ACTC’s LPN program ranked No. 2 in Kentucky for 2026

Published on Jul 7, 2026

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is proud to announce that its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program has been ranked the No. 2 LPN program in Kentucky for 2026 by PracticalNursing.org.

PracticalNursing.org is a national resource for nursing education, licensure, and careers. They have published annual program rankings since 2014, recognizing institutions that demonstrate excellence in preparing future nurses.

This recognition highlights ACTC’s affordable, hands-on LPN program and its commitment to preparing future nurses for the healthcare workforce.

“Being recognized as one of the top practical nursing programs in the state reflects our commitment to excellence in nursing education and student success,” said Deena Howerton, ACTC nursing program administrator. “This distinction highlights the quality of our faculty, clinical training, and innovative pathways that prepare students not only for immediate career opportunities but also for continued academic advancement through seamless progression into RN programs. We are proud to equip our graduates with the knowledge, skills, and foundation for lifelong learning and leadership in healthcare.”

Dr. Sara Brown, associate dean of health science education at ACTC, also emphasized the collaborative effort behind the program’s success.

“Being recognized as a top Practical Nursing program in Kentucky is both an honor and a testament to the outstanding work of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Brown. “Our success is built on a shared commitment to excellence, compassion, and student-centered learning. We are grateful for the leadership and dedication of Melissa Green and Deena Howerton, whose support and vision help drive our program forward. Together with our exceptional nursing faculty, they have helped create an environment where students are empowered to succeed and graduate prepared to meet the healthcare needs of our community.” 

The full rankings are available to view at https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-programs/kentucky/#show. 

Learn more about ACTC’s LPN program at https://ashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/nursing-lpn.aspx