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Top Kansas RN to BSN Programs

The responsibilities and duties of RNs have expanded as the baby boomer generation has aged. Due to increases in their normal responsibilities, more education and training is being required of RNs. In fact, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates that by 2020, 80 percent of RNs are going to be expected to hold BSN degrees. So, in order to stay one step ahead of the competition, nurses are going back to college to earn their BSN degrees. Not only do BSN-educated nurses make 16 percent more than their colleagues with ADN degrees, but they also put themselves in a position to advance their careers faster, expand their job prospects, and ready themselves for a graduate degree down the road. Colleges and universities have responded to the increased demand for BSN-educated nurses by making it more convenient and straightforward than ever before for RNs to earn their bachelor's degrees. These days, RNs can pursue their bachelor's degree entirely online while continuing to work full-time. But with so little time and so many nursing programs out there, finding the top programs in your state can be a pain. To help, we've put together a list of the top programs in Kansas.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Kansas

Picking which RN to BSN program you'll attend is an important decision that shouldn't be taken likely. While looking through Kansas' top RN to BSN programs, take the following factors into consideration:

  • Success rate
  • Acceptance rate
  • Total cost of attendance
  • Retention rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
  • Class sizes
  • Program accreditations, accolades, or awards
  • Time the program has been continually operating for
  • Internship opportunities at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Instructor experience/credentials
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

Before ADN-educated nurses are eligible to become RNs they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Because of this, nurses not required to take the exam for a second time after completing an RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Kansas

1. Fort Hays State University

First established in 1902, Fort Hays State University is a public university located in Hays. FHSU offers a flexible, 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that completed mostly online. Typically, students complete the program in three semesters or one calendar year. Incoming students can enter into the program three times per year (fall, spring, or summer semesters). Throughout the program, students will take courses like Trends Facing Healthcare, Informatics, and Legal & Ethical Issues in Healthcare, among others. In addition to the online coursework, students are required to complete a clinical practicum.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • HaysMed The University of Kansas Health System
  • KVC Hospital Hays

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay approximately $3,510 in tuition plus additional fees to attend FHSU's RN to BSN program. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $15,330 in tuition plus additional fees.

2. Tabor College

Located in the city of Hillsboro, Tabor College is a private Mennonite liberal arts college that offers students a fully online RN to BSN program that be completed in about 16 months. TC's program focuses on teaching its students to take a holistic approach to nursing, focusing on the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of care. Unlike most RN to BSN programs out there, TC allows its students to create their own non-traditional clinical capstone project that corresponds to their intellectual interests.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Hillsboro Community Hospital
  • Luke Hospital
  • Salina Regency Hospital

Tuition:

The total estimated cost to attend Tabor College's RN to BSN program is $19,324.

3. Washburn University

Originally established in 1865, Washburn University is a public university that's situated in the city of Topeka. WU offers students an online RN to BSN program that students can complete in 18 months while enrolled part-time. In total, the program is comprised of 32 semester credit hours. New students are admitted five times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Stormont Vail Hospital
  • The University of Kansas Health System - St. Francis Campus
  • Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Washburn University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay $12,480 in tuition plus additional fees.

4. University of Kansas

Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas is a public research university that has its primary campus based in the city of Lawrence. UK offers students a 30-35 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be accessed from the internet 24 hours a day. Students who enroll full-time can expect to complete the program in a calendar year whereas part-time students can take up to five years to complete their studies. During the program, students will take courses like Pathophysiology, Scholarly Inquiry for Quality Improvement, and Using Technology to Enhance Client Safety, just to name a few. New students are admitted three times a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Laurence Memorial Hospital
  • Health Care Access Clinic

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay approximately $10,752 in tuition plus additional fees to attend UK's RN to BSN program. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $28,736 in tuition plus additional fees.

5. Wichita State University

First established in 1895, Wichita State University is a public research university that has its main campus situated in the city of Wichita. WSU offers a 35 credit hour, self-paced RN to BSN program that can be completed online. While students can finish the program in as little as three semesters, the university gives them up to six years to complete the program's coursework. During the program, students will encounter courses like Health Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology, and Nursing Leadership, among others. New students are admitted twice per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Ascension Via Christi St. Francis
  • Wesley Woodlawn Hospital
  • Select Specialty Hospital - Wichita

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Wichita State University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay $12,026 in tuition plus additional fees.