Overview of Nursing Schools in Kansas
- There are 38 nursing schools in Kansas. The CCNE accredits 15 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 20 schools in Kansas.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Kansas is between 58.18% and 92.72%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Kansas is between 65.63% and 94.94%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Kansas can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Kansas
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Kansas
Kansas is always in need of nurses who are dedicated to helping patients, families, and other members in their families. Although there are currently approximately 856 registered nurses in Kentucky who have obtained their BSN degree, there is still a need for more within the state. With medical technology constantly evolving, nurses are seeking out higher education more than ever to meet the high demands of their industry. The Kansas Action Coalition has developed an Education Strategic Map. This map outlines the increase in enrollment for RN to BSN programs within the state of Kansas.
In our Kansas RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Kansas RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Kansas, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Kansas RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 21 | 19 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 80.85% | 84.64% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 58.18% to 92.72% | 65.63% to 94.94% |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Kansas
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Kansas and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 20 ADN degree programs and 16 BSN degree programs in Kansas. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Kansas to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Kansas
Baker University
Pass Rate
- 615 Dearborn Street, Baldwin City, KS - 66006-0065
- (785) 594-6451
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.59%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 76
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,871
Percent Admitted: 93%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 62%
University of Saint Mary
Pass Rate
- 4100 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS - 66048-5082
- (913) 682-5151
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 73
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,550
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,791
Percent Admitted: 60%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Pittsburg State University
Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS - 66762
- (620) 231-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.22%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 277
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,744
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,608
Percent Admitted: 91%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 44%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Benedictine College
Pass Rate
- 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS - 66002-1499
- (913) 367-5340
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.78%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 115
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $19,858
Percent Admitted: 97%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Emporia State University
Pass Rate
- 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS - 66801-5415
- (620) 341-1200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 237
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,001
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,411
Percent Admitted: 86%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 43%
Graduation Rate: 46%
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Pass Rate
- 2030 E College Way, Olathe, KS - 66062-1899
- (913) 782-3750
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.34%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 69
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,514
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,319
Percent Admitted: 64%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Kansas Wesleyan University
Pass Rate
- 100 E. Claflin Ave., Salina, KS - 67401-6146
- (785) 827-5541
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 47
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $19,062
Percent Admitted: 62%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Kansas
Labette Community College
Pass Rate
- 200 S 14th, Parsons, KS - 67357-4201
- (620) 421-6700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 34
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,488
Book and Supplies: $1,050
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,120
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
Manhattan Area Technical College
Pass Rate
- 3136 Dickens Ave, Manhattan, KS - 66503-2499
- (785) 587-2800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 23
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,800
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 83%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,548
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 41%
Johnson County Community College
Pass Rate
- 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS - 66210-1299
- (913) 469-8500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 345
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,256
Book and Supplies: $5,352
Percent Received Aid: 66%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,808
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Coffeyville Community College
Pass Rate
- 400 W 11th St, Coffeyville, KS - 67337-5064
- (620) 251-7700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 46
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,040
Book and Supplies: $1,100
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,735
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 41%
Dodge City Community College
Pass Rate
- 2501 N 14th Ave, Dodge City, KS - 67801-2399
- (620) 225-1321
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 40
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,330
Book and Supplies: $4,830
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,991
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 33%
Barton County Community College
Pass Rate
- 245 NE 30th Road, Great Bend, KS - 67530
- (620) 792-2701
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 55
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,552
Book and Supplies: $4,544
Percent Received Aid: 86%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,567
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 39%
Additional Listings of the Kansas Nursing Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Kansas Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
87.50 | North Central Kansas Technical College-Hays | 9 | ADN |
85.60 | Hutchinson Community College | 10 | ADN |
83.20 | Garden City Community College | 11 | ADN |
82.60 | Fort Scott Community College | 13 | ADN |
80.80 | Kansas City Kansas Community College | 14 | ADN |
80.60 | Highland Comm College Technical Center | 15 | ADN |
77.90 | Colby Community College | 16 | ADN |
75.20 | Neosho County Community College | 17 | ADN |
66.70 | Seward County Community College | 18 | ADN |
45.20 | Pratt Community College | 19 | ADN |
87.24 | Bethel College-North Newton | 11 | BSN |
85.09 | Fort Hays State University | 12 | BSN |
83.74 | Newman University | 13 | BSN |
82.04 | Hesston College | 14 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Kansas
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Kansas
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Kansas offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Kansas Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Kansas RN Licensing Requirements
Kansas has strict guidelines that registered nurses must follow in order to obtain licensure. Nurses can be granted licensure by exam, by endorsement, and in some cases, by completing an education program in a foreign country. All three ways require the following:
- Official transcripts sent to the Board
- Background check (takes about a month to process). It is important that candidates get the correct card from Kansas and include the $50 fee for fingerprinting
RN Licensure by Exam
When candidates have been authorized to participate in the NCLEX-RN exam, he/she can then register. There is a $200 fee that must be paid to Pearson VUE in order to register for the NCLEX exam.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
RNs who are licensed in one of the other 50 states are able to obtain licensure by endorsement. There is a $75 fee that must be paid in order to process the application. Candidates are required to provide verification of licensure. Nurses with clean legal and disciplinary histories may be given a temporary permit so they can work while going through the licensing process. Candidates who did not complete the clinical component may be eligible for licensure if they have worked at least 1,000 hours as registered nurses.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases, nurses from countries outside of the United States may be award licensure after taking the NCLEX exam after they have their qualifications evaluated through CGFNS.
RN Salaries in Kansas
It was reported that, by 2020, the number of registered nurses in Kansas could fall by 2020. Now is a better time than ever for nurses to pursue higher education. Many experienced nurses are reaching retirement and adding more to the nursing shortage. Nurses, who have obtained their Bachelor’s degree, will have the opportunity to take positions in administration, management, and other leadership positions. Some management jobs available include nursing homes, Hospice, public health, physician’s offices and occupational health nurses.
Kansas Registered Nursing Salaries
There are more registered nurses by a small gap in non-metropolitan areas than there are in the metropolitan areas of Kansas. Nurses in Topeka earn the highest annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.