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.

2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kansas

RegisteredNursing.org is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the best online Nurse Practitioner programs in Kansas. As healthcare continues to evolve, distance learning options have become increasingly crucial for nursing professionals seeking advanced education. These virtual programs provide exceptional flexibility for working nurses who want to advance their careers without disrupting their current employment. Kansas offers several outstanding online Nurse Practitioner programs that prepare students for advanced clinical roles, allowing them to specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, and acute care while balancing professional and academic commitments. Our rankings consider factors such as program accreditation, clinical placement opportunities, faculty credentials, and student success rates to help aspiring nurse practitioners make informed educational decisions. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu

MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced healthcare professionals for comprehensive primary care roles. The hybrid program uniquely offers two pathway options: BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP, ensuring flexibility for nurses at different career stages. With a remarkable 100% national certification exam pass rate, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, leadership development, and advanced clinical skills. Competitive admission requirements include a minimum 3.0-3.25 GPA and professional licensure. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities and a focus on transformative patient outcomes, positioning graduates to lead healthcare innovations across all life stages.

  • 100% National Certification Exam Pass Rate
  • Fully Online DNP Program
  • Two Pathway Options: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP
  • Minimum 3.0-3.25 GPA Required
  • Comprehensive Clinical Experience
  • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
  • Leadership Skills Development
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University's BSN to DNP program provides a strategic pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner roles. This hybrid educational model combines online coursework with practical experiences, targeting comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. Designed for RNs with a BSN from Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. Graduates consistently achieve a 100% pass rate on the National Certification Exam, reflecting the program's commitment to excellence. The curriculum strongly emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership skills, preparing nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered healthcare.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
  • Requires BSN and RN license
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • 100% pass rate on certification
  • Leadership and evidence-based focus
  • Interprofessional collaboration
  • Primary care across lifespan
  • Admission from KS, NE, OK
  • Accredited by CCNE
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS - Public 4-Year - pittstate.edu

BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pittsburg State University offers a comprehensive BSN to DNP program with a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, strategically designed for ambitious nursing professionals. This innovative hybrid program seamlessly integrates online coursework with campus learning, providing maximum flexibility for working nurses. Graduates emerge as advanced practice clinicians equipped with sophisticated leadership skills and clinical expertise. The program uniquely prepares students for high-demand healthcare roles with potential salaries exceeding $100,000. Notably, the program begins in the Summer Session and accepts applications from August 1st to October 10th, making it an attractive option for career-driven nurses seeking terminal degree advancement without interrupting their professional trajectories.

  • Hybrid learning format.
  • Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner.
  • Prepares for advanced practice roles.
  • Salaries exceed $100,000.
  • Starts Summer Session.
  • Applications August 1-October 10.
  • Flexible for working professionals.
  • Focus on leadership and education.
  • Terminal degree in nursing.
  • Combines online and campus learning.
#3

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu

Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Kansas offers a comprehensive Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate designed for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced practice skills. This hybrid program uniquely blends online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, enabling students to develop expertise in primary care across all life stages. Ideal for APRNs, the program requires a graduate nursing degree, current RN licensure, and maintains a 3.0 GPA threshold. Spanning two years, students engage in intensive preceptorship and rigorous theoretical training, preparing them to manage comprehensive healthcare needs for individuals and families. The program's flexible format and nationally accredited curriculum provide a strategic pathway for nurses expanding their clinical capabilities.

  • Online and campus hybrid
  • 16 total credit hours
  • Advanced practice RN required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Clinical practicum experiences
  • Two-year completion timeline
  • Nationally accredited program
  • State licensure requirement
  • Graduate-level coursework
  • Comprehensive clinical training

Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Kansas's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online certificate provides advanced practice nurses a specialized pathway in mental health care. This 24-credit-hour program comprehensively prepares practitioners to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through interpersonal, psychotherapeutic, and psychopharmacologic interventions. Targeted for APRNs, the program requires graduate-level nursing credentials, RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. Starting Spring 2025, students will develop advanced skills in treating individuals, groups, and families, emphasizing practical and theoretical knowledge in psychiatric care across diverse clinical settings.

