Best Nursing Schools in Kansas

With the trend of nursing care moving toward a higher standard, Kansas is moving toward a model of promoting higher education. Nurses are being compensated on average 45% more in annual salaries if they attain a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or greater degree. Kansas is challenging their nursing industry to move toward that higher standard of care by promoting higher education. The state is seeing an influx of jobs over the next few years at an estimated rate of 18%, and is committed to meeting their goal and empowering nurses to join in the challenge.

For RN bridge programs visit:

• RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
• RN to MSN Programs in Kansas

ADN Programs in Kansas

A decisive choice for many high school students, pursuing an ADN or Associate's Degree in Nursing is a great way to start a lucrative and rewarding career. Many ADN programs are 2 years in length, or less if students opt for an accelerated program. Search out ADN programs in the state's public and private colleges to begin your healthcare career path.

The state has over 20 ADN programs offered through community and technical colleges to ensure that nursing education is accessible to all who wish to pursue it.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in Kansas

With 20+ programs that offer the same ADN degree upon graduation, how is a student to know which school is the best fit for them? After the obvious questions of commuter or live-away, and public or private, students can consider some of the following metrics to ensure that they are making an evidence-based decision on where to spend their education dollars and their time.

Accreditation

While it seems like 'everyone' has an accreditation that meets state and federal standards, it is important for students to ensure that every school they consider has appropriate accreditation in place. While the opposing view is that accreditation is unnecessary, it serves a real purpose for students who can measure how much they're learning against other programs, and for employers who can evaluate candidates with the same degree. The Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the two main accrediting bodies for nursing - your college choice's website should bear the logo of either.

Licensing

The Kansas Board of Nursing works with each program in order to ensure that students who graduate are ready to sit and pass the NCLEX examination according to course outcomes and faculty teaching ability. It is only with an NCLEX 'pass' that candidates can be called 'registered nurse' and thus be eligible to practice. Recent data shows that more than 88% of RNs passed the NCLEX on their first attempt.

Program Outcomes

Every year, colleges and universities collect data on students, programs and hiring information to compare against their college competitors and labor forecasts. With this data, colleges are able to attract and market to various student populations. Students can use this information to evaluate whether their program may be the right choice or not for their education. Consider the following outcomes and how you might fit in:

• How many students graduate each year
• How many students the program admits each year
• NCLEX pass-rate information as compared to other schools and states
• How many students found jobs in healthcare, post licensure
• Student satisfaction

Johnson County Community College, located in Overland Park is home to a rigorous ADN program that meets state and national accreditation and licensure standards.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in Kansas

Program requirements can vary between schools, but we've listed some of the more common criteria to let you know what you're up against:

• Provide official transcripts from all secondary and college sources
• Prerequisite courses must have a GPA of minimum 2.5
• Application and 'fees arranged' status as per college due dates
• Original, self-authored personal statement
• Letters of recommendation may be considered
• Complete drug and background checks

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Kansas

Tuition is considered separately from many of the other costs associated with it. Usually calculated per semester or per credit hour, tuition costs are much lower at the college level. Students may further control costs by living at home, and applying to a public school that is in their home state.

Students at North Central Kansas Technical College - Hays campus can expect to pay about $4,600 each year in tuition for in-state residents. Material costs, which include insurance, uniforms, equipment and books, are approximately $3,000 extra. Living costs are calculated separately.

Advantages of ADN Programs

ADN programs continue to be a popular choice of nursing students, many of whom go on to upgrade their education as time and finances allow. With a two-year timeline and the ability to take the same exam for licensure, many ADN students see good value in the length and cost of the program when compared with the BSN. Smaller class sizes and variety of programs offered throughout the state are other benefits to the ADN.

LPN to RN Programs in Kansas

Kansas Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are able to take advantage of specialty LPN to RN bridge programs in order to advance to registered nursing careers. These programs build upon the nurse's prior experience, and can culminate in either an ADN degree or a BSN degree.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

Depending on the student's future goals, they may wish to pursue either the LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN program. LPN to ADN programs are ideal for those who want to enter the RN workforce quickly, as it is the shortest route to a registered nursing degree. Programs such as Metropolitan Community College's LPN to ADN offering allow students to complete their coursework in as little as one year. For those looking to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, the LPN to BSN program is ideal. Washburn University's LPN to BSN program allows qualified LPNs to receive up to 18 hours of college credit towards the degree.

BSN Programs in Kansas

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are offered at universities and satellite campuses throughout the state. Generally found in more urban environments, BSN programs are often double the length of their ADN counterparts. With large class sizes and many faculty, the programs are diverse, exposing students to a broad range of clinical experiences.

Kansas has more than 15 BSN programs offered throughout the state.

What To Look For in a BSN Program in Kansas

The best BSN programs are not confined to a particular state, rather, to a particular mission and mandate to educate nursing students by modelling empathy, respect for diversity, and a drive to treat and prevent health care problems in an empathetic and evidence-based fashion.

Newman University in Wichita has an excellent reputation as a private university that turns out first-rate nursing graduates. Newman students graduate with the skills and ethics needed to be an excellent generalist in the core areas of nursing, while having the foundation of a solid education when and if they want to pursue their MSN. The program has both accreditation through the CCNE and licensure through the state board of nursing.

BSN Program Length in Kansas

Traditionally, baccalaureate programs in nursing are four years long, with summers off. This works out to about 120 credit hours in order to earn a BSN degree. In recent years, changes to our health care system have increased the demand for nurses - as such, there are now a number of accelerated programs and RN-BSN bridge programs that account for a student's prior experience and then 'make up the difference' in schooling.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in Kansas

Fully researching the entrance requirements for your school of choice will net you valuable information about how to proceed. While schools do vary in their criteria, here are some of the most common admission requirements for the BSN track:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Proof of vaccinations, background check and drug screening
• Meet or exceed admission standards
• ACT composite score of 21
• Status is 'fees arranged' with the university
• Compelling personal statement on an appropriate topic

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Kansas

Costs between universities within the state can vary greatly and depend on a number of factors. It's important to get a full cost breakdown of all the expenses you will incur from year to year. These might include nursing supplies and uniforms, insurance, room and board, university fees and tuition. After careful evaluation of the costs, be sure to apply for all financial aid, and look into campus work opportunities.

For comparison points, the estimated tuition for one credit hour at Kansas State University is about $300. Room and board are about $7000 per semester.

Advantages of BSN Programs

There are a number of advantages to pursuing a BSN program. In addition to a diverse school and clinical environment, nursing faculty are often attracted to larger university campuses in order to continue their own professional growth. As well, those students who graduate with a BSN are well positioned to make the next step in their career with ease, due to the value of their degree.

MSN Programs in Kansas

MSN or Masters of Science in Nursing degrees are reserved for those RNs who are looking to become specialists in a certain area of health care like gerontology or pediatrics. The graduate program is offered at a number of schools both online and on-campus and degrees are available full and part time.

Kansas offers many options for students who are interested in pursuing an MSN degree on-campus. There are more than five schools across the state that offer programs at the graduate level.

MSN Program Length in Kansas

MSN programs vary in length from 1.5 intensive years of study and placement to as much as 5 years of part time courses. At the graduate degree level, it is expected that many students will have personal and professional commitments aside from school.

MSN Admission Requirements in Kansas

There is a small but growing number of MSN programs in the state, as demand on our healthcare system continues to grow. Entry to the MSN stream is highly competitive. While institutions vary in accordance to their requirements for admission, there are some similarities between programs. Read on to see which criteria may apply to your MSN program:

• Kansas RN license in good standing - able to practice in the state
• Have a BSN from an accredited university in the region
• Have a GPA that exceeds 3.0
• Have completed undergraduate pre-requisite courses within the last 5 years
• Attached a professional resume and personal statement as well as 3 letters of professional recommendation
• Attend an interview with faculty panel

Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in Kansas

At the University of Kansas, graduate students can expect to pay about $500 per credit hour for the 40 or so credit hours in their course of study. On par with most other college and university programs, administration fees, lab and service fees, housing, food and equipment costs are calculated separately from the price of tuition.

For NP programs visit:

• Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kansas
• Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Getting a Kansas Nursing License

Kansas requirements for nursing licensure by either examination or endorsement should include:

Candidates need to complete, sign and date the application, include the fees, send additional documentation such as:

• Criminal background check - fingerprint card, completed and signed
• Official transcripts - showing completion of nursing program and degree obtained (must be sent from the school)
• Registration for NCLEX examination
• Application and affidavit to be signed and notarized

For licensure by endorsement include the above requirements and these additional pieces of documentation:

• Request for verification of licensure from original state of issue - NURSYS request form (if applicable)

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Kansas

An intense 12 months of full-time studies and clinical hours can get you the career opportunities you are looking for upon becoming a nurse. Earning an accelerated BSN degree can put you at the top of the list when applying for job opportunities. Before beginning in the accelerated program you might be required to complete a few prerequisite courses, which can add a bit of time to the 12-month degree. These required courses will add to tuition costs, but they must be completed before entry into the program. Tuition costs vary from one program to another and can increase due to a variety of factors.

• Kansas Accelerated BSN Programs
• Kansas Accelerated MSN Programs