20 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs In Wichita, KS (2026)
Pursuing a nursing degree is one of the best investments you can make in your career. With the growing demand for qualified nurses across the country, 2 year nursing programs offer a quicker pathway to enter this stable and rewarding profession.
As an emerging leader in healthcare education, Wichita, KS offers several excellent 2 year RN programs at community colleges and technical schools in the area. These accelerated programs prepare students to become registered nurses (RNs) in just 24 months through a combination of coursework and clinical rotations.
In this expert guide, we have compiled the 20 best 2 year nursing programs in Wichita, KS based on quality of education, affordability, reputation, and graduate outcomes.
How We Ranked the Programs
We used a methodology focused on four central factors to rank the top nursing programs:
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NCLEX Pass Rates: The national nursing board exam (NCLEX-RN) pass rate is a strong indicator of program quality and graduate preparedness. Programs with higher pass rates rank higher.
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Cost and Financial Assistance: The total cost of attendance and availability of financial aid options were factored in. Programs offering affordable tuition rates and generous aid rank higher.
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Reputation and Recognition: Programs with regional or national accreditations, awards, and ranking were given preference. This demonstrates the quality standards of the nursing program.
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Graduate Success: Programs that prepare graduates for success with higher employment rates and employer satisfaction rank higher. This directly reflects teaching standards.
Based on these criteria, here are the 20 best 2 year nursing programs in Wichita, KS for 2024:
1. Wichita State University School of Nursing
The Wichita State University School of Nursing offers an excellent Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathway through its partnership with Wichita Area Technical College. Graduates earn an Applied Science in Nursing degree.
With small class sizes and interactive learning, students gain extensive clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are highly sought-after in the job market.
Key Stats and Facts:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
- Program Cost: $11,000 in-state; $22,000 out-state
- Accreditation: ACEN (formerly NLNAC)
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, loans, grants available
2. Butler Community College Nursing
Butler’s ADN program provides a direct path to becoming an RN over 5 consecutive semesters. Students get training through lab simulations and clinical rotations at various partner healthcare facilities.
The program emphasizes evidence-based patient care, safety practices, communication skills, and nursing ethics. Graduates have an excellent first-time NCLEX pass rate.
Vital Info:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
- Program Cost: $15,420 in-district; $20,970 out-district
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
- Scholarships Available: Yes
3. Wichita Area Technical College
WATC offers a 2 year nursing diploma through its Practical Nursing program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to gain licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kansas.
The curriculum covers nursing concepts like pharmacology, physiology, nutrition, mental health and geriatric care. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and support.
Facts and Figures:
- First-Time Test Taker Pass Rate: 100%
- Total Program Cost: $8,995
- Financial Assistance: Federal grants and loans available
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
4. Newman University Nursing
Newman University offers a competitive Associate of Science in Nursing pathway. Students gain hands-on skills through simulation labs and clinical rotations at various medical facilities.
The program emphasizes a holistic, patient-centric approach to nursing care. Graduates have an excellent first-time NCLEX pass rate and job placement success.
Insights into the Program:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
- Total Cost: $39,900
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Accreditation: ACEN
5. Cowley College Associate Degree Nursing
Cowley’s ADN program provides comprehensive training over 4 semesters to prepare graduates for RN licensure. Students gain clinical experience across diverse specialties at various partner medical facilities.
The college emphasizes competency-based learning to equip students with essential nursing knowledge and skills. Program graduates have an impressive NCLEX pass rate.
Overview of Key Facts:
- First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
- Program Cost: $18,960 total
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing (KSBN)
- Types of Aid Available: Loans, scholarships, grants
6. Fort Scott Community College Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Fort Scott Community College is offered through a partnership with three other Kansas community colleges. Graduates earn an ADN degree, preparing them for RN licensure.
Students get training through lab simulations and clinical rotations at regional medical facilities. Small class sizes ensure individualized support and attention.
Vital Information on the Program:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
- Total Program Cost: $18,000 approx.
- Financial Assistance: Federal aid available
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
7. Pratt Community College Nursing
Pratt Community College offers a competitive ADN program pathway spanning 5 semesters. Students gain extensive clinical experience through rotations across diverse healthcare settings in the region.
The program has a strong foundation in evidence-based care, nursing skills development, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Graduates have an excellent NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Overview of Key Facts:
- First-Time Test Taker Pass Rate: 95%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Aid Available: Loans, scholarships
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
8. Hesston College Nursing
The nursing program at Hesston College leads to an ADN degree over 4 consecutive semesters. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure upon successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Students gain clinical skills through nursing labs and rotations at partner hospitals and clinics. With small class sizes, the program emphasizes personalized mentorship and growth.
Insights into the ADN Program:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
- Total Cost: $32,000 approx.
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
9. Neosho County Community College
NCCC offers a 5-semester ADN program across its Chanute and Ottawa campuses. Graduates are prepared to provide exceptional nursing care services upon gaining RN licensure.
Students get extensive hands-on practice through cutting-edge simulation labs and clinical rotations at regional medical facilities. This enhances critical thinking and clinical judgement.
