Best Nursing Schools in Kansas

Labette Community College’s ADN program prepares students for registered nursing through a bi-level structure. After two semesters, you can earn your LPN license, then continue to RN. The curriculum covers health promotion, medication administration, and patient care. Clinical rotations occur across three states, with on-campus simulation labs. Graduates achieve high NCLEX pass rates—often 100%—and 100% job placement. Prerequisites include anatomy, algebra, psychology, and English. A minimum B in nursing courses is required. ACEN accredited and state approved, this program offers a direct path to nursing careers or further education. Students benefit from experienced faculty and a supportive learning environment. Over 1,500 nurses have graduated since 1968, reflecting the program's strong reputation. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking skills essential for modern healthcare. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
• 4-Semester program
• Apply by 2026-03-04
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Bi-level program: LPN then RN
• LPN-to-RN bridge option

Johnson County Community College's Registered Nurse (Associate Degree Nurse) program is a highly selective, campus-based associate degree that prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. Over four semesters, you'll gain hands-on experience in JCCC's state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center and through clinical rotations at partner hospitals and clinics. The curriculum covers patient care across pediatrics, obstetrics, gerontology, medical-surgical, and mental health settings. You'll develop clear communication skills and acute clinical awareness. Upon completing 69 credits, you earn an Associate of Applied Science and become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program boasts top rankings in Kansas, small class sizes, and low student-to-instructor ratios. A unique KU Community College Partnership lets you simultaneously pursue a BSN. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help support your education.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
• $6,969 total program tuition
• 4-Semester program
• 69 total credit hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• KU Community College Partnership for BSN
• Small class sizes
• Low student-to-instructor ratios

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

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

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

Benedictine College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year, campus-based program that prepares students for professional nursing practice. The curriculum blends two years of liberal arts and nursing prerequisites with two years of intensive nursing coursework. Students develop skills in clinical judgment, person-centered care, safety, ethics, communication, and leadership. The program features state-of-the-art simulation labs and a clinical skills lab in the Mother Teresa Center for Nursing and Health Education. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Small cohorts and a focus on holistic, compassionate care distinguish this program, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice and lifelong learning.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
• 4-Year program
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Mother Teresa Center facility
• Evidence-based nursing curriculum
• 2+2 program structure
• Apply in sophomore year
• Simulation rooms and labs