Accelerated BSN Programs at Kansas Nursing Schools
Working as a nurse in Kansas gives you the power to change lives and help people, all while providing for your own family. However, the idea of spending four years in school might be a bit intimidating. There is good news! As someone that has already earned a degree in a non nursing field you may actually be able to earn your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in as little as 12 months.
Choosing an accelerated nursing program that fits your needs and schedule will do much to reduce the stress and increase your chances of success. There are several online programs, some of which are featured below, as well as campus based fast track nursing programs.
By taking the time to investigate all of your options, you can determine which program can best suit your situation. We have already taken the time to compile the schools that offer Accelerated BSN programs in Kansas, so all you need to do is request information from the schools below. You can request from as many as you like, keeping in mind that the more information you have, the better prepared you will be to make a well informed decision about your future.
Accelerated BSN Curriculum in Kansas
There are several different options in Kansas for you to to earn your accelerated BSN degree. Online universities let you do the majority of your courses online, while most traditional colleges require you to do your coursework during in-person lectures. Either option can be efficient, and should result in a well rounded nursing education.
As a BSN student, you’ll get to study every facet of nursing. The unique education you get as a BSN student includes classes in management and leadership, which are not typically a part of two year nursing programs. These courses are intended to prepare you for leadership positions within nursing, which can lead to expanded career options after you graduate.
You will take many of the same courses and clinical practicums that are part of an Associate’s degree program, as a part of your basic introduction to nursing. These classes include basic nursing assessment and care planning, pharmacology, and advanced anatomy.
However, you will also take classes in several specialized facets of nursing. If you want to work in a specialized setting, these classes could be very beneficial for you. You will take classes in fields like obstetrics, mental health, pediatrics, surgery, and palliative care. There will also be courses such as statistics, evidence based practice, and nursing research, which can strengthen and support your nursing practice along the way.
Once you have completed all of your required courses, you should have the knowledge base you need to become a Registered Nurse. You will still need hands-on practice in order to work as a nurse. Clinical rotations put you through the paces in various practice settings, and allow you to combine your theoretical knowledge with real world situations. You will put into practice your nursing education under the supervision of a clinical instructor, in a variety of settings that include hospitals, nursing homes, and community based agencies.
Many of the featured schools on this page allow you to complete your clinical rotations in local facilities. This reflects the trend to develop strategic partnerships between healthcare facilities and nursing schools, in order to provide high quality, easily accessible nursing education. Look into your options, to see what is available in Kansas, and ask questions that can give you the answers you need to find the best nursing school for you.
Nursing Career Outlook in Kansas
Registered nurses in Kansas earn a median salary of $55,400 per year, as reported by O*Net. The general range of salaries for registered nurses in Kansas starts at $40,600 per year and goes all the way up to $73,600 per year, depending upon experience, educational level and setting (O*net, 2013).
There’s also a growing demand for nurses in Kansas, much like the rest of the nation. In 2010, there were 29,480 nursing jobs in Kansas; that number is expected to grow to 36,960 per year. That’s a 25% increase in available nursing jobs (O*Net, 2012).
Part of what determines your salary and hours in a nursing job is where you work. Some of the largest nursing employers in Kansas include BrightStar, Headache & Pain Center, KVC Health Systems, and Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Kansas University system. There will likely be several settings in which you may find open positions after earning your degree, including those within state and governmental agencies, home health, and acute care.
Nursing Licensing Considerations in Kansas
The Kansas State Board of Nursing administers and renews licenses for Kansas nurses. Kansas is not a compact state, so you can only practice in Kansas with your Kansas nursing license. After successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will be administered your nursing license. It must be renewed every year, and you must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.
If you are interested in networking, healthcare policy, and are willing to take steps to further the profession of nursing, you can choose to join the Kansas State Nurses Association. The KSNA also supports nursing research, and they accept papers and manuscripts from nurses for publication. Joining is a great way to stay updated on new nursing legislation, find nursing events, and share a unified voice in the state.
