2027 Best Nursing Schools in Wichita

Rankings help prospective students compare programs based on objective data, simplifying the decision-making process. For our Best Nursing Schools in Wichita, Registerednursing.org analyzed official NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion. By focusing on this key metric, we provide a clear view of program effectiveness. Our methodology ensures transparency and reliability. Learn more about our approach here: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates have shown steady improvement over the three-year period, indicating growing program effectiveness.

  • 2022: Average pass rate of 87.16%
  • 2023: Average pass rate of 94.31%
  • 2024: Average pass rate of 95.24%

Biggest Improvements

Butler Community College demonstrated a remarkable improvement in pass rates, while Bethel College saw a decline.

  • Butler Community College: Improved from 74.31% to 97.62% (+23.31 points)
  • Bethel College-North Newton: Decreased from 100% to 92.86% (-7.14 points)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Bethel College-North Newton stands out for maintaining exceptionally high pass rates across three years.

  • Bethel College-North Newton: Average pass rate of 97.62% over 3 years
#1

Fort Hays State University

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

Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University's Pre-Licensure BSN program prepares students to become professional nurses through a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences. Students gain foundational skills in patient care, critical thinking, and healthcare leadership, opening doors to careers in a variety of medical settings such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, obstetrics, and school nursing. The program offers both on-campus and hybrid delivery options to accommodate different learning preferences. With a focus on improving lives and advancing health outcomes, graduates are equipped to pursue licensure as registered nurses and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

  • Career paths in ER, obstetrics, ICU, school nursing, cardiac
  • Foundational skills for healthcare administration or academic sectors

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing (On-Campus), Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing (Hybrid), RN to BSN Nursing)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Fort Hays State University offers three distinct tracks: Pre-Licensure BSN (On-Campus), Pre-Licensure BSN (Hybrid), and Online RN to BSN. Designed for aspiring nurses and practicing RNs, the curriculum builds foundational skills in patient care, healthcare administration, and academic leadership. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, from rural clinics to urban hospitals. Graduates are prepared for careers in emergency room care, obstetrics, intensive care, school nursing, cardiac care, and more. The program also opens doors to advanced roles in healthcare administration or nursing education. With a focus on improving lives at every stage, FHSU's BSN program equips students to excel in a versatile, well-paying, and growing field.

  • 3 concentration options
  • Careers: ER, obstetrics, ICU, school nursing, cardiac
  • Clinical settings from rural clinics to urban hospitals
  • Prepare for healthcare administration or academia
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’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a campus-based program that blends rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum covers critical thinking, evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, and integration of knowledge from nursing, biology, behavioral sciences, and humanities. Students gain practical skills through clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings, plus simulation and virtual reality labs. The program fosters compassionate, patient-centered care within a faith-based framework. Graduates are prepared for entry-level nursing roles in diverse healthcare environments and have a strong foundation for advanced degrees. Bethel’s BSN boasts a 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate (2022-2023) and is accredited by CCNE. With a low faculty-student ratio, personalized attention, and a holistic admissions process, the program offers a supportive learning community. Unique features include an Early Acceptance pathway for high school students and an articulation agreement with Eastern Mennonite University for a master’s degree.

  • CCNE accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: ACT, SAT, TOEFL
  • Starts fall
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • 3.5 GPA minimum
  • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $0 application fee
  • Prepares for NCLEX
#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 (BSN) program prepares students for entry-level professional nursing roles in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes direct and indirect patient care, care coordination, patient advocacy, and culturally competent practice. Students gain over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience through labs, simulations, and rotations, culminating in a dedicated 5-week capstone with a registered nurse. The program offers two pathways: the traditional campus-based track and a guaranteed placement option for high school seniors. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and consistently achieve pass rates above the national average. With fall and spring start dates, the BSN program provides a strong foundation for graduate study and careers in hospitals, clinics, community health, and more. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and a focus on professional development.

