Best Kansas LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Kansas offers LPN to RN bridge programs that focus on advanced nursing knowledge and skills. Students complete coursework in patient management, professional ethics, and evidence-based care. Clinical practice in hospitals and community settings ensures preparation for licensure as registered nurses.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Kansas
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - Public 4-Year - washburn.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Washburn University's LPN to BSN program in Kansas offers a four-year, campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with 18 transferable college credits available to accelerate progress. It emphasizes generalist nursing training through clinical placements in Northeast Kansas, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse roles in healthcare. The program is CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, focusing on hands-on experience without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
- Four-year program duration.
- 18 college credits for LPNs.
- Campus-based learning.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Clinical placements in Northeast KS.
- Generalist nursing focus.
- Eligible for RN licensure.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Versatile nursing roles post-graduation.
- Accredited by CCNE.
Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
This LPN-to-BSN program at Washburn University is a four-year, campus-based degree that allows LPNs to transfer 18 credit hours, speeding up their journey to a BSN. Students engage in clinical experiences across Kansas, building skills for various nursing positions and NCLEX-RN readiness. Accredited by CCNE and supportive of military students, it does not mandate an ACT or SAT for admission, enhancing accessibility for career advancement.
- Four-year BSN program
- 18 transfer credit hours
- Clinical placements statewide
- CCNE Accredited program
- NCLEX exam preparation
Neosho County Community College
Chanute, KS - Public 2-Year - neosho.edu
Associate - Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Neosho County Community College's hybrid LPN to RN program provides a flexible pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers, with start dates in August at the Chanute campus and January in Ottawa. The curriculum integrates online asynchronous coursework with mandatory on-campus sessions for orientation, testing, lab simulations, and clinical training, emphasizing a concept-based learning approach. This program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing instead on hands-on skill development and technology-enhanced education to prepare students for RN roles efficiently.
- Hybrid nursing program format
- Admits students twice yearly
- LPN bridge option available
- Web-based curriculum components
- On-campus testing required
- Technical requirements necessary
- Concept-based learning approach
- Simulation and clinical training
- Multiple campus locations
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, KS - Public 2-Year - hutchcc.edu
Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Online Bridge
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hutchinson Community College provides an online LPN to RN bridge program tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to become registered nurses. This flexible, fully online format allows working professionals to advance their education while preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is crucial for state licensure. Accredited by the Kansas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the program emphasizes clinical judgment, leadership, health promotion, and evidence-based practice. It builds a strong foundation for further baccalaureate studies, focusing on compassionate care and inter-professional collaboration without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
- Online program format.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Accredited by Kansas Board.
- Focus on nursing leadership.
- Emphasizes health promotion.
- Flexible for working nurses.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Foundation for further education.
- Culturally competent care focus.
- Safe, effective care emphasis.
Labette Community College
Parsons, KS - Public 2-Year - labette.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Labette Community College's Associate Degree Nursing Program, established in 1968, offers a robust pathway for LPNs aiming to become RNs. This two-year, ACEN-accredited program has graduated over 1,500 nurses and is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. It provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, with no specific concentration noted. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, focusing instead on hands-on training and seamless transitions to bachelor's degrees in Kansas.
- Two-year Associate Degree Nursing
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- LPN to RN transition pathway
- Kansas State Board of Nursing approved
- Over 1,500 nurses graduated
- ACEN accredited program
Fort Scott Community College
Fort Scott, KS - Public 2-Year - fortscott.edu
Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fort Scott Community College's LPN to RN program in Kansas provides a campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nursing roles. It emphasizes hands-on clinical training, patient care enhancement, and leadership development, catering to diverse life stages without requiring specific entrance exams. Students gain essential skills for professional growth, and should consult the college for admissions details and costs.
- Campus-based program.
- For LPNs advancing to RN.
- Focuses on clinical skills.
- Enhances patient care knowledge.
- Builds leadership abilities.
Kansas LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Kansas LPN to RN bridge programs are designed for practical nurses who hold an active, unencumbered LPN license in Kansas or a multistate compact LPN license. While each school sets its own standards, applicants can expect the following common requirements:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license and proof of graduation from an approved practical nursing program
- Minimum GPA in prior coursework, often with recent grades in science prerequisites
- Completion of prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, Microbiology with lab, Human Growth and Development or Lifespan Psychology, English Composition, College Algebra or Statistics, and Nutrition
- Standardized entry exam such as TEAS or HESI, as required by the school
- Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
- Background check and fingerprinting, drug screening, required immunizations, TB screening, and proof of health insurance
- Skills validation or transition assessment to award advanced standing for prior LPN education and experience
- Official transcripts for transfer credit review, and completion of any institution-specific orientation or interviews
Highlights for working LPNs: many Kansas programs offer advanced placement into the second or later term of an ADN curriculum after validation, some provide evening or weekend options, and clinical placements may be coordinated near your home region. Programs typically require that clinical hours occur with an approved preceptor and site and may restrict completing hours on your own unit or under your direct supervisor to maintain objectivity.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
Bridge curricula build on LPN knowledge and emphasize RN-level clinical judgment, leadership, and comprehensive patient care. You will learn:
- LPN to RN transition concepts, role differentiation, professional standards, and legal scope in Kansas
- Advanced adult medical surgical nursing, including complex care, telemetry, and perioperative concepts
- Maternal newborn and pediatric nursing, family-centered care, and growth and development
- Mental health nursing, therapeutic communication, and crisis intervention
- Health assessment across the lifespan with enhanced physical exam and diagnostic reasoning
- Pharmacology and safe medication administration, including IV therapy and dosage calculation
- Pathophysiology, evidence based practice, and quality improvement
- Community and public health, gerontology, and population health perspectives
- Leadership, delegation, interprofessional collaboration, and preparation for the NCLEX RN
Clinical education occurs in Kansas hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, and community settings, with faculty supervision and skills lab simulation. To become licensed as an RN in Kansas, you must graduate from a program approved by the state and pass the NCLEX RN. National accreditation, such as ACEN for associate degree programs and CCNE for baccalaureate programs, signals that a school meets recognized quality standards, supports transfer to higher degrees, and is often preferred by employers. Program approval by the Kansas State Board of Nursing is required for eligibility for RN licensure in the state.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
In Kansas, LPN to RN bridge pathways are offered by public community and technical colleges that confer the Associate Degree in Nursing, as well as public universities that confer the BSN for students who enter with an LPN. Programs vary in size, clinical partnerships, delivery format, and schedules. Most provide cohort based instruction with dedicated transition courses for LPNs and advanced standing credit after skills validation.
Typical coursework includes:
- Transition to Professional Nursing for LPNs
- Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing I and II
- Maternal Newborn Nursing and Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Health Assessment with lab and simulation
- Pharmacology, IV Therapy, and Medication Safety
- Pathophysiology and Evidence Based Practice
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership and Management, precepted clinical capstone
Students should expect weekly clinical rotations, simulation lab check offs, comprehensive exams, and NCLEX style testing to build clinical judgment and readiness.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Kansas work in acute care hospitals in metropolitan areas such as Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka, as well as in critical access hospitals, long term care, home health, public health departments, schools, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. Hospital roles often use 12 hour shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays, while many clinic and community roles offer more traditional weekday schedules.
Compared with LPN roles, RNs in Kansas have a broader scope of practice that includes comprehensive assessment, independent care planning, delegation, and a wider range of IV therapies and specialty care. This expanded scope supports access to more clinical settings, leadership tracks, and pathways to advanced education. Many Kansas employers prefer or require the BSN for certain roles, and RN licensure is the foundation for future graduate study in advanced practice, education, or leadership.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full time LPN to ADN: commonly 12 to 18 months after prerequisites, depending on advanced standing and cohort start dates
- Part time LPN to ADN: often 18 to 24 months or longer, with reduced course loads each term
- Evening and weekend tracks: available at some institutions, typically 18 to 24 months to accommodate working LPNs
- LPN to BSN: plan for approximately 2.5 to 4 years full time depending on transfer credits and general education completion, with part time options extending the timeline
Clinical scheduling, course sequencing, and prerequisite completion strongly influence total time to completion, so applicants should map their individual plan with an academic advisor.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge City Community College |
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| Salina Area Technical College |
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| Washburn University |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by institution and residency status. As general guidance in Kansas:
- Public LPN to ADN bridge programs at community or technical colleges commonly fall in a tuition range of roughly 6,000 to 12,000 dollars for the nursing coursework after advanced standing is applied, not including general education credits, fees, or supplies
- Public LPN to BSN pathways at universities can range from approximately 15,000 to 30,000 dollars in tuition after transfer credits, with total cost influenced by how many general education and support courses remain
- Private tuition rates may be higher
Plan for additional costs such as textbooks and e resources, uniforms and clinical shoes, stethoscope and supplies, skills lab and simulation fees, liability insurance, immunizations and titers, drug screen and background check, CPR certification, standardized testing fees, and graduation and NCLEX costs. Graduates also pay state application and fingerprinting fees for RN licensure and the NCLEX RN exam fee.
Housing in Kansas is generally lower cost than many states, but expenses vary by region. Universities may offer on campus housing, and some community colleges in Kansas also provide student housing. Off campus students should budget for rent, utilities, transportation to clinical sites, and parking. Commuting is common, especially for rural clinical placements.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Salina Area Technical College |
|
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| Fort Scott Community College |
|
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| Hutchinson Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Kansas institutions increasingly offer hybrid LPN to RN options. Didactic courses may be delivered online or in a blended format, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinical hours are completed in person at approved facilities with qualified faculty or preceptor supervision. Fully online programs without in person clinical experiences do not meet licensure requirements.
Some out of state programs may advertise online LPN to RN study but must have authorization to place students in Kansas clinical sites and meet Kansas approval standards. Always verify that any program you consider is approved for RN licensure eligibility in Kansas by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and that its clinical placements are arranged in appropriate Kansas healthcare settings.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Kansas
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Kansas LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN programs must obtain RN licensure by examination. This requires applying to the Kansas State Board of Nursing for licensure by exam, completing fingerprint-based criminal background checks as directed by the Board, and having an official transcript sent directly from the nursing program showing the degree awarded and graduation date. Applicants also register for the NCLEX-RN, receive an Authorization to Test after Board eligibility is confirmed, and schedule the exam. Kansas issues an RN license after the Board receives passing NCLEX results and all requirements are satisfied.
State-specific reminders: follow KSBN’s instructions for fingerprinting and application submission, ensure your program sends the transcript directly to the Board, and use your legal name consistently across your school records, Board application, and NCLEX registration to avoid delays.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Kansas licenses out-of-state RNs through licensure by endorsement. Endorsement applicants submit an application to KSBN, complete fingerprint-based background checks, and provide primary source verification of their original RN license and education as directed by the Board. Kansas does not maintain separate one-to-one reciprocity agreements with specific states outside these processes.
Kansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs who hold an active multistate license from another Compact state may practice in Kansas without obtaining a separate Kansas license. Kansas residents who meet the Compact’s uniform licensure requirements can be issued a multistate Kansas RN license, which allows practice in all Compact states. If Kansas is your primary state of residence, you need a Kansas multistate license to practice across Compact states.
Licensure Requirements
For LPN to RN graduates seeking initial Kansas RN licensure by examination, KSBN generally requires:
- Graduation from an approved RN program (ADN or BSN) with an official transcript sent directly to KSBN.
- Completed licensure by examination application and required fees to KSBN.
- Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background checks per KSBN instructions.
- Registration for and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.
- Issuance of either a single-state Kansas license or a multistate license if Compact criteria are met.
Applicants should review KSBN’s current instructions, forms, and any additional documentation requirements before applying.
License Renewal
Kansas RN licenses renew every two years. The expiration date aligns with the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Complete all renewal steps before the expiration date to avoid a lapse in authorization to practice.
- Continuing education: RNs must complete 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education during each two-year renewal period.
- Acceptable education: Courses must meet KSBN standards. Keep completion records for audit purposes.
- Practice hours: Kansas does not require clinical practice hours for RN renewal, only the continuing education requirement.
- Timing: The online renewal window typically opens in advance of the expiration month; complete all CE before submitting renewal.
For the most current renewal timelines, CE rules, and online renewal access, consult the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years. Many programs can be completed in three semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills for entry-level registered nursing roles, building upon the LPN's existing experience.
Average In-State Tuition in Kansas:
Varies significantly by institution, but generally ranges from approximately $9,000 to over $20,000 for the entire program, excluding prerequisites and other fees. For example, some programs may have tuition and fees around $7,000-$10,000 per year.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce with expanded responsibilities.
School Types:
Community colleges and technical schools.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Approximately 2 to 4 years, with credit granted for prior LPN education and experience. Some programs can be completed in 5-6 semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Offers a broader, more comprehensive nursing education that includes leadership, research, and community health, preparing graduates for a wider range of roles and future advancement.
Average In-State Tuition in Kansas:
Tuition is higher than ADN programs and varies by university. For example, a well-known program in Kansas is offered at Washburn University, a public institution.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership or specialized roles, and those who plan to pursue graduate studies (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing) in the future.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to a registered nursing position.
- Lower Cost: ADN programs at community colleges are generally more affordable than BSN programs at universities.
- Strong Foundation for Bedside Nursing: The curriculum is intensely focused on the essential clinical skills needed for direct patient care in various healthcare settings.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and later choose to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often with employer tuition assistance.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, such as in public health and case management.
- Higher Earning Potential: While experience is a major factor in salary, BSN-prepared nurses may have a higher long-term earning potential.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: The BSN is the necessary stepping stone for master's and doctoral nursing programs, such as becoming a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
- Meets Industry Recommendations: There is a growing preference in the healthcare industry, particularly in hospital settings, for nurses to hold a BSN.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Kansas
Chanute, KS
Neosho County Community College
- Associate - Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid nursing program format
- Admits students twice yearly
- LPN bridge option available
- Web-based curriculum components
- On-campus testing required
- Technical requirements necessary
- Concept-based learning approach
- Simulation and clinical training
Concordia, KS
Cloud County Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN – Advanced Standing Track
Campus Based - Website
- One-year advanced nursing track
- For current LPNs
- Competitive admission process
- Multiple prerequisite courses required
- Entrance exam mandatory
- Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
- Campus-based program
- Comprehensive nursing preparation
Dodge City, KS
Dodge City Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Completion
Campus Based - Website
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023
- Accredited nursing program
- Campus-based completion track
- Designed for working LPNs
- Kansas State Board approved
El Dorado, KS
Butler Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN (Advanced Standing)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Requires current LPN license.
- 3.0 GPA or higher needed.
- 24 college credit prerequisites.
- Competitive admission process.
- Focus on patient care experience.
- Includes Anatomy & Physiology.
- Pathophysiology course required.
Fort Scott, KS
Fort Scott Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- For LPNs advancing to RN.
- Focuses on clinical skills.
- Enhances patient care knowledge.
- Builds leadership abilities.
Hutchinson, KS
Hutchinson Community College
- Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Online Bridge
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Accredited by Kansas Board.
- Focus on nursing leadership.
- Emphasizes health promotion.
- Flexible for working nurses.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Foundation for further education.
Overland Park, KS
Johnson County Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- One-year bridge program
- Selective admission process
- Advanced standing for LPNs
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- 8-12 students admitted annually
- Requires prerequisite coursework
- Summer, fall, spring sessions
- Clinical skills development
Parsons, KS
Labette Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year Associate Degree Nursing
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- LPN to RN transition pathway
- Kansas State Board of Nursing approved
- Over 1,500 nurses graduated
- ACEN accredited program
Salina, KS
Salina Area Technical College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year Associate Degree program
- Total program cost $11,630
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Full-time classroom and clinical training
- Multiple healthcare career paths
Topeka, KS
Washburn University
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year program duration.
- 18 college credits for LPNs.
- Campus-based learning.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Clinical placements in Northeast KS.
- Generalist nursing focus.
- Eligible for RN licensure.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year BSN program
- 18 transfer credit hours
- Clinical placements statewide
- CCNE Accredited program
- NCLEX exam preparation
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48 Credit Hour Technical Certificate
- NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation
- No Experiential Learning Credit
- Pathway to Degree Nursing Programs
- Approved by Kansas State Board of Nursing
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