Kansas Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“Nursing programs are rigorous to give the student the best preparation to pass the national licensure examination on the first attempt, so they may start their nursing practice.”
Tanya Smith, PhD, Assistant Chair and BSN Program Coordinator, Fort Hays State University
Kansas, a state recognized as part of both the Midwest and High Plains, faces challenges to its healthcare system that are common elsewhere in the United States. Particular challenges the Kansas healthcare workforce is currently experiencing include a shortage of healthcare professionals, issues with sufficient healthcare insurance, the closure of hospitals, and an aging demographic. Nurses rank prominently among the variety of healthcare professionals struggling to meet the needs of Kansas residents.
The Kansas Nursing Workforce Center released its first “State of Nursing in Kansas” report in 2024. Noteworthy among the report’s contents is the finding that more than 70 percent of registered nurses in the state were unemployed due to personal caregiving commitments. While it is common for nursing professionals to have caregiving commitments outside of work, the sheer scale and impact of this particular issue on the nursing workforce in Kansas are noteworthy.
Also of concern is the fact that such a large percentage of nurses have been unemployed for this reason for at least the last decade. When compared against the national average, Kansas nurses also had higher rates of non-participation in the workforce due to inadequate salaries and the Covid-19 pandemic. The state is predicted to continue experiencing a nursing workforce shortage in the coming years due to factors including the workforce currently being overburdened as well as retirements that contribute to attrition.
Despite its many challenges, Kansas is taking steps to address its healthcare workforce difficulties. In 200,6 the Kansas Board of Regents created the Kansas Nursing Initiative. This initiative was created to address the state’s nursing workforce shortage. This initiative created a competitive grant process for generating funds for Kansas postsecondary institutions with nursing programs.
Today, nearly two decades later, the grant funding generated through this initiative helps to improve nursing program quality throughout the state. Additional examples of efforts to improve the nursing workforce include profession-specific funding such as the Kansas Nursing Scholarship, the Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant, and the Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant. These efforts and many others can be necessary elements of a successful strategy to improve the size, effectiveness and resilience of the Kansas nursing workforce.
Read on to discover Kansas’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Meet the Expert: Tanya Smith, PhD
Dr. Tanya Smith has been a registered nurse for nearly three decades. She graduated from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) with her BSN and MSN in nursing administration. She received a PhD in nursing education from the University of Kansas in 2019.
Dr. Smith’s experiences in the hospital setting include perioperative nursing and nursing management. She currently teaches nursing education at the BSN and Graduate levels at FHSU. She also serves as the assistant chair and the BSN program coordinator within the Department of Nursing at Fort Hays State University. She is actively involved in program development and student success.
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish the public understood about nursing programs in Kansas?
Dr. Smith: The biggest misconception about nursing programs in general is that the public may not understand that becoming a nurse is not just completing a degree but also passing the national licensure exam. One cannot practice nursing without a license.
It is also important for the public to know that nursing programs are time-consuming and rigorous. Nursing programs in Kansas have entrance requirements and dismissal policies for failed courses. These rules exist to ensure that graduates are ready to take and pass the national licensure exam so they may practice as registered nurses.
Nursing programs also teach and assess content differently than general education courses. Students are expected to put in the time for reading, studying, and clinical activities. Many times, this equates to a full-time job. Students need to be prepared to dedicate the necessary time to achieve success.
Overall, nursing programs are rigorous to give the student the best preparation to pass the national licensure examination on the first attempt, so they may start their nursing practice.
NursingColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nursing students in Kansas?
Dr. Smith: At Fort Hays State University, we have two pathways that utilize online education. The RN-to-BSN pathway is for registered nurses who completed their initial nursing education at a community college or technical school. The RN-to-BSN pathway is completely online and self-paced. This pathway is ideal for nurses who want to pursue their BSN but still work full-time.
