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.
2027 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 Topeka offers licensed practical nurses a structured four-year pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPNs receive 18 hours of college credit for prior coursework, meaningfully reducing redundancy in the curriculum. The program blends liberal arts education with professional nursing training, preparing graduates as generalist nurses suited for hospitals, clinics, and community health environments. Clinical placements span northeast Kansas, exposing students to diverse patient populations and care settings. The program is CCNE-accredited and culminates in eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty support student success throughout.
- CCNE accredited
- 4-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Designed for LPNs to earn BSN
- 18 hours of transfer credit for LPNs
- Clinical placements in Northeast Kansas
- Graduates prepared as nursing generalists
- Located in Topeka, Kansas
Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed exclusively for working LPNs, Washburn University's LPN-to-BSN track awards 18 credit hours for prior practical nursing coursework, streamlining the path to a bachelor's degree. Over four years, students engage with a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, community health principles, and patient-centered care. Hands-on clinical placements throughout Northeast Kansas—sometimes requiring travel beyond Topeka—build real-world competency across varied healthcare settings. Graduates emerge as generalist nurses prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and positioned for leadership or specialized nursing roles. The program holds CCNE accreditation, reflecting its commitment to rigorous, high-quality nursing education standards.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 4-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- 18 credit hours for LPN coursework
- Clinical placements in Northeast Kansas
- CCNE accredited
Labette Community College
Parsons, KS - Public 2-Year - labette.edu
Associate - Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Labette Community College offers a Bi-Level Associate Degree Nursing program that includes a dedicated LPN-to-RN bridge pathway, enabling Licensed Practical Nurses to advance their credentials efficiently. The curriculum integrates nursing theory, hands-on skills labs, and clinical rotations at hospital sites spanning Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. ACEN accreditation underscores the program's academic rigor, while graduates demonstrate exceptional outcomes — including a 100% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in 2024 and a 100% job placement rate for employment-seeking graduates. Core coursework addresses medication administration, patient care, and health promotion. Financial aid options are available, and applicants should note a March 2026 application deadline.
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- Apply by 2026-03-04
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- LPN-to-RN bridge program
- Clinical sites in three states
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS - Private 4-year - bakeru.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) (LPN Bridge)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Baker University's Accelerated BSN with an LPN Bridge is purpose-built for licensed practical nurses ready to elevate their careers. Completing in just 14.5 months across 120 credit hours, LPNs bypass the foundations course entirely, advancing directly into pharmacology, pathophysiology, mental health, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, critical care, and community health. All didactic content is delivered 100% online with synchronous classes, while clinical rotations take place at Magnet-designated hospitals at a 1:10 student-to-faculty ratio. Developed in partnership with Stormont Vail Health, the program boasts a 95% NCLEX first-time pass rate and 100% job placement rate. Accredited by HLC, KSBN, and CCNE, financial aid and scholarships are available.
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- Complete in just 14.5 months
- 120 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- 95% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
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 Bridge program offers licensed practical nurses two annual entry points — August at the Chanute campus and January at Ottawa — making it accessible for working nurses planning their academic schedule. The curriculum combines asynchronous online lectures with mandatory on-campus sessions covering orientation, testing, simulation labs, and clinical practice, with students expected on campus eight or more times per six-week period. Technical requirements include a personal computer, broadband internet access, and Microsoft Office, though NCCC computers are available around the clock. Built upon existing LPN competencies, the program culminates in preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Asynchronous online classes
- LPN Bridge option available
- Hybrid format with on-campus sessions
- Clinical learning at campus
- Admitted in August and January
- Technical requirements specified
- NCCC computers available 24/7
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, KS - Public 2-Year - hutchcc.edu
Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Online Bridge
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hutchinson Community College's online LPN to RN bridge program awards an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, giving licensed practical nurses a flexible route to registered nurse licensure. Accredited by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Kansas Board of Nursing, the curriculum integrates nursing science with clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership skills. Coursework is structured to build critical thinking and communication competencies, directly preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Career pathways extend across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, making this program a well-rounded advancement opportunity for working LPNs.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Kansas Board of Nursing accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Online bridge for LPN to RN
- Careers in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- Combines science and art of nursing
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.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Washburn University |
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| Salina Area Technical College |
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| Baker 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.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Coffeyville Community College |
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| Labette Community College |
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| Cloud County 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
Baldwin City, KS
Baker University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Concentration: LPN Bridge - Online Learning - Website
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- Complete in just 14.5 months
- 120 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- 95% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
Chanute, KS
Neosho County Community College
- Associate - Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Asynchronous online classes
- LPN Bridge option available
- Hybrid format with on-campus sessions
- Clinical learning at campus
- Admitted in August and January
- Technical requirements specified
Coffeyville, KS
Coffeyville Community College
- Associate - Nursing Program
Concentration: Bridge - Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 1 start dates per year
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Average ADN graduate yearly base salary- $59,820
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Concordia, KS
Cloud County Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN – Advanced Standing Track
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 1-Year program
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Advanced standing for LPNs
- Entrance exam: ATI Fundamentals
- Background check required
Dodge City, KS
Dodge City Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Completion
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 4-Semester program
- Apply by 2026-04-01
- Starts fall
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
El Dorado, KS
Butler Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Offered on El Dorado campus
- Earn Associate in Applied Science
- Admission twice per year
Hutchinson, KS
Hutchinson Community College
- Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Online Bridge
Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Kansas Board of Nursing accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Online bridge for LPN to RN
- Careers in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- Combines science and art of nursing
Overland Park, KS
Johnson County Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- $3,333 total program tuition
- 1-Year program
- Complete in one year of classes (3 semesters)
- Apply by 2026-12-01
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer/fall/spring
Parsons, KS
Labette Community College
- Associate - Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- Apply by 2026-03-04
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
Salina, KS
Salina Area Technical College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- $11,630 total program tuition
- 9-Month program
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Topeka, KS
Washburn University
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 4-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Designed for LPNs to earn BSN
- 18 hours of transfer credit for LPNs
- Clinical placements in Northeast Kansas
- Graduates prepared as nursing generalists
- Located in Topeka, Kansas
- Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 4-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- 18 credit hours for LPN coursework
- Clinical placements in Northeast Kansas
- CCNE accredited
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Active Kansas LPN license required
- IV Therapy Certification needed
- Official transcripts from LPN training
- Academic advisor available
- Federal financial aid eligible
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