2024 - Best LPN Programs in Kansas

Details on Kansas LPN Schools & Classes

There are schools with LPN programs peppered all across the state of Kansas. Community colleges and technical schools are some of the more popular options, and tend to be very accessible. The typical LPN program takes between one and two years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time attendance. The LPN curriculum at Kansas schools may contain some of the following course titles:

• Human Development
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Foundations of Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Maternal Child Nursing
• Gerontology

Accreditation

To narrow down which school and program to attend, prospective LPN students should check for proper accreditations. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a main, national accrediting body, but smaller regional ones exist as well. In addition to this, the Kansas Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved LPN programs for students to peruse.

Admission Requirements

In order to be selected for admission to an LPN program, students must ensure that they meet all admissions requirements. While these may differ slightly from school to school, the following are typical LPN program requirements:

• High school diploma or GED (must submit transcripts or scores)
• Complete all prerequisites with grade of “C” or better
• CNA certification may be required
• Satisfactory score on the ATI TEAS Assessment
• CPR certification may be required

Tuition and Costs

You might be surprised to find that LPN programs are more affordable than you might think, especially when compared to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Tuition, fees, and course materials such as textbooks must all be accounted for by the student. For example, tuition for the LPN program at Coffeyville Community College is $140 per credit hour for Kansas residents (more for out-of-state attendees), and the school also charges an estimated $2,424.25 for program fees and $1,184.95 for books.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Kansas LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Kansas LPN Licensing Requirements

State-approved nursing programs are a direct route to licensure in the state—students must first complete an approved course and then take the required NCLEX exam. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state within 2 years of graduation, including:

• Official transcript from state-approved nursing program.
• Valid photo.
• Fingerprint card with signed waiver.
• NCLEX registration.

Kansas LPN licenses expire every 2 years on the licensee’s birthday. Thirty (30) hours of continued education within the 2-year licensing period is required for renewal. Here is more detailed information about LPN licensure by examination in Kansas.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the exam that all students must take and pass upon graduating from an accredited LPN program. This is the only way students can officially gain licensure as an LPN. For more information regarding the NCLEX-PN exam, check out our comprehensive guide here. Additionally, students can take this NCLEX-PN practice test to prep and study for the actual examination.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Kansas is currently a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. The NLC allows nurses to practice in any participating NLC state without having to apply for a new license. LPNs from non-NLC states can apply for a Kansas LPN license by endorsement—by submitting the appropriate form as well as:

• Official transcript from state-approved nursing program.
• Criminal background check.
• Fingerprint card and signed waiver.
• Verification of licensure in another state.
• Completion of an approved refresher course if the applicant hasn't practiced as an LPN in the past 5 years.

Foreign applicants are welcome to apply for a license in the state of Kansas but must submit, along with the requirements above, a course-by-course evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), as well as proof of English proficiency. Find out more detailed information about LPN endorsement in Kansas.

2024 KS NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

• Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 19
• 2022 Average Statewide Kansas NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89.9%

LPN Salary in Kansas

The table below lists career information organized by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Kansas. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)