Overview of Vital Facts:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx. in-state
- Types of Aid Available: Federal loans, scholarships
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
10. Colby Community College Nursing
The nursing program at Colby Community College leads to an Associate of Applied Science – Registered Nurse degree. Spanning 5 semesters, it prepares graduates to excel as skilled nursing professionals.
Students gain proficiency through hands-on skills labs, case study analysis, and clinical rotations at regional medical facilities. Program graduates have a solid NCLEX pass rate.
Key Facts and Figures:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 85%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Financial Assistance: Federal aid available
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
11. Allen County Community College
Allen County Community College offers an RN pathway through its ADN program. Spanning 5 consecutive semesters, students gain extensive clinical experience across diverse medical and surgical units through rotations.
The program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based nursing practices, communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Graduates have a high NCLEX pass rate and job placement.
Overview of Vital Facts:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
12. Dodge City Community College
DCCC offers a 5-semester ADN program to prepare graduates for RN licensure. Students gain hands-on clinical experience across medical, surgical, pediatric and maternity environments during rotations.
The program has a strong foundation in nursing concepts like pharmacology, mental health, geriatrics and acute nursing care. Graduates have a solid first-time NCLEX pass rate.
Key Information:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
- Program Cost: $15,000 approx. in-state
- Financial Assistance: Loans, grants available
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
13. Cloud County Community College
Cloud County Community College offers an ADN degree through its 2 year registered nursing program. Students are trained in clinical judgement, evidence-based care, nursing skills, pharmacology and more through labs and clinical rotations.
Graduates are prepared to excel in diverse healthcare settings ranging from hospitals to community clinics. The program has a stellar reputation and outcomes.
Overview of Facts:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
- Total Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Aid Available: Loans, scholarships
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
14. Kansas City Kansas Community College
Kansas City Kansas Community College offers a 5-semester ADN program to prepare students for RN licensure. Graduates are equipped to provide exceptional nursing care across diverse healthcare environments.
Students gain extensive hands-on experience through simulation labs and clinical rotations at partner medical facilities in the region. This enhances critical thinking and clinical skills.
Insights into the Nursing Program:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
- Total Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Financial Assistance: Federal aid programs
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
15. Barton County Community College
Barton County Community College offers an ADN pathway spanning 5 semesters. Students gain hands-on clinical experience through rotations across diverse medical-surgical units, obstetrics, pediatrics and community health.
With small cohort sizes, the program emphasizes personalized mentorship, evidence-based care practices and nursing skills development. Graduates have a high NCLEX pass rate.
Overview of Key Facts:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
16. Garden City Community College
The ADN program at Garden City Community College prepares graduates for RN licensure over 4 consecutive semesters. Students gain extensive clinical skills through hands-on simulation labs and rotations across specialty units.
The program trains students in the latest evidence-based nursing practices and technologies. Graduates have a solid first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate and job placement outcomes.
Key Facts and Figures:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
- Total Cost: $15,000 approx. in-state
- Financial Aid: Federal loans, scholarships
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
17. North Central Kansas Technical College
NCK Tech offers a PN pathway through its 2 year licensed practical nursing diploma program. Graduates are equipped to excel as LPNs in diverse healthcare settings after gaining licensure.
Students get extensive clinical skills training through lab simulations and rotations across specialty units at partner medical facilities. The program has a stellar reputation within the local healthcare community.
Overview of Vital Information:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
- Total Program Cost: $9,500 approx.
- Financial Assistance: Federal aid available
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
18. Salina Area Technical College
Salina Tech offers an accredited ADN program to prepare graduates for success as registered nurses. The 5-semester pathway puts emphasis on evidence-based care, nursing skills development, pharmacology, mental health and more through blended coursework.
Students gain valuable clinical experience via hands-on simulation laboratory training and supervised rotations at regional healthcare facilities.
Key Facts and Figures:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
19. Flint Hills Technical College
Flint Hills Technical College offers a PN program leading to a licensed practical nurse diploma over 48 credit hours. Graduates take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as an LPN within Kansas.
The program curriculum incorporates nursing fundamentals, body structure and function, geriatrics, pharmacology and more. With small cohort sizes, students gain individual faculty support and mentorship.
Vital Information on the Program:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
- Total Program Cost: $9,500 approx.
- Financial Assistance: Federal student aid available
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
20. Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Technical College offers an accredited ADN program to prepare graduates for RN licensure. Students are trained in the latest evidence-based nursing practices and technologies to deliver exceptional patient care.
The program incorporates 5 semesters of blended coursework and clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates have solid NCLEX outcomes and employment prospects.
Overview of Key Facts:
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
- Total Program Cost: $15,000 approx.
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Accreditation: Kansas Board of Nursing
So there you have it – the 20 best 2 year nursing programs in Wichita, KS for 2024! These accelerated RN pathways equip graduates with the essential nursing skills, knowledge and clinical judgement to excel in healthcare roles across diverse settings.
Comparing factors like costs, accreditation, reputation and graduate outcomes can help identify the nursing program that best fits your needs. We hope this expert guide supports you in taking the first step towards an exciting and stable nursing career within just 2 years!