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Best Nursing Schools in Kansas for 2023

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Kansas

Nursing is a diverse career with a lot of flexibility to practice different specialties almost anywhere. So, what better place to practice than in the Sunflower state? From the low cost of living to the countless opportunities for recreation, Kansas is the place to be for nurses. Join more than 60,000 other registered nurses in protecting, promoting, and improving health for all Kansans! 

With multiple options for entering and advancing in the nursing profession, it can be difficult to figure out the path that is best for you. But if you live in Kansas, your nursing career opportunities are right outside the front door. There really is no place like home!

Whether you are new to the profession or want to advance, check out five of the best nursing schools in Kansas. 

Kansas’s top nursing program:

  1. University of Kansas
  2. Fort Hays State University
  3. Pittsburg State University
  4. Washburn University
  5. Wichita State University

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1. University of Kansas – Score 67

NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.03%

In-state tuition: $10,092

Out-of-State tuition: $26,960

As the top nursing school in the state, KU School of Nursing is known for its stellar faculty and student-centered environment. Students entering the profession can complete their ADN and BSN at the same time through the Community College Nursing Partnership program. 

With most hospitals requiring nurses to have a BSN, this is an excellent opportunity for students starting at the community college level to achieve their BSN sooner. 

Programs offered:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Community College Nursing Partnership
  • Online RN to BSN
  • Master of Science
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Philosophy

2. Fort Hays State University – Score 65

NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.19%

    In-state tuition: $5,443.80

    Out-of-State tuition: $15,890.40

Hey Fort Hays! If you want to advance in your nursing career, top-notch faculty in the Department of Nursing at Fort Hays will guide the way. Especially if you’re interested in nursing administration or nursing education.

Class sizes are small allowing for a more personalized experience and programs are structured around flexibility.

Both programs are 100% online and designed to meet the needs of working nurses.

    Programs offered:

3. Pittsburg State University – Score 49

NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.94%

In-state tuition: $7,744

Out-of-State tuition: $19,088

Prospective students have a variety of programs to choose from at the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing. Known as “The Midwest’s Premiere School of Nursing,” programs range from pre-licensure to doctoral level.   

For current nurses interested in career advancement, the RN to BSN program at Pittsburg State University is a notable option. Nurses can complete the program in about one year if taking full-time courses. 

Programs offered:

4. Washburn University – Score 48

NCLEX Pass Rate: 86.43%

In-state tuition: $5,767.50

Out-of-State tuition: $11,872.50

. If you’re interested in being a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Washburn University is the place for you. Classes are entirely online and allow students to move through the program at their own pace. 

For the 540-hour required clinical experience, students can choose their own placements with approval from the Program Director. This gives students flexibility in finding what works best for them.  

Programs offered:

5. Wichita State University – Score 46

NCLEX Pass Rate: 86.43%

In-state tuition: $6,842.70

Out-of-State tuition: $16,208.10

The Guaranteed Placement Program is an excellent opportunity for prospective students who know they want to pursue nursing. 

The program is geared toward high school seniors who plan to attend Wichita State and applying guarantees them entry into the traditional BSN program. 

Wichita State also offers Kansas’ only accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in 13 months.

Programs offered:

How to choose the right nursing program

A career in nursing is full of opportunities! Knowing what area of nursing you want to specialize in is key in choosing the best program for you.

Location

Since many nursing programs offer 100% online options, you may not think that the location of the school is important. However, there are many things to consider other than just your classes, so being close to campus is always helpful. You may want to use the library, attend an event, or meet in-person with faculty or other students. 

Tuition

Money can be a sore spot so it’s important to do your research. Know what you can afford, compare costs among programs, and seek out resources that can help you pay for nursing school. 

Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement to their employees. Most nursing schools offer scholarships. 

You can also apply for student loans through FAFSA. Graduate students also have the option to work as teaching or research assistants to cover some of their tuition.

NCLEX pass rate

Once you finish nursing school, the next step to becoming a nurse is to pass the NCLEX exam. When doing your research on how to choose the right nursing program, make sure to also look at their NCLEX pass rates. Schools should prepare students to pass the NCLEX. Knowing how well students do after graduating is important to consider. 

Programs offered

Choose a program that meets your nursing career goals. If you’re new to the nursing profession, the first step is to obtain an ADN or BSN degree. Working nurses need to decide on programs that will help them advance in their careers. 

Do you want to work in administration, or do you want to teach? Look for programs that focus on these areas.

Graduation rate

Much like NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates are also something you want to contemplate when choosing a nursing program. Typically, the school will report graduation rates on their website. 

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Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered.

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score.

Sources we used data from:

Next Steps

The path toward a career in nursing is full of choices. Important things to consider when making decisions along your journey include the quality of the program, cost, location, and your nursing career goals. We hope this information on the top five nursing schools in Kansas will help you with some of these decisions.

Once you’ve decided on the right nursing program for you, do a thorough review of the program’s website. In addition to program details, you will have access to information about scholarships and other financial support, the faculty and staff directory, and student services. Most importantly, you will be able to submit your application for admission bringing you one step closer to becoming a nurse or advancing in your nursing career!  

Good luck! We look forward to you joining the nursing profession.

Sources

Kenneth Oja is a freelance writer specializing in nursing topics. Kenneth is a registered nurse with 18 years of combined experience in nursing clinical practice, education, and research. His clinical practice experience includes working in long-term, medical/surgical, and critical care settings. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and a nurse research scientist at Denver Health. He graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in nursing, master’s in nursing education, and PhD in nursing and healthcare innovation.

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BSN vs MSN: Which Degree is Better

Nursing Degrees & Schools / BSN vs. MSN

Paying for graduate school

Average cost

The average cost for an MSN program ranges from $35,000 to $70,000, with some schools charging up to $100,000.

However, it’s important to note that tuition varies widely for these programs due to the type of school (such as an in-state public university versus out-of-state or private university) number of required credits, and cost per credit. So, it’s best to research and compare different institutions in relation to what they charge and choose what works best for you.

Scholarship opportunities

In addition to checking out costs, you should also explore the opportunities different institutions may have to cover some – or even all of your tuition expenses. 

Many MSN programs offer scholarships to students. These are typically advertised on the institution’s website. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing also offers multiple scholarship opportunities. 

Most scholarship requirements include completing an application, a minimum grade point average, a short essay, details on academic achievements, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Employer education reimbursement

If you are a working nurse, check to see what benefits your employer offers. Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement to their nurses. 

The typical range of employer education reimbursement is $2500 to $5000 per year. The amount usually depends on your employment status with full-time employees being eligible for a higher amount.

Program requirements

1 year of work experience

MSN programs typically require at least 1 year of nursing experience to apply. Make sure to closely review all program requirements as they may vary among different schools.

Although MSN programs only require 1 year of experience, many nurses will wait even longer to garner more experience.

Reference letters

Similar to applying for scholarships, when applying to a nursing program you will likely need at least 1-3 reference letters highlighting your professional and academic experience. 

Reach out to your professors, managers, or peers. Anyone who can speak to your ability to perform in the program you want to apply to can be a candidate for your reference letter. 

When asking someone to write you a reference letter, give them plenty of notice to write the letter (a week at minimum), instructions on where to send it, and information about the program you are applying to.

BSN career pathway + MSN career pathway

Still can’t decide? Check out some of the combination BSN and MSN pathways. Many of these programs are designed for working registered nurses with an associate degree and allow them to complete a BSN and MSN in 1 program. Or, it allows nurses to go straight through to an MSN. 

There are also options available for those who are not nurses but have a bachelor’s degree in another field, to enter directly into an MSN program. 

Completion of an MSN through this pathway allows many of the same opportunities as completing a traditional MSN program including advanced patient care, teaching, and leadership positions. 

Despite the path you take, the job outlook for RNs and APRNs is favorable and includes many career opportunities. 

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Next steps

Start checking out different schools and programs. Keep in mind the information you’ve learned here and see how the programs you are interested in match up. 

Other important resources to review include the Essentials of Baccalaureate and Master’s Education in Nursing. These documents can give you an even more in-depth review of the specific goals of BSN and MSN education to help decide which path is best for you. 

