[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for nurses is high in Kansas. As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, nurses licensed in Kansas can apply for a multistate license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide helps you identify the best nursing program for you, describes typical salaries, and explains how to earn a Kansas nursing license. Keep reading to learn more about nursing schools in Kansas and how to find the right one for your goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are more than 40 nursing programs in Kansas that offer either an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list identifies the top accredited nursing schools to help you find the right program for your background and career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Kansas, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because there are so many nursing schools in Kansas, it can be hard to choose. Factors to consider include costs and financial aid and the graduation and acceptance rate. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate can indicate how prepared graduates are to practice nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Logistics like clinical placement should also be considered. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]Local clinical placement for online nursing students[/hen-ui-link] is especially important if you attend an online nursing program in Kansas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing school accreditation is so important[/hen-ui-link], this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2020, there were 29,430 registered nurses in Kansas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The majority of these nurses have single-state licenses. Because Kansas is an NLC state, graduates of nursing schools in Kansas are eligible for a multistate license after passing the NCLEX-RN examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link] in Kansas is 86.9, the 44th lowest in the country. ADN program tuition ranges from $3,000-$6,000, and in-state tuition for a BSN program ranges from $6,000-$11,000 at most schools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average NCLEX-RN pass rate was 86.1% in 2020, and the pass rate for many nursing schools in Kansas was above the national average of 86.6%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because the cost of living in Kansas is considerably below the national average, salaries are below national levels as well. The average RN salary in Kansas is $66,560, compared to $80,010 nationally. The average nurse practitioner (NP) salary is $104,530, compared to the national average of $114,510, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of RN jobs in Kansas is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to increase by 8.1%[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028, less than the national projection of 12.1%. Similarly, while NP jobs in Kansas are projected to grow 18.3%, the national projection is 28.2%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]projects a surplus[/hen-ui-link] of 12,600 RNs by 2030 in Kansas. However, this doesn’t account for the number of nurses retiring or leaving the healthcare field during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Despite the popular perception of Kansas as predominantly rural, almost half the state’s population lives in an urban area. While still low, the cost of living and salary expectations are higher in metropolitan areas. The biggest cities in Kansas host academic medical centers, such as the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Kansas[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Topeka[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,480[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lawrence[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$61,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Manhattan[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$60,220[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Wichita[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$59,480[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kansas RN requirements include graduating from nursing school, passing the national examination, and completing a background check. The same is for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The [hen-ui-link href=”https://ksbn.kansas.gov/” target=”_blank”]Kansas Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] requires a criminal background check with fingerprints.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Kansas RN to BSN Programs + Online Bridge Options” href=”/state/kansas/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN to MSN Programs in Kansas” href=”/state/kansas/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Kansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Kansas?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn an ADN or four years to earn a BSN. While the ADN is faster, the BSN is the more valuable degree if you want a senior role or to earn an MSN. Processing time for a license varies based on volume, but it is generally awarded in 6-8 weeks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the attrition rate for BSN programs in Kansas?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2019, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ksbn.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/KS-Annual-Report-2021.pdf” target=”_blank”]attrition rate[/hen-ui-link] for BSN nursing programs in Kansas was 12%. The attrition rate for ADNs was 19%. If you find yourself struggling academically, talk to your academic advisor as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to catch up.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long is a Kansas nursing license good for?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Kansas nursing license is valid for two years. It expires on the last day of the month you were born, either odd or even years. You must complete your continuing education before applying for renewal. You can only renew an active license, though you can apply to reinstate a lapsed license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]