How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kansas

Kansas map

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) manages patient care and will often work alongside a doctor or surgeon.

The needs across the country are growing, and you can become an LPN in Kansas easier than you might think.

In approximately a year, you can earn an accredited nursing certificate and begin exploring the opportunities all across the state.

5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Kansas

You will find that there are many schools in Kansas that are accredited.

You can earn a practical nursing certificate online or in the classroom.

Depending on whether you go to school part-time or full-time, you can get your certificate in approximately one year.

Knowing how the schools differ will help you to decide which one is best for you to enroll in.

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College Logo

Hutchinson Community College is located in McPherson, Kansas, and offers both full-time and part-time programs for Practical Nursing.

Additionally, there is an on-site counselor to help with personal and financial planning to become a nurse.

Simulators are used to learn from a variety of activities.

The average cost of the program is $6969, which includes some financial aid as many students will qualify for scholarships and other aid.

Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College Logo

Johnson County Community College offers a Practical Nurse program that includes clinical learning and hands-on-classroom learning.

The classes are at the JCCC’s Olathe Health Education Center in Olathe, Kansas.

You can finish the course in 9 months full-time or 14 months part-time.

The total cost of the program is $5367, and that includes the NCLEX-PN fee and graduation expenses.

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College Logo

The Practical Nurse Certificate is a total of 45 hours at KCKCC.

You will learn about clinical competence, professional accountability, and more.

Courses will prepare you for all aspects of nursing, with such classes as Mental Health Nursing and Caring of Aging Adults.

The cost of the program is $110 per credit hour and includes special course fees.

Beyond the approximate $4500 that you will spend on tuition, there will also be books and other materials to purchase.

Washburn Tech

Washburn Tech Logo

The Practical Nursing Program at Washburn Tech is in Topeka, Kansas.

You will be able to earn the certificate in two semesters if you go full-time.

There will be a total of 48 credit hours, and you’ll be able to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses.

The cost of the program varies by day and night students, but the overall cost is approximately $10m300, which includes lab fees, program kits, and materials.

Highland Community College

Highland Community College Logo

HCC offers a Practical Nursing Program at their Community College Technical Center located in Atchison, Kansas.

The program is completed in a full year, with each semester totaling 16 credits.

The cost is approximately $3360, and each class is billed at a credit hour cost of $105 for those in and out of state.

You will spend time in the classroom and obtain hands-on skills.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Kansas – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Kansas

School NameAddress
Hutchinson Community College1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Johnson County Community College12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Kansas City Kansas Community College7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 6611
Washburn Tech 5724 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604
Highland Community College606 W Main St, Highland, KS 66035

Salary

The salary for an LPN across the U.S. is approximately $48,070 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The demand is high, so many companies are quick to offer a competitive salary and a great benefits package.

Salary.com estimates that the salary you could potentially earn in Kansas varies from $40,000 to $58,000.

This will depend on the city, the amount of experience you have, and what skills you might have obtained on the job or at a nursing school.

It is always a good idea to compare salaries so that you can be sure that you are being paid competitively as an LPN in Kansas.

Annual Salary Range:
$43K
$48K
$53K

Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Kansas

City NameSalary
Wichita$48,735
Overland Park$49,504
Kansas City$49,681
Topeka$47,313
Olathe$49,369
Lawrence$48,063
Shawnee$49,504
Salina$48,229
Manhattan$46,807
Hutchinson$48,229
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Kansas

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Lawrence, KS160$54,650$26.27$63,190$42,210
Manhattan, KS150$54,420$26.16$65,400$43,980
Topeka, KS870$56,040$26.94$66,190$44,490
Wichita, KS1,480$53,410$25.68$66,860$40,980
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities in Kansas have the most opportunities for an LPN?

The most populated cities will provide you with more career opportunities to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Some cities to explore include Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City.

What does the state of Kansas require beyond basic education requirements and passing the board exam?

Beyond the basics, you will also need to get fingerprinted and go through a comprehensive background check so that you can receive your state license.

How often do licenses have to be renewed in Kansas?

The Kansas Board of Nursing identifies that a license expires every two years.

You will need to submit a new application and a renewal fee of $50.

What does it take to become an LPN in Kansas?

You will need to apply for a license in Kansas, which will require you to show that you have a certificate from an accredited school and that you have passed your board exam.

The cost of the application is $75.

What are the top employers for LPNs in Kansas?

There are quite a few large employers in Kansas that are hiring LPNs.

This can give you a jumpstart on where to look for a job – and even walk away with a competitive package.

Top companies include ResCare, Sunflower Medical Group, Behavioral Health Group, and RC Heartland.

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