Kansas’ Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. The Kansas Department of Labor’s 2022 Occupational Outlook Report showed that by 2026, Kansas will need an additional 18,000 registered nurses (RNs). Currently, some rural Kansas hospitals face nursing shortages that could result in hospital closures. With the increased demand for nurses in Kansas, plenty of nursing opportunities will exist.
Residents and visitors in Kansas can enjoy all four seasons. The summers are hot, but not too hot. Spring brings flowers, and fall is filled with colors. Winters are cold, but Kansas only averages about one to two feet of snow per year.
Kansas is one of four states that straddle both sides of the Mississippi. It is home to several other major rivers, including the Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas Rivers, and the Great Plains slope east from the Rocky Mountains through Kansas. This beautiful state is known for its diverse landscape with plenty of natural wonders throughout, like lakes, streams, and hills that draw in tourism. It is more rural than other states, being the 15th largest state but only the 34th most populated.
The cost of living in Kansas is 14% lower than the national average. The average price of a house in Kansas is 45% lower, the cost of food is about 8% lower, and other essentials are about 10% lower. This means that your dollar will stretch further in Kansas. The low cost of living and the increased need for nurses in Kansas makes it a desirable place to live and work.
The Best Nursing Schools in Kansas
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Kansas to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Kansas based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Kansas Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Kansas ADN Nursing Program
Johnson County Community College (JCCC)
Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN bridge program or an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program. Students will have hands-on learning opportunities in the classroom, during clinical rotations, and in the Healthcare Simulation Center located on the main campus, which features four full-size acute care rooms and a surgical room stocked with the same types of equipment and supplies students see in the hospitals. JCCC has an excellent reputation for its Healthcare Simulation Center, small class sizes, and low student-to-instructor ratios in the clinical setting.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,688
Out-of-State: $5,352
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,688 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,352 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
94.29% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
65% |
| Job Placement 2019-2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
16,497 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Kansas ADN Nursing Program
Labette Community College
Labette Community College in Parsons, Kansas, offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. This program is designed for career mobility for the LPN to transition to the role of the RN. The program can be completed in four semesters.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,488
Out-of-State: $4,288
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,488 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4,288 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
91.67% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
41.7% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,398 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Kansas ADN Nursing Program
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, offers an LPN to RN online bridge program, an LPN to RN traditional bridge program, a paramedic to RN online bridge program, an LPN program, a part-time LPN program, an RN traditional program, and a BSN transfer program. After completing one of the nursing programs, students will earn their AAS degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Their traditional RN program is an intensive two-year program that combines theory and clinical practice.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,540
Out-of-State: $4.470
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,540 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4.470 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.83% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
80% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
5,114 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
46% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Kansas BSN Nursing Program
Bethel College
Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, offers a premier BSN program that achieved a 100% pass rate in 2022. Students learn how to be nurses using faith-based practice and a patient-centered curriculum. Students have opportunities to serve locally and overseas and are given hands-on learning opportunities in the classroom, through clinical rotations, and through on-site simulation training.
Average Tuition
In-State: $31,164
Out-of-State: $31,164
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$31,164 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$31,164 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
70.6% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
495 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
1% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Kansas BSN Nursing Program
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, offers a BSN program incorporating the latest technology in a feedback-driven, student-focused environment. Students will have the advantage of being in small class sizes, where they get to network with other professionals in the nursing field.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,430
Out-of-State: $15,870
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,430 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,870 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.33% |
| Admission Rate |
90.3% |
| Retention Rate |
73% |
| Students Enrolled |
12,951 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
61.6% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Kansas BSN Nursing Program
Benedictine College
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, offers a BSN program that provides an evidence-based education with direct and indirect clinical experiences. Students learn to deliver person-centered, ethical, holistic, compassionate, safe, and effective nursing care.
Average Tuition
In-State: $32,630
Out-of-State: $32,630
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$32,630 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$32,630 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.10% |
| Admission Rate |
98.5% |
| Retention Rate |
84% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,287 |
| Institution Type |
Private Catholic Liberal Arts College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
3.7% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Kansas
When choosing a nursing program in Kansas, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are considering continuing education, some schools may transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN. Some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 20 ADN/AASN programs and 15 BSN programs in Kansas are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Kansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Kansas predicts it will need an additional 18,000 RNs by 2026.
According to the America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report, Kansas’s health strengths include the following:
- Low prevalence of frequent physical distress
- A lower percentage of low-birth-weight infants
- Low Black/white residential segregation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $71,990. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living and housing is also lower than the national average, making Kansas a more affordable state to live in.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Kansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Kansas is $71,990, and it employs 30,520 nurses. Kansas also employs 3,070 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $111,670.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Cities in Kansas for RNs |
| Topeka, KS |
$73,700 |
| Wichita, KS |
$68,800 |
| Lawrence, KS |
$68,520 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Kansas
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Kansas Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Kansas, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Kansas:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Kansas, you will need to renew it every two years. Before license renewal, Kansas RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Kansas:
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Kansas, you will need to renew it every two years. Before license renewal, Kansas RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license every two years and complete 30 hours of continuing education before renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Kansas
Is Kansas a good place for nurses to work?
Kansas is a great place to work as a nurse. The state needs 18,000 more nurses by 2026, which means that nurses will have ample job opportunities.
Is Kansas a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Kansas is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact nursing license for Kansas, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Kansas?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years and complete 30 hours of continuing education before renewal.
How much does a Kansas RN license cost?
Application for a multi-state Kansas RN license is $125, and a single-state RN license is $100. RN license renewal is $85.
