What credentials are available for the nursing field?
KCTCS colleges offer several credentials including certificates, diplomas and 2-year associate degrees for the nursing/healthcare field. Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) and Medicaid Nurse Aid (MNA) are examples.
View available credentials and offering colleges
You may view the Program Finder and search 'Nursing' or view the Find Your Program pages to view available credentials and offering colleges.
What is the AAS in Nursing Degree?
The Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates to use their skill and knowledge to fulfill the role of the nurse and is supported by the works of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Competencies and Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN).
The NLN Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Programs in Nursing which serve as goals of nursing education for entry into nursing practice are: human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry.
QSEN competencies which were developed to prepare future nurses to have the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare are: patient centered care, safety, informatics, teamwork and collaboration, evidenced based practice, and quality improvement. These core components are introduced, developed and built upon through the curriculum.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum is organized around a clearly defined conceptual framework and combines general education and nursing courses. The nursing courses correlate classroom and clinical instruction in a variety of community agencies.
What are my career options?
Depending on the credential you choose to pursue. 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
How do I get accepted?
Most Certificate programs do not require admittance into the selective admission program. However, acceptance into the Associate Degree Nursing program is based on a selective admissions process and may require attending a pre-admission conference at you college. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must comply with college and program admission requirements listed on their website below.
Can I be a nurse if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
The Kentucky Board of Nursing may deny a nursing graduate admission to the NCLEX-RN Exam if an individual has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony which involves acts that bear directly on the qualifications of the graduate to practice nursing.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may be eligible to receive credit for prior learning. Please reach out to the ACTC program coordinator for additional information.
Summer Semester Availability
Typically nursing courses are not delivered during the summer. However, students may complete other degree requirements and pre-requisites as necessary. It is important to discuss these options with your academic advisor or program coordinator.
Need more information?
You may visit Ashland's Nursing or Nursing - Practical Nursing pages, depending on your interested program, for more information about each program and to obtain contact information for the program coordinators.
Note: There is no waitlist. Pre-requisites do not have to be complete to apply, but do have to be complete before the first day of the program (if accepted).
(Admissions > Program/Course Information)