Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs enable registered nurses who hold associate degrees or diplomas to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Kansas requires these programs because of its rising need for an advanced nursing workforce. Nursing facilities across Kansas from country clinics to big-city hospitals now promote their nursing staff to earn BSN degrees because these degrees lead to improved patient care results and future leadership positions.
Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu
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Fort Hays State University's RN to BSN program is a fully online option for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. It can be finished in as few as three semesters, with 30 credit hours required, and starts in any semester for maximum flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, healthcare policy, and community care, preparing nurses for broader roles in the field. Admission requires a valid RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA, with no ACT or SAT exam needed. The program is CCNE accredited, offers advanced standing credits, and is military-friendly, making it an accessible and efficient path to a BSN degree.
Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu
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The University of Kansas provides an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This flexible program can be completed in one year full-time or up to five years part-time, with enrollment open every semester. It emphasizes enhancing leadership abilities and critical thinking skills, supporting a smooth transition from an associate degree. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible for working professionals. Military-friendly and entirely online, it offers a convenient path to higher education in nursing.
Leavenworth, KS - Private 4-year - stmary.edu
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The University of Saint Mary offers a CCNE-accredited online RN-BSN program, ranked No. 2 in Kansas, tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement without an ACT or SAT requirement. This flexible, 100% online curriculum allows transfer of up to 96 credits and emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and comprehensive nursing skills. Graduates benefit from tuition discounts for graduate programs and enhanced readiness for expanded healthcare roles.
Pittsburg, KS - Public 4-Year - pittstate.edu
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Pittsburg State University's online RN to BSN program offers an accelerated, 12-month pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers, ranked #1 in Kansas. Designed for working professionals, it provides flexible scheduling, part-time options, and a high 93.4% retention rate. The program enhances critical thinking, leadership skills, and job opportunities without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam, preparing graduates for improved patient care and higher earning potential in healthcare settings.
Topeka, KS - Public 4-Year - washburn.edu
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Washburn University's RN-to-BSN online program is a CCNE-accredited, 30-credit pathway for registered nurses, completable in 18 months through flexible 8-week sessions with no on-campus requirements. It emphasizes leadership development, quality improvement, and enhanced nursing practices, requiring an active RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not mandate ACT or SAT entrance exams, offering competitive tuition and scholarships for affordability. Graduates can advance to roles in management or specialized nursing, with strong career prospects and an average salary around $59,940.
Kansas nurses have multiple online RN to BSN programs available to them because they offer flexible learning opportunities. The majority of these programs exist as asynchronous online programs which allow students to study independently without set class times. The flexible learning approach benefits nursing students who work non-standard shifts or live in distant locations. Online learning programs that combine virtual study with occasional face-to-face lab sessions and presentations are available as hybrid options. Educational institutions used to offer evening and weekend classes but their number decreased after online education became more popular. The accelerated format with shorter terms and year-round enrollment allows students to finish their programs more quickly.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas |
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| Pittsburg State University |
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| Baker University |
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| Certifying Board | Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from a KSBN‑approved program, pass the NCLEX‑RN, and complete a fingerprint background check |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal expiring the last day of your birth month, renew online beginning 90 days prior |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours every two years |
| License Application Fee | $100 initial RN license |
| Clinical Hours | Verified via official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | 7–10 business days after receipt of a complete application, license issued once NCLEX results and background check clear |
| License by Endorsement | $125 endorsement fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and fingerprint clearance |
Kansas-based BSN-prepared nurses gain both better salaries and greater career prospects. Registered nurses in Kansas receive salaries that compare well to other states while Wichita and Kansas City tend to pay their nurses the highest wages. BSN-prepared nurses gain eligibility for leadership positions and specialized clinical roles as well as pay grade increases through clinical advancement. Many healthcare organizations pay higher salaries and give bonuses to employees who earn their bachelor’s degree. The demand for nurses in Kansas remains strong because the state faces an increasing elderly population and rising healthcare requirements. Thousands of new nursing positions will emerge during the next few years primarily in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations. Healthcare employers now prefer or require new hires to hold a BSN degree which positions BSN-prepared nurses for better employment opportunities. The high demand for nurses who advance their education creates a stable and rewarding professional environment.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Kansas | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $66,600 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $32.02 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$80,200 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $66,600 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,300 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~970 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Mary |
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| Fort Hays State University |
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| Washburn University |
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The BSN degree in Kansas creates numerous career choices together with professional growth opportunities for nurses. RNs who obtain a bachelor’s degree become qualified for leadership positions including charge nurse roles as well as unit management and clinical coordination responsibilities. Healthcare facilities tend to select BSN-educated nurses for positions which require supervisory work, quality improvement management, and patient education duties. The educational path of BSN provides RNs with the necessary foundation to pursue graduate degrees including MSN and DNP programs. Nurses who complete advanced degrees can obtain positions such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator or healthcare administrator. The BSN qualification enhances nursing candidates’ opportunities to secure specialized certifications which cover critical care, oncology and public health domains. BSN programs teach nurses to excel in communication while learning research methods and policy development which enables them to work on extensive healthcare projects. The BSN degree enables Kansas RNs to access expanded career paths and stronger job stability while creating better professional fulfillment for the long term.
Additional Nursing Programs in Kansas
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