Sources

Kenneth Oja is a freelance writer specializing in nursing topics. Kenneth is a registered nurse with 18 years of combined experience in nursing clinical practice, education, and research. His clinical practice experience includes working in long-term, medical/surgical, and critical care settings. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and a nurse research scientist at Denver Health. He graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in nursing, master’s in nursing education, and PhD in nursing and healthcare innovation.

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Best Scrubs for Men in Nursing

Personal Finance / Best Scrubs for Men

Scrubs are essential for men in nursing who work in direct patient care. While scrubs have evolved over the years, designs for nurses were typically targeted toward females. 

Now that the nursing profession is comprised of approximately 12% males, there is more of a demand for nursing scrubs geared toward men. 

This article will cover how men in nursing can choose comfortable fabrics, find the perfect fit, and get an idea of some brands of scrubs that are highly rated by other men in nursing.

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Choosing comfortable fabrics

Nurses work long hours, so comfort is important. Nurses also need workwear that can stand up to the daily demands of being a nurse. This includes breathability (cotton), durability (polyester), and extra stretch (spandex).

Check the labels of your scrubs to see the percentages of the fabrics used and pick the best combination to suit your needs depending on the area where you work.

One size does not fit all, nor should one material. Nurses who work in direct patient care do a lot of pulling, lifting, bending, squatting, and even running! 

Image is important as well. So, make sure you look good in your scrubs. Nurses are professionals, and you want to make sure this is reflected in your appearance. Avoid the baggy, oversized look. It is possible to find the perfect fit without looking sloppy.

Finding the perfect fit

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The breathability, durability, and stretch of your scrubs all depend on where you’re working. Even though men work in every area of nursing, they are typically more drawn to flight, emergency, or critical care nursing. So, you definitely want scrubs that are more moveable or stretchy. 

Avoid unisex scrubs as they can be more uncomfortable due to some sizing differences. 

You also want scrubs that are going to allow you to carry necessary equipment that can be accessed quickly. Nurses are often carrying around multiple items including patient report sheets, pens, alcohol swabs, and saline syringes. So, more pockets are a plus. 

Check out these three brands of scrubs highly rated by men in nursing to help you make a decision in purchasing your next set of scrubs. 

When you try on your scrubs, move around in them. Nurses are often in some pretty precarious situations as far as movement, so mimic some of those movements when you are trying on a new pair of scrubs. 

Reach your arms up and forward. Bend over. Squat down. Think of all the different ways you move during your day and test it out. How do the scrubs feel when you’re moving around as you would on your typical shift? They should be comfortable and flexible.

Highly rated scrubs by men in nursing 

FIGS

FIGS are a bit on the pricier side, with scrub tops that range from $38-58. Their pants range from $44- 68. They also have kits made up of scrub tops and pants ranging from $86-106. They’re fashionable, comfortable, and durable.

The LeonTM Three-Pocket Scrub Top and TansenTM Jogger Scrub Pants are best sellers with 5-star reviews. Both are made of 72% polyester, 21% rayon, and 7% spandex.

Features: One chest pocket, one hidden patch pocket, one pen sleeve, and modern V-neck (the LeonTM). Two trouser pockets, two back pockets, one interior security pocket, and an elastic waistband with adjustable drawcord (TansenTM joggers). 

Dickies

Dickies are the all-time classic uniform for many professions. Their signature V-neck scrub tops range from $23.99-26.99. The signature cargo scrub pants range from $25.99-30.99.  

Both the signature scrub tops and cargo pants have an average customer rating of 4.4 stars with many citing the comfortable and functional design. Both are made of 55% cotton and 45% polyester.

Features: Side vents for ease of moving, patch pockets with angled opening, and interior pocket under the right patch pocket (V-neck scrub top). Web drawstring inside the waist, back patch pocket, and double cargo pockets on both sides of the leg (cargo scrub pants).

Jaanuu

Jaanuu features unique designs, details, and performance-enhancing features allowing you to provide excellent patient care. The best-selling FUSEryxTM 4-pocket V-neck top is $36.00, and the FUSEeryxTM drawstring jogger pants are $46.00.

The top and joggers have an average customer rating of 4.7 stars. Reviews typically address the great fit, stretch, and material. The fabric consists of 76% polyester, 18% rayon, and 6% spandex.

