The field of nursing comprises a variety of careers and occupations, and for those looking for a career as a nurse in the Sunflower State, finding accredited nursing degree programs in Kansas is essential to attracting future employers. According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, BlueCross & BlueShield of Kansas is one of the top employers in the state, which indicates that nursing and its related specialties could be viable career options for those willing to earn a degree. The following universities in Kansas offer rigorous programs designed to prepare future health care professionals for substantial careers in the field.
Baker University
School of Nursing
Founded in 1858 by a bishop of the United Methodist Church, Baker University was the first university established in Kansas. Nearly 160 years later, the school continues to operate under the UMC affiliation as a private, liberal arts college. Students who study here will appreciate the school’s commitment to “small classes, innovative instructors and rigorous coursework.” Alumni include four Rhodes scholars and a Pulitzer Prize winner among others. About 3,200 students attend the school annually, and U.S. News and World Report ranks Baker University as number 44 on a list of the best Midwestern schools in the country as of 2015.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Students who pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baker University gain access to a practical program that focuses on real-world experience. Housed within the Stormont-Vail HealthCare facility in Topeka, the Baker School of Nursing features a challenging curriculum designed around modern health care practices. The American Nurses Credentialing Center designates the school as a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence, which means that students here will learn on a state-of-the-art campus. The bachelor’s program requires completion of 128 credit hours. Of these credit hours, 64 come from prerequisite courses while the remaining requirements come from nursing courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA for nursing coursework in order to advance in the program. Students spend the first two years taking general education courses at any campus and the remaining two years at the School of Nursing. Baker also features one of the lowest private school tuition rates in Kansas for nursing programs.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Baker University
Baker School of Nursing
1500 SW 10th Street
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: (785) 354-5850
Email: cara.bonfiglio@bakerU.edu (Cara Bonfiglio)
Website: http://www.bakeru.edu/nursing
Benedictine College
Department of Nursing
Benedictine College formed from a union of two Catholic universities in 1971: Mount St. Scholastica College and St. Benedict’s College. The school features a small undergraduate population of 1,825 degree-seeking students, 75 percent of whom come from out of state. Students who attend the university will enjoy small class sizes as the student-to-faculty ratio is about 15:1. The school has received top rankings with publications such as Colleges of Distinction, U.S. News and World Report, and The Newman Guide. For students who want to study nursing, Benedictine College’s Department of Nursing that combines a spiritual approach to health care with practical applications.
Bachelor of Nursing (BSN)
As part of Benedictine College’s mission to uphold Benedictine values, the Department of Nursing seeks “to educate men and women to deliver responsible, competent nursing care to all.” Students interested in accredited nursing degree programs in Kansas will find this university’s program to be more focused on the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care. The Kansas State Board approves of Benedictine’s four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree, and once students complete the program, they will be eligible to sit for the licensing exam for registered nurses or NCLEX-RN. Interested applicants should note that the school limits acceptance to 25 junior students each fall. Applicants must also complete nine prerequisite courses in order to qualify for admission. Prerequisite courses include subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, general psychology, applied statistics, and lifespan development. In addition, nursing school applicants should have a minimum 2.75 GPA and 60 hours of completed coursework.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Benedictine College
Department of Nursing
1020 North 2nd Street
Atchison, KS 66002
Phone: (913) 360-7560
Email: lconnelly@benedictine.edu (Lynne M. Connelly)
Website: http://www.benedictine.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing
Bethel College
Department of Nursing
Bethel College prides itself on being the “oldest Mennonite college in North America” and offers a 4-Year Graduation Guarantee to prospective students. Founded in 1887, the school ranks as a leading university in the country according to publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Forbes Magazine, and Christian Colleges of Distinction. Approximately 500 students attend Bethel each year, and the graduation rate exceeds national expectations. For students who plan to pursue nursing as a career, Bethel’s Department of Nursing offers a dynamic program designed around “experiential learning,” which is one of the university’s driving academic motivators across all of its colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bethel College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing combines elements of liberal arts, the natural sciences and practical nursing applications to educate future health care professionals on treating the “total person.” The Department of Nursing utilizes a one-on-one approach with faculty instruction, and students have access to clinical and lab settings in order to practice the skills that they learn in the classroom. Along with the rigorous coursework requirements, nursing students also complete individual or group research projects and present their findings at one of two symposiums on campus each year. The bachelor’s program requires completion of 92 credit hours in prerequisite and nursing coursework as well as 32 hours of general education classes. Of the 92-hour requirement, 52 hours come from specific nursing courses, some of which can only be taken once. In order to apply, students need to have a 2.75 GPA and submit an application that includes a personal essay.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Bethel College
Department of Nursing
300 East 27th Street
North Newton, KS 67117
Phone: (316) 284-5230
Email: admissions@bethelks.edu
Website: http://www.bethelks.edu/academics/areas-of-study/nursing/
Fort Hays State University
Department of Nursing
Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University serves approximately 13,000 enrolled students each year who pursue programs in 28 academic departments. The university also hosts a Virtual College, which is highly ranked by several publications for its affordability and quality. For students interested in nursing programs at Fort Hays, the Department of Nursing has developed intensive programs based on the university’s overall values of forward thinking and world readiness. The programs, which have been approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, are designed to be student friendly while incorporating the most relevant technology needed in today’s advanced nursing field.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
At Fort Hays State University, students seeking accredited nursing degree programs in Kansas will find two options for completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The traditional program is designed for students who enter the university as first-time students and declare themselves as pre-nursing majors. During their sophomore year, these students will then apply directly to the Department of Nursing to complete the program requirements. Fort Hays also offers an online RN to BS program for existing registered nurses who want to attain a bachelor’s degree and specialize in a field such as pediatrics or cardiac care. The traditional bachelor’s degree requires that students maintain a 2.75 GPA throughout their academic careers and that they meet certain prerequisites before advancing through the program. Students will complete an academically intense workload of between 12 and 21 credit hours per semester, and courses cover topics such as acute care, mental health, and gerontology.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Fort Hays State University
Department of Nursing
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4256
Email: Contact form available online
Website: http://www.fhsu.edu/nursing/undergraduate/
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Department of Nursing
MidAmerica Nazarene University is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and continues to offer an “intentionally Christian” focus for the students who attend here. Opened to just 263 students in 1968, the school has evolved to support more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students pursuing 55 academic degree programs. Nursing ranks as one of the top five majors for first-time freshmen. MidAmerica’s Department of Nursing focuses on offering spiritually guided programs based on the school’s dominant religious beliefs combined with practical application in state-of-the-art labs. Students who come here will find a driven academic program that enables them to pursue professional nursing.
Bachelor of Science Nursing
For those pursuing accredited nursing degree programs in Kansas, MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Department of Nursing affords ample opportunities to hone academic skills in a practical, real-world setting. The department recently opened a Virtual Patient Center that allows students to practice their clinical and critical thinking skills. Students who attend the college will gain exposure to a variety of general education, prerequisite and major-specific coursework that should help them prepare for becoming health care professionals in a variety of fields. Coursework covers a broad range of topics, including pediatrics, maternal and women’s health, and pharmacotherapy. Along with a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students have the option to pursue an RN to BS program if they already hold a registered nurse’s license. Upon completion of MidAmerica’s nursing program, students may sit for the national licensing exam. To apply, students must submit a separate application to the School of Nursing & Health Science.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Department of Nursing
2030 E. College Way
Olathe, KS 66062-1899
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: (913) 971-3380
Email: admissions@mnu.edu
Website: http://www.mnu.edu/undergraduate/academics/nursing.html
Newman University
School of Nursing and Allied Health
Newman University is a private liberal arts college with a Catholic emphasis that opened officially in 1933. The school adheres to several key values: academic excellence, a service of culture and a global perspective. Catholic doctrine, specifically that of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, drives the school’s curriculum and outlook, and students who attend this university will receive an education founded on these principles. In terms of nursing, the School of Nursing and Allied Health offers several options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Those who study here will receive personalized instruction designed to prepare them for graduate studies.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In order to be accepted into Newman University’s nursing program, students must complete 61 credits of prerequisite courses, which include classes on microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and development psychology. Because of the school’s Catholic focus, all students must also take classes on a religious topic such as Old Testament literature. For the nursing degree specifically, students will complete 18 required courses and a senior seminar. In total, students will need 124 hours in order to graduate from the nursing program and the university. Of those 124 hours, 40 must be upper-level courses, and students must complete at least 30 hours at the university. In addition to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing for undergraduate students, Newman University offers two alternate programs for working professionals: an RN to BSN program and an LPN to BSN program. These options allow professional nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Newman University
School of Nursing and Allied Health
3100 McCormick
Wichita, KS 67213-2097
Phone: (316) 942-4291, ext. 2134
Email: astt@newmanu.edu (Tina Ast)
Website: http://newmanu.edu/academics/undergraduate/nursing-wichita
Pittsburg State University
Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing
Pittsburgh State University was founded in 1903 and currently enrolls about 7,400 students each year. The school features more than 100 academic degree programs of various levels and majors across four colleges. Approximately 80 percent of the student body receives some type of financial aid, and the school offers a flat-rate tuition program and other financial incentives that make attending Pittsburgh State affordable. According to the school’s website, students who graduate from the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing enjoy a job placement rate of 100 percent, meaning that those who attend the school are likely to find adequate post-college employment.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Pittsburgh State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing focuses on both clinical experience and teaching application. Students who enroll in the program will be eligible to complete the national licensing exam for registered nurses. Before being admitted to the program, applicants must complete between 62 and 67 credits of prerequisite coursework, but this coursework also satisfies the school’s general education requirement. Program outcomes include demonstrating strong leadership skills, communicating effectively with peers and patients, developing strategies for disease prevention, and discussing health care policy. In addition to the 62-hour minimum requirement for prerequisite courses, students will also need to complete between 62 and 71 credit hours specific to the nursing major for a total of between 124 and 138 hours. Upper division nursing courses cover topics such as evidence-based practice and research, neonatal resuscitation, and community health nursing. Applicants are admitted in the fall of each year, and applications are due the previous December.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Pittsburgh State University
Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing
101 Mc Pherson Hall
Pittsburg, KS 66762-7514
Phone: (620) 235-4431
Email: Contact form available online
Website: http://www.pittstate.edu/department/nursing/bsn.dot
Tabor College
Adult & Graduate Studies
Tabor College welcomed just 39 students to its inaugural academic year in 1908 as a Mennonite college. As of fall 2014 enrollment, 766 students attend Tabor College and pursue academic degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. The school prides itself on promoting the principles of “learning, work, and service for Christ and His kingdom,” and enrollees enjoy a small student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 that allows for more intimate instruction. Students interested in different accredited nursing degree programs in Kansas will find a unique approach offered by Tabor College under the direction of the school’s Adult & Graduate Studies Department.
RN to Bachelor of Science Nursing
For current health care professionals who want to advance in their careers or gain specialized credentials, Tabor College’s Adult & Graduate Studies Department offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing designated specifically for working nurses. The department focuses on “a holistic approach addressing implications of patient care in all areas — physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual” according to its website, which means that students who attend here will enjoy a program that approaches health care from a holistic, contemporary and compassionate perspective. Candidates can enroll in an online or on-campus program, and the program can be completed in about 18 months. Small class sizes and personalized faculty attention make this degree an ideal pursuit for those who require greater assistance than a typical fast-track program provides. In order to graduate, students will design and complete their own “non-traditional clinical capstone project” to demonstrate knowledge and competency in the field.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Tabor College Wichita
Adult & Graduate Studies
7348 W. 21st Street #117
Wichita, KS 67205
Phone: (800) 546-8616
Email: learn@tabor.edu
Website: http://tabor.edu/adult/degree-programs/rn-bsn-nursing/
University of Kansas
School of Nursing
The University of Kansas boasts several prestigious designations and rankings among Kansas universities and national colleges, including a greater number of Rhodes Scholars than all other Kansas universities combined. With a rich history dating back about 150 years, the school enjoys a prominent place within its community and the nation as a whole, and nearly 28,000 students call the campus home each year. Those who plan to pursue a career in nursing will find challenging and stimulating programs offered under the university’s School of Nursing. The department offers several options for undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as an RN to BSN track.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
