[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for nurses is high in Kansas. As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, nurses licensed in Kansas can apply for a multistate license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide helps you identify the best nursing program for you, describes typical salaries, and explains how to earn a Kansas nursing license. Keep reading to learn more about nursing schools in Kansas and how to find the right one for your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are more than 40 nursing programs in Kansas that offer either an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list identifies the top accredited nursing schools to help you find the right program for your background and career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Kansas, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] 
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
Flint Hills Technical College
- Emporia, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Flint Hills Technical College tops our list of nursing schools in Kansas. FHTC's practical nursing program awards a technical certificate and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-PN and become licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
The program includes classroom, clinical, and laboratory components that prepare students for entry-level LPN positions.
- Program(s): Practical nursing certificate
- Campus: Emporia, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $11,824 per program
- Admission Requirements: Two professional references; high school or GED and college transcripts; college-level anatomy and physiology; TEAS test scores; certified nurse aide active status
- Minimum Time Commitment: 11 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% first-time pass rate
38%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
76%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,222
- Institution Type
- Public
#2
Emporia State University
- Emporia, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Emporia State University offers an on-campus bachelor of science in nursing with entry options for practical and registered nurses, along with an online master's program with tracks in healthcare education, healthcare management and education, and healthcare management.
ESU's experiential learning resources include a simulation center, skills lab, nursing library, and on-campus or local clinical sites.
- Program(s): BSN; MSN
- Campus: Emporia, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: Undergraduate: $3,467-$4786 per semester in-state and neighboring states, $7,425 all other states; MSN $400 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: graduation from an accredited high school; 2.25 GPA or test scores (21 for ACT or 1060 for SAT)
- MSN: BSN; RN license; 3.0 cumulative GPA or 2.5 GPA in last 60 hours of study
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,941 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
66%
Online Enrollment
$ 6,547
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
78%
Retention Rate
$20,365
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,828
- Institution Type
- Public
#3
Coffeyville Community College
- Coffeyville, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
First-year Coffeyville Community College students earn their licensed practical nurse (LPN) certification and take the NCLEX-PN. During years two and three, learners can pursue a registered nurse (RN) associate degree.
CCC maintains agreements with four-year nursing programs in Kansas for graduates who want to complete their bachelor of science in nursing degree.
- Program(s): LPN certificate; ADN
- Campus: Coffeyville, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $150-$167 per credit hour in-state and contiguous counties; $251 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: Certified nurses aide credential for LPN program entry; LPN license or Kansas paramedic license for RN program entry
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months for both LPN and RN
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $44,170 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
34%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
52%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,368
- Institution Type
- Public
#4
Newman University
- Wichita, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Newman University awards a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and, for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), an LPN-to-BSN bridge track. NU prepares undergraduates to take the NCLEX-RN through coursework and arranged clinical experiences.
Graduate students can earn a doctorate in nurse anesthesia and complete their clinical rotations at hospitals in Wichita and Oklahoma City.
- Program(s): BSN; LPN-to-BSN: doctor of nurse anesthesia program
- Campus: Wichita, Kansas
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Tuition: $1,080 per credit hour for undergraduate students.
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: prerequisite college coursework; 2.85 GPA; CPR certification (LPN license for LPN-to-BSN)
- DNAP: BSN; 3.0 GPA; prerequisite statistics; RN license and certifications; GRE scores; 1-2 years of critical care experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,287 for bachelor's graduates and $160,605 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
42%
Online Enrollment
$7,920
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
72%
Retention Rate
$7,920
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,053
- Institution Type
- Private
#5
Seward County Community College
- Liberal, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Seward County Community College offers a 10-month practical nursing program, followed by a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students can complete one or both programs.
ADN applicants must be graduates of a practical nursing program.
SCCC enrollees who earn their practical nursing certificate need not reapply for the ADN portion, but they must submit a letter of intent.
- Program(s): Practical nursing certificate; associate in applied science degree in nursing (ADN)
- Campus: Liberal, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); ADN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $71 per credit hour in-county; $72 in-state; $94 border state; $109 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: Three references; college transcripts; ACT scores or beginning algebra coursework; TEAs exam scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 10 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 74.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,107 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
23%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
56%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,580
- Institution Type
- Public
#6
Garden City Community College
- Garden City, KS
- 2 year
- Campus
- Accredited
The Garden City Community College nursing department awards a practical nursing certificate and an associate degree in nursing completion track for graduates of a practical nursing program.
GCCC prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or the NCLEX-RN to earn their registered nurse (RN) license.
- Program(s): Practical nursing certificate; ADN (LPN-to-RN)
- Campus: Garden City, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); ADN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $61 per credit hour in-county; $63 per credit hour in-state; $77 per credit hour border state; $82 per credit hour out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: Placement testing; high school diploma or GED certificate; college transcript; prerequisites; 2.5 GPA; nurse aide certification for practical nursing, LPN license for ADN
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 74.2% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,270 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
67%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
63%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,868
- Institution Type
- Public
#7
Baker University
- Baldwin City, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Baker University offers bachelor's and master's nursing degrees, including a bridge program for associate degree in nursing (ADN)-holders to earn their master of science in nursing (MSN).
Baker's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) combines classroom learning with clinical immersions. MSN students learn online and can pursue post-master's nursing administration or nursing education certificates.
