Online Nursing Programs in Kansas

Becoming a Nurse in Kansas

There are dozens of accredited nursing programs in Kansas as well as ample nursing career opportunities. 

Applying for a nursing education program is the first step to achieving a fulfilling career in health services. The most important step is to become certified as a nurse and licensed, so you can practice nursing professionally. 

The Kansas Board of Nursing is responsible for controlling all levels of nursing licensure in this state. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).  

Individuals interested in applying for nursing licensure as any type of nurse in the state of Kansas can find more information below for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

How To Get CNA Certification in Kansas

Applicants for Kansas CNA certification must complete at least 90 hours of training through a state-certified nurse aide program prior to applying. Kansas CNA courses have two parts:

Required coursework through these programs typically covers the following topic areas:

In addition to completing an approved program, applicants must submit a criminal background test and fingerprint card, which includes a $48 fee. There are also several medical tests, which include a TV test, a physical exam, drug testing, and proof of immunizations.

CNA Certification Renewal

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services manages the registry for CNAs in the state. Kansas CNA certifications expire after two years, and applicants will need to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education prior to renewing their Kansas nursing registration.

How To Get an LPN License in Kansas

To get a Kansas LPN license, applicants must graduate from an approved nursing program and send their transcripts to the Kansas Board of Nursing. Coursework focuses on the following subjects:

Once an approved nursing program is completed, applicants must send their official transcripts to the Kansas Board of Nursing electronically via Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse. Applicants must submit an application — which has a $100 fee — and provide a background check and fingerprint card, which involves another fee of $48.

Applicants must also pass the NCLEX-PN, which is offered by the NCSBN and includes a $200 registration fee. This exam must be taken within 24 months of graduation from a nursing program. When the application to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam is approved, applicants may take the exam. Once they pass the exam, applicants will receive an LPN license.

LPN License Renewal

LPNs must complete 30 hours of continuing nursing education prior to renewing their Kansas nursing license. All LPN licenses expire on the final day of an individual's birthday month in odd- or even-numbered years.

How To Get an RN License in Kansas

Applicants for a Kansas RN license must graduate from an accredited RN nursing education program that includes coursework in the biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences, which support a foundation for safe and effective nursing practices. Additionally, coursework must particularly focus on health promotion and maintenance, such as growth and development through life and prevention and the early detection of disease.

Upon completion of the RN degree and clinical curriculum, applicants can apply for a Kansas RN license in two different ways:

Once an approved nursing program is completed, applicants must send their official transcripts to the Kansas Board of Nursing electronically via Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse. Applicants must submit an application, which has a $100 fee, and provide a background check and fingerprint card, which costs $48.

Applicants must also pass the NCLEX, pay the $200 registration fee, and they must take this exam within 24 months of graduating from the nursing program. When the application to sit the NCLEX-PN exam is approved, applicants may take the exam. Once the exam is passed, applicants will receive an RN license.

How To Get an APRN License in Kansas

A Kansas APRN license includes the following types of nurses: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. All APRNs are at the forefront of the healthcare system and patient care services. In Kansas, an APRN must first be a registered nurse. Registered nurses who wish to obtain a Kansas APRN license must complete a nursing degree program that is at least at the master's level.

Kansas APRN license applicants must also complete at least 500 hours of clinical learning in each clinical subject matter track. Examples of clinical tracks for nurses include the following:

• Adult and Gerontological Health Services
• Child and Family Health Services
• Population Health and Systems
• Transitions of Care Management

Once an approved nursing program is completed, applicants must virtually send their official transcripts to the Kansas Board of Nursing through the Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse. Applicants must submit a $50 application and provide a background check and fingerprint card, which costs another $48. As of 07/01/2022, APRNs must have a Malpractice Insurance Policy. Individuals must send proof of this policy to the Kansas Board of Nursing.