Features: Jaanuu scrubs feature a hidden hem badge loop, chest welt pocket, 2 side seam hidden pockets, and even a hidden zipper pocket.

Carhartt

Carhartt is another highly rated brand of scrubs for men in nursing. They offer two options for tops and pants with all being rated at 4 or more stars. 

The solid ripstop scrub utility top ranges from $23.98-31.99 and is 55% cotton and 45% polyester. For a more flexible option, the force cross-flex modern fit chest pocket v-neck top is 94% polyester and 6% spandex. Prices for the v-neck range from $33.99-36.99.

Similarly, the ripstop multi-cargo scrub pants range from $27.99-35.99 and are made of 55% cotton and 45% polyester. The force cross-flex modern fit jogger pants range from $37.99-40.99 and are made of 94% polyester and 6% spandex.

Features: Pleated bi-swing back for extra stretch across the shoulders, tagless neck label for a smooth feel, chest pocket, and droptail hem (scrub utility top); buttonhole at neck for badge, locker loop label at back neck, earbud holder, pen holder, four front lower pockets, double pocket at sleeve, inner cell phone pocket, and inner back mesh venting (v-neck). Triple-stitched outseams, drawcord on waist, zipper fly, eight pockets, and utility look (cargo pants); side and back elastic waist, zipper fly, front slash pockets, one inner pocket, triple cargo pocket with pen slot, back cell phone pocket, two top-loading front pockets (joggers).

Next Steps

Start shopping! If you don’t like buying clothes online, most scrub stores carry the brands mentioned. Of course, there are also other brands of scrubs available in-store, so you can try them on in person and get a good feel for fit. 

Finally, consider the cost. Many nurses aren’t willing to spend a lot of money on scrubs. Especially if they are supplied by your hospital. But, again, consider the comfort and functionality of most hospital-issued scrubs (not the best!) 

Also, find out if your workplace reimburses their nurses for scrubs and see how much they’re willing to pay. Even some of the less expensive brands, ranging between $20 and $30 dollars, still have high reviews from men in nursing as well as more comfort and functionality than free scrubs from the hospital.

Nurses play an important role in the health and well-being of patients. It’s a lot of hard work and requires the appropriate equipment to do the job. Scrubs are an essential piece of equipment and should be comfortable and functional in order for you to provide the highest quality patient care.

Also, make sure to check out our best shoes for male nurses to complete your gear!

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Sources

“Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey.” bls.gov. Accessed May 28, 2022.

“Consider This When Buying Scrubs.” youtube.com/c/TheChubieDaily. Accessed June 11, 2022.

Kenneth Oja is a freelance writer specializing in nursing topics. Kenneth is a registered nurse with 18 years of combined experience in nursing clinical practice, education, and research. His clinical practice experience includes working in long-term, medical/surgical, and critical care settings. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and a nurse research scientist at Denver Health. He graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in nursing, master’s in nursing education, and PhD in nursing and healthcare innovation.

Read more from Kenneth

10 Ideas for Nurse Tattoos

Being a nurse is something to be proud of! Why not show the world you are part of “America’s Most Trusted Profession” with a tattoo? Take a look at our 10 ideas for nurse tattoos. 

Tattoos have become more popular over the years. Gone are the days when tattoos were associated with criminals and deviant behavior. Today, people from all walks of life are sporting tattoos – including nurses.

If you’re a nurse or nursing student considering a tattoo, seek out designs that represent the meaning and values of the nursing profession. For inspiration, think about the history of nursing, tools used by nurses, or the types of things nurses encounter throughout their day-to-day duties.

Other things to consider include your workplace policies regarding tattoos, where to put your tattoo, and cost.

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Tattoo Ideas

Caduceus Symbol

This is one of the most recognized, and popular, symbols in nursing. It’s often used as a label on different types of nursing equipment and nursing uniforms. Composed of a staff entwined by two serpents, a tattoo of the caduceus will most likely give you immediate recognition as a nurse and a sense of pride in your profession.    

Stethoscope

No, stethoscopes aren’t just for doctors! Nurses also use them daily and they’re a popular tattoo choice for representing the nursing profession. 