As one of three schools located at the University of Kansas Medical Center, the School of Nursing affords students a unique opportunity to learn practical techniques in a real-world medical setting. Nursing candidates at the University of Kansas will benefit from a program that was established more than 85 years ago, and graduates find solid careers at top medical centers such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins in addition to local hospitals. In order to be considered for the program, applicants must have completed 62 prerequisite credit hours at any accredited school and earned a GPA of at least 2.5. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing must complete a total of 124 credit hours in order to graduate, and the last 30 hours of the program must be taken on campus. In addition to the required coursework, students will complete several practicum experiences, a capstone project and a seminar.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
University of Kansas
KU School of Nursing
Mail Stop 2029
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
Phone: (913) 588-1619
Email: soninfo@kumc.edu
Website: http://catalog.ku.edu/nursing/bs/
University of St. Mary
Department of Nursing
Since 2005, The Princeton Review has named the University of St. Mary as one of the best Midwestern colleges in the country. Established by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1923, the school is a Catholic university that offers a four-year, liberal arts education and bases its curriculum on four guiding principles: community, respect, justice and discipline. Students here can choose from a variety of learning methods and programs, including both traditional and online degrees. For students interested in nursing, the University of St. Mary offers several options at the undergraduate and graduate levels under its Department of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Before beginning the traditional bachelor’s program at University of St. Mary, applicants must have completed nine prerequisite courses covering topics such as intermediate algebra, physiology, human development, and chemistry. Applicants should also submit an official application that includes a full transcript, personal essay and relevant test scores. The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires completion of a minimum of 128 credit hours divided into an intensive four-year plan. This academic plan includes courses at the general education level. Upper-level coursework comprises classes on palliative care, aging issues, leadership roles in nursing, and pathophysiology. University of St. Mary also offers an accelerated program that can be completed in 12 months, but this track is available only to those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. The 12-month program has been designed for those who are changing or advancing in their careers. Coursework and graduation requirements are the same for both tracks.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
University of Saint Mary
Department of Nursing
4100 South 4th Street
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 758-4381
Email: emily.jefferies@stmary.edu (Emily Jefferies)
Website: http://stmary.edu/Nursing.aspx
Washburn University of Topeka
School of Nursing
Washburn University of Topeka celebrates its 150th year in 2015. More than 6,900 students attend the school and can choose from more than 200 academic programs at various levels. The university prides itself on upholding a longstanding motto: Non nobis solum, which means “not for ourselves alone” in Latin. U.S. News and World Report regularly recognizes Washburn University as one of the best schools in the Midwest in its annual publication. Students interested in pursuing a degree in nursing will find plenty of opportunities to develop and hone their skills by enrolling in a program within the university’s School of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Washburn University of Topeka’s nursing program is designed for people who want to become generalist nurses in entry-level positions. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students using modern academic instruction and a broad approach to the field of contemporary health care. Students who pursue this program typically complete the degree in four years. The first two years are spent taking general education and prerequisite courses. The School of Nursing admits students into the official nursing program at the start of the junior year. Coursework covers a variety of subjects, including psychiatric and mental health, quality and safety in health care, and medical-surgical nursing for pediatrics. Along with traditional coursework, students will participate in practicum experiences and seminars on specific topics. Nursing students also take part in clinical experiences in and around Topeka. Upon completion of the program, successful graduates can take the licensing exam to become a registered nurse.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact
Washburn University of Topeka
Petro Allied Health Center
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621-1117
Phone: (785) 670-1525
Email: mary.allen@washburn.edu (Mary Allen)
Website: http://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/nursing/undergrad/bs-nursing/index.html
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nursing jobs will increase by about 19 percent nationwide by 2022. Nurses play a vital role in their communities by supporting entities such as private hospitals, nursing homes, home health care practices and insurance companies. Students who pursue accredited nursing degree programs in Kansas will find a wide array of schools in the state that focus on this lucrative and rewarding career.