  • 24 credit hours.
  • Online course delivery.
  • Spring 2025 start.
  • APRN graduate degree required.
  • Current RN licensure needed.
  • 3.0 GPA minimum.
  • Background check required.
  • Focus on mental health care.
  • Interpersonal skills development.
  • Psychotherapeutic interventions.

Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at University of Kansas offers advanced practice registered nurses a specialized 19-credit hybrid program focusing on acute care settings. Designed for APRNs with primary care backgrounds, this program combines online didactic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences at the KU Health System. Students develop advanced skills in managing complex patient care, episodic interventions, and interprofessional team collaboration. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and completion of an accredited advanced practice nursing program, preparing graduates for comprehensive acute care roles.

  • 19 credit hours total
  • Online didactic courses
  • Face-to-face clinical experiences
  • KU Health System placements
  • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
  • Advanced practice RN prerequisite
  • Acute care specialization
  • Two-year completion timeline

Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Kansas's Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides graduate-level nurses a specialized pathway in adult and geriatric healthcare. This 16-credit hybrid program uniquely combines online coursework with on-campus clinical intensives, preparing advanced practice nurses to assess and manage acute and chronic health conditions. Designed for registered nurses with graduate education, the program enables practitioners to work across diverse settings including primary care clinics, internal medicine, home health, and long-term care facilities. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and comprehensive clinical practicums, students develop comprehensive skills in adult and geriatric care.

  • Hybrid online/campus format
  • 16 total graduate credit hours
  • Advanced practice RN prerequisite
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Multiple clinical practice settings
  • Nationally accredited nursing program
  • Comprehensive clinical practicums
  • Focuses on adult/geriatric care
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#4

University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, KS - Private 4-year - stmary.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Saint Mary's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) online hybrid program offers a comprehensive 53-credit educational pathway for advanced practice nurses. Students engage in asynchronous coursework with two mandatory on-campus intensives, providing flexible learning while maintaining rigorous clinical training. Graduates complete over 700 clinical hours, preparing them to deliver advanced mental health care across patient lifespans. The program requires applicants to hold a BSN from an accredited institution, maintain a 3.0 GPA, possess an active RN license, and have a minimum of one year clinical experience. CCNE-accredited and competitively priced at $775 per credit hour, this program positions nurses for high-demand mental healthcare roles. Remote admissions interviews streamline the application process.

  • 53 total credit hours
  • Online asynchronous classes
  • Two on-campus intensives
  • 700+ clinical hours
  • Competitive $775/credit tuition
  • Requires BSN, RN license
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • One year nursing experience
  • Remote admissions interview
  • CCNE accredited program
#5

Washburn University

Topeka, KS - Public 4-Year - washburn.edu

Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Washburn University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate delivers a cutting-edge program designed for advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized mental health expertise. The entirely virtual curriculum enables students to complete their training in four semesters, featuring an impressive 94% certification exam pass rate. Through innovative virtual simulations and personalized clinical placements, students develop comprehensive skills to evaluate and treat psychiatric disorders across all life stages. The program offers flexible, self-paced learning with virtual interactions, preparing graduates for national board certification. With strong job market potential and a median salary of $139,976, this CCNE-accredited program provides a strategic pathway for nurses to advance their mental health specialization.

