Nursing Programs in Kansas City, MO
Nursing continues to be a promising and thriving career pathway, and Kansas City has plenty of educational opportunities for those who want to get on board. From entry-level to advanced practice, Kansas City schools have all the program types needed to take RNs where they want to go.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Kansas City, MO
For those starting from scratch to earn a nursing degree, Kansas City offers a few entry-level pathways. An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) are perfect options for new students and don't require any prior nursing degrees or licenses.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed practical nurses have experience working with patients on a daily basis and assisting them with their basic care needs such as feeding, bathing, and dressing. LPN to RN “bridge” programs take into account an LPN’s training and experience and help them cross the bridge from LPN to associate’s degree in nursing so they can further their careers as RNs. The one year LPN to RN program at Metropolitan Community College allows students to gain hands-on experience and professional instruction in the state-of-the-art Health Science Institute.
ADN Programs
The ADN is the most basic RN degree type, requiring just 2 years of study to complete. Students take courses in human anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, and more. Metropolitan Community College, for example, offers an ADN program at both its Penn Valley and Health Science Institute campuses. The program consists of 73-77 total credit hours and offers day and evening plans.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
The 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing is increasingly becoming the educational standard in hospitals and many other healthcare facilities. Enrolled students learn concepts in population health nursing, pharmacology, and mental health nursing. William Jewell College offers a traditional BSN as well as an accelerated BSN for those who hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
Find out more about Missouri Accelerated BSN Programs.
Kansas City RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Kansas City | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Students Total | 717 | 3,765 |
| NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 608 | 3,110 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 84.8% | 82.6% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Kansas City
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Kansas City based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Missouri out of 52 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Avila University - #19
- St. Louis Community College - #16
- University of Missouri-Kansas City - #3
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Avila University
| 11901 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 64145 (816) 942-8400 |
Graceland University
| 1401 W Truman Rd Independence, MO 64050 (816) 833-0524 |
Metropolitan Community College
| 3444 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 604-4108 |
Research College of Nursing
| 2525 E Meyer Blvd Kansas City, MO 64132 (816) 995-2800 |
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences
| 1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110 (816) 932-2367 |
St. Louis Community College
| Four Campuses St. Louis, MO (314) 513-4292 |
University of Missouri-Kansas City
| 5100 Rockhill Rd Kansas City, MO 64110 (816) 235-1723 |
William Jewell College
| 500 College Hill Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 781-7605 |
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Kansas City, MO
Bridge programs include both RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs. These shortened programs allow ADN or nursing diploma grads the ability to transfer previously earned credits towards a more advanced nursing degree type.
RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN pathway is ideal for nurses who wish to grow their practice, but need a flexible education program. The RN to BSN is often offered online, with full-time or part-time schedules available. For instance, Graceland University, located in Independence, offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed totally online.
Find out more about Missouri RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Like the RN to BSN program, the RN to MSN pathway offers licensed RNs an accelerated route to a master's degree in nursing. Research College of Nursing offers an RN to MSN degree where students do not earn a BSN (some programs culminate in both a BSN and MSN degree). Most coursework in this program is able to be completed online.
Find out more about Missouri RN to MSN Programs.
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kansas City, MO
Advanced nursing degrees allow RNs the opportunity to refine and specialize their practice. Options in Kansas City include the traditional MSN degree as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. In addition to this, students have the option of specialized nurse practitioner tracks, including Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, and many more.
MSN Programs
Open to those who have earned a BSN degree already, the MSN pathway can be completed in just 2 years of additional study. The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers multiple MSN pathways, including specialty tracks for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and many more.
Find out more about Missouri Nurse Practitioner Programs.
DNP Programs
This terminal degree type, meaning the highest degree a nurse can hold, is popular for those who want to achieve the most prestigious nursing positions. The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers numerous DNP degree pathways, including BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP. A plethora of specialization tracks, from nurse anesthetist to clinical nurse specialist, are available.
Find out more about Missouri DNP Programs.
Kansas City, MO
Rockhurst University
- Master's - Online MSN Dual Track FNP-AGACNP
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) - Online Learning - Website
- 62 total credit hours
- 1,250 clinical practice hours
- Three annual program starts
- $765 per credit hour
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Campus and virtual immersion
- BSN degree requirement
- Active RN license needed
- Master's - Online MSN Dual Track FNP-PMHNP
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online Learning - Website
- 62 total credit hours
- 1,250 clinical practice hours
- Three annual start dates
- Fully online with immersions
- $765 per credit hour
- Full-time or part-time options
- Two nursing specializations
- BSN required for admission
University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Master's - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 52 total credit hours
- Hybrid online/campus format
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- Two years clinical experience needed
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Focuses on acute pediatric care
- Two to three year completion
- Estimated $45,793.80 total cost
- Master's - MSN Nurse Educator
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online Master's Program
- 41 total credit hours
- 2-3 years to complete
- Estimated cost: $36,106.65
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- Two years RN experience preferred
- Requires campus visit
- Fall application deadline: March 7
- Master's - MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- MSN with Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Blended online/campus delivery
- 46 total credit hours
- 2-3 years program length
- Estimated cost $40,509.90
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- National certification exam prep
- Requires BSN degree
- Master's - MSN: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid delivery: online + campus
- 46 total credit hours
- Estimated $40,509.90 program cost
- Two years full-time option
- Nationally ranked nursing program
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- Two years clinical experience
- National certification prep
- Master's - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning model
- 46 total credit hours
- 2-3 year program length
- Top-ranked nursing program
- Comprehensive pediatric care focus
- Clinical experiences included
- Minimum 3.2 GPA requirement
- National certification prep
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid delivery mode
- 74 total credit hours
- Estimated $65,168 total program cost
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- National certification exam preparation
- Clinical experiences in outpatient settings
- 1-2 courses per semester
- Full-time completion in 2 years
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Blended delivery mode
- 74 total credit hours
- 4-5 year program length
- Estimated $65,168 total cost
- Nationally recognized accreditation
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- Clinical rotations near student location
- MSN prerequisite required
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 11 semesters full-time BSN-DNP
- Multiple specialty track options
- Online/hybrid program format
- No GRE required for admission
- 3.2 GPA admission requirement
- Nationally recognized program
- Flexible part-time options
- Advanced clinical preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery
- 74 total credit hours
- 2-3 year completion time
- Estimated $65,168 total cost
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- CCNE accredited program
- National certification eligibility
- Clinical rotations near location
- Doctorate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Blended delivery mode
- 74 total credit hours
- 4-5 year program length
- $65,168 estimated cost
- National certification preparation
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- Clinical experiences included
- Online with campus visits