2026 Best Nursing Schools in Wichita

Rankings help students evaluate nursing programs by providing objective comparisons based on key performance metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Wichita" rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria. These rankings assist prospective students in identifying programs with strong outcomes. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in Wichita have shown improvement over recent years. The average pass rate increased from 87.16% in 2022 to 95.24% in 2024.

  • 2022: 87.16% average pass rate
  • 2023: 94.31% average pass rate
  • 2024: 95.24% average pass rate

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Both BSN and ADN programs in Wichita demonstrate strong NCLEX performance, with ADN programs showing slightly higher pass rates.

  • BSN programs: 92.86% average pass rate
  • ADN programs: 97.62% average pass rate

Biggest Improvements

Butler Community College showed the most significant improvement in pass rates, while Bethel College-North Newton experienced a decline.

  • Butler Community College: Improved from 74.31% to 97.62% (23.31% increase)
  • Bethel College-North Newton: Declined from 100% to 92.86% (7.14% decrease)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Bethel College-North Newton has maintained exceptional pass rates across multiple years, demonstrating consistent program quality.

  • Bethel College-North Newton: 97.62% average pass rate over 3 years with 3 total students
#1

Fort Hays State University

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

Bachelor's - On-Campus Pre-Licensure BSN Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University's On-Campus Pre-Licensure BSN Program offers comprehensive nursing education with a strong track record of student success. The program maintains excellent NCLEX pass rates, achieving 95.56% in 2023 and 100% in 2024. This CCNE-accredited program features hands-on clinical practice in simulated hospital environments with modern equipment. Admission requires a competitive 3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses, though no ACT or SAT exam is specified. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse nursing careers while offering financial aid opportunities for eligible students.

  • 95% NCLEX pass rate.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Simulated hospital setting.
  • Competitive admission.
  • 3.0 GPA required.
  • Hands-on clinical practice.
  • Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
  • Financial aid available.

Bachelor's - Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University's Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, providing flexibility for aspiring nurses. The program demonstrates exceptional NCLEX performance with a 100% pass rate in 2024. This accredited program accepts applications from November through June and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission, with no entrance exam specified. Clinical placements are available throughout Kansas, accommodating students living outside the area. The hybrid format blends virtual learning with practical training, preparing graduates effectively for the NCLEX-RN examination and professional nursing practice.

  • Hybrid learning model.
  • 100% NCLEX pass rate.
  • Accredited and state-approved.
  • 3.0 GPA required.
  • Clinical sites in Kansas.
  • Flexible for students.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Healthcare experience preferred.
  • CNA certification beneficial.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Bethel College-North Newton

North Newton, KS - Private 4-year - bethelks.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bethel College-North Newton's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program maintains an exceptional NCLEX pass rate, achieving 100% in 2022 and 2023, with 92.86% in 2024, reflecting strong preparation for licensure. This campus-based program integrates faith-based learning with extensive clinical practice, emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based care. Admission is competitive and requires ACT or SAT scores, with early acceptance available for high-achieving students. The curriculum focuses on leadership and patient-centered approaches, supported by simulation training and a low faculty-student ratio. Accredited by CCNE, the program offers scholarships and articulation agreements, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles.

  • 100% NCLEX pass rate
  • Faith-based learning
  • Hands-on clinical experience
  • Competitive admissions
  • Early acceptance option
  • Leadership development
  • Patient-centered curriculum
  • Service opportunities
  • Research experience
  • Low faculty-student ratio
#3

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS - Public 4-Year - wichita.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Wichita State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive preparation for nursing careers through extensive clinical training, requiring over 1000 hours of hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses, with no ACT or SAT entrance exam mentioned. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX-RN performance, with pass rates rising from 84.43% in 2022 to 95.38% in 2024, indicating excellent preparation for RN licensure. Financial support options enhance accessibility, while the curriculum focuses on patient care and serves as a foundation for graduate study opportunities.

  • Over 1000 clinical hours.
  • High RN exam pass rates.
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
  • Hands-on training included.
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
  • Financial support available.
  • Focus on patient care.
  • Foundation for graduate study.
  • Capstone clinical rotation.
  • National preparation for RN exam.
#4

Butler Community College

El Dorado, KS - Public 2-Year - butlercc.edu

Associate - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Butler Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. The program requires the TEAS entrance exam and provides pathways for LPN to RN advancement and BSN completion through partnerships. Recent NCLEX pass rates show significant improvement, reaching 97.62% in 2024. With an estimated tuition of $11,080 for Kansas residents and eligibility for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, this campus-based program makes nursing education accessible while maintaining accreditation and offering active student organizations like the Butler Student Nursing Association.

  • Associate Degree in Nursing
  • Campus-based program
  • LPN to RN advancement
  • Partnerships for BSN completion
  • Experienced faculty
  • Practical skills training
  • Estimated tuition $11,080
  • Kansas Promise Scholarship eligible
  • Top 10 nursing school in Kansas
  • Facebook page for updates
#5

Newman University

Wichita, KS - Private 4-year - newmanu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Newman University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Wichita provides comprehensive campus-based education accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program emphasizes clinical judgment through hands-on experience across diverse nursing specialties, supported by small class sizes and personalized faculty attention. Recent NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates show consistent performance, with 88.37% in 2023 and 83.78% in 2024, reflecting strong preparation for licensure. This competitive program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and builds a solid foundation for advanced nursing roles or graduate studies, maintaining a commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Higher licensure exam pass rates.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
  • Competitive admissions.
  • Personalized faculty attention.
  • Diverse nursing specialties.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Strong foundation for graduate studies.
*NCES, IPEDS 2024 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Wichita, KS

For nurses in Wichita, the first step to becoming a registered nurse is an entry-level training program. Choices include LPN to RN programs that help practical nurses become RNs and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

LPN to RN Programs

RNs earn higher salaries and have a wider variety of job openings to choose from than their licensed practical nurse counterparts. For experienced practical nurses, some schools offer LPN to RN programs that prepare RNs for the NCLEX licensing exam and become RNs. Wichita State University offers an LPN to RN program that provides practical nurses with 1,000 hours of experience with their BSN degrees in four years of study.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

For students who are new to the nursing field, there are several BSN programs in Wichita to choose from. These programs are four-year programs that provide a foundation of nursing education as well as additional general education courses. Newman University offers a BSN program that is ranked best in the state according to rankings done by RegisteredNursing.org, and includes coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, mental health nursing, child and family nursing, community nursing, and research and evidence-based practice.

