Online LPN to RN Programs in Kansas: What You Need to Know

If you’re a Kansas-based LPN interested in becoming an RN, but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide to LPN to RN bridge programs in Kansas we’ll cover specific programs, learning outcomes, delivery methods, salary potential, and more.

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If you’ve been wondering how to take the next step in your nursing career, then an LPN to RN bridge program in Kansas could be the perfect fit for you. LPN to RN bridge programs are uniquely designed to give licensed LPNs the education, skills, and experience they need to further their careers and education. Whether you’re interested in a higher salary, better job opportunities, or just improving as a healthcare provider, this is the next step!

So, how do you know which program is right for you? In addition to a program’s quality, faculty, accreditation, tuition costs, delivery options, and admission requirements, you’ll need to consider how a program aligns with your interests, goals, and needs. While it may seem overwhelming, we’re here to help. We’ve designed this guide to provide all the information you need to get going, starting with a spotlight on some of the top LPN to RN bridge programs offered in Kansas.

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Top LPN-RN Bridge Programs in Kansas

Below we’ve provided a snapshot of some of the best LPN to RN bridge programs available in Kansas to give you a general idea of what makes a program great. While the specifics of each program will differ, you can expect similar curriculums, career prospects, and learning outcomes across the board.

Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College offers an LPN to RN bridge program for students with unencumbered LPN licenses who are ready to transition to careers as registered nurses. Upon completion of the program, students receive their associate of applied science (AAS) degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. This program consists of 56-59 credits, which includes 21-24 prerequisite credits, and can be completed in a minimum of three semesters. Students can expect to pay $6,422 for the entire LPN to RN program, not including scholarships or other financial aid. To be admitted into the program, students must register by February 1st. Applicants’ acceptance depends heavily on past GPA, their TEAS pre-admission test score, and their intake interview.

Highland Community College

The two semester LPN to RN bridge program at at Highland Community College is highly competitive, with only 30 students accepted each year. Students must hold a valid LPN license, among a host of other requirements, to be admitted. The program requires students to complete 38 credits of prerequisites and 22 nursing credits. HCC is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Tuition for full-time students is $3,870/year, which does not include the costs of books, supplies, and equipment.

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College offers an LPN to RN online bridge program accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and to obtain jobs in hospitals, clinics, military bases, correctional facilities, and educational facilities. Students can expect to take courses in physiology, anatomy, human psychology, lifespan development, microbiology, leadership and management, and complex care of the adult. This program is made up of 69 credits, 12 of which are prerequisites. The majority of this program’s coursework is offered in an online format. Tuition is set at $2,976/year, or $124/credit hour. This program takes approximately two years to complete.

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Learning Outcomes in a Kansas LPN to RN Bridge Program

Students in Kansas LPN to RN bridge programs can expect to build on their previous medical training and experience. They learn through a combination of classroom instruction, practicum experiences, simulations, and clinical work. Students hone their communication skills and deepen their understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Students further improve their skills in identifying maladies and providing treatment to clients with a variety of short-term and long-term health difficulties. They also receive education in nutrition for both children and adults, as well as human psychology throughout the lifespan. Pharmacology, including the study of relevant bacteria, viruses, and corresponding immunology, is also introduced. Finally, students learn about taking on managerial roles within a healthcare team. While each college offers a slightly different curriculum—you can browse Highland Community College’s curriculum here–you can expect to cover similar concepts. Below are a few common courses you can expect to take in any LPN to RN bridge program in Kansas.

Common Courses

Microbiology

This course will provide the fundamentals of immunology, hygiene, and sanitation, as well as the morphology, physiology, classification, and culture of bacteria and related organisms of significant medical importance.

Pharmacology

This course defines the relationship between the nursing process and drug therapy. This course considers the relationships between pharmacology and lifespan, as well as relevant legal, ethical, and cultural considerations. The principles of pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacodynamics will also be covered.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

This course covers the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The laboratory portion of the course may include physiological experiments and anatomical studies using microscopes, models, preserved specimens, and possibly cadavers.

Concepts of Nursing Practice I

This course helps students develop expertise in identifying, treating, and meeting the needs of culturally diverse clients. Students study the legal and ethical parameters of healthcare in relation to long-term physical and psychosocial care.

Concepts of Nursing Practice II

This course helps students develop into the role of provider and a member of a healthcare team with a focus on the role of manager. Students build upon the past courses to utilize the nursing process to care for clients with complex healthcare needs across the lifespan.

LPN-RN Program Delivery Options in Kansas

Nursing courses can be taken either in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on the program. Each delivery option has its benefits and drawbacks depending on the preference of the student taking them. Programs will often offer the same class in several different formats, so it’s important to understand the differences when deciding which fits your needs best.

Hybrid

A hybrid course consists of both online and in-person lectures/coursework and. Typically, a hybrid class will meet in-person one day a week make the rest of the coursework and instruction available online. This is beneficial to students who are self-motivated but also enjoy face-to-face conversations with their peers and professors.

Online

Online programs are delivered entirely online, meaning all your lectures, readings, quizzes, exams, and coursework are found and completed through the school’s online portal. Online courses can usually be accessed anytime, giving students the flexibility of working around their current schedules. This is an excellent option for students that don’t live on campus, are highly disciplined, or need a more flexible schedule.

In-Person

In-person courses are the most traditional format where you attend classes alongside your classmates on campus. Most simulation and practical education courses are in-person due to the difficulty of gaining hands-on experience through videos on a screen. Students who prefer to ask questions and be part of discussions typically prefer in-person courses over online ones.

FAQs for LPN-RN Bridge Programs in Kansas

You may still have questions before you decide where—or whether—to apply to an LPN-RN bridge program in Kansas. In this section we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions so you can make the best, most informed decision for you.

How long are LPN-RN bridge programs?

Most LPN to RN bridge programs in Kansas can be completed in four semesters (approximately two years). The length of the program also depends on whether you’ve completed prerequisite courses prior to entering the program and whether you’re attending classes part or full-time. Both JCCC and HCC offer LPN to RN programs that can be completed in 12-18 months.

What are the admission requirements for LPN to RN programs in Kansas?

While each schools’ admission requirements are different, most require a minimum GPA in general education and/or prerequisite courses, a valid LPN license, and often a minimum amount of professional experience. Each school has different requirements for admission, so it’s important to check the individual school you’re looking at. However, a few common admission requirements, at JCCC and other schools, are a minimum GPA, the completion of general education prerequisite courses, a valid LPN license, and a minimum amount of professional workforce experience. Some schools require a pre-admission test to make sure applicants have the skills and knowledge necessary for the program’s coursework. Other programs require letters of reference, admission essays, or intake interviews.

What is the cost for LPN to RN programs?

Tuition can vary significantly between schools, so when doing your research it’s important to check each program carefully and individually. We’ve given a few examples of tuition costs in the school spotlight section above, but in general tuition can range anywhere from $2,000-$20,000. Keep in mind that those numbers only cover tuition. You may also need to factor in the cost of housing and transportation, as well as the cost of textbooks, supplies, and necessary equipment. Financial aid can be a great way to help offset these costs, so be sure to look into different options.

What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Kansas?

The most important thing to look for in a nursing program is accreditation. Programs can be accredited at the national, school, and program level, and since programs must meet and maintain certain standards to receive accreditation, it is indicative that a program is high-quality. Another thing to look for is the faculty’s education and work experience. Finally, taking a look at the published NCLEX-RN pass rates can give you an idea of how well the program prepares students for their future careers.

LPN vs RN in Kansas: A Look at Expected Earnings and Outlook

Now that you know the steps to go from LPN to RN, it’s important to look at the career possibilities after graduation. RNs in Kansas earn more than LPNs at all levels, showing a clear financial advantage to becoming an RN. At the 10th percentile, RNs earn $58,760, out-earning the median salary of $55,540 for LPNs. With experience or specialization, that number increases significantly; RNs at the 90th percentile earn $94,900.

Kansas has a 5% projected growth rate for RNs, which is close to the national average of 5.6%. For LPNs, the growth rate is 6%, which is slightly higher than the national average. Even though the growth rate for LPNs is higher, there are only 590 annual openings. Comparatively, there are 1,940 open jobs each year for RNs. Explore the data in the table below to learn more about what you can expect.

Occupation Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
Registered Nurses Kansas $58,760 $75,780 $94,900
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Kansas $42,200 $55,540 $66,860

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Occupation Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
Registered Nurses United States 3,172,500 3,349,900 177,400 5.60% 193,100
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses United States 655,000 689,900 34,900 5.30% 54,400
Registered Nurses Kansas 32,310 33,910 1,600 5.00% 1,940
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Kansas 7,000 7,420 420 6.00% 590

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Kyra Sutherland, BA AUTHOR

Kyra Sutherland has been a freelance writer since 2017 and enjoys infusing her work with her passion for education. When she isn’t writing she can be found building her backyard garden, experimenting in the kitchen, or chasing her two energetic boys and their feisty cat. You can find out more about Kyra on her blog No Nightlights.

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