With the majority of registered nurses (RNs) in the country holding a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, many RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing are going back to school to complete their baccalaureate education. This opens the door to specialized nursing careers in surgery, emergency room, and pediatric nursing, and gives an RN a chance to earn a higher salary. Kansas is an excellent state to complete a bachelor's degree via an RN to BSN program and is home to a variety of schools that offer it.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Kansas delivers a comprehensive online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses seeking academic advancement. Students can complete the degree within one calendar year of full-time study or extend their coursework up to five years part-time, with semester entry flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing skills, particularly leadership development and critical thinking strategies. As a military-friendly institution, the program accommodates diverse professional backgrounds. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned for this online program. Registered nurses will benefit from a curriculum designed to enhance professional competencies and prepare them for expanded nursing roles, with the convenience of a fully online learning environment.
- Online flexible format
- One year full-time or five years part-time
- Entry possible each semester
- Skill development in leadership
- Critical thinking emphasis
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS - Public 4-Year - pittstate.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Pittsburg State University's fully online RN to BSN program delivers a dynamic educational experience designed specifically for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. The accelerated 12-month curriculum provides flexible learning options with part-time study availability, enabling nurses to balance professional responsibilities and academic growth. With an impressive 93.4% program retention rate and upper-division courses condensed into three semesters, students can efficiently enhance their critical thinking skills and leadership potential. The program does not specify an entrance exam requirement for RN to BSN applicants, focusing instead on supporting nurses' professional development and expanding their healthcare opportunities.
- Online program completion in 12 months
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible scheduling options
- Part-time study available
- 93.4% program retention rate
- Upper-division courses in three semesters
- Jumpstart option for ADN students
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fort Hays State University's RN to BSN online program provides registered nurses an accelerated and flexible educational pathway. Strategically crafted for working healthcare professionals, this program enables students to complete their bachelor's degree in as few as three semesters. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning professional roles, healthcare policy, community care, and leadership, students enhance critical thinking and management skills. The program requires a valid RN license and maintains a 2.5 GPA threshold. CCNE-accredited and designed for maximum accessibility, students can begin coursework any semester while potentially earning advanced standing credits. The fully online format allows nurses to advance their education without disrupting current professional commitments.
- 100% Online Program
- Complete in 3 semesters
- 30 total credit hours
- Begins any semester
- Valid RN license required
- GPA requirement 2.5
- Advanced standing credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - Public 4-Year - washburn.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washburn University's online RN to BSN program delivers a cutting-edge educational experience for working nurses seeking career advancement. This 30-credit program distinguishes itself with 8-week online sessions and a streamlined 18-month completion timeline. Ideal for registered nurses with an active license, the program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission. Students benefit from CCNE accreditation and explore critical nursing domains like leadership development and quality improvement strategies. The curriculum prepares nurses for diverse career opportunities in healthcare, including management roles and specialized nursing positions. With no campus residency required, the program offers maximum flexibility for professionals balancing work and academic commitments. Financial aid and scholarship options further enhance program accessibility.
- Fully online RN to BSN
- 18-month program completion
- No on-campus residency
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- 8-week course sessions
- Previously earned credits accepted
- #3 Kansas online RN-BSN program
- CCNE accredited program
- Scholarships available
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KS - Private 4-year - stmary.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Saint Mary delivers a dynamic online RN-BSN program tailored for working nurses seeking professional advancement. Accredited by CCNE, this fully digital curriculum provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing registered nurses to complete coursework remotely while maintaining their current employment. Students benefit from a comprehensive nursing education that emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and expanded healthcare competencies. With generous credit transfer options accommodating up to 96 previously earned credits, the program streamlines degree completion. Notably military-friendly and rooted in Roman Catholic educational traditions, Saint Mary's program offers unique tuition discounts for graduates pursuing advanced nursing degrees, making it an attractive option for ambitious healthcare professionals.
- 100% Online Program
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Up to 96 Credits Transferable
- 125 Total Credit Hours
- Core Nursing Curriculum Comprehensive
- Tuition Discount for Graduate Programs
- Flexible for Working Nurses
Fast & Affordable Program Options
The two most commonly associated benefits of an RN to BSN program are both the affordability and the timeliness of the curriculum. If eligible for the program, RN to BSN students can complete their program in half the time and with half the debt of a traditional BSN program.
Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
A traditional BSN program is often taxing on a student’s schedule, especially if they are working full-time in the medical field. That’s why RN to BSN programs were developed. An RN to BSN program builds on the student’s experience as a nurse and their training to deliver a 1-year (or less) bachelor’s degree program.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of Kansas | RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Wichita State University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the quickest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes, they do, but you may have some difficulty finding them as none are currently advertised in the State of Kansas. Furthermore, these programs are extremely dependent on eligibility. You will not be able to complete your bachelor’s degree program in six months if you don’t have the correct number of transferable credits in addition to an associate degree in nursing and a valid and current nursing license. That being said, you may be able to find them available outside of the state of Kansas if relocation is an option for you.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Lastly, you can look forward to an exceptionally affordable bachelor’s degree program when you enroll in an RN to BSN program, especially if you’re applying as an in-state or online student. On average, you can expect to spend half as much on tuition alone, though you may experience the same level of costs when it comes to technology fees, textbooks, or other miscellaneous costs. That being said, here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in Kansas.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Fort Hayes State University | Online RN to BSN | $5,923.80 per year (Resident) $17,772.00 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Pittsburg State University | RN to BSN | $4,200 per year (Resident) $9,872 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Going back to school to complete an accredited RN to BSN program is a big decision. Ensuring that you meet or exceed your school of choice's entrance requirements is the first step. Below is a list of admissions requirements you might come across while researching programs in the state:
- Current RN licensure
- Transcripts from all colleges previously attended
- Three professional references
- Health-related work/volunteer experience
- Must pass a background check
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
RN to BSN programs aim to build upon prior nursing education and experience in the healthcare workforce. Students take a mix of general education and upper-division nursing courses. Specialized nursing courses provided as part of the University of Kansas Medical Center's RN to BSN program include:
- NURS 443: Developing the Baccalaureate Nurse Role
- NURS 444: Using Technology to Enhance Client Safety
- NURS 446: Population-Based Health Care for the Practicing Nurse
- NURS 441: Nursing Research in an Evidence-Based Practice Setting
- NURS 326: Pharmacology for the Practicing Nurse
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
Learn about the best RN to BSN programs available in Kansas through our listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Baldwin City, KS
Baker University
- Bachelor's - ADN to BSN Bridge Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- Complete in one year
- Fully accredited program
- No relocation required
- Classes start three times yearly
- Credit for previous coursework
- Leadership capstone in community
- 24/7 learning flexibility
Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Complete in 3 semesters
- 30 total credit hours
- Begins any semester
- Valid RN license required
- GPA requirement 2.5
- Advanced standing credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
Lawrence, KS
University of Kansas
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible format
- One year full-time or five years part-time
- Entry possible each semester
- Skill development in leadership
- Critical thinking emphasis
Leavenworth, KS
University of Saint Mary
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Up to 96 Credits Transferable
- 125 Total Credit Hours
- Ranked No. 2 Online RN-BSN in Kansas
- Core Nursing Curriculum Comprehensive
- Tuition Discount for Graduate Programs
- Flexible for Working Nurses
Ottawa, KS
Ottawa University-Ottawa
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Online Flexible Learning Format
- Advanced Career Opportunities
- For RNs with Associate Degrees
- Professional Development Focus
Overland Park, KS
Ottawa University-Online
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- CCNE accredited degree
- Designed for working RNs
- Career advancement opportunities
- Flexible learning format
Pittsburg, KS
Pittsburg State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program completion in 12 months
- Ranked #1 in Kansas
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible scheduling options
- Part-time study available
- 93.4% program retention rate
- Upper-division courses in three semesters
- Jumpstart option for ADN students
Topeka, KS
Washburn University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN
- 18-month program completion
- No on-campus residency
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- 8-week course sessions
- Previously earned credits accepted
- #3 Kansas online RN-BSN program
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced placement for RNs
- Designed for working nurses
- Pathway to career advancement
- Builds on associate's degree
- Prepares for graduate studies
Winfield, KS
Southwestern College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program
- Complete in 14 months
- Transfer up to 30 credits
- Accredited nursing program
- Flexible for working nurses
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Focuses on nursing leadership
- Professional practice emphasis