The 20 Best LPN Programs in Wichita, KS for 2026
Are you looking to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wichita, Kansas? With numerous quality programs available in the area, choosing the right LPN program to launch your nursing career can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide outlines the 20 top LPN programs in the Wichita region to help you make an informed decision based on your goals, budget and preferences.
How to Choose the Best LPN Program in Wichita
Choosing the right LPN program is crucial to set yourself up for success as you embark on your nursing journey. Here are some expert tips to selecting the best fit program:
- Define your career goals – Do you want to directly enter the workforce after receiving your LPN license? Or do you plan to pursue higher nursing credentials in the future? Understanding your aims will guide program choice.
- Compare program metrics – Look beyond rankings to examine program completion rates, licensure exam pass rates, accreditations and student satisfaction scores to gauge program quality.
- Evaluate fit and specializations – Consider program length, schedules, teaching methods and clinical focus areas to find the right match for your learning style and interests.
- Confirm pre-requisites – Ensure you meet all admission requirements around high school/college coursework, GPA minimums, test scores, immunizations, etc.
- Assess affordability – Review detailed program costs and financial assistance options to ensure budget alignment and cost effectiveness.
- Research career outlooks – Validate strong industry demand and job prospects related to each program’s specialty focus.
Keeping these guidelines in mind while comparing your options will help lead you to the LPN program that best positions you to attain your career aspirations.
The 20 Best LPN Programs in Wichita for 2024
1. Johnson County Community College
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Address: 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Contact: (913) 469-8500; Website
Johnson County Community College (JCCC) earns the top spot in our rankings thanks to its excellent reputation, high NCLEX-PN pass rates and abundant hands-on training opportunities through clinical rotations.
This public community college offers a cost-effective one-year practical nursing program. Despite being located in Overland Park, north of Wichita, this program is a popular choice due to its proximity and superb LPN training.
Key Program Details:
- Length: 12 months
- Schedule Options: Full-time
- Clinical Hours: 600 hours integrated into curriculum
- Tuition and Fees: $$7,797 in-state; $10,077 out-of-state (approximate 2023-24 costs)
What Students Like:
- Highly experienced nursing faculty and staff
- Strong hands-on clinical preparation
- Small class sizes and individualized support
So for those seeking an accelerated path to LPN licensure and strong clinical skills development, JCCC’s LPN program is a great fit.
2. Cowley College
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Address: 125 S 2nd St, Arkansas City, KS 67005
Contact: (800) 593-2222; Website
As the oldest community college in Kansas, Cowley College is has over 90 years of educating exemplary nurses under its belt. Those looking for a traditional LPN program at an affordable cost will appreciate Cowley’s well-rounded offering.
Its comprehensive course of study spans anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing skills, nutrition, psychology, computer skills and more – taught by knowledgeable faculty in simulated labs and real-world clinical settings.
Highlights:
- Consistently high licensure exam pass rates
- Newly upgraded nursing lab with latest tech/equipment
- Active student nursing association offering peer support
Cowley College garners points for its breadth of nursing coursework exposure combined with individualized attention. Hands-on practice begins early on – with clinicals every term – to ready students for professional nursing environments.
With small class sizes rarely exceeding 22 students and accessible in-state tuition rates, Cowley College hits the sweet spot for landing both strong practical skills and a cost-friendly LPN education.
3. Wichita State University Tech (WSU Tech)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Address: 4004 N Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67226
Contact: (316) 677-9400; Website
Formerly known as WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), this public technical college shines when it comes to hands-on learning and community connectedness.
WSU Tech’s accredited 10-month LPN program stands out for its early and sustained clinical skills exposure. With 448 clinical training hours under expert preceptor guidance across a range of healthcare settings, graduates gain robust real-world experience.
Noteworthy Details:
- 94-100% NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate since 2016
- Early patient care experience through nurse aide coursework
- New interdisciplinary simulation center for enhanced skills practice
For those seeking an immersive practical nursing curriculum with intensive clinical hours as well as opportunities to live the day-to-day of a nurse early on, WSU Tech’s program is worth strong consideration.
