Best RN-to-BSN Programs in Kansas
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Derek Slagle | Moment | Getty ImagesThe RN-to-BSN pathway is a specialized program for nurses with an associate degree or diploma and an active, unencumbered RN license, who want to continue their nursing education.
The RN-to-BSN program’s length is betsteween 9 to 24 months, compared to a traditional 48-month BSN program. A BSN can provide you with the credentials to stay competitive in nursing, open doors for career opportunities, and increase your earning potential.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner programs, making it easier 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.
Keep reading to learn more about nurse practitioner programs, or go straight to our list of the best RN-to-BSN programs in Kansas.
Learn About the Top RN-to-BSN Programs in Kansas
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,154
- Out-of-state$19,071
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled5,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Baker University
- Baldwin City, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,300
- Out-of-state$29,300
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,595
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Newman University
- Wichita, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,386
- Out-of-state$30,386
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled3,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Pittsburg State University
- Pittsburg, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,694
- Out-of-state$17,038
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled6,645
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Hesston College
- Hesston, KS
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$27,240
- Out-of-state$27,240
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled378
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
What Can You Do With an RN-to-BSN Degree?
The RN-to-BSN track prepares registered nurses in Kansas. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that hospitals and other healthcare agencies increasingly consider a bachelor of science in nursing the minimum education requirement for professional nurses.
There are many career opportunities for nurses with a BSN, including geriatrics and OB/GYN, neonatal or pediatric nursing, home health, or community health nursing, school nursing and various roles in the insurance industry. A BSN also provides the foundation for graduate studies. Nurses with MSN degrees can pursue advanced certification and earn considerably higher wages as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists.
What To Look For in a Kansas RN-to-BSN Program
There are several factors to explore when selecting the best RN-to-BSN Kansas program. Students should examine the program’s admission requirements, length, curriculum, NCLEX pass rate, and graduation rate. These factors will help you determine the right program for you.
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Admission Requirements
Consider the program’s admission requirements to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications. All RN-to-BSN programs require an active RN license, but many RN-to-BSN Kansas programs also require a year or more of professional RN experience. Keep in mind that volunteer work hours are often included along with formal work hours.
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Program Curriculum
New students can get valuable information about whether a program meets their needs by looking at the program’s curriculum. Not only does the curriculum list the courses required for graduation, it often provides information about online vs. in-person requirements for distance learners, along with information on clinical practicums.
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Clinical Experience
You can find information about clinical requirements on the school’s general information page or on the program’s curriculum page. It’s important for distance students to find out whether they can perform clinical practicums in their home state, or if on-campus travel is required. Be sure to check if the institution provides help with clinical placements.
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Accreditation
The accreditation process ensures a program’s quality standards and that nurses gain the knowledge needed for safe practice. For nurses planning to continue on to the graduate level, it’s important to understand that many programs will not accept transfer credits from unaccredited nursing programs.
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Program Length
Students enrolling in the best RN-to-BSN programs Kansas should determine the program’s length, number of credits, and length of time required for graduation. Working students who plan to schedule their education around their job may find this information particularly useful.
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NCLEX Pass Rate
The NCLEX-RN pass rate reflects how well students are taught the information necessary to pass the RN boards for licensure. The program’s NCLEX-RN pass rate reveals the institution’s ability to provide the knowledge needed for safe and effective nursing practice.
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School Graduation Rate
This statistic can help students understand the likelihood of being able to complete a particular RN-to-BSN program based on the number of past graduates.
Applying to an RN-to-BSN Program in Kansas
After narrowing down several of the best RN-to-BSN Kansas programs, it’s time to submit your application. The application process usually requires several steps, but each institution differs in its requirements.
Common admission requirements for RN-to-BSN programs in Kansas include a minimum GPA from your diploma or associate degree program, an active, unencumbered RN license, and official transcripts.
Admission Materials
Common admission materials for RN-to-BSN programs in Kansas include: an active, unencumbered RN license, completion of an accredited associate degree or diploma program, completion of prerequisites, such as statistics or science courses, letters of recommendation, a recent resume, and official transcripts.
GPA Requirement
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Other Requirements
A criminal background check and immunization records
1. Check the admission requirements to determine whether you qualify for the program. It’s important to note that all RN-to-BSN programs require an active, unencumbered RN license.
2. After selecting your program(s), submit an application and other required documents required by the school (e.g., transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and others as required). Be sure to include work and volunteer experience and previous coursework on your resume.
3. Set up an appointment for an interview if required.
4. Find out how long the waiting period is for acceptance; Wait for an official notice of acceptance.
5. Apply for financial funding.
Why Is RN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
A program’s accreditation process involves reviewing and approving its faculty members’ credentials, curriculum, instructional methods, state board (NCLEX-RN) pass rates, and more.
BSN programs are usually accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation of an RN-to-BSN Kansas program is essential for several reasons:
- Program accreditation ensures academic quality.
- Graduates must attend accredited programs to sit for nursing certification and licensure exams.
- You may not be allowed to transfer credits earned at unaccredited institutions.
- Students attending unaccredited nursing programs may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid.
- Some employers will not hire nurses unless they have graduated from accredited programs.
- Employers may prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs.
Paying for an RN-to-BSN Program in Kansas
Continuing your education may be expensive, however, a bridge program, such as the RN-to-BSN track, can save you time and money. Many factors can influence a student’s ability to pay for RN-to-BSN Kansas programs, including:
- Costs associated with tuition and other educational expenses
- Whether the institution is a private or public college or university
- Whether you are paying in-state or out-of state tuition
- Whether you can maintain an income and work while you study
- What financial aid you qualify for, including loans, grants and/or scholarships
- Whether you receive financial support from a spouse, partner, parent or relative
Calculating your finances is an integral part of continuing your nursing education and it is often the first step in the planning process. The good news is that financial aid is available: grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal and private student loans can make all the difference when paying for your BSN nursing degree.
Common Questions About RN-to-BSN Programs
How much do registered nurses make in Kansas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Kansas earn $61,110 per year on average. In comparison, the national average salary for RNs is $82,750 per year.
Are registered nurses in high demand in Kansas State?
There is a need for registered nurses in Kansas and the U.S. in general. The BLS projects RN jobs will increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is slightly higher than the 8% average for all other jobs.
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Kansas?
It usually takes between 9-24 months to complete the RN-to-BSN bridge program in Kansas. This compares to 48 months to complete traditional BSN programs.
Is earning a BSN degree in Kansas worth it?
Because of the shortage of nurses, incentives, such as higher wages, have been issued in Kansas to make the nursing profession more appealing. Therefore, registered nurses have many job opportunities available to them. Many employers also prefer nurses to have a bachelor’s degree. To stay competitive in the job market, it may be worth it to pursue an RN-to-BSN Kansas program.
