Certified Nursing Assistant in Kentucky

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$37,330

trending_down -5.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering

22,910

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$115

Licensing fees

schedule

4-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Kentucky

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), officially known as a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA), in Kentucky, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test, administered by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), which includes both a written and a skills portion. The Kentucky Board of Nursing oversees the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry and handles renewals, which are required every two years and necessitate proof of at least 8 hours of paid CNA work within the preceding 24 months. Kentucky offers reciprocity for CNAs actively certified in other states, requiring an online application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,630

25th percentile $34,380

50th (median) $37,330

75th percentile $42,760

90th (experienced) $46,340

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing body	Kentucky Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	75-hour state-approved training program
Exam	Kentucky Nurse Aide Test via KCTCS ($115)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 16. A background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. If not employed as a nurse aide, individuals have one year from training completion to pass the exam, otherwise, retraining is required. Nursing students may be approved to test as SRNAs without completing a separate program.

Source: Kentucky Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleKentucky license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Kentucky? expand_more

In Kentucky, becoming a certified nursing assistant requires you to complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), and pass the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test via KCTCS.

Does Kentucky require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a certified nursing assistant in Kentucky without a state license from Kentucky Board of Nursing. The required exam is the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test via KCTCS.

What do certified nursing assistants earn in Kentucky? expand_more

Kentucky certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $37,330. That's 6% below the national median of $39,530. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $29,630, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $46,340.

What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Kentucky? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($115). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Kentucky? expand_more

The typical timeline in Kentucky is 4-8 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.