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.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Kansas School of Nursing delivers a CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program for licensed RNs. Building on prior nursing education, the curriculum covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice, along with leadership, community health, and healthcare policy. A clinical leadership practicum enables real-world application. The flexible online format fits around work schedules, and no ACT or SAT entrance exam is required. Graduates gain skills for management, education, or specialized practice, ready to meet evolving healthcare needs.
- CCNE accredited
- Online BSN completion program
- For licensed registered nurses
- Builds on RN education
- Advance nursing practice
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fort Hays State University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses. This CCNE-accredited degree completion path requires no ACT or SAT entrance exams, instead relying on your active RN license and a 2.5 GPA for admission. The curriculum covers informatics, healthcare policy, community-focused care, leadership, and more, culminating in a preceptor-led practicum. With accelerated 8-week courses and three start dates per year, you can finish in as few as three semesters (30 credits). Advanced standing credit is awarded for RN training, and Kansas community college graduates receive guaranteed admission. Military-friendly and offering financial aid, this program prepares nurses for leadership and community health roles. Note: not available to residents of Tennessee, Alabama, or Washington.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in as few as three semesters
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS - Public 4-Year - pittstate.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Pittsburg State University offers a fully online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses with an ADN or diploma. Ranked #1 in Kansas, this CCNE-accredited program can be completed in as little as 12 months or through part-time study. Students engage in upper-division nursing courses across three semesters, covering critical care, pediatrics, oncology, and other specialties while strengthening leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. A distinctive ADN-to-BSN jumpstart option allows nurses to begin BSN coursework while still completing their associate degree. With a 93.4% retention rate and flexible, supportive design, the program prepares graduates for management roles, higher earning potential, and improved patient outcomes—all within a convenient online format.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Full-time and part-time options
- 93.4% retention rate
- ADN to BSN jumpstart option
- Tailored for working nurses
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Higher earning potential
- Better patient outcomes
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - Public 4-Year - washburn.edu
RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washburn University's fully online RN-to-BSN program lets working registered nurses earn a bachelor's degree without stepping foot on campus. Coursework focuses on leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety, delivered via reality-based instruction from experienced nurse educators. Students can also participate in research. The curriculum is structured in eight-week sessions, allowing completion in just 18 months. Notably, previously earned credits never expire, so nurses can return after any gap. Graduates are positioned for managerial roles or specialties like travel and flight nursing. Ranked #3 among Kansas online RN-to-BSN programs by RegisteredNursing.org, the CCNE-accredited degree offers generous financial aid, scholarships, and a program-wide tuition reduction. Military-friendly and admission-friendly, no ACT or SAT exam is required.
- No on-campus residency required
- Previously earned credits never expire
- Short 8-week course sessions
- Fully online for working professionals
- Reality-based instruction from experienced nurses
- Research in leadership, quality, safety
- Program-wide tuition reduction applied
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KS - Private 4-year - stmary.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Saint Mary delivers an online RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses, holding CCNE accreditation and ranking No. 2 in Kansas. This 125-credit curriculum accepts up to 96 transfer credits, covering gerontological nursing, research, informatics, leadership, pathophysiology, population health, and palliative care. Emphasizing critical-thinking and decision-making, it prepares nurses for leadership positions. With decades of nursing education tradition, the program offers robust faculty support. Graduates may pursue an MSN or MSN-FNP with a tuition discount. All courses are fully online, providing flexibility for busy professionals. The program does not explicitly require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, but students should verify current admission policies.
- CCNE accredited
- 125 total credit hours
- Online format for working nurses
- Transfer up to 96 credits
- Tuition discount for graduate nursing programs
- Faculty support from start to finish
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Courses offered remotely
- Fosters a sense of community
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.
See Related Articles
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
2026 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:
Browse Our List of Programs
Baldwin City, KS
Baker University
- RN to BSN - ADN to BSN Bridge Program
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 1-Year program
- Complete in as little as one year
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer/fall
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in as few as three semesters
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 2.5 GPA minimum
Hillsboro, KS
Tabor College
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 15-month program
- Five-week online classes
- Synchronous online sessions
- Three courses per term
- One course at a time
- Begins in January 2019
- For practicing nurses
- Continue working full-time
Lawrence, KS
University of Kansas
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Online BSN completion program
- For licensed registered nurses
- Builds on RN education
- Advance nursing practice
Leavenworth, KS
University of Saint Mary
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 125 total credit hours
- Online format for working nurses
- Ranked No. 2 Online RN-BSN in Kansas
- Transfer up to 96 credits
- Tuition discount for graduate nursing programs
- Faculty support from start to finish
- Prepares for leadership roles
Ottawa, KS
Ottawa University-Ottawa
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Capstone required
- Military benefits accepted
- 100% online learning
- Accelerated eight-week course terms
- RN to MSN bridge option
Overland Park, KS
Ottawa University-Kansas City
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Accelerated eight-week course terms.
- 100% online learning setting.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Criminal background check required.
- Negative drug screen required.
- Career statement required.
- CCNE accredited nursing program.
Ottawa University-Online
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Capstone required
- Military benefits accepted
- 100% online learning setting
- Accelerated eight-week course terms
- RN-MSN bridge option available
Pittsburg, KS
Pittsburg State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Full-time and part-time options
- Ranked #1 in Kansas
- 93.4% retention rate
- ADN to BSN jumpstart option
- Tailored for working nurses
Topeka, KS
Rasmussen University-Kansas
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program with in-person clinicals.
- Finish in as few as 12–18 months.
- 70 credit hours required.
- 17 courses to complete.
- $345 tuition per credit.
- Estimated total cost $24,650.
- Savings reduce cost to $14,690.
- Unencumbered RN license required.
Washburn University
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Ranked #3 in Kansas by RegisteredNursing.org
- No on-campus residency required
- Previously earned credits never expire
- Short 8-week course sessions
- Fully online for working professionals
- Reality-based instruction from experienced nurses
- Research in leadership, quality, safety
- Program-wide tuition reduction applied
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced placement for registered nurses
- Requires associate degree in nursing
- Criminal background check required
- Social Security number required
Winfield, KS
Southwestern College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 14-Month program
- 124 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Six-week online classes
- Credit for prior college, military, work/life
- Dual enrollment for ADN students
- Up to 30 nursing credits for RN license