Kansas RN to BSN Programs

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 which offer it.

Admissions Requirements for Kansas RN to BSN Programs

Going back to school to complete an 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

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

RN to BSN programs aim to build upon prior nursing education and experience in 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

Online RN to BSN Programs in Kansas

Completing an RN to BSN via an online program is a popular choice amongst nurses who want to keep working as they earn their degree. These programs offer the same academically rigorous curriculum as in-person programs, but allow students to work at their own pace. Part-time or full-time programs of study are typically available in this format.

Featured Online School

Washburn University, based out of Topeka, offers an exclusively online RN to BSN program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Excellence (CCNE). The program's curriculum builds on existing nursing knowledge and uses a cohort model to help students build relationships and network with peers. With multiple start dates and part-time or full-time study options, busy working RNs can find a configuration that suits their needs.

Admissions and Program Length

The flexibility of an RN to BSN program means that students can tailor it to their desired length. Those wanting to complete it quickly can opt for full-time attendance and be done in one year, and those with busy schedules can stretch it out over 18-24 months of part-time study. Most schools have multiple start dates, many that coincide with the Fall and Spring semester start times, although some schools offer the program more frequently.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Many RN to BSN programs in Kansas are competitively priced. MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS, charges $414 tuition per credit hour for their onsite RN to BSN program, and $440 tuition per credit hour for their online option. This does not include fees or supplies. MidAmerica Nazarene also offers military financial aid benefits as well as a Family Education Discount to employees and family members of partnering companies.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Employers looking to fill highly skilled nursing positions need RNs with a BSN. These positions tend to come with a higher paycheck, and can offset the cost of the additional education required. RNs who complete a BSN continuation program also have more opportunities to advance to managerial or other leadership roles in nursing.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Kansas

The wage range for a registered nurse in Topeka, KS is between $45,528 and $71,687 annually, according to Payscale. While many factors contribute to this, including experience, location, employment setting and more, education level is one of the most important factors. Those with a BSN or higher tend to earn at the higher end of the scale than those with just an ADN or diploma.

RN to BSN Programs

BSN nurses are being sought after to fulfill the aging population of the state, and Kansas is willing to compensate. The compensation that the state offers is quite a substantial increase in yearly salary, the increase equates to almost 50% more than what ADN nurses earn. The hourly pay scale for a BSN nurse is around $30 per hour, whereas an ADN nurse would earn only $20 per hour. Career advancement, leadership roles, being able to pick the opportunities applying to, are all advantages of holding a BSN degree. There are more than 10 RN to BSN degree programs in the state that waiting for you to take this opportunity to advance.