The newest pathway we offer at Fort Hays State University is the hybrid pre-licensure pathway. The hybrid pathway utilized our traditional on-campus curriculum, but the theory courses are online instead of on campus. The clinical courses are in-person, but with bundled times to maximize time efficiency for the students. This pathway is ideal for students who desire a nursing degree but are unable to commit to a full-time, in-person program. The hybrid pathway still maintains rigor and expectations of the on-campus pathway, so a student who has previous success in online learning and healthcare experience would be ideal for this type of learning.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Kansas
Wichita State University (WSU) offers a wealth of options for students seeking an undergraduate nursing degree. Degree program options include the traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN degree, the Guaranteed Placement Program (GPP) for high school seniors, an RN-BSN completion program, and the WSU Pathway to Nursing Program at K-State.
The traditional BSN program prepares its students for entry-level professional nursing positions. Program graduates are skilled in patient care, coordination and design of patient care, patient advocacy, and care of diverse patient populations. The program provides students with hands-on training through laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences. Students complete a capstone course in which they complete a five-week clinical rotation in a clinical setting.
The accelerated program is similar to the traditional program but offers students the chance to complete training in as little as 13 months. The GPP program offers guaranteed admission to high school seniors on a first-come, first-served basis. High school graduates not entering via GPP must apply through the competitive application process and wait until their sophomore year for a nursing program admission decision.
The online RN-BSN program targets working nurses who already have an RN. Students of this program may receive up to 30 credit hours for life experience and may finish in as little as three semesters.
Finally, the Pathway to Nursing Program is a dual degree program in which students earn a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University as well as a BSN from WSU. This program can help its graduates quickly advance in their careers. Though the program is a collaboration of two state universities, students complete all coursework on the KSU campus in Manhattan, KS.
Though admission criteria do vary somewhat by program all nursing program students must be admitted to WSU as a degree bound, active, undergraduate student, meet application deadlines, meet minimum academic performance requirements (as measured by GPA), and have completed a number of required science courses with grades such that these courses can be applied towards prerequisite coursework requirements.
- Location: Wichita, KS
- Duration: Thirteen months to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers academic programs within a feedback-driven, student-centered learning environment. The Fort Hays State University Department of Nursing offers three options to students seeking a bachelor of science degree in nursing. These programs are the on-campus pre-licensure program, a hybrid pre-licensure program, and an online RN-BSN program. FHSU nursing programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
The on-campus and hybrid pre-licensure BSN programs meet Kansas state curriculum requirements. Individuals planning to seek licensure outside of Kansas after graduation should contact the nursing board of the state where they intend to practice to ensure they will meet all licensure requirements. Students are allowed to begin the on-campus pre-licensure program once they have completed all prerequisites.
FHSU’s recently launched hybrid program option seeks to make nursing education accessible to students who find it difficult to attend an in-person program multiple days per week. Students who apply to the hybrid program should have had success in virtual learning. Students complete theory courses online and must be on-site three to four days per month for skills validation. Though clinical placements must be in Kansas, students may reside outside the state. Both on-campus and hybrid programs prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.
The RN-BSN program offers RNs a flexible, fully online option to complete a BSN in as little as three semesters. Applicants must first be accepted to FHSU before admission to the RN-BSN program can be offered. FHSU does not accept applications to this nursing program option from the states of Tennessee, Alabama, and Washington. Admission requirements include possession of an unencumbered active RN license issued in the United States and academic performance requirements. International students are not eligible for this program. However, students with a current RN license who studied outside the United States may be admitted, provided they obtain the required transcript evaluations.
- Location: Hays, KS
- Duration: Sixteen months (three semesters) to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center School of Nursing is a designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. The KU School of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. Students must first complete 58 semester credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.75 to be eligible for admission to the School of Nursing. This prerequisite coursework consists of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and elective coursework.
The professional nursing segment of this degree program is composed of 62 semester credits, which may be completed in two academic years of full-time study.
The program features a concept-based curriculum in which all conceptual material is organized within five domains of learning. These domains are nursing across the lifespan, population health, evidence-based practice/quality improvement, leadership, and professional identity/communication.
The curriculum includes a total of 678 hours of clinical and laboratory experiences. These courses are offered on the KU Medical Center campus. Students may also participate in international clinical learning experiences focused on global healthcare systems. To learn more, applicants should contact the KU Office of International Programs.
Admission to the BSN program is competitive. Applicants are evaluated according to a number of factors, including college scholastic achievement, demonstrated interest in nursing, volunteer experience and extracurricular activities, leadership, and references. The KU Student Admission and Progression Committee prizes applicants who offer academic, non-academic and socioeconomic diversity as well as the capacity for independent scholarship.
- Location: Kansas City, KS
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Bethel College holds the distinction of being the only nursing program in Kansas whose BSN graduates had a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam in 2022 and 2023. The Bethel College BSN program is guided by its philosophy of nursing as both an art and a science. The BSN program features a patient-centered curriculum that emphasizes faith-based practice, service, research, and leadership development.
Students develop skills through both learning nursing theory as well as experiential learning. The curriculum provides students with the foundational education and experience necessary to work in various clinical settings as well as pursue advanced nursing degrees. In particular, BSN graduates are trained in direct and indirect patient care, care coordination, and patient advocacy.
The BSN program application process is both competitive and holistic. Bethel College accepts 46 students each autumn for their two years of nursing study. High school students with high-quality academic performance records are eligible to apply for early acceptance. Early acceptance guarantees applicants a spot after completion of the prerequisite coursework. Application criteria can be found on the Bethel College website.
- Location: North Newton, KS
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Kansas
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers a master of science in nursing degree in two specializations: nursing administration and nursing education. Students of both programs first complete core coursework composed of course topics such as advanced foundations for nursing practice, informatics in healthcare systems, health disparities, research in nursing, and more. Students then complete specialization courses unique to their chosen track as well as a preceptor-led clinical practicum. FHSU collaborates with students to create clinical placements both within Kansas and throughout the United States.
Upon graduation, students are expected to have achieved a number of learning outcomes. In particular, program graduates are skilled in applying nursing theory to evaluate healthcare delivery systems and improve healthcare outcomes, enhancing evidence-based nursing practice, working on interdisciplinary teams, utilizing healthcare informatics technologies, and developing and implementing safety and quality initiatives.
Applicants must have a BSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and hold a current unencumbered RN license. They must submit an application, two letters of reference, a personal statement and the MSN clinical acknowledgement form. As is true of the FHSU undergraduate nursing program previously profiled, the MSN program also does not accept applications from individuals living in Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah. Nurses who completed their education outside the United States are welcome to apply. In such instances, they must have their transcripts evaluated by the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
- Location: Hays, KS
- Duration: Contact the nursing department for details
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
MidAmerica Nazarene University
The MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) School of Nursing offers an online 40-credit-hour master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program. This program is designed for licensed registered nurses with BSN degrees and may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Critical elements of the program include instructors who are subject matter experts, academic partnerships with regional hospitals, hands-on learning, and career preparation resources.
MSN students choose one of two areas of specialization. These are healthcare administration and quality, and nursing education. Students complete both direct care core and functional content area courses. Students of the healthcare administration and quality specialization must complete a total of 36 credits.
The healthcare administration and quality specialization prepares nurses to be leaders in the evaluation of care delivery/quality systems, the implementation of evidence-based quality initiatives, the management of human and fiscal resources, and much more. Students specializing in nursing education become leaders prepared to train the next generation of nurses. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools of nursing and healthcare facilities.
MNU also offers a dual MBA/MSN program. This 57-credit-hour program can be completed in two years and is designed for nurses who want to specialize in healthcare administration. Students can complete both degrees with one combined plan of study. MSN courses are fully online, and MBA courses may be taken online or on-site. Applicants of both the standalone MSN and the dual program must have a BSN in which they maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, and an active, unencumbered RN license in the USA. Prospective students should review the MNU website to ensure they meet all admission requirements.