Find out more about Kansas Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Wichita, KS

RN to BSN Programs in Wichita, KS

Bachelor’s degrees are required for many advanced nursing jobs, so RNs with their associate’s degree or diploma may be interested in returning to school to earn their BSN. RN to BSN bridge programs build upon a student’s previous coursework and clinical experience, often providing course credit for previous nursing classes.

RN to BSN Programs

Many RN to BSN programs are available online to accommodate working nurses’ busy schedules. Wichita State University offers a fully online RN to BSN program that is self-paced and can be finished as quickly as three semesters of full-time study.

Find out more about Kansas RN to BSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, exploring RN to BSN or MSN programs can open new doors. These programs help you build on your experience to earn a bachelor's or master's degree, often with flexible online options. The table below lists schools by city and state, highlights key features of each program, and provides direct links to learn more. Check it out to find a path that fits your goals and schedule.

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

  • RN to BSN - 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

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University

  • RN to BSN - 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
*Federal data source: IPEDS 2024, administered by NCES.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Wichita, KS

Advanced practice nursing programs are available for nurses with their BSN who want to advance to leadership positions or become certified as nurse practitioners, educators or administrators. In the Wichita area, Newman University offers a traditional MSN program for nurses who want to become nurse anesthetists. In addition to Newman University, there are a number of online MSN programs at schools based outside of the Wichita area that nurses may consider.

MSN Programs

MSN programs are designed to help BSN-educated nurses become certified in an advanced practice nursing specialty. Newman University’s MSN in Nurse Anesthesia program is a 24-month program that includes a didactic portion on the Newman campus, and a clinical portion carried out at local and regional hospitals.

Find out more about Kansas Nurse Practitioner Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Wichita

If you're looking for advanced nursing programs in Wichita, this list covers APRN options like MSN, DNP, and NP degrees. The table below shows schools in the city and state, highlights key program features, and provides direct links to each program's page for more details. Explore these opportunities to advance your nursing career with the right education and training.

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 36 credit hours
    • Online delivery format
    • Approximately $3,139.02 per semester
    • BSN degree required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Current RN license needed
    • Personal statement required
    • 90-hour practicum included
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN in Nursing Education
    • Fully online program format
    • Requires BSN, RN license
    • Minimum 3.0 BSN GPA
    • 135 clinical practicum hours
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Two clinical semesters
    • Two letters of reference required
  • 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

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
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3.5 year average program length
    • Hybrid online/in-person format
    • Minimum 3.5 GPA required
    • National certification preparation
    • Quality improvement project
    • Expert faculty instruction
    • Practice-focused doctoral degree
    • Advanced clinical practicums
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3.5 Years Average Program Length
    • Hybrid Online/Campus Learning
    • Minimum 3.5 GPA Required
    • National Certification Preparation
    • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
    • Leadership Skill Development
    • Quality Improvement Projects
    • Advanced Clinical Practicums
*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Wichita, KS

If you're looking for nursing schools near Wichita, KS, you've come to the right place. This list shows nearby schools with their city and state, program highlights, and links to learn more. Whether you want an associate degree, bachelor's, or other nursing programs, these options can help you start your career. Check the table below for details on each school and find the program that fits your goals.
Jump to City:

El Dorado, KS

Butler Community College

  • Associate - Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Associate Degree in Nursing
    • Campus-based program
    • LPN to RN advancement
    • Partnerships for BSN completion
    • Experienced faculty
    • Practical skills training
    • Estimated tuition $11,080
    • Kansas Promise Scholarship eligible

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

  • Bachelor's - Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning model.
    • 100% NCLEX pass rate.
    • Accredited and state-approved.
    • 3.0 GPA required.
    • Clinical sites in Kansas.
    • Flexible for students.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
    • Financial aid available.
  • Bachelor's - On-Campus Pre-Licensure BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 95% NCLEX pass rate.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Simulated hospital setting.
    • Competitive admission.
    • 3.0 GPA required.
    • Hands-on clinical practice.
    • Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
    • Financial aid available.

North Newton, KS

Bethel College-North Newton

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 100% NCLEX pass rate
    • Faith-based learning
    • Hands-on clinical experience
    • Competitive admissions
    • Early acceptance option
    • Leadership development
    • Patient-centered curriculum
    • Service opportunities

Wichita, KS

Newman University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Higher licensure exam pass rates.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Hands-on clinical experience.
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
    • Competitive admissions.
    • Personalized faculty attention.
    • Diverse nursing specialties.

Wichita State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Over 1000 clinical hours.
    • High RN exam pass rates.
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
    • Hands-on training included.
    • Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
    • Financial support available.
    • Focus on patient care.
    • Foundation for graduate study.

Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nurse (ADN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 2-year program duration
    • Campus-based learning
    • NCLEX exam preparation
    • Clinical experience included
    • Focus on patient care
*Official IPEDS 2024 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.