  • 2 concentration options
  • 4-Year program
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • 1000 clinical hours
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Capstone required
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Guaranteed placement for high school seniors
#4

Butler Community College

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

Associate - Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Butler Community College’s Nursing program helps you build the clinical judgment, patient care, and communication skills today’s healthcare teams need. Through a hybrid format, you’ll combine online coursework with two to three days of in-person instruction and hands-on practice in simulated clinical environments. Courses cover pathophysiology, professional nursing, and patient-centered care, preparing you for roles such as hospital nurse or medical office nurse. Butler is recognized as a top nursing program in Kansas, and its graduates are recruited across the region. You’ll have access to free tutoring, a student nursing association, and pathways to continue toward a BSN. With 69 credit hours and a total cost of $11,182, this associate degree is a smart, flexible starting point for a rewarding nursing career.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) accredited
  • 3 concentration options
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • $11,182 total program tuition
  • 69 total credit hours
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Top 10 nursing program in Kansas
#5

Newman University

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Newman University is a campus-based program that prepares students for a rewarding nursing career. The curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment and exposes students to a variety of specialties through hands-on experiences. Small class sizes foster one-on-one attention from faculty who are dedicated to student success. The program also collaborates with the athletic department to support student-athletes. Graduates find careers in wound care, hospice, home health administration, case management, and travel nursing. Many go on to advanced studies such as DNP or nurse practitioner. Accredited by CCNE and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, Newman's BSN program provides a strong foundation for transforming society through compassionate care.

  • CCNE accredited
  • Scholarships available
  • Small classes, one-on-one attention
  • Experience variety of nursing specialties
  • Collaboration with athletic department
  • Careers: wound care, hospice, home health
  • Advanced study: DNP, NP, CNS
  • Approved by Kansas State Board of Nursing
*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025. Retrieved from 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

Ready to take the next step in nursing? We've compiled a list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs to help with the search. The table below includes each school's city and state, program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Use this information to compare options and find the path that fits career goals. Start exploring and advance nursing education today.

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

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
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2025, 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

Looking to advance a nursing career with an APRN degree? Wichita offers strong MSN, DNP, and NP programs. The table below lists schools with city and state, program highlights, and direct links to their program pages. Compare location, top features, and find the right fit. These programs combine rigorous academics with clinical experience for advanced practice roles. Explore options and take the next step toward becoming a nurse practitioner or clinical leader.

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 (Nursing Administration)

    Concentration: healthcare financial management - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 credit hours.
    • Online delivery format.
    • Cost: $3,139.02 per semester.
    • Requires BSN degree.
    • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
    • Active RN license needed.
    • Personal statement required.
    • Specialization in healthcare financial management.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration)

    Concentration: quality improvement - Online Learning - Website

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

    Concentration: strategic management - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 credit hours required
    • Online delivery format
    • Approximately $3,139.02 per semester
    • BSN degree required for admission
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Active RN license needed
    • Personal statement required
    • 90-hour apprenticeship included
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • $349 per credit
    • 36 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 0 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • 135 clinical hours
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for National Certification Exam

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University

  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Care across a patient's lifespan
    • Works in primary care, emergency, and rural health
    • Provides physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment
    • Focuses on healthy lifestyle promotion
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

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

    • 3 concentration options
    • 3.5 years program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 3.5 GPA minimum
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Quality improvement project in community
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

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

    • 3 concentration options
    • Complete in Average program length is 3.5 years
    • Starts fall
    • 3.5 GPA minimum
    • Learn patient and practice management
    • Preparation for national certification
    • Guided clinical practicums in varied settings
    • State-of-the-art simulations
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Wichita, KS

We've gathered a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Wichita, KS. The table below shows each school's city and state, highlights of their nursing programs, and direct links to program pages. Whether starting fresh or advancing a career, these options help find the right fit. Explore the table to compare accredited programs and take the next step toward a nursing degree.
Jump to City:

El Dorado, KS

Butler Community College

  • Associate - Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) accredited
    • 3 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • $11,182 total program tuition
    • 69 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

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

    Concentration: Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing (On-Campus), Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing (Hybrid), RN to BSN Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Careers: ER, obstetrics, ICU, school nursing, cardiac
    • Clinical settings from rural clinics to urban hospitals
    • Prepare for healthcare administration or academia
  • Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Career paths in ER, obstetrics, ICU, school nursing, cardiac
    • Foundational skills for healthcare administration or academic sectors

North Newton, KS

Bethel College-North Newton

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: ACT, SAT, TOEFL
    • Starts fall
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 3.5 GPA minimum
    • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Prerequisite courses required

Wichita, KS

Newman University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Scholarships available
    • Small classes, one-on-one attention
    • Experience variety of nursing specialties
    • Collaboration with athletic department
    • Careers: wound care, hospice, home health
    • Advanced study: DNP, NP, CNS
    • Approved by Kansas State Board of Nursing

Wichita State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • 4-Year program
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available

Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nurse (ADN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 2-Year program
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Prepares for NCLEX licensure exam
    • Clinical rotations in inpatient/outpatient settings
    • Federal financial aid eligible
    • LPN to ADN bridge option
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2025, NCES.