With the majority of registered nurses (RNs) in the country holding a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, many RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing are going back to school to complete their baccalaureate education. This opens the door to specialized nursing careers in surgery, emergency room, and pediatric nursing, and gives an RN a chance to earn a higher salary. Kansas is an excellent state to complete a bachelor's degree via an RN to BSN program and is home to a variety of schools that offer it.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Kansas? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools that offer flexibility, quality education, and support for working nurses. Start advancing your nursing career today with a program that suits your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Kansas provides an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This program stands out for its adaptability, allowing students to complete it in one year full-time or extend up to five years part-time. With enrollment open every semester, it offers unparalleled flexibility. The curriculum is meticulously designed to enhance nursing competencies, with a strong emphasis on leadership and critical thinking, preparing graduates for higher-level roles in healthcare settings. This program is ideal for those looking to transition smoothly from an associate degree to a bachelor's in nursing while maintaining their professional commitments.
- Online flexible format
- One year full-time or five years part-time
- Entry possible each semester
- Skill development in leadership
- Critical thinking emphasis
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fort Hays State University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications without interrupting their careers. This fully online program stands out for its flexibility, allowing completion in just three semesters. It emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and healthcare management, preparing nurses for higher responsibilities. The curriculum delves into professional roles, healthcare policy, and community care, ensuring a well-rounded education. Notably, it offers advanced standing credits for eligible students, making it a cost-effective option. With a CCNE accreditation, a 2.5 GPA requirement, and no ACT/SAT needed, it's an accessible choice for advancing in nursing.
- 100% Online Program
- Complete in 3 semesters
- 30 total credit hours
- Begins any semester
- Valid RN license required
- GPA requirement 2.5
- Advanced standing credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS - Public 4-Year - pittstate.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Pittsburg State University stands out with its online RN to BSN program, tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement without sacrificing their current roles. This program, celebrated for its #1 ranking in Kansas, offers an accelerated curriculum that can be completed in just 12 months, blending flexibility with rigorous academic standards. It's designed to sharpen critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing nurses for higher responsibilities in diverse healthcare environments. With options for part-time study and a jumpstart for ADN students, it ensures a seamless transition to BSN-level education, backed by a notable 93.4% retention rate and full accreditation.
- Online program completion in 12 months
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible scheduling options
- Part-time study available
- 93.4% program retention rate
- Upper-division courses in three semesters
- Jumpstart option for ADN students
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KS - Private 4-year - stmary.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Saint Mary offers a distinguished online RN-BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing. This program stands out for its CCNE accreditation, ensuring a high-quality education that fosters leadership and advanced nursing competencies. With the flexibility of 100% online coursework, nurses can balance their studies with work commitments. The program allows for the transfer of up to 96 credits, making it an efficient path to a BSN. Recognized as the No. 2 online RN-BSN in Kansas, it provides a comprehensive core nursing curriculum, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare challenges and opportunities for further education with tuition discounts.
- 100% Online Program
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Up to 96 Credits Transferable
- 125 Total Credit Hours
- Core Nursing Curriculum Comprehensive
- Tuition Discount for Graduate Programs
- Flexible for Working Nurses
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - Public 4-Year - washburn.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washburn University's online RN to BSN program stands out for its flexibility and efficiency, tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers without pausing their professional lives. This fully online program allows completion in just 18 months through 8-week courses, eliminating the need for on-campus visits. It emphasizes leadership development, quality improvement, and advanced nursing practices, preparing graduates for higher-paying roles and specialized fields. With a requirement of a 2.5 GPA and an active RN license, the program is accessible yet maintains high standards. Recognized as the #3 online RN-BSN program in Kansas and accredited by CCNE, it offers a reputable and affordable education pathway.
- Fully online RN to BSN
- 18-month program completion
- No on-campus residency
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- 8-week course sessions
- Previously earned credits accepted
- #3 Kansas online RN-BSN program
- CCNE accredited program
- Scholarships available
Fast & Affordable Program Options
The two most commonly associated benefits of an RN to BSN program are both the affordability and the timeliness of the curriculum. If eligible for the program, RN to BSN students can complete their program in half the time and with half the debt of a traditional BSN program.
Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
A traditional BSN program is often taxing on a student’s schedule, especially if they are working full-time in the medical field. That’s why RN to BSN programs were developed. An RN to BSN program builds on the student’s experience as a nurse and their training to deliver a 1-year (or less) bachelor’s degree program.
School | Degree Name | Length |
University of Kansas | RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Wichita State University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the quickest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes, they do, but you may have some difficulty finding them as none are currently advertised in the State of Kansas. Furthermore, these programs are extremely dependent on eligibility. You will not be able to complete your bachelor’s degree program in six months if you don’t have the correct number of transferable credits in addition to an associate degree in nursing and a valid and current nursing license. That being said, you may be able to find them available outside of the state of Kansas if relocation is an option for you.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Lastly, you can look forward to an exceptionally affordable bachelor’s degree program when you enroll in an RN to BSN program, especially if you’re applying as an in-state or online student. On average, you can expect to spend half as much on tuition alone, though you may experience the same level of costs when it comes to technology fees, textbooks, or other miscellaneous costs. That being said, here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in Kansas.
School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
Fort Hayes State University | Online RN to BSN | $5,923.80 per year (Resident) $17,772.00 per year (Non-Resident) |
Pittsburg State University | RN to BSN | $4,200 per year (Resident) $9,872 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Going back to school to complete an accredited RN to BSN program is a big decision. Ensuring that you meet or exceed your school of choice's entrance requirements is the first step. Below is a list of admissions requirements you might come across while researching programs in the state:
- Current RN licensure
- Transcripts from all colleges previously attended
- Three professional references
- Health-related work/volunteer experience
- Must pass a background check
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
RN to BSN programs aim to build upon prior nursing education and experience in the healthcare workforce. Students take a mix of general education and upper-division nursing courses. Specialized nursing courses provided as part of the University of Kansas Medical Center's RN to BSN program include:
- NURS 443: Developing the Baccalaureate Nurse Role
- NURS 444: Using Technology to Enhance Client Safety
- NURS 446: Population-Based Health Care for the Practicing Nurse
- NURS 441: Nursing Research in an Evidence-Based Practice Setting
- NURS 326: Pharmacology for the Practicing Nurse
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
Learn about the best RN to BSN programs available in Kansas through our listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Baldwin City, KS
Baker University
- Bachelor's - ADN to BSN Bridge Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- Complete in one year
- Fully accredited program
- No relocation required
- Classes start three times yearly
- Credit for previous coursework
- Leadership capstone in community
- 24/7 learning flexibility
Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Complete in 3 semesters
- 30 total credit hours
- Begins any semester
- Valid RN license required
- GPA requirement 2.5
- Advanced standing credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
Lawrence, KS
University of Kansas
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible format
- One year full-time or five years part-time
- Entry possible each semester
- Skill development in leadership
- Critical thinking emphasis
Leavenworth, KS
University of Saint Mary
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Up to 96 Credits Transferable
- 125 Total Credit Hours
- Ranked No. 2 Online RN-BSN in Kansas
- Core Nursing Curriculum Comprehensive
- Tuition Discount for Graduate Programs
- Flexible for Working Nurses
Ottawa, KS
Ottawa University-Ottawa
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Online Flexible Learning Format
- Advanced Career Opportunities
- For RNs with Associate Degrees
- Professional Development Focus
Overland Park, KS
Ottawa University-Online
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- CCNE accredited degree
- Designed for working RNs
- Career advancement opportunities
- Flexible learning format
Pittsburg, KS
Pittsburg State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program completion in 12 months
- Ranked #1 in Kansas
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible scheduling options
- Part-time study available
- 93.4% program retention rate
- Upper-division courses in three semesters
- Jumpstart option for ADN students
Topeka, KS
Washburn University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN
- 18-month program completion
- No on-campus residency
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- 8-week course sessions
- Previously earned credits accepted
- #3 Kansas online RN-BSN program
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced placement for RNs
- Designed for working nurses
- Pathway to career advancement
- Builds on associate's degree
- Prepares for graduate studies
Winfield, KS
Southwestern College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program
- Complete in 14 months
- Transfer up to 30 credits
- Accredited nursing program
- Flexible for working nurses
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Focuses on nursing leadership
- Professional practice emphasis