Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 2, 2025
LPNs serve as a critical source of health care services across the state, especially in the rural and nursing home settings. LPNs carry out basic care, administer medications, take vital signs and ensure patient comfort under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. Half of Kansas’ health system relies on LPNs because many counties experience provider shortages, so what these nurses do is crucial for hospitals, clinics and skilled nursing homes across the state.
Coffeyville, KS - Public 2-Year - coffeyville.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coffeyville Community College's Practical Nursing program stands out with its comprehensive two-year curriculum and exceptional educational outcomes. Prospective students must possess an active Certified Nurse Aide certificate and complete a pre-admission exam. The program uniquely combines practical nursing skills in the first year with Associate Degree in Nursing pathways, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for healthcare careers. Notably, the program boasts a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate and job placement record, demonstrating its high-quality training. Approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, the program offers strategic advantages for students seeking a robust foundation in nursing, with admissions open from January to May and the next cohort starting in August 2025.
Kansas City, KS - Public 2-Year - kckcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas City Kansas Community College's Practical Nursing Program offers comprehensive training for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students receive rigorous clinical instruction emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. The curriculum strategically prepares learners to excel in diverse healthcare settings, developing critical skills in assessment, intervention, and professional communication. Graduates benefit from exceptional NCLEX-PN® exam preparation, ensuring they are well-positioned for successful entry into nursing careers. The program's state board approval and commitment to high-quality education make it a standout choice for students seeking a solid foundation in practical nursing.
Chanute, KS - Public 2-Year - neosho.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Neosho County Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate offers an intensive 39-credit hour program designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals into competent Licensed Practical Nurses. Located in Chanute and Ottawa, this rigorous on-campus curriculum equips students with essential skills through comprehensive coursework in human anatomy, patient assessment, and holistic care strategies. Students benefit from a structured 1.5-year pathway that meticulously prepares them for the critical NCLEX-PN licensure examination. The program's strategic design allows graduates multiple career trajectories, including immediate nursing employment or seamless transition into advanced nursing degree pathways. Prospective students must attend an informational meeting and complete a comprehensive application process to embark on this transformative educational journey.
Colby, KS - Public 2-Year - colbycc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Colby Community College, the Certificate in Practical Nursing provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students receive intensive training in patient care techniques, medical procedures, and professional nursing ethics. The program's rigorous curriculum prepares students for successful LPN licensure while developing critical skills in assessment, medication administration, and emotional patient support. With accreditation from the Kansas State Board of Nursing and ACEN, learners benefit from a robust educational experience that emphasizes hands-on clinical practice. The program offers flexible financial aid options and requires a criminal background check, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for their healthcare career.
Topeka, KS - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma offers an expedited pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, strategically designed for rapid career entry. Students complete a comprehensive 57-credit program spanning just 12 months, eliminating prerequisite barriers and providing maximum scheduling flexibility with eight annual start dates. The innovative curriculum blends rigorous online learning with immersive clinical training, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. With dedicated support through the LPN Care Grant and a hybrid educational model, students receive career-focused instruction that balances theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills essential for success in the dynamic healthcare environment.
LPN programs cannot be fully completed online because clinical requirements must be fulfilled, but hybrid models are available to students. Students complete theoretical coursework through online learning but must attend in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. The educational programs provide evening and weekend classes, which accommodate students who work or take care of their families. The hybrid learning format provides excellent benefits to students who need to manage employment and caregiving responsibilities. Kansas educational institutions continue to adopt digital learning tools, which include interactive modules together with virtual simulation experiences. Students can access content at their own pace through online components while reducing their commuting time, although clinical experience requires in-person attendance.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Kansas |
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| Neosho County Community College |
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| Johnson County Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Kansas State Board of Nursing, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Kansas Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | $50 state application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, $48 criminal background check fee (plus $7.50 for live scan option), submit FD-258 fingerprint card and proof of identity |
| Application Processing Time | Allow 7–10 business days for initial completeness review, full licensure typically issued within 6–8 weeks after passing NCLEX and completing background checks |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by the last day of the licensee’s birth month (odd/even years) with an $85 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education required each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $50 endorsement application fee, Nursys verification of current unrestricted license, FD-258 fingerprint card, proof of recent practice or completion of a board-approved refresher if inactive |
The median annual salary for LPNs in Kansas reaches $55,000 while they find steady employment in nursing homes, rural clinics, and home health care settings. The state’s aging population combined with ongoing healthcare staffing shortages in underserved communities maintains a steady job outlook for LPNs. Employers across urban and rural areas provide sign-on bonuses and incentives to recruit LPN candidates. The growing need for LPNs to manage chronic diseases and care for elderly patients has led to expanded responsibilities, which increases their value to healthcare organizations. The combination of stable income, benefits, and job security makes LPN a practical and rewarding career option in Kansas.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Kansas | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,690 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$61,120 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$54,690 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,300 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~6% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~580 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Colby Community College |
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| Manhattan Area Technical College |
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| Barton County Community College |
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LPNs can advance their careers through LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge programs, which lead to greater responsibilities and higher compensation. Specialized certifications in IV therapy, geriatrics, or wound care can open new roles. LPNs who work in healthcare facilities often transition into supervisory roles, administrative positions, and educational positions. The educational institutions in Kansas provide bridge program options through part-time and online learning, which enables working nurses to pursue their education. Leadership development programs train experienced LPNs to take on staff mentoring responsibilities or unit management duties. The BSN degree serves as a pathway for nurses who want to advance their careers toward nurse practitioner roles and other advanced practice positions.
Additional Nursing Programs in Kansas
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