Online Nursing Programs in Kansas
Kansas has several colleges that offer online nursing degrees. Rasmussen College offers accredited nursing programs at an affordable tuition of $10,935. University of Kansas offers four online master’s in nursing programs in addition to an online RN to BSN program and an online DNP. Kansas nursing licenses must be renewed every two years on the last day of your birth month, and nurses must have 30 hours of continuing education to do so.
ON THIS PAGE
Become a Nurse CNA Certification LPN License RN LicenseAPRN License FAQs
Comprehensive List of Online Nursing Schools in Kansas
School | Annual Tuition | NCLEX Pass Rate | Locations |
---|---|---|---|
Allen County Community College | $3,080 | Not Reported | Iola (and 1 other) |
Baker University | $29,880 | 97.4% | Multiple Locations |
Colby Community College | $5,385 | 77.78% | Colby |
Dodge City Community College | $3,690 | 88.89% | Dodge City |
Emporia State University | $20,714 | Not Reported | Emporia |
Fort Hays State University | $15,360 | 89.19% | Hays |
Kansas Wesleyan University | $29,820 | 100.0% | Salina |
MidAmerica Nazarene University | $31,786 | 88.0% | Olathe |
Neosho County Community College | $4,930 | 82.83% | Chanute |
Ottawa University Online | $12,316 | Not Reported | Ottawa |
Ottawa University-Ottawa | $30,805 | Not Reported | Ottawa |
Pittsburg State University | $18,682 | 92.94% | Pittsburg |
Rasmussen University | $10,935 | 82.41% | Multiple Locations |
Rasmussen University Online | Not Provided | 82.41% | Multiple Locations |
Tabor College | $29,360 | Not Reported | Hillsboro |
University of Arkansas Grantham | $8,280 | Not Reported | Kansas City |
University of Kansas | $28,034 | 83.74% | Lawrence |
University of Phoenix | $9,552 | 90.0% | Nationwide |
University of Saint Mary | $29,880 | 92.98% | Leavenworth |
Washburn University | $19,456 | 90.0% | Topeka |
Wichita State University | $17,480 | 87.77% | Wichita |
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.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 7,950 RNs in Kansas and 2,340 LPNs. In Kansas, RNs make an average annual salary of $66,560, while LPNs make $46,550, which is about the national average for these positions.
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).
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below.
Nursing Degrees by State
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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:
1
The first part includes 20 hours of didactic or classroom training and 20 supervised hours of lab and clinical instruction.
2
The second part is advanced training, and it includes a minimum of 25 hours of didactic or classroom training and 25 supervised hours of lab and clinical instruction.
Required coursework through these programs typically covers the following topic areas:
- Nutrition
- Observation
- Patient transfers
- Anatomy
- Patients' rights and ethics
- Communication
- Caring for individuals with specialized needs
- Medical terminology
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:
- Adult and gerontological health services
- Child and family health services
- Population health and systems
- Transitions of care management
- Human development
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:
1
Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN, which is designed to test a person's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field.
2
Become a licensed RN in another state and record at least 1,000 hours of nursing practice there. Applicants can then go through the application process to endorse an out-of-state license in Kansas.
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.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Kansas
Are There Online Nursing Programs in Kansas?
Yes, there are several online nursing programs in Kansas. Many institutions offer online degree programs, so it's important to first look for institutions you’re interested in attending in general — whether it's a nursing school in Emporia or Kansas City — and see if they have an online nursing program.
Is Kansas Good for Nurses?
Yes, nurses who work professionally in Kansas make about the national average salary for licensed nurses. In addition, Kansas’ non-metropolitan areas have the highest employment in registered nurses.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Registered Nurse in Kansas?
If you already have an associate degree, it may take only one year to get your online nursing degree. Nursing programs in Kansas are required to have a minimum of 15 credit hours for LPNs and 30 credit hours for RNs, but many offer more. If you’re entering a degree program for the first time, it may take between three and four years.
If you're interested in accelerated learning options, read our article about how to graduate from college early.
Are There Online LPN to RN Programs in Kansas?
Yes, several online LPN to RN programs are available in Kansas. In fact, nursing schools in Kansas offer both an online RN program and an online LPN to RN program.
Related Articles
Online MSW Programs in Kansas
Find CSWE-accredited online MSWs in Kansas. Learn about licensure and how to become a social worker in the state.
By OnlineU Staff Writers | 2/21/2023