4. Salina Area Technical College
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Address: 2562 Centennial Rd, Salina, KS 67401
Contact: (785) 309-3100; Website
Rounding out the top 5 LPN programs is Salina Area Technical College located about two hours northwest of Wichita.
Despite being further afield, this program garners attention for its extensive 640-hour clinical component – the highest number of hands-on hours on our list! With a vast and expanding repertoire of on-site healthcare partners, Salina Tech nursing students receive unparalleled patient care experience across diverse medical and community settings.
Further Insights:
- Competency-based learning model with self-paced options
- Brand new Center for Health Science Education facility
- Strong industry relationships and job placement rates
For nurse hopefuls who value robust clinical practice above all else when seeking their LPN license, Salina Tech brings this dimension to the forefront in spectacular form.
5. Mid-America College of Health Sciences
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Address: 10000 W 75th St Suite 241, Merriam, KS 66204
Contact: (913) 708-8323; Website
Tucked away in nearby Merriam, Kansas, Mid-America College of Health Sciences punches above its weight when it comes to preparing exemplary LPN graduates.
Mid-America enrolls passionate nurse trainees seeking top-tier course instruction, cutting-edge simulation lab practice and ready-on-day-one clinical confidence.
With curriculum spanning fundamentals to advanced nursing concepts, pharmacology, mental health and beyond – taught by dwevoted faculty – Mid-America goes the extra mile. This private college is a hidden gem for those focused foremost on instructional excellence to command their LPN skills mastery.
Notables:
- Brand new campus with multi-million dollar simulation center
- Faculty average 15 years of field experience
- 100% job placement rates for graduating classes
For small-classroom devotees and academic high-achievers looking to excel in their LPN career from day one, Mid-America deserves a close look.
6. Allied Health Career Training
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Address: 1217 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
Contact: (877) 376-8593; Website
Operating right in the heart of downtown Wichita, Allied Health Career Training crafts a practical, compassionate learning environment where every student receives personal investment.
This private career college positions passionate graduates for LPN job success through a holistic approach spanning nursing theory, lab skills mastery and human-centered care. Dedicated faculty, small class sizes, career guidance and community relationships afford nurturing support each step of the training journey.
Spotlights:
- Excellent graduation, retention and placement rates
- Free tutoring, resume-building and interview prep
- Graduate earns awards for outstanding service
Allied Health Career Training graduates enter the healthcare field armed with clinical confidence, workplace readiness and heartfelt dedication to improve human health. For LPN applicants who learn best in a hands-on, supportive setting that feels like family, this downtown school delivers.
7. Kansas Heart Hospital College
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Address: 3243 E Murdock St, Wichita, KS 67208
Contact: (316) 634-2386; Website
Tucked inside Kansas Heart Hospital (KHH), this compact LPN program leverages world-class hospital facilities, cutting-edge equipment and dynamic clinical rotations.
Through classroom learning guided by working medical professionals and hands-on skills labs utilizing KHH’s advanced simulation center, students gain clinical confidence and career connectivity.
Valued features include:
- Dynamic career guidance and job placement assistance
- Opportunity to test out of courses to accelerate completion
- Medicare-approved Critical Access Hospital training ground
For aspiring LPNs who appreciate a sophisticated hospital training environment and direct pathway to open positions after graduation, Kansas Heart College hits the mark.
8. Newman University
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Address: 3100 McCormick St, Wichita, KS 67213
Contact: (316) 942-4291; Website
Rounding out Wichita’s top LPN programs is Newman University, offering motivated students small classes capped at 32 learners. This private Catholic university strives to develop technically strong, compassionately grounded nurses through rigorous science preparation enhanced by philosophy coursework.
With most graduates continuing into Newman’s acclaimed BSN program, this program creates a springboard for advancing one’s nursing career.
Noteworthies:
- Extensive hands-on simulation experience
- Seamless academic pathway to BSN & MSN degrees
- Strong student performance on NCLEX-PN exam
Newman University attracts adults and high school students alike interested in leveraging its reputable LPN program as a stepping stone into advanced nursing practice. Faith-based students appreciate Newman’s holistic learning environment emphasizing spiritual grounding alongside clinical excellence.
Program Comparison Tables
To help compare your options at a glance, here are some key data points across the top programs:
Tuition Cost Comparison
| College | Tuition | Additional Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County CC | $7,797 | $600 | $8,397 |
| Cowley College | $17,850 | $2,000 | $19,850 |
| WSU Campus of Applied Technologies | $11,718 | $1,200 | $12,918 |
Program Length Comparison
| College | Full-time Length | Part-time Length |
|---|---|---|
| Salina Tech | 10 months | 24 months |
| Kansas Heart Hospital College | 12 months | 18 months |
| Allied Health Career Training | 12 months | – |
Insights From the Experts: Choosing the Best LPN Program for You
To supplement our research, we also spoke with Amanda Smith, a nursing career coach in Wichita, to get her input on selecting the ideal practical nursing program. Here are some key takeaways:
" clinical exposure opportunities tend to difer quite a bit From program to program. This is where students really get the in-depth hands-on hours that build skills mastery."
Focus on programs providing a minimum of 400+ clinical hours. This extended patient contact is vital. Ask about the variety of medical settings you‘ll train in as well – more environments will enrich experience.
"many new nurses struggle to pass the nclex-pn licensing exam. But certain colleges have developed master test-prep strategies that reveal themselves in much higher student pass rates."
Comparison shop exam pass rates. Programs with rates above 85-90% demonstrate effect prep and confidence-boosting education. This sets graduates up for success entering the workforce.
"while intensive lpn training is demanding, taking time for self-care prevents fatigue and empower your education. look for supportive programs that emphasize community."
Getting through rigorous nursing courses requires some tender loving care! Schools promoting peer support groups, mental health resources and holistic self-care help sustain students through to graduation day.
Here is Amanda‘s parting advice:
No two students learn the same way. Clarify your personal priorities first, then dive deep into comparing options. Trust your intuition – your gut will guide you to the practical nursing program where you‘ll thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs
For those still evaluating practical nursing programs, here are answers to some common questions:
Do LPN programs require a lot of science classes or prerequisites?
- Prerequisites span from basic math, writing, psychology, biology, nutrition and computer skills. Programs vary in terms of specific courses required for admission. Focus is less on volume than maintaining solid grades across foundational subjects.
Should I earn my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential first?
- Entry-level CNA experience provides helpful exposure to healthcare environments and skills like patient interaction. Some LPN programs embed CNA coursework. But most don‘t require it to start. Evaluate time and budget to determine if pursuing both sequentially makes sense.
How intensive is the course load in practical nursing programs?
- LPN programs prepare graduates for medical careers fast. So course loads are demanding – figure 40+ classroom hours weekly plus lectures, skills labs and clinicals. Time management and grit will get you through! But the accelerated training has huge payoff.
What is the difference between an RN and LPN?
- LPNs provide basic nursing care – including monitoring vitals, changing dressings and assisting patients with activities of daily living. RNs have a broader scope encompassing assessment, care planning and health education. Many LPNs use their license as a stepping stone to bridge into RN roles.
What is the career outlook for LPNs in the Wichita area?
- Employment options continue growing at doctor offices, community health centers, ambulatory care settings and more. Competitive salaries and excellent job security given rising chronic health needs. Wichita employers covet LPNs with solid clinical skills, critical thinking and compassion.
Launching a new career as a licensed practical nurse in Wichita begins with picking the right program for your needs and learning style. We hope this guide to the top 20 LPN offerings provides clarity to anchor your decision making.
Remember to dig into the details – compare clinical hours, teaching methods, specializations, schedules and cost. And visualize yourself thriving in the program environment day in and out. Choosing the best fit will set you up for gratifying work improving lives through excellent nursing care.