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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Kansas
Kansas runs LPN training through technical colleges and community colleges — Salina Tech (9-month fast-track), Flint Hills Technical College, Neosho County CC, and others cover the state. The Kansas Board of Nursing approves all programs. Salina Tech's accelerated track is among the shortest state-approved LPN programs in the country.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn Institute of Technology | Topeka | Technical Institute | 11 months | $6,800 |
| Wichita Area Technical College | Wichita | Technical College | 11 months | $6,200 |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Neosho County Community College | Chanute | Community College | 12 months | $4,800 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Kansas
No Kansas LPN program is fully online — clinical training at approved facilities is required. Some schools offer hybrid coursework formats. Kansas's geographic spread means online lecture components are particularly valuable for students in western Kansas, where the nearest program campus may be hours away.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Kansas residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Kansas LPN Program
Kansas requirements vary by school — Salina Tech's accelerated program has more intensive prerequisites than standard community college pathways. The Kansas Promise Scholarship has its own eligibility requirements separate from program admissions. Check both before applying.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Kansas
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Kansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Kansas earn an average of $59,930 per year ($28.81/hour). This places Kansas below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Kansas typically range from $44,400 for entry-level positions to $74,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Kansas
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $61,200 |
| Kansas City (KS) | $62,800 |
| Topeka | $59,400 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Kansas is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 700 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Kansas
The majority of LPNs in Kansas work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Kansas is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Kansas
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Kansas
Kansas LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Kansas LPNs are regulated by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) under K.S.A. 65-1113 et seq. Kansas is an NLC state. Kansas has one of the most detailed IV therapy regulatory frameworks in the country.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy (Two Tiers — KAR 60-16-102)
Kansas has a two-tiered IV therapy scope for LPNs. The IV-therapy designation must appear on your KSBN license verification record before you can perform any IV duties:
- Basic (all LPNs under RN supervision): Monitor IVs, maintain basic fluids, discontinue IVs and remove peripheral access devices (3 inches or shorter), change peripheral IV dressings
- IV-certified LPN (after KSBN-approved course): Start peripheral IVs, administer approved IV fluids and medications, perform IV push of select medications under supervision
- Kansas is one of the few states where LPNs may push certain IV medications with proper training
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- IV therapy to patients under 12 or under 80 lbs
- IV therapy in home health settings
- Blood products, chemotherapy, or cardiovascular IV drugs
- Central line access or implantable port access
- Triage or independent practice
Kansas LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn University | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | LPN-to-BSN bridge in Topeka |
| Johnson County Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12 months | ADN bridge in Overland Park (KC metro) |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Kansas Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: ksbn.kansas.gov
- Phone: (785) 296-4929
- Address: Landon State Office Bldg, 900 SW Jackson St, Suite 1051, Topeka, KS 66612
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →