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.
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 |
| Fort Hays State University | $15,360 | 89.19% | Hays |
| Grantham University | $8,280 | Not Reported | Kansas City |
| Kansas Wesleyan University | $29,820 | 100.0% | Salina |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | $31,786 | 88.0% | Olathe |
| National American University Online | $10,575 | 85.71% | Multiple Locations |
| 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 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, and career opportunities in this state are very positive. In 2017, there were 56,393 registered nurses and 10,386 licensed practical nurses in the state of Kansas.
Applying for a nursing education program is the first step to a fulfilling career in health services. The Kansas Board of Nursing is responsible for controlling all levels of nursing licensure in this state. Individuals interested in applying for nursing licensure as an LPN, RN, APRN, or becoming a CNA in the state of Kansas can find more information below.
How to Get Certified Nursing Assistant (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. These hours must include clinical on-the-job experience in a healthcare setting. 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
The fee for testing is $20. To apply, applicants for a Kansas CNA certification must submit to the following:
- Criminal background test
- TB test
- Physical exam
- Proof of age; applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Proof of high school diploma or GED
- Drug testing
- Proof of immunizations
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 a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in Kansas
To get a Kansas LPN license, applicants must complete a training program prior to applying. Programs are offered in a variety of settings and take about one to two years to complete. Coursework focuses on the following:
- Adult and Gerontological Health Services
- Child and Family Health Services
- Population Health and Systems
- Transitions of Care Management
- Human Development
To apply for a Kansas LPN license, applicants must submit:
- A $50 non-refundable payment for the application
- Proof of education
- If applicable, proof of active licensure in another state
- Criminal background check
- If applicable, documentation of a legal name change
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 LPN license.
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 the birthday month in odd- or even-numbered years, based on the LPN's birth year.
How to Get a Registered Nurse (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 that support a foundation for safe and effective nursing practice. Coursework must have a particular focus on health promotion and maintenance, such as growth and development through life and prevention and 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:
- Successfully pass the National Council Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN), which is designed to test for knowledge, skill and ability.
- 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.
For the application, candidates need to have official transcripts sent to the Kansas Board of Nursing prior to the Kansas nursing license being issued. A background check is also required, along with a $50 application fee that is put toward fingerprint processing.
RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing nursing education prior to renewing the license. All RN licenses expire on the final day of their birthday month in odd- or even-numbered years based on the RN's birth year.
How to Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (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 advanced practice registered nurses are at the forefront of the healthcare system and patient care services. In Kansas, an advanced practice nurse 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:
- Adult and Gerontological Health Services
- Child and Family Health Services
- Population Health and Systems
- Transitions of Care Management
Additionally, applicants must complete a minimum of three credit hours in an advanced pharmacology course, which prepares them for their prescriptive authority and the more in-depth clinical aspects of the scope of practice. For APRNs to renew their Kansas nursing license, 30 hours of continued nursing education is required.