The Top 14 ABSN Programs in Kansas City, MO for 2026

An accelerated bachelor‘s of science in nursing (ABSN) program allows students with a bachelor‘s degree in another field to transition into a nursing career at an expedited pace. These intensive programs take about 12-18 months to complete and prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

With the healthcare industry booming nationwide, registered nurses are in extremely high demand, especially in metro areas like Kansas City. ABSN programs offer an accelerated path to this rewarding, stable nursing career.

This guide spotlights the top ABSN programs in the Kansas City, MO area. Read on for key info on tuition, program length, admissions requirements, and more to help find the right fit for your goals.

1. Research College of Nursing at Rockhurst University

The Research College of Nursing at Rockhurst University offers an accredited 15-month ABSN program with spring, summer, and fall start dates in 2024.

Highlights:

• 15-month program length
• Spring (January), summer, and fall start dates
• Managed clinical rotations at St. Luke‘s Health System facilities
• Strong 95% first-time NCLEX passing rate
• Tuition cost of $$48,600*

Rockhurst also offers a concept-based ABSN curriculum centered on medical procedures and conditions versus individual body systems. Students benefit from the university‘s dedicated nursing simulation labsfeaturing high-tech manikins and reality-based scenarios.

Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor‘s degree in any field
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Competitive GRE scores
• Prerequisite coursework
• CNA certification

Visit Rockhurst University‘s website to learn more or apply for their ABSN program.

2. KU School of Nursing at KU Medical Center

The KU School of Nursing offers several ABSN program options at its downtown Kansas City campus. Their 12-month intensive program starts in June 2024.

Highlights of KU‘s Fully Online ABSN Program Option:

• Completed fully online in 12-24 months
• 5 enrollment periods per year
• Cutting-edge virtual simulation learning
• Identical rigorous curriculum as in-person program
• 94-100% first-time NCLEX pass rate history

Admissions Requirements for All ABSN Programs:

• Bachelor‘s degree
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Competitive GRE scores
• All prerequisites met

Compare all nursing program options at the KU School of Nursing website.

3. Research College of Nursing at Avila University

Avila University‘s ABSN program can be completed full-time over 16 months or part-time over 2 years. The full-time program starts new cohorts in May and August 2024.

Key Details:

• Full-time: 5-6 semesters over 16 months
• Part-time: 9 semesters over 2 years
• Spring/summer start dates
• Robust 90,000+ hour clinical partnerships
• 94% NCLEX first-time pass rate
• Tuition cost of $$39,500*

Avila‘s ABSN program is grounded in a focus on evidence-based practice and compassionate patient care centered around community health needs. Graduates pursue diverse nursing roles in variety of healthcare settings.

Admissions Requirements:

• Completed bachelor‘s degree
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• GRE not required
• All prerequisites fulfilled

Learn more about Avila‘s ABSN program at their website.

4. Research College of Nursing at MidAmerica Nazarene University

MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) in Olathe, KS offers both 16 and 20-month ABSN program options. Their direct admit program has fall, spring and summer start dates in 2024.

Details:

• 16 months (fall admission)
• 20 months (spring/summer admission)
• Fall, spring, summer enrollment
• 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate
• Tuition cost of $$39,134 (total program)

MNU has purpose-built nursing classrooms featuring interactive technology for teaching simulations. Small clinical groups allow for enhanced student-faculty interaction and learning.

Entry Requirements:

• Completed bachelor‘s degree
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Required prerequisite courses
• TEAS test

Visit MNU‘s website for full ABSN program details.

5. Cox College Accelerated BSN Program

Cox College offers a 5 semester ABSN program based in Springfield, MO with a satellite location in Branson. Starting dates are offered year-round.

Fast Facts:

• 71-credit hour curriculum
• Seated in Springfield and Branson
• Rolling admissions (8 start dates)
• 100% clinical placement rate
• 93% NCLEX pass rate
• $33,300 estimated tuition

Cox College has rigorous admissions standards designed to set up students for success in this fast-paced 16-month program. Graduates have a wide breadth of clinical experience coupled with compassion training.

Admissions Criteria:

• Completed bachelor‘s degree
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Required prerequisite courses
• Competitive TEAS test scores

Get more details about Cox‘s ABSN program on their website.

6. Research College of Nursing at University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri offers both 15 and 24-month ABSN program options tailored around student needs:

Details:

• 15-month accelerated track
• 24-month flexible track
• Summer start dates
• Exceptional 95.5% NCLEX pass rate
• Cutting-edge simulation lab
• Estimated tuition of $31,000

Their curriculum blends online and in-person learning paired with 600 hours of clinical experience. Students develop critical thinking and clinical expertise required of RN practice.

Entry Requirements:

• Existing 4-year bachelor‘s degree
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Completed prerequisites
• TEAS test

Get the full picture of UCM‘s nursing offerings at their website.

7. Graceland University School of Nursing

Graceland University located in Lamoni, Iowa offers an innovative 15-month blended ABSN program combining online and in-person learning.

Details:

• 15-month hybrid program
• Summer start date
• Cutting-edge Human Simulation Lab
• 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate
• 600+ clinical hour requirement
• $39,000 estimated total tuition

Graceland‘s ABSN program promotes excellence in evidence-based practice and patient-centered collaborative care. Students benefit from low faculty-student ratios.

Entry Requirements:

• Bachelor‘s degree in any field
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• All prerequisites fulfilled

Get more info about Graceland‘s ABSN program on their website.

8. Research College of Nursing at the University of Missouri – Kansas City

The University of Missouri Kansas City offers a 12-month intensive ABSN program curriculum focused on new competencies required of the evolving RN role.

Highlights:

• 12-month consecutive track
• January start date
• Renowned faculty paired with clinical experts
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate

Their curriculum emphasizes population health, chronic condition management, leadership, teamwork and emerging technology.

Entry Requirements:

• Bachelor‘s degree in any field
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• All prerequisites fulfilled

View UMKC‘s full nursing degree options on their website.

9. North Central Missouri College

North Central Missouri College offers an 18-month hybrid ABSN program combining online and seated nursing coursework. New cohorts start in June and January each year.

Details:

• Completed in 18 months
• Hybrid online + seated classes
• Summer and winter admission
• 600+ hours clinical experience
• Access to cutting-edge simulation labs & tech

Entry Requirements:

• Existing 4-year degree
• Required prerequisites
• Competitive GPA & standardized test scores

Visit NCMC‘s website to learn more about their ABSN program.

10. Cox College Accelerated BSN Program

Cox College offers a 5 semester ABSN program based in Springfield, MO with a satellite location in Branson. Starting dates are offered year-round.

Fast Facts:

• 71-credit hour curriculum
• Seated in Springfield and Branson
• Rolling admissions (8 start dates)
• 100% clinical placement rate
• 93% NCLEX pass rate
• $33,300 estimated tuition

Cox College has rigorous admissions standards designed to set up students for success in this fast-paced 16-month program. Graduates have a wide breadth of clinical experience coupled with compassion training.

Admissions Criteria:

• Completed bachelor‘s degree
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Required prerequisite courses
• Competitive TEAS test scores

Get more details about Cox‘s ABSN program on their website.