Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Kansas

It can be easy for a lot of registered nurses to feel that they are in a “dead-end” position even though they are working in a highly skilled professional healthcare role. It can be tough for nurses to move up at their jobs or ask for higher pay when there is little room to do so at their places of employment. One great remedy to this is getting your nurse practitioner license. Nurse practitioners leverage their additional training and specialization into a higher-paying and more independent role. Learn all about how to do this and where to find NP programs in Kansas (whether you live in Kansas City or Topeka or somewhere else) by taking a look at the sections below. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

For most nurses, the best nurse practitioner programs in Kansas are the ones that are fast and affordable. Believe it or not, finding cheap and quick nurse practitioner programs in the state is not hard to do, especially if have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree which will save you both time and money on your nurse practitioner program.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are two degrees that will allow you to become a nurse practitioner — a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The quickest option of these two is usually the MSN which only takes about 2 years to complete (full-time) as opposed to the DNP which can take over six years to complete. Still, some MSNs are quicker to complete than others. For example, Baker University offers an MSN program that allows you to graduate in as little as two years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re looking to save money on your nurse practitioner education, an MSN is usually the cheapest option as well since you will be required to be enrolled for less time. If you have established residency in Kansas, you will also likely save on your education as many schools in Kansas have lower tuition rates for in-state students. One of the cheapest options in Kansas is Fort Hays State University which offers an MSN for between $8,000 and $12,000.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One great thing about becoming a nurse practitioner is the ability to specialize in a practice area that interests you. This will not only give you momentum in your new career but it will also give you the opportunity to charge more (depending on the practice area). One cool option in Kansas is the Public Health Nursing specialization offered by the University of Kansas.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Beyond the typical MSN degree programs, there are also lots of alternative options that may allow you to graduate faster and for less money.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, most future nurse practitioners usually go for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. This is because MSN programs are usually the fastest and cheapest option for most people who don’t meet the enrollment requirements of the options below. MSN programs located in Kansas include:

• Wichita State University – Wichita, KS
• The University of St. Mary – Leavenworth, KS

RN to NP Programs

If you have been working as a nurse for at least a year and have an associate degree in nursing, you may be able to skip the typical degree requirement (BSN) and go straight to the MSN program (though it will be a little longer in length than a typically MSN program). RN to NP programs available in the state:

• Baker University – Baldwin City, KS

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re looking to invest more time into your education in order to seek higher-paying and more advanced career opportunities, you’ll likely want to look at Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. These programs last about 6 years and are located in Kansas at the following schools:

• The University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS
• Wichita State University – Wichita, KS

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. Post-master’s nurse practitioner certificates are not technically degrees. However, they can be a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• The Unversity of Kansas – Lawrence, KS

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are designed so that bachelor’s level graduates can achieve an MSN-level education even if they don’t have a nursing degree. As of now, these types of programs are not available in Kansas but they are available at the University of Colorado.

General Admissions Requirements

To apply to a nurse practitioner program, you’ll need to fulfill a number of general admissions requirements. These may be, but are not limited to:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Kansas NP License and Certification Requirements

To become a nurse practitioner in Kansas, applicants are required to submit supporting documentation, such as their RN license verification, academic transcripts, and any clinical practice records. The application process includes completing the necessary forms and submitting a fee, which typically amounts to about $100. More detailed application instructions can be found on the Kansas Board of Nursing website.

NPs in Kansas are also required to obtain certification in their area of specialization, which is generally available through national certifying bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification typically requires proof of completion of a graduate-level NP program and passing a competency exam for the specific specialty.

While Kansas NPs do not have full practice authority as of 2024, they do have collaborative practice agreements that allow them to diagnose and treat patients, as well as prescribe medications in collaboration with a physician. Kansas continues to evaluate the role of NPs in healthcare, with ongoing discussions about expanding their practice rights. For further resources and professional support, NPs can connect with the Kansas State Nurses Association (KSNA), which offers valuable tools, networking, and advocacy for advanced practice nurses across the state.

List of NP Programs in Kansas