Best Nursing Schools in Kansas

Best RN Programs in Kansas

Kansas Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you're new to nursing, it can be challenging to know where to begin and what degrees you'll need. Entry-level nurses typically have three main educational paths: an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Each of these options prepares you for entry-level roles, but there are some key differences. An ADN or nursing diploma is the fastest route, allowing you to get licensed and enter the field in as little as 1 to 2 years. A BSN, on the other hand, requires about four years of full-time study but can open up a wider range of career opportunities. If you're already working as an LPN, you may also find accelerated paths to ADN or BSN degrees through an LPN-to-RN bridge program.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Kansas include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Kansas.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

While ADN programs and nursing diplomas offer shorter routes to employment, investing in a BSN can be highly rewarding for many students. Many employers prefer hiring nurses with a BSN over those with a nursing diploma or ADN, and a BSN is also a solid foundation for pursuing graduate-level nursing degrees. If you're already an RN with an ADN, you can earn your BSN in as little as two years. Alternatively, if you have a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN program could help you complete your BSN in just one year, provided you have the necessary credits.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Kansas typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

Working nurses in Kansas who want to advance their education and earn a BSN degree have a convenient pathway through a Kansas RN to BSN program. These programs are designed for students who already hold an RN license, or an ADN, and typically have at least a year of nursing experience. Many nurses can complete an RN to BSN program in as little as two years from start to finish.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Finally, if your goal is to practice independently as a nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse in Kansas, you'll need to complete a graduate program, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, or a doctoral degree like the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These advanced programs typically take an additional 2 to 6 years after completing a bachelor's degree.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Kansas:

• Kansas Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Kansas MSN Program
• Kansas RN to MSN Programs
• Kansas Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Kansas DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Kansas

To practice as a nurse in Kansas, you'll need to obtain RN licensure. This involves passing the NCLEX-RN exam after completing an accredited nursing program. Once you've passed the exam, the final step is to submit an application to the Kansas State Board of Nursing and pay the required fee.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Kansas

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Kansas Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Regardless of which program you choose, it's crucial to ensure that the RN program is accredited. RN accreditation indicates that the program meets the standards set by the state nursing board. As you apply to nursing programs in Kansas, make sure they are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Continued List of All RN Programs in Kansas

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