  • Fully online program
  • 4 semester completion time
  • 94% certification exam pass rate
  • Clinical ratio 10:1
  • Virtual simulation training
  • Flexible clinical placements
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Preceptor-guided experiences
  • Current field-working instructors

MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Washburn University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a transformative educational journey for working healthcare professionals. This comprehensive program combines rigorous academic training with practical clinical experiences, requiring students to complete 74-76 credit hours and a minimum of 1,000 direct patient care hours. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program prepares nurses to drive healthcare innovation and improve patient outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes leadership skills, systems thinking, and advanced practice techniques. Featuring competitive tuition, potential financial aid, and faculty with active clinical practices, this DNP program offers an exceptional opportunity for nurses to elevate their professional impact and pursue a lucrative career path.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • 1,000 direct patient care hours
  • Nationally accredited program
  • 74-76 total credit hours
  • Summer start program
  • Faculty with active clinical practices
  • Bright career outlook
  • Average salary $120,610

BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))

Online Learning - Visit Website

Washburn University's online BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration represents an advanced educational pathway for ambitious nursing professionals. This comprehensive program blends virtual coursework with minimal on-campus requirements, accommodating working nurses seeking career advancement. Students complete 74-76 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours, focusing on leadership, quality improvement, and systems thinking. Live virtual classes provide interactive learning experiences, while the curriculum prepares graduates for primary care roles. Admission requires a BSN, with financial aid options available. The program's strategic design emphasizes practical skills, professional development, and positions graduates for promising career opportunities with an average FNP salary of $120,610.

  • Online format with flexibility.
  • 74 to 76 credit hours.
  • 1000 clinical hours required.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
  • Live virtual classes included.
  • Minimal on-campus requirements.
  • BSN admission requirement.
  • Financial aid options available.
  • Bright career outlook.
  • Average FNP salary $120,610.
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Based on: IPEDS 2024, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

Jump to City:

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 100% National Certification Exam Pass Rate
    • Fully Online DNP Program
    • Two Pathway Options: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP
    • Minimum 3.0-3.25 GPA Required
    • Comprehensive Clinical Experience
    • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
    • Leadership Skills Development
    • Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Lawrence, KS

University of Kansas

  • Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 19 credit hours total
    • Online didactic courses
    • Face-to-face clinical experiences
    • KU Health System placements
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • Advanced practice RN prerequisite
    • Acute care specialization
    • Two-year completion timeline
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus format
    • 16 total graduate credit hours
    • Advanced practice RN prerequisite
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Multiple clinical practice settings
    • Nationally accredited nursing program
    • Comprehensive clinical practicums
    • Focuses on adult/geriatric care
  • Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online and campus hybrid
    • 16 total credit hours
    • Advanced practice RN required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Clinical practicum experiences
    • Two-year completion timeline
    • Nationally accredited program
    • State licensure requirement
  • Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • 24 credit hours.
    • Online course delivery.
    • Spring 2025 start.
    • APRN graduate degree required.
    • Current RN licensure needed.
    • 3.0 GPA minimum.
    • Background check required.
    • Focus on mental health care.
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 1,000 supervised practice hours
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Multiple specialty options
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Leadership and scholarship focus
    • Clinical and leadership tracks
    • Advanced nursing practice preparation
    • Comprehensive doctoral curriculum

Leavenworth, KS

University of Saint Mary

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 53 total credit hours
    • Online asynchronous classes
    • Two on-campus intensives
    • 700+ clinical hours
    • Competitive $775/credit tuition
    • Requires BSN, RN license
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • One year nursing experience

Topeka, KS

Washburn University

  • Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • 4 semester completion time
    • 94% certification exam pass rate
    • Clinical ratio 10:1
    • Virtual simulation training
    • Flexible clinical placements
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Preceptor-guided experiences
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online flexible learning format
    • 1,000 direct patient care hours
    • Nationally accredited program
    • 74-76 total credit hours
    • Summer start program
    • Faculty with active clinical practices
    • Bright career outlook
    • Average salary $120,610

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University

  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • Two program entry points
    • Postbaccalaureate and post-master options
    • Specializations in multiple areas
    • Advanced curriculum focus
    • Flexible full/part-time learning
    • Healthcare systems knowledge
    • Evidence-based practice training
    • Multiple healthcare settings preparation
*NCES, IPEDS 2024 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/