How to Become an RN in Kansas: 5 Steps

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A nurse researches how to become an RN in Kansas on the computer.

Thinking about how to become an RN in Kansas? Working in the Sunflower State means access to diverse job opportunities in a variety of facilities, from renowned medical centers to rural clinics where nurses are in high demand. Add in a strong sense of community and lower cost of living compared to many other states, and it’s an excellent place for professionals raising families or seeking a quieter, nature-filled lifestyle.

Ready to become an RN in Kansas? This guide covers everything you need to know, including schooling, licensure, and landing your first job.

How to Become an RN in Kansas: Interesting Facts

What Does an RN in Kansas Do?

When researching how to become an RN in Kansas, you’ll find nursing offers many career paths. From busy hospital shifts to home care visits, your nursing specialty determines your daily duties. Here are some examples:

  • Critical care RN: Work in intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency rooms, providing life-saving care to patients with acute conditions.
  • Operating room RN: Assist in surgeries by preparing patients, equipment, and operating rooms, working closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists.
  • Forensic RN: Work with patients involved in criminal investigations, collecting evidence, documenting injuries, and providing medical care to victims of violence or trauma.
  • Oncology RN: Care for cancer patients, administer chemotherapy, manage side effects, and offer emotional support throughout treatment.
  • Home health RN: Visit patients in their homes, providing medical care for chronic conditions, post-surgery recovery, or palliative needs.
  • School RN: Manage the health needs of students, treating minor injuries, addressing illnesses, and managing chronic conditions.

However, there are basic nursing tasks that you’ll perform in most specialties, including the following:

  • Patient assessment: You’ll conduct head-to-toe assessments, monitor vital signs, assess pain levels, and evaluate overall patient condition.
  • Medication administration: You’ll give patients oral, intravenous, and injectable medications as prescribed.
  • Performing procedures: You’ll provide wound care, draw blood, set up IVs, and perform other procedures as instructed by the authorized professional.
  • Data recording: You’ll document all patient interactions, update charts, and ensure consent is obtained.
  • Patient advocacy: You’ll advocate for patient dignity, safety, and rights, ensuring those in your care receive appropriate care and respect.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Kansas?

There’s more than one way to become an RN, and the best path for you depends on your education, work background, and career goals. Here’s a breakdown of how long each option takes:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This 2-year program provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to become an RN and is a fast track into nursing.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This 4-year degree offers a comprehensive nursing education and prepares you for leadership, specialized roles, and advanced career opportunities.
  • Accelerated BSN (ABSN): A degree program designed for career changers with a prior bachelor’s, allowing them to transition into nursing through intensive coursework and clinical training, typically completed in 12 to 18 months.
  • Bridge programs: These specialized programs (such as paramedic-to-RN or CNA-to-RN) help current healthcare professionals advance their education without starting from scratch, typically taking 1 to 2 years to complete.

How to Become an RN in Kansas: 5 Steps

To break into the nursing field in Kansas, you’ll need the right education, clinical training, and licensure. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

Just like in other states, your first step to becoming an RN in Kansas is completing an accredited ADN or a BSN nursing program. Your coursework will cover essential subjects like pharmacology and health assessment, while clinical rotations will give you the chance to build practical skills under the guidance of a nursing preceptor.

Interested in the BSN degree? Check out these top-rated nursing schools in Kansas:

  • Baker University
  • Fort Hays State University
  • MidAmerica Nazarene University
  • Ottawa University
  • Pittsburg State University

Thinking about pursuing an ADN? These community colleges offer programs to support your path:

  • Labette Community College
  • Johnson County Community College
  • Salina Area Technical College
  • Barton Community College
  • Dodge City Community College

Be sure to choose a nursing program recognized by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN), which usually means it’s accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Tip: To help fund your nursing journey, think about applying for nursing scholarships, exploring loan repayment programs, or finding a student nurse job in KS, which can help you earn money while gaining essential work experience.

Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

After you graduate, the next big step on your journey of how to become an RN in Kansas is taking the licensure exam — the NCLEX-RN. This comprehensive assessment is designed to test everything you learned in nursing school to determine if you’re ready for real-life patient care.

Here’s what you need to do to take the licensure exam in Kansas:

  • Create an account on the KSBN website and submit the application for your initial RN license by exam.
  • Pay the application fee of $100 for a single state and $150 for a multistate license.
  • Submit a fingerprint card, completed waivers, and the $57 background check fee.
  • Request official transcripts from your nursing school to be sent directly to KSBN.
  • Register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, the official testing provider, and pay the $200 exam fee. After your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your authorization to test.

The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your answers. The exam consists of 75 to 145 questions, and you will have up to five hours to complete it. Keep in mind that you may not receive all 145 questions; the exam will end once the system determines that you have either passed or failed.

Step 3: Wait for Your Kansas RN License

Passing the NCLEX-RN is a major milestone, but before you receive your RN license, KSBN must review your exam results, background check, and transcripts. If all requirements are met, your license will be issued. In the meantime, you can begin perfecting your nursing resume and cover letter.

In Kansas, you can choose between a traditional state license or a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). While obtaining a multistate license comes with a few additional requirements, it offers greater flexibility for career opportunities, including travel nursing roles.

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

Now that you’ve navigated how to become an RN in Kansas, it’s time to jump into the job market. Kansas has a solid healthcare sector with a range of settings where RNs are in high demand, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

As you start your search for RN jobs in Kansas, keep these healthcare institutions in mind:

If bedside care isn’t for you, don’t worry — there are plenty of alternative nursing roles to consider, including home healthcare, education, and clinical research. Additionally, consider applying to community care and public health institutions, such as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Tip: Sometimes your employer may ask you for license verification — this can be done through the KSBN online verification tool. Both you and your employers can access this tool to verify that your license is active and in good standing.

Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date

After passing the NCLEX, your initial license is valid for 30 months. After that, you’ll need to renew your nursing license in Kansas every two years to keep it active. The process includes completing 30 hours of continuing education, submitting a renewal application by the deadline, and paying the $85 renewal fee. This process ensures that you stay up to date with the latest developments in the nursing field and industry best practices.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Kansas?

Now that you’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in Kansas, it’s time to consider your earning potential. The average salary for RNs in the Sunflower State is $76,240 annually. However, that number can fluctuate depending on your experience, the specific hospital or clinic you work at, and your educational background.

Larger metropolitan areas tend to offer more competitive pay and additional opportunities for career growth. Make sure to keep Kansas’s most populous cities on your radar during your job search:

Helpful Resources for Kansas Nurses

Ready to learn more about how to become an RN in Kansas and make a mark in the nursing field? These resources are designed to help you with everything from licensure to career growth:

Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?

Now that you know how to become an RN nurse in Kansas, it’s time to explore opportunities where you can truly thrive. Set up customized job alerts through IntelyCare to receive updates on the latest RN job openings in your area and specialty.

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