- Program(s): MSN; ADN-to-MSN; BSN
- Campus: Baldwin City, Kansas
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: BSN: $10,659 per semester full-time, $686 per credit hour part-time; MSN $480 per credit hour; ADN-to-MSN $100 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: high school diploma; 2.7 GPA; prerequisite coursework
- MSN: BSN (ADN for bridge program); RN license; 3.0 GPA; prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes (BSN)
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,168 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
48%
Online Enrollment
$11,124
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
79%
Retention Rate
$11,124
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,279
- Institution Type
- Private
#8
Pittsburg State University
- Pittsburg, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Pittsburg State University offers several tracks to a nursing degree, including a traditional bachelor's degree and a bridge program for registered nurses (RN), a master's with an education emphasis, and bachelor's- or master's-to-doctorate bridge tracks with an optional education emphasis.
PSU offers RN bridge, MSN, and DNP courses fully or partially online.
- Program(s): BSN; RN-to-BSN; MSN; BSN-to-DNP; MSN-to-DNP
- Campus: Pittsburg, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: Undergraduate: $3,872 per semester in-state, $9,544 out-of-state; DNP $521 per credit hour; online: $282 per credit hour undergraduate, $371 graduate
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: TEAS exam scores; prerequisite coursework; three references; 3.0 GPA; ACT or SAT scores; nurse aide and CPR certification (RN license for RN-to-BSN)
- MSN/DNP: nursing degree; 3.0-3.5 GPA; three references; prerequisites; RN/APRN license and employment
- MSN: writing sample
- DNP: proctored writing sample and admission testing
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,586 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
54%
Online Enrollment
$ 6,820
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
74%
Retention Rate
$17,652
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,398
- Institution Type
- Public
#9
Hutchinson Community College
- Hutchinson, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Nursing students at Hutchinson Community College can earn a certificate in licensed practical nursing (LPN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with tracks in pre-licensure registered nursing (RN), LPN-to-RN online or on-campus, and a paramedic-to-RN online program.
HutchCC maintains relationships with bachelor's in nursing programs in Kansas for graduates who want to continue their studies.
- Program(s): LPN certificate; ADN (LPN-to-RN and paramedic-to-RN)
- Campus: Hutchinson, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $118 per credit hour in-state; $149 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements:
- LPN: transcripts; prerequisites; placement test results; nursing assistant certification and two years of experience
- ADN: Kaplan admission exam; prerequisites with a "C" or higher; CPR certification; high school transcripts; 2.0 GPA
- LPN-to-RN: graduate of practical nursing program; LPN license; IV therapy certification; graduation within three years or 1,000 LPN work hours
- Paramedic-to-LPN: graduation from allied health program; paramedic certification; graduation within three years or 1,000 paramedic work hours
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,260 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
45%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
66%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 4,907
- Institution Type
- Public
#10
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Kansas and KU Medical Center train nurses at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels and offer an online bridge program for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's (RN-to-BSN).
KU also partners with community college nursing schools in Kansas to offer associate and bachelor's nursing programs on campus at community colleges and online through KU.
- Program(s): BSN; RN-to-BSN; MSN; doctor of nursing practice; Ph.D.
- Campus: Lawrence, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: BSN: $342 per credit hour in-state and online, $891 out-of-state; Graduate: $421 in-state and online, $990 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: College transcripts; prerequisites with a 2.5 GPA; three reference letters; resume; RN license for RN-to-BSN admission
- MSN: BSN; 3.0 GPA; RN license and preferred one year of clinical work; graduate-level statistics
- DNP: BSN or MSN; college transcripts; goals and interests statement; three references; RN license and specialty certification or one year of clinical experience (depending on track); graduate-level statistics
- Ph.D.: BSN, MSN, or DNP; RN license; 3.25-3.5 GPA preferred; graduate-level statistics and analysis of variance courses
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.7% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,350 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
90%
Online Enrollment
$ 9,989
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
86%
Retention Rate
$23,951
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,744
- Institution Type
- Public
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]To become an RN[/hen-ui-link] in Kansas, you must earn [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]an ADN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link]. If you graduate from a nursing school in Kansas, you are eligible for a license by examination. A single-state license costs $100, and a multistate license costs $125. You must also pay the $200 NCLEX-RN fee and pass a criminal background check ($48 fee).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs need at least 30 hours of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education for nurses[/hen-ui-link] in the past two years to renew their license.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN license[/hen-ui-link] requires [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]an MSN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) degree, a current and unencumbered RN license, and a background check. The background check fee is $48, and the licensing fee is $50.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must also have the appropriate board certification and fee payment. Kansas has a reduced-practice authority for NPs, who must practice in partnership with a physician. To renew your license, you need 30 hours of continuing education during the past two years.[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Kansas RN to BSN Programs + Online Bridge Options” href=”/state/kansas/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN to MSN Programs in Kansas” href=”/state/kansas/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Kansas?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn an ADN or four years to earn a BSN. While the ADN is faster, the BSN is the more valuable degree if you want a senior role or to earn an MSN. Processing time for a license varies based on volume, but it is generally awarded in 6-8 weeks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the attrition rate for BSN programs in Kansas?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2019, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ksbn.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/KS-Annual-Report-2021.pdf” target=”_blank”]attrition rate[/hen-ui-link] for BSN nursing programs in Kansas was 12%. The attrition rate for ADNs was 19%. If you find yourself struggling academically, talk to your academic advisor as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to catch up.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long is a Kansas nursing license good for?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Kansas nursing license is valid for two years. It expires on the last day of the month you were born, either odd or even years. You must complete your continuing education before applying for renewal. You can only renew an active license, though you can apply to reinstate a lapsed license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]