The Nursing Professional Advancement (NPA) is an optional program that encourages the registered nurse to develop professionally at UK. A form of the clinical ladder, the NPA has 5 subspecialities where RN's demonstrate their skills: Clinical expertise, Specialty training/Credentialing/Education, Projects/Publications/Presentations, Committee involvement, and Evidenced-based practice.

Nurses may earn points for work they have completed in each area. The points are then catagorized into levels - bronze, silver and gold. These medal levels earn additional money paid on actual worktime and paid professional leave days to attend conferences or workshops. Nurses may apply once they've completed their orientation and have earned enough points to advance. The NPA system encourages nurses to become involved in other work-related activities and to share their expertise in their community as well.