How To Become a Nurse in Kansas 2025

A nursing career is an excellent choice for compassionate individuals interested in providing hands-on patient care in clinical settings. If you live in Kansas and are interested in pursuing this career path, you may want to know what steps you'll need to take.

Keep reading as we explore how to become a nurse, including the educational requirements you'll need to fulfill. We'll look at some schools in Kansas that provide top nursing programs and answer various questions you may be asking.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse plays a critical role in the healthcare system. Nurses act as advocates for patients and liaisons between patients and healthcare teams to ensure proper patient care. They perform many specific job duties on a day-to-day basis, including:

• basic care techniques like taking vital signs and administering medications
• assisting with advanced operations and procedures
• answering patient questions
• conducting physical exams and assessments
• discussing medical history and documenting exams and treatments.

Nursing jobs are available in many different settings. These professionals often work in doctor's offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health centers.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Kansas?

If you're a new student just beginning your nursing degree program, it will most likely take you at least two to four years to finish your education and earn your RN license. The exact amount of time will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time and whether you pursue an associate or bachelor's degree.

If you already have a degree in an unrelated field, you may be able to pursue a 12-month accelerated nursing program. This type of degree, known as an accelerated BSN or ABSN program, builds on your previous education to help you earn a second degree in nursing � which can take as little as a year.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Kansas

You'll need to meet a few educational requirements for nurses to pursue RN licensure in Kansas. Let's take a closer look at each requirement in the step-by-step process below.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

All aspiring nurses must meet this basic educational step. College-level nursing programs require all students to be high school graduates or hold an equivalent level of education.

If you're still in school, consider taking advanced courses in mathematics and sciences to prepare yourself for the challenging courses you'll take in nursing school. Some options to consider include biology, anatomy, chemistry, and statistics.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Nursing Program

Different types of nursing programs can lead to licensure. Most students enrolling directly out of high school select an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Both of these programs provide essential nursing education while helping students fulfill general education requirements toward a degree. ADN programs typically last about two years, while BSN programs are more in-depth and last for about four years.

Those with non-nursing bachelor's degrees can choose an ABSN program to pursue initial licensure. These students don't have to repeat general education requirements and typically enroll in a full-time, intensive course of study to finish their nursing degree at an accelerated rate.

Master's degrees and doctoral programs in nursing are available for more advanced students, but these programs are generally designed for those who already hold an RN license. Finally, students with previous experience as licensed practical nurses (LPN) or other healthcare professionals can enroll in RN bridge programs that build on their previous experience and allow them to earn their RN licenses more quickly.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Training

All prelicensure nursing programs (for students pursuing their first nursing license) require students to gain clinical experience by working supervised shifts in healthcare facilities. Your nursing instructors will help you with scheduling and coordinating these shifts.

Clinical experience is vital for nursing students because it allows them to gain real-world practice. The shifts are supervised by nurse practitioners or other experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring nursing students receive expert instruction and feedback.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

To get licensed in Kansas, you'll need to submit an application along with official transcripts, fingerprints for a background check, and your registration to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses. The NCLEX-RN exam is the standard licensing examination for nurses in the U.S.

You'll need to complete the NCLEX-RN exam at a testing center in your local community. It is a computer-based test that consists of multiple-choice questions and becomes increasingly difficult as it progresses. Once you have passed the exam, your results will be sent to the Kansas Board of Nursing and reviewed along with your application and supporting documents. You will then be issued your RN license and be eligible to work in the state of Kansas.

Step 5: Complete Continuing Education

Your nursing license will renew automatically on the last day of your birth month every two years. However, to do so without issues or delays, you'll need to complete continuing education requirements.

In Kansas, nurses are required to complete 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. This ongoing education ensures that nurses stay up to date in their field.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Kansas

There are many schools in Kansas offering in-person and online nursing programs. Keep reading as we look at some of the top options available in the state.

1. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is headquartered in Lawrence, KS, but the majority of its nursing programs are completed at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. Nursing programs are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, and various professional certificates are also available.

Undergrad students can complete a traditional BSN or an online RN to BSN through this school. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is available for graduate students, and doctoral learners can choose between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,102 (in-state); $30,432 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public school located in Wichita. It offers a range of nursing programs and the undergraduate and graduate levels.

In addition to traditional BSN and RN to BSN programs, the school offers a guaranteed placement program for high school seniors and a partnership with Kansas State University that enables students to earn a nursing and non-nursing degree concurrently. Graduate students also have various options, including online nurse executive and DNP degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,684 (in-state); $19,869 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Washburn University

Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS. Students at this public school have various nursing program options to choose from.

Traditional degrees at bachelor's and doctoral levels are available. Additionally, the school offers a bridge program for LPNs looking to become RNs, and a graduate certificate in mental health nursing is also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,945 (in-state); $20,949 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. MidAmerica Nazarene University

MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private school located in Olathe. Students can complete traditional on-campus and hybrid BSN programs at this school, as well as an accelerated BSN program.

These programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 24 months, depending on the track you choose. Those interested in completing graduate education after earning their BSN can pursue an MSN in nursing education, as well as an MSN/MBA dual degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $37,174 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College is a two-year school offering associate degrees and certificate programs. It offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in nursing for students hoping to get their career started quickly and affordably.

This on-campus program can be completed within two years and provides a good foundation for students just beginning their nursing journeys. Courses cover a range of essential nursing topics, such as pharmacology, management, legal considerations, and nutrition.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,210 to 3,585 (in-state); $6,945 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Kansas

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 31,000 RNs employed in the state of Kansas. The annual mean wage among nurses in the state is $76,240, which is quite a bit lower than the national average of $93,600.

That said, the demand for nurses is expected to grow by 6% by 2033, which is faster than average among all occupations. This means that nurses in Kansas and throughout the U.S. can expect higher-than-average job security over the next several years at least.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Kansas

If you still have questions about enrolling in nursing school, you're not alone. Read on as we answer some common questions you may be curious about.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Kansas?

The cost of your nursing education can vary widely depending on whether you attend a public or private school and the type of program you pursue. Among the Kansas schools featured above, yearly tuition averages range from around $3,200 to more than $37,000. Consider getting your degree at an online college that accepts FAFSA to be considered for financial aid that can help you graduate affordably.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Many accredited nursing programs require certain prerequisite courses to make sure students are prepared for the challenges of nursing coursework. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, psychology, chemistry, and mathematics. You may be able to complete self-paced nursing prerequisites online at some colleges and universities.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

If you're a recent high school graduate, the fastest way to become a nurse is to complete an ADN program. This type of program lasts only two years and prepares you for entry-level RN roles.

If you already have a degree in another field, then pursuing an ABSN program may provide the fastest route to a nursing license. Many ABSN programs can be completed in as little as a year.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

All nursing degrees are challenging and provide intensive coursework and skills practice requirements. That said, some may consider an ADN program to be the easiest nursing degree because it provides mostly introductory coursework and is completed in a relatively short amount of time. Regardless of the degree program you choose, getting the best laptop for nursing students can help make your time in nursing school go more smoothly.

Find a Nursing Degree

If you're ready to start your ADN or BSN program, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges today to find out more about their nursing programs and to choose the right one for you.