CRNA Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to 4 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, spread across Louisville, Murray, Highland Heights. These programs award the DNP doctoral degree, with total costs in our directory ranging from $76K to $76K. 4 of the 4 programs carry confirmed COA accreditation review dates (shown on each card below).
Nationally, CRNAs earn an average of about $248,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for nurse anesthetists over the coming decade. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), the recognized accrediting body for nurse anesthesia education. For the full national picture, see how to become a CRNA and our salary-by-state guide.
Accredited Kentucky CRNA Programs
Cost and acceptance figures are estimates for comparison; accreditation review dates are sourced from the COA list current as of March 6, 2026. Always verify current details with each program.
CRNA Salary in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), nurse anesthetists in Kentucky earn an average of $229,690 per year — about $18,630 below the national average of $248,320. That places Kentucky 32nd of the 44 states and territories for which BLS publishes a separate nurse-anesthetist wage. BLS estimates roughly 1,640 nurse anesthetists are employed across Kentucky.
That figure is a statewide mean across all experience levels and practice settings; new graduates typically start lower and earn more as they take call, move into higher-acuity settings, or specialize. Compare every state side by side in our CRNA salary by state guide.
Becoming a CRNA in Kentucky: Licensure & Practice
To practice in Kentucky, you'll hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license granted through the Kentucky Board of Nursing. After you graduate from one of the COA-accredited programs above and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), you apply to the board for authorization in the nurse anesthetist role and renew on the state's cycle.
Kentucky is one of the 25 states that have opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement for nurse anesthetists. In practice, a CRNA in Kentucky can administer anesthesia without mandatory physician supervision for Medicare billing — though hospital bylaws, facility credentialing, and your employer's care model still shape day-to-day practice. Note that opting out of the federal rule is not the same as statutory "full practice authority." Always confirm current scope and licensure steps directly with the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
New to the field? Start with how to become a CRNA and our breakdown of CRNA vs. anesthesiologist roles.
How to Choose a CRNA Program in Kentucky
With 4 accredited programs to weigh in Kentucky, ranging from University of Louisville's listed $76,000 upward, cost and acceptance rate are the easy comparisons — but the factors that most affect your success take a little more digging. Weigh each program on:
- Accreditation status — every program here is COA-accredited; check the next review date shown on each card.
- NCE board pass rate — ask each program for its first-time National Certification Exam pass rate.
- Attrition rate — what share of admitted students complete the program (the national average is low, around 4%).
- Total cost vs. cost of living — a lower sticker price in an expensive city may cost more overall.
- Clinical sites — case variety and volume shape the quality of your training.
- Acceptance rate — build a balanced list of reach and realistic programs.
Use our side-by-side comparison tool to line up Kentucky programs against each other, and the GPA calculator to gauge your competitiveness.
Getting Into a Kentucky CRNA Program
Admission requirements are consistent nationwide: a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ to be competitive), and at least one year of critical-care (ICU) experience. Most programs also expect the CCRN and three professional letters of recommendation, and about half require the GRE.
Before applying, you'll need an active Kentucky RN license — contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing for current licensure steps and timelines. Then work backward from each program's deadline using our resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky has 4 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, located in Louisville, Murray, Highland Heights. All are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Total program costs in Kentucky range from about $76K to $76K based on our directory data. The most affordable listed option is University of Louisville at $76,000. Confirm current tuition directly with each program.
Kentucky programs award the DNP degree. Both the DNP and DNAP qualify graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and are treated interchangeably by employers.
Like all U.S. programs, Kentucky schools require a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ competitive), and at least one year of ICU experience. Most also expect the CCRN and strong letters of recommendation. See our full CRNA school requirements guide for details.
Nurse anesthetists in Kentucky earn an average of $229,690 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025); the national average is $248,320. Pay rises with experience, call burden, and practice setting.
Kentucky has opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs can practice without mandatory physician supervision for Medicare billing. Facility bylaws and employer policies still apply, and opt-out is distinct from statutory full practice authority.
CRNA Programs in Other States
Explore nurse anesthesia programs in other major markets: