Best LPN Programs in Kansas 2026
Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Kansas with information on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities across Kansas.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Kansas
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, KS - Public 2-Year - hutchcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse (LPN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hutchinson Community College offers an accredited Practical Nurse certificate program available in full-time (10-month) and part-time (18-month) formats, with two start dates annually in fall and spring. The curriculum equips students with essential clinical competencies including vital signs monitoring, sterile dressing application, health education, and culturally sensitive patient care delivered under physician and RN supervision. Hands-on clinical rotations across real healthcare settings reinforce classroom learning. The program boasts a 90% NCLEX-PN licensure pass rate, and graduates are well-positioned for LPN roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. It holds approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing and institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
- 18-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Clinical rotations in healthcare settings
- Institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Coffeyville Community College
Coffeyville, KS - Public 2-Year - coffeyville.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coffeyville Community College offers a one-year, campus-based Practical Nursing certificate that doubles as the foundational year of the college's two-year Associate Degree Nursing track—giving motivated students a clear pathway toward RN licensure. The curriculum covers vital signs assessment, sterile dressing application, patient education, and assistance with clinical exams and treatments. Admission requires an active Certified Nurse Aide certificate along with a passing score on a pre-admission exam. The program holds approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing and has achieved a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate alongside a 100% job placement rate. Graduates report average earnings of $44,337, and technical scholarships are available to eligible students.
- Entrance exam required
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- $44,337 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Scholarships available
- First year of 2-year ADN path
- CNA certification required for admission
Seward County Community College
Liberal, KS - Public 2-Year - sccc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seward County Community College's Certificate in Practical Nursing equips students with the clinical competencies and theoretical knowledge needed to launch a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kansas. Housed within the college's Nursing department, the program covers essential topics such as patient care fundamentals, anatomy, pharmacology, and hands-on clinical skills developed through practical training experiences. The curriculum is structured with occupational entry in mind, meaning graduates are workforce-ready upon completion. Finishing the program makes students eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, and the certificate can also serve as a stepping stone toward advanced nursing education.
- Designed for occupational entry
- Part of Nursing department
Colby Community College
Colby, KS - Public 2-Year - colbycc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colby Community College offers a one-year Certificate in Practical Nursing, accredited by ACEN and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The campus-based program blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, building competencies in patient care, critical thinking, and nursing judgment. A standout feature is its 1+1 pathway, enabling PN graduates to transition directly into Colby's Associate Degree in Nursing program. Paramedics and respiratory therapy professionals can take advantage of transition courses tailored to their backgrounds. Financial aid and scholarships are available, with an application deadline of March 1. A criminal background check is required, and English proficiency must be demonstrated via TOEFL or IELTS.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) accredited
- 1-Year program
- Apply by 2026-03-01
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 1+1 program: PN then ADN
- Criminal background check required
- COVID-19 vaccine not mandated
- TOEFL or IELTS required for English proficiency
- Transition courses for paramedics/RRTs
Neosho County Community College
Chanute, KS - Public 2-Year - neosho.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Neosho County Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate through its Mary Grimes School of Nursing, available at both the Chanute and Ottawa campuses. Spanning 1.5 years and requiring 39 credit hours, the curriculum encompasses nursing assessment, pharmacology, patient-centered care, and professional nursing concepts, reinforced through hands-on practicum experiences. Students gain clinical judgment skills applicable across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. Prospective students must attend a mandatory informational meeting before enrollment. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and can later advance their education via an LPN to RN bridge into the Associate Degree Nursing program.
- 1.5 years program
- 39 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Offered in Chanute and Ottawa
- Mary Grimes School of Nursing
- Mandatory informational meeting required
Kansas LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Prospective Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) students in Kansas must meet specific eligibility requirements prior to admission into a program. Applicants generally need to have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and many programs require a minimum GPA. Some institutions may also ask for scores from entrance exams such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Additional prerequisites may include criminal background checks, up-to-date immunizations, drug screenings, and CPR certification. Certain programs may also require students to complete pre-nursing coursework, such as basic anatomy or medical terminology.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
Kansas LPN programs are designed to prepare students with both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills essential for entry-level nursing practice. Core coursework covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, and mental health nursing. Clinical rotations allow students to gain hands-on experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.
Accreditation is vital for any LPN program in Kansas. It ensures that the curriculum meets state and national standards for nursing education. Accreditation from bodies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing is crucial for students who plan to take the NCLEX-PN exam, transfer credits, or pursue advanced nursing education in the future.
LPN Schools and Classes
LPN programs in Kansas are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutions across the state. These programs blend classroom instruction with supervised clinical training. The coursework typically includes foundational sciences such as microbiology and nutrition, along with nursing-specific classes like geriatric nursing, pediatric care, and pharmacology. Students are taught critical thinking, patient care techniques, and communication skills necessary for working in medical environments.
Career Outlook
The demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kansas remains steady across healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and home health care agencies. LPNs in Kansas can expect a balanced work schedule that may include full-time shifts, evenings, weekends, or rotating shifts based on the employer. According to data from the Kansas Department of Labor, employment opportunities for LPNs are expected to grow, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. The position offers strong job stability, especially for those willing to work in long-term care or underserved communities.
LPN Program Length
In Kansas, full-time LPN programs typically take around 12 months to complete, including classroom instruction and clinical hours. Part-time options are available and often extend the program duration to 18-24 months, ideal for students balancing education with other obligations. Some schools also offer evening and weekend classes, which can give working adults flexible study options while preparing for licensure.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Salina Area Technical College |
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| Hutchinson Community College |
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| Colby Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Kansas varies depending on the type and location of the institution. On average, students can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,000 for the full program. Additional expenses may include textbooks, lab fees, uniforms, equipment, and costs associated with clinical placements. For students requiring housing, Kansas offers relatively affordable living costs, with average student housing expenses ranging from $500 to $900 per month depending on the city and accommodations.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Colby Community College |
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| Barton County Community College |
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| Dodge City Community College |
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs in Kansas cannot be completed fully online due to the hands-on nature of nursing education. While some theoretical coursework may be available in a hybrid format, all clinical requirements and essential skills labs must be completed in person under faculty supervision. Kansas LPN licensure mandates clinical training in real-world healthcare settings to ensure student competency before taking the NCLEX-PN exam.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Indiana
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kansas, candidates must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After graduating from a state-approved practical nursing program, applicants must submit an application for licensure and examination through the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). Along with the application, students must provide official transcripts, a fingerprint-based background check, and the required fees. After meeting all application requirements, KSBN will issue Authorization to Test (ATT), which allows candidates to register and schedule their NCLEX-PN exam through nclex.com.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Kansas offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who hold a valid license in another state. Candidates applying for reciprocity must submit an application to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, provide verification of licensure from the original state, evidence of completion of a state-approved LPN program, a criminal background check, and the applicable fees.
Kansas is a participant in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs in Kansas to practice in other compact member states without needing additional licenses. This multistate license is particularly beneficial for nurses who live or work near state borders or who travel for their profession. As of 2024, 41 states participate in the NLC.
Licensure Requirements
The Kansas State Board of Nursing oversees practical nurse licensure in the state. To obtain an initial LPN license in Kansas, applicants must:
- Graduate from a board-approved practical nursing program
- Submit an online application with the required fee
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Have official transcripts sent directly from the nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
License Renewal
In Kansas, LPN licenses must be renewed biennially by the last day of the licensee’s birth month in even-numbered years. The Kansas State Board of Nursing requires LPNs to complete 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education during each renewal cycle. There are no clinical hour requirements for renewal, but all continuing education must be relevant to the nurse’s practice and provided by an accredited source. Failure to renew by the deadline results in license expiration and may require reapplication or reinstatement procedures.
Kansas LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kansas is $59,930, which is slightly below the national average of $62,340. This wage difference is often influenced by regional economic factors, most notably Kansas's lower-than-average cost of living, which typically corresponds with more moderate compensation levels. Other contributing elements include state-specific supply and demand for healthcare workers, driven by population trends and the specific needs of its long-term care and hospital sectors. State regulations and the competitive landscape among local healthcare employers also play a significant role in determining overall pay scales.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Kansas LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
Typically 10-12 months of full-time study.
Credential Awarded:
Technical Certificate or Diploma in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) to qualify graduates for the exam.
Program Focus:
A concentrated curriculum on foundational nursing theory, essential patient care skills, and extensive hands-on clinical practice required for an entry-level LPN role.
Average In-State Tuition in Kansas:
Approximately $9,000 - $15,000 for the entire program, including tuition and fees.
Best For:
Individuals seeking the quickest and most direct path to becoming a licensed LPN and entering the workforce.
School Types:
Technical colleges and community colleges.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
This program is not a standard offering in Kansas. LPN education is delivered almost exclusively via certificate/diploma programs.
Credential Awarded:
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Practical Nursing is extremely rare or non-existent in Kansas. Students pursuing an associate degree in nursing typically enroll in an RN program (ADN).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes, if a program were to exist and be KSBN-approved, it would grant eligibility.
Program Focus:
Would combine core LPN coursework with general education classes like English, math, and anatomy, providing a broader academic foundation.
Average In-State Tuition in Kansas:
Not applicable due to the lack of programs. An Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN for RNs) typically costs $12,000 - $20,000.
Best For:
Primarily a theoretical option in Kansas; best for a student aiming for an eventual RN license who wants to build general education credits alongside nursing studies.
School Types:
Community colleges (typically for ADN-RN programs, not LPN associate degrees).
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Speed to Employment: It is the fastest path to licensure and employment, allowing you to start earning an income in about one year.
- Lower Cost: With a shorter duration and fewer required credit hours, the total cost of tuition and fees is significantly lower than a degree program.
- Focused Curriculum: The program concentrates solely on the essential skills and knowledge needed to pass the NCLEX-PN and work effectively as an LPN, without extra general education requirements.
- Career Entry Point: It serves as an excellent, lower-risk entry into the nursing field, allowing you to confirm your career choice before committing to a longer and more expensive RN program.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Stronger Foundation for Advancement: The general education courses included in an associate degree provide a solid base and are required for advancing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Easier Credit Transfer: Credits from an associate degree program are more easily transferred to four-year universities for higher education than credits from a technical certificate.
- Higher Earning Potential (as an RN): An associate degree is the standard pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), which comes with a broader scope of practice, more job opportunities, and a higher salary.
- Long-Term Career Planning: This route is better for students who are certain from the start that their ultimate goal is to become an RN or achieve a BSN degree.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Kansas
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $48,000 - $61,000 | 9-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 440-600 hours | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| MA | $36,000 - $45,000 | 8-12 months | CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) exam | 160-200 hours | $7,000 - $12,000 |
| CNA | $30,000 - $38,000 | 4-8 weeks | Kansas Nurse Aide Test | Minimum 45 hours | $500 - $1,200 |
| DA | $37,000 - $50,000 | 9-12 months | DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam | 200-350 hours | $7,000 - $10,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $36,000 - $47,000 | 8-12 months | PTCB CPhT Exam | 160-320 hours | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $36,000 - $45,000 | 3-6 months | PBT (ASCP), CPT (NHA), or RPT (AMT) exam | 100-120 hours | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| OTA | $58,000 - $77,000 | 2 years (Associate Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | Minimum 640 hours (fieldwork) | $18,000 - $25,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Kansas
Chanute, KS
Neosho County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 1.5 years program
- 39 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Offered in Chanute and Ottawa
- Mary Grimes School of Nursing
- Mandatory informational meeting required
Coffeyville, KS
Coffeyville Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- $44,337 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Scholarships available
Colby, KS
Colby Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) accredited
- 1-Year program
- Apply by 2026-03-01
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 1+1 program: PN then ADN
- Criminal background check required
- COVID-19 vaccine not mandated
Dodge City, KS
Dodge City Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse Certification
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
- Starts fall
- Financial aid available
- Strong clinical orientation
- Continuing education credits
- Careers in hospitals and extended care
- Advanced standing for LPNs
- On-campus clinicals during week
Great Bend, KS
Barton County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN)
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 45 total credit hours
- 100% licensure pass rate
- $59,730 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Hutchinson, KS
Hutchinson Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse (LPN)
Campus Based - Website
- Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
- 18-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Clinical rotations in healthcare settings
Liberal, KS
Seward County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN)
Campus Based - Website
- Designed for occupational entry
- Part of Nursing department
Manhattan, KS
Manhattan Area Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- $19,978 total program tuition
- 46 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 96% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
Overland Park, KS
Johnson County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in nine short months (or 14 months part time)
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Low student-to-instructor ratios
Salina, KS
Salina Area Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- $13,650 total program tuition
- 3-Semester program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Prepare for NCLEX-PN licensure
- Careers: physician offices, clinics, hospitals
- Hands-on simulations and clinicals
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Kansas State Board of Nursing accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Pathways to ADN and BSN programs
- Technical Certificate awarded
- No credit for experiential learning
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