Online Nursing Schools in KS: Browsing Top Programs
Whether starting as a CNA or working toward a DNP, you have options in Kansas. Schools across the state have both hybrid and online nursing programs to help you achieve your short- and long-term goals. This EduMed guide showcases the top online nursing programs in Kansas, the types of degrees and certificates available, licensing information, salary expectations, and more.
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NursingHealth ScienceOnline Nursing Programs in Kansas: By Level
Understanding the difference between fully online and hybrid nursing programs is essential for students considering distance learning. Most entry-level online nursing programs — including Practical Nursing (PN) and Registered Nursing (RN) programs — require in-person clinical hours, which means they’re offered in a hybrid format.
Clinicals give you hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, and most Kansas nursing schools let students complete them at approved sites close to home. If you’re already employed in a healthcare facility, you may even be able to fulfill your clinical requirements where you work.
Key points to know:
- Entry-level nursing programs with clinical requirements are almost always hybrid.
- Clinical hours provide supervised, real-world experience essential for developing nursing skills.
- Many Kansas programs allow students to complete clinicals at nearby approved facilities.
- Current healthcare employees may be able to complete clinical rotations at their workplace.
Let’s take a closer look at real hybrid/online nursing programs in Kansas, including how they work, how much they cost, and how they can help you succeed.
Undergraduate Nursing in Kansas
Undergraduate nursing programs work well for any student completing entry-level nursing training, regardless of their age or prior experience. These include programs that help students become certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. Undergraduate programs also include bridge programs that culminate in a bachelor’s degree, such as an LPN to BSN or RN to BSN.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs prepare students to provide basic patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. The program includes hands-on training in areas such as vital-sign monitoring, personal hygiene assistance, mobility support, and patient safety.
The program typically culminates in a certification exam that verifies competency.
Example: Johnson County Community College
- Cost: $101-$149/credit
- Length: One semester
- Mode: Hybrid
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs train students to provide basic medical care, working under registered nurses or doctors. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, patient care, administering medications, and medical procedures. Clinical experience is included; graduates must pass a licensing exam to become a certified LPN.
Example: WSU Tech
- Cost: $13,688 (does not include fees or books)
- Length: 48 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) often is the first step in education for aspiring nurses. These programs require two years of full-time study; they allow students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure after graduating. You can usually find ADN programs at community colleges and vocational schools.
Example: Neosho County Community College
- Cost: $132-$147/credit
- Length: Two and a half years
- Mode: Hybrid
Expert Insight
I knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I wasn’t quite sure of anything beyond that. Obtaining my ADN was the perfect first step. After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, I already had a full-time nursing position lined up at my local hospital, and from there I was able to gain much more insight into which specialties or nursing areas interested me.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are designed for first-time college students who know they want to earn a bachelor’s-level education before becoming an RN.
BSN programs typically take four years to complete and can lead to higher salaries and a wider range of career options. BSNs are usually offered by public and private four-year schools.
Example: Fort Hays State University
- Cost: $251-$376/credit
- Length: Four years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN program work best for students who want to get in and out of school quickly. Students at these schools typically graduate in three years or fewer by following an accelerated learning path (for example, more compact classes). Similar to traditional BSNs, you can find ABSN programs at both public and private schools.
Example: Fort Hays State University
- Cost: $198-$258/credit
- Length: Four semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Postgraduate Nursing in Kansas
Graduate nursing programs work well for students looking to specialize their nursing education. These programs include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, graduate certificates, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing degrees, and post-graduate certificates. Students who want to advance their career, specialize in a specific healthcare area, obtain a leadership position, teach, or perform research will benefit from these programs.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs work well for current BSN-educated nurses who want to update their credentials and obtain a leadership position, such as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse executive, or nurse educator position.
MSN programs often include specialization options, which allow students to tailor their education, depending on their interests. Program length varies from two to four years; online programs are often available for students with BSNs.
Example: Fort Hays State University
- Cost: $339/credit
- Length: Two to four years
- Mode: Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing Programs
Students looking to earn the highest nursing degrees available pursue Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing programs. DNPs are appropriate for professionals and designed for students who want to continue to work as a nurse. PhDs are appropriate for students who want to move into research and/or academic positions. These programs typically take three to six years to complete.
Example: The University of Kansas Medical Center
- Cost: $458/credit
- Length: Two to three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates allow MSN and DNP nurses to build knowledge in specific nursing topics without completing another degree. Certificate options vary by school; they typically allow students to specialize in areas such as psychiatric/mental health, nursing education, family practice, and nursing leadership. Though the certificates vary in credit requirements, they can usually be completed in one or two semesters.
Example: The University of Kansas
- Cost: $457-$557/credit
- Length: One to two semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Kansas Bridge Programs
Bridge degree programs can make it easier for students to get to the next level of nursing education. These programs include LPN to RN, RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, BSN to DNP, direct-entry BSN, and direct-entry MSN. The programs are often accelerated; previous education and experience can count as credits. The programs are typically tailored toward working professionals, so they are more flexible than traditional degrees.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to update their credentials can take a bridge program to work toward either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The LPN to RN option takes approximately 18 months to complete and the LPN to BSN takes closer to three years. Community colleges and four-year schools commonly offer these programs, which are tailored toward working professionals.
Example: Hutchinson Community College
- Cost: $128/credit
- Length: Four to five semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
If you want to upgrade your current nursing education (whether it’s a certificate, diploma, or associate degree) to a BSN, you can do so with an RN to BSN bridge program. These programs typically take 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on how much time you can devote to your studies while working.
Example: Wichita State University
- Cost: $251
- Length: Three to four semesters
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
ADN-educated nurses can bypass the BSN and earn an MSN degree to help them advance into leadership positions or specialize in an area of interest. Some schools allow students to earn a BSN and an MSN in the same program.
RN-to-MSN programs occur in-person, online, and in a hybrid format; most take 30 to 36 months to complete. Specializations can help students become nurse educators, advanced practice nurses, and nurse practitioners in various areas (such as family practice, gerontology, and mental health).
Example: Baker University
- Cost: $100/credit
- Length: Four to six semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
BSN to DNP
BSN to DNP programs are a direct-entry doctoral pathway. They are designed so registered nurses with a BSN can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The program combines advanced clinical training, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice to prepare nurses for high-level roles in healthcare.
A BSN to DNP program typically takes three to four years to complete, depending on the school and whether the student attends full-time or part-time.
Example: Fort Hays State University
- Cost: $339-$454/credit
- Length: Approximately four years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN Licensure in Kansas: Information and Requirements
To become a registered nurse in the state of Kansas, you need to acquire the necessary credentials, pass the nursing exam, and register with the Kansas State Board of Nursing before you can begin working. Below, we’ll go over each step in more detail so you know exactly what you need to do.
1 – An Accredited Degree in Nursing
The first step to earning nursing licensure in Kansas is to earn a nursing degree from an accredited program or school. The Kansas State Board of Nursing provides a list of schools that meet its requirements for licensure. Before you apply for a program, make sure it appears on this list to avoid wasting time and money.
In addition to state approval, your program should also hold proper accreditation from one of the national nursing accrediting associations. Accrediting bodies to look for include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2 – Take & Pass the NCLEX-RN
After you graduate from a nursing program, or are close to it, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Take advantage of your program’s review sessions or online study programs as you prepare for the exam.
When you feel ready, you need to register with PearsonVue and pay a $200 examination fee. From there, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) document that lets you pick a day to take the exam.
Students must get a minimum of 60 questions correct to receive a passing score.
Expert Insight
To ensure what you learned in your nursing program is still fresh in your mind, it’s important you don’t wait too long to take the NCLEX exam. On the other hand, taking some time for a prep course or to review NCLEX study materials is highly recommended. I took my exam exactly 8 weeks after graduation and passed on the first try.
3 – Apply for a State License
After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you need to submit several documents to the Kansas State Board of Nursing before you can earn your license as a registered nurse. In addition to submitting a completed application, you must also have the administrators of your recently completed program supply sealed, official transcripts. You also need to submit fingerprints and pay $48 for a background check and $100 for the application.
4 – Maintain and Revalidate Your License
After you receive your license, you need to maintain it by renewing it and taking continuing education (CE) credits. The Kansas State Board of Nursing requires RNs to renew their license by the last day of the month they were born in on odd or even years, depending on their birth year.
For example, if someone was born in May 1990, they need to renew their license by May 31 every year that ends in an even number. Someone born in 1991 would renew their license every year ending in an odd number. Students must also supply documentation that shows they’ve completed at least 30 hours of continuing education nursing credits in order to keep their license.
5 – Earn Specialty Certifications (Optional)
After you are a licensed RN in Kansas, pursuing specialty certifications is a great way to grow your career. You can start by gaining experience in an area you’re interested in — whether it’s pediatrics, critical care, or something else.
Check with organizations like the ANCC or AACN for their certification requirements; these usually include a combination of clinical hours and continuing education credits. After you pass the exam, stay on top of renewals with extra education to keep your certification up to date.
Career and Salary Info for RNs in Kansas
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $60,630 | $78,060 | $97,870 |
| Lawrence, KS | $62,200 | $79,510 | $91,050 |
| Manhattan, KS | $60,840 | $77,570 | $93,470 |
| Topeka, KS | $61,880 | $78,870 | $102,460 |
| Wichita, KS | $57,800 | $73,790 | $96,660 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Kansas | 32,310 | 33,910 | 1,600 | 5.00% | 1,940 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Kansas
Finding the right online nursing program in Kansas can be tough. Which offer online coursework and convenient clinicals? Which have affordable price tags and the support services you need to succeed? The EduMed data team researched and analyzed every nursing school in Kansas to find the answers. Below, we’ve ranked the best Kansas nursing programs with online components to see who stands out and why. Check out the winners below.