- Location: Olathe, KS
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Pittsburg State University Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing offers a fully online master of science in nursing degree program with emphases in organizational leadership and educational leadership. Students of both emphases must complete 21 credit hours of core coursework. Core courses focus on topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, professional nursing identity, health policy, informatics in healthcare, and more. Students earn the remainder of their required credit hours via specialization courses.
Both emphases include a practicum requirement. Graduates of the educational leadership emphasis are eligible to sit for the nurse educator certification examination to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).
Applicants seeking unconditional admission to the MSN with an emphasis in nursing education must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited nursing school in which they maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (based on a 4-point scale) as well as completed prerequisite coursework. Applicants must also have a current Kansas RN license or a multi-state RN license, as well as an RN license in any state where they may complete clinical training.
Additional materials include references, a resume, documentation of current nursing work, a writing sample, and more. Applicants seeking admission to the organizational leadership emphasis, as well as others with additional questions, should contact the school of nursing directly to obtain current information.
- Location: Pittsburg, KS
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Baker University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program designed to meet the needs of working nurses seeking to advance their careers. The Baker MSN program offers specializations in nursing education and nursing administration. Students have the option to study full- or part-time and may pause their studies for up to 12 months. Students may also choose accelerated courses so as to finish their studies more quickly.
The program’s small faculty-to-student ratio and the flexibility offered by its online delivery model bolster the effectiveness of student learning. Students may choose one of three start times per calendar year.
Baker University offers students other options for nursing education. For example, students may choose the online ADN to MSN program. This program limits the repetition students may experience by pursuing a BSN and MSN at separate academic institutions. Students can graduate faster via this program and thereby reduce their time and financial commitment. Another option is the dual MSN-MBA program.
Students interested in the business of healthcare may wish to complete Baker University’s MBA in transformational studies. Students choosing this dual degree option first complete their MSN and then may transfer a portion of their credits towards the MBA program. Graduates of this program can expect to encounter a larger number of career opportunities at the intersection of healthcare and business.
- Location: Baldwin City, KS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step academic institutions take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their degree programs receive quality education. Two groups typically award accreditation. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In Kansas, nursing program graduates who have never held a license must seek initial licensure via exam from the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Any individual seeking Kansas nursing licensure who holds a multistate or single-state license may apply for licensure via endorsement. Endorsement is a process existing licensed nurse professionals use to secure a license in a state other than the one they have recently been practicing in.
Kansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Compact states allow appropriately licensed nurses the opportunity to practice within them without applying for licensure therein. However, an exception to this regulatory framework exists. Once a nurse intends to make a certain state his primary state of residence, they must seek licensure from that state. Upon successful initial licensure, nurses must be mindful of regular license renewal requirements in order to maintain their licensure and continue practicing.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Kansas?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS) from May 2024—the latest data available as of May 2025.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 6,490 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $59,930 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $48,540 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $59,920 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $73,260 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,100 | 32,640 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $79,430 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $60,630 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $78,060 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $97,870 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | Data unavailable |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $189,060 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $148,420 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $182,770 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | $236,790 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | Data unavailable |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | Data unavailable |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | Data unavailable |
| 50th percentile (median) | $128,790 | Data unavailable |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | Data unavailable |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 3,030 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $127,900 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $96,290 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $124,690 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $161,010 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Kansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Board of Nursing | In order for LPNs to obtain a Kansas they must:
| LPNs in Kansas must renew their license biannually. To do so, they must:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Kansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Board of Nursing |
RNs who wish to be licensed in Kansas must:
|
Registered nurses in Kansas must renew their license biannually. To do so, they must:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Kansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be licensed as a CNS in the state of Kansas, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Kansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Board of Nursing | To be licensed as a CNM in the state of Kansas, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Kansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of Kansas, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Kansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be licensed as a CRNA in the state of Kansas, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| In order for CRNA renewal, Kansas requires all nursing licensees to complete 30 contact hours of approved continued nursing education related to the role of CRNA during the most recent prior license period. The renewal licensure requires a fee, and the application needs to be completed biennially. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.