Nursing Cap

Another highly recognized symbol associated with nursing. While only designed to be part of a female nurse’s uniform, the nursing cap is deeply rooted in the history of nursing and still seen today as part of the identity of being a nurse. 

Heart Rhythm

Even though the image of a heart rhythm can be associated with many healthcare professions, it’s often associated with nursing. Nurses learn about heart rhythms during their college education. Monitoring heart rhythms and knowing when to intervene are essential components of the day-to-day activities for many nurses. 

Oil Lamp

The oil lamp is known internationally as another representation of the rich history of nursing and is closely associated with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale worked selflessly and tirelessly to care for wounded soldiers during the Crimean war. She was known to carry a small lamp when checking on patients throughout the night. 

Nursing schools today still use the “Lighting the Lamp Ceremony” as part of honoring Nightingale during nursing student graduation programs.

Red Cross

Like Florence Nightingale, Jane Delano was also a leading pioneer of the modern nursing profession. Delano is known for being the founder of the American Red Cross Nursing Service. 

The Red Cross is often seen on hospitals, ambulances, and nursing uniforms. Historically the sign was used to identify nurses and other healthcare professionals during times of war and meant “don’t shoot” or “I’m here to help.” 

Superhero

With the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were recognized as the superheroes they are! Many nurses showed their creativity with tattoos depicting highly recognizable superheroes combined with elements of nursing. 

Word Tattoo

Some people like to keep it simple. If that’s you, consider getting a tattoo of the word “nurse” or “RN.” If that seems a little too plain, you can always incorporate some of the other ideas listed above, such as the caduceus.

Nurse

If you want to go all out, there are plenty of full-arm, colorful, and very detailed tattoo designs of nurses. These can range from creepy (below), to humorous, to serious. Get creative and show off your personality!

Syringe

Another tool used daily by nurses. Patients are often unable to take medications by mouth or require a medication that can only be given intravenously. Syringes filled with saline are also used for cleaning surgical incisions or abrasions.

Can nurses get tattoos?

Absolutely! Just be sure you are aware of your workplace policies on tattoos. Information on tattoos is most likely located in an organization’s dress code policy, so be sure to check it out or ask about it. Policies in different organizations may vary, with some allowing tattoos to be visible and others requiring tattoos to be covered. Same goes for students. Check your nursing school’s dress code policy about tattoos. Also note that your nursing school’s policy may differ from healthcare organizations where you might be placed for clinical rotations, so you need to be aware of both.

Where should you place your tattoo?

You want to make sure that your tattoo flows with the body, so placement depends on your tattoo design, detail, and size. For nurses, it is especially important to consider visibility since many organizations will ask you to keep tattoos covered. So, consider smaller designs and areas like your ankle, foot, upper arm, or other places that will be covered by your uniform.

How much do tattoos cost?

Much like placement, cost will also depend on the design, detail, and size. Full blown arm tattoos, or sleeves, can cost up to $6,000. Smaller designs, like the word tattoo or oil lamp examples, can range from $50 to $250. Prices for anything in between may range from $300 to $1,300. You also need to consider the hourly rate of the tattoo artist. Again, for nurses, it might be best to get a smaller design if you need your uniform to cover the tattoo. 

Next steps

Tattoos for nurses are a great way to show your pride in the nursing profession! Now that you’ve seen some examples, you need to do your homework. Check out several salons in your area and read the reviews. Also take time to visit different salons to meet the artists and note the cleanliness of the environment.

Finally, you’re ready to make your appointment and get inked!

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Sources

“Florence Nightingale.” womenshistory.org. Accessed May 11, 2022.

“Gallup: Nurses are Most Trusted Profession for 20th Straight Year.” nursing.yale.edu. Accessed May 11, 2022.

“Jane Delano.” redcross.org. Accessed May 11, 2022.

“Lamp Lighting Ceremony.” nursingandhealth.asu.edu. Accessed May 11, 2022.


Kenneth Oja is a freelance writer specializing in nursing topics. Kenneth is a registered nurse with 18 years of combined experience in nursing clinical practice, education, and research. His clinical practice experience includes working in long-term, medical/surgical, and critical care settings. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and a nurse research scientist at Denver Health. He graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in nursing, master’s in nursing education, and PhD in nursing and healthcare innovation.

Read more from Kenneth