simple steps. If renewal doesn’t apply to you, there are two other options:

• Apply for licensure by endorsement if you’re licensed in another state.
• Take the licensing exam if you’re a new nurse applying for your first license.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

LPNs, RNs, APRNs

In Kentucky, nursing licenses renew on a fixed annual schedule, which takes place between September 15 and October 31. During this period, you must complete your renewal through the Kentucky Board of Nursing or your license will lapse, and working with an expired license is a legal no-no.

There is no grace period after October 31 — if you miss the deadline, you’ll need to file for reinstatement, which involves submitting a separate application and paying a $135 fee.

SRNAs

State registered nurse aides (SRNAs) follow a different renewal timeline. Your SRNA certification is valid for two years, and the renewal window opens up 60 days before the expiration date.

Last but not least, you can always verify your credential’s expiration date by using the Kentucky nursing license lookup platform. Simply enter your name, choose your license type, and hit “Search.”

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

Your next step in the Kentucky nursing license renewal process is to ensure you meet all the necessary continuing education requirements. This way, you can keep up with all the latest advancements and maintain your competence and expertise.

LPNs and RNs

RNs and LPNs in Kentucky have a variety of options to meet their renewal requirements. You can choose the option that suits you best from the following list:

• Complete 14 hours of nursing education.
• Complete 7 hours of nursing education and receive a satisfactory employment evaluation signed by your supervisor.
• Earn or renew a certification related to your nursing role.
• Finish a post-licensure academic course relevant to nursing practice at an accredited institution.
• Serve as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee for a minimum of 120 hours.
• Publish an article in a peer-reviewed, health-related journal.
• Present a nursing continuing education program for nurses or other healthcare professionals.
• Complete a nursing research project as a principal investigator, co-investigator, or project director.

APRNs

Good news: Your APRN certification covers the 14 continuing education hours needed to renew your RN license. However, there are a few additional requirements to keep in mind:

• APRNs registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and enrolled in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP/KASPER) must complete at least 3 of the 5 required pharmacology contact hours in pain management or addiction disorders.
• APRNs authorized to issue medicinal cannabis must complete 3 additional continuing education hours on the topic annually.

One-time requirements for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs

In addition to annual continuing education hours, Kentucky requires all its licensed nurses to complete certain one‑time continuing education courses on specific topics. Once you complete these, you do not have to repeat them for future renewals:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Suicide prevention
• Pediatric abusive head trauma
• Domestic violence
• LPN infusion therapy

SRNAs

To renew your certification, you must provide the Kentucky CNA registry with a proof of a minimum of eight hours of employment as a SRNA performing nursing or nursing‑related duties within the 24‑month period before your renewal date. Acceptable proof can include a paycheck stub, a W‑2 form, or a signed letter from your employer on official letterhead.

If you provide care privately (not through an employer), you must submit a notarized private duty form with documented duties, dates, and payment details.

Tip: Searching for options to meet continuing education requirements? IntelyEdu provides a range of courses that are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Be sure to explore this resource.

Step 3: File Your Kentucky Board of Nursing Renewal Application

LPNs, RNs, and APRNs

First, go to the official website of the Kentucky nursing board. License renewal for nurses and SRNAs can be completed through the online portal. If you’re new, you can set up an account.

Once you log in, fill out all the required information, upload any necessary documents, and pay the renewal fee. After completing the payment, make sure to save a copy of your receipt for your records.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing license renewal fee schedule is as follows:

• KY RN license renewal: $65
• KY LPN license renewal: $65
• KY APRN license renewal: $55 for each designation

Great Areas in Kentucky for Nursing Jobs

No matter where you are in your nursing journey, Kentucky provides diverse opportunities in every specialty and setting. Here’s a look at available opportunities by license type:

• NP jobs in Kentucky
• RN jobs in Kentucky
• LPN jobs in Kentucky
• SRNA jobs in Kentucky

You can also look for opportunities in specific locations with sizable populations, such as:

• Covington
• Jeffersontown
• Lexington
• Louisville
• Owensboro

These Employers Are Hiring Nurses in Kentucky

If you prefer to search for jobs by employer, here are a number of Kentucky healthcare facilities looking to hire nursing professionals:

• Advantmed
• Appalachian Regional Healthcare
• Baptist Health
• CommonSpirit Health
• Commonwealth of Kentucky
• Frankfort Regional Medical Center
• Norton Healthcare
• Norton King’s Daughters’ Health
• Oak Street Health
• St. Elizabeth Healthcare
• T.J. Regional Health
• UK Healthcare
• UofL Health

Find Top Kentucky Nursing Jobs

With your Kentucky nursing license renewal successfully checked off, it’s time to swing open the doors to thrilling career opportunities. Explore the latest KY nursing opportunities across the state and get matched with ones that best align with your career goals.