Top RN to MSN Programs in Kansas
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: kali9 | E+ | Getty ImagesIf you wish to participate in an MSN degree program in Kansas, you will have some of the best schools and programs to choose from. All colleges and universities in Kansas are overseen by the Kansas Board of Regents. This board has made a commitment to ensuring all schools use innovative learning and education methods. This is why Kansas was the first state to have coeducational programs. All schools are focused on forward thinking and this is why all students will truly benefit from studying in Kansas. Before you choose a school and a program, it may be interesting to see the prospects this will actually offer you.
Salary Prospects and Job Outlook for MSN Holders in Kansas
The annual mean wage for an RN in Kansas is $64,200 per year, which is below the national average. However, the cost of living is also much below the national average with the result that RNs in this state tend to have more spending power.
The Kansas City area is where you will find most registered nurses. The annual mean wage there is much higher than elsewhere in the state, with an average of $70,240. The top 10% of nurses earn an annual mean wage of $91,300 and the bottom 10% earn $53,090. But Kansas City has a much lower cost of living than the rest of the country, which is why this is such an attractive place to work. However, as a result, competition for jobs is also very fierce and preference is given to those nurses who have the highest levels of education.
The average RN salary is much lower in other parts of the state. The best place to work after Kansas City is Topeka, followed by Wichita, then Lawrence and then Manhattan. All nurses have the potential to become part of the top 10%, however, by furthering their education. There is a huge demand for fully qualified nurses and this is reflected in the salaries. Without an MSN degree, it is very difficult to progress through the ranks and to ever be anything other than a ward nurse.
The Top Kansas MSN Degree Programs
The demand for highly educated nurses in Kansas is strong. Additionally, it hosts some of the best universities in the country. This is why it can be so beneficial to have an MSN degree, although you should always take the time to check out what the different universities have to offer so that you can find something that is right for you.
Fort Hays State University’s College of Health & Life Sciences has some 13,000 students enrolled in its programs. The university is made up of 28 different units and there is a strong emphasis on creating virtual environments. It is through these that they have made it possible to keep their actual class sizes very low. By graduating from Fort Hays, your resume will immediately look more desirable.
• Campus: Hays, KS
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $4,468.50 per year for residents and $13,158.30 for non-residents
• Program requirements: Transcripts, BSN, MAT, two letters of recommendation, personal statement
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen program and pathway. Some programs are available online.
• Programs: Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration, Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
The MidAmerica Nazarene University was founded in 1966. It is tied to the Church of Nazarene, which means that faith is incorporated in all their degree programs. Indeed, the standards are around the self and how this fits in with the teachings of Christ. All students are given an advanced education that is both comprehensive and challenging. The programs are offered on campus as well as online.
• Campus: Olathe, KS
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: Varies depending on personal circumstances
• Program requirements: BSN, GPA of 3.0 minimum, RN license, statistics course
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen pathway and study type. Classes are available online and in classroom based settings
• Programs: Healthcare Administration, Nursing Education, Public Health or Healthcare Quality Management
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
The Newman University was founded in 1933. Since its beginnings, it has guided its students through Catholic values and traditions by educating both the mind as well as the spirit. All class sizes are small so that friendships can be formed and communication is inspirational. As such, lifelong learning goals can be achieved. The MSN programs are designed specifically for adult learners, who often have other responsibilities such as work and families to juggle.
• Campus: Wichita, KS
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE, COANAE
• Tuition: $793 per credit hour
• Program requirements: Personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, RN, ACLS and PALS, resume
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on the individual student and their other responsibilities
• Programs: Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
At Pittsburg State University, students can study under the overarching College of Arts and Sciences. The MSN program is designed for nurses who already are advanced practice nurses. It offers three different pathways, namely; education, administration and family practice.
• Campus: Pittsburg, KS
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $14,718 per academic year for in state students, $18,210 for edge students and $24,138 for out of state students
• Program requirements: BSN, RN
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen program
• Programs: Master of Science in Nursing: Family CNS, Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Master of Science in Nursing: Gerontology CNS
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
The University of Kansas Medical Center is a truly unique school. It offers a full range of medical studies. It is an official Center of Excellence because it allows students to use innovative and high-tech clinics and facilities to get to work on learning. The University of Kansas wants to create true clinicians and educators, who are true leaders in the field. Indeed, graduates from this particular school are some of the most sought after in the state.
• Campus: Kansas City, KS
• Type:
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $361.45 per credit hour for residents and $855.20 per credit hour for non-residents
• Program requirements: Transcripts, BSN, RN
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen program
• Programs: MSN Healthcare Informatics, MSN Public Health Nursing
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid