# Top BSN Programs in Wichita, Kansas

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/top-bsn-programs-in-wichita-kansas/
- Published: 2024-05-07
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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With nursing remaining one of the fastest growing professions nationally, Wichita has developed as an epicenter for top-quality and affordable nursing education options. This in-depth guide explores key programs, compares admission and outcome metrics, analyzes the metro‘s robust healthcare labor market, discusses dynamics shaping nursing schools, and provides roadmaps to launch your career.

## Factors Fueling Wichita‘s Value for Aspiring Nurses

Wichita delivers strong nursing academic offerings without the price tag of other major metro regions. Affordable tuition rates combine with low average rents, transportation costs, and overall cost of living for students.

And the career opportunities abound. As of 2022, over 8,400 registered nurses are employed in the Wichita-Valley Center MSA, earning mean wages of $71,300 annually. The region‘s healthcare ecosystem provides a breadth of settings to gain experience – from large health systems and specialty hospitals to public health agencies, clinics, and long-term care centers. Ambulatory healthcare services and hospitals represent the top two industries employing nurses.

With nurses retiring at elevated rates, job growth is projected to drive a 12.6% increase in RN positions across the Wichita metro through 2030. New nursing graduates obtain employment at high rates, especially those holding Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and higher credentials.

## Comparing Notable Wichita Nursing Programs Side-by-Side

The Wichita metro is now home to over ten nursing schools, offering accredited Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Bachelor‘s education options. Here‘s an overview of key characteristics for a few top ranked programs:

### Wichita State University

- Offers traditional 4-year BSN, RN to BSN, Master‘s, and Nursing PhD pathways
- Curriculum highlights – research, leadership, community health nursing
- New state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center for immersive training
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1
- 2022 metrics: 86% RN NCLEX pass rate; 95% job placement within 6 months

### Newman University

- CCNE accredited programs including traditional BSN, accelerated 2nd degree BSN
- Emphasizes holistic nursing practice and service learning
- Brand new Simulation Hospital mimics real clinical environments
- Student/faculty ratio: 10:1 (small class sizes)
- Graduation + RN license exam pass rate consistently above 95%

### WSU Tech

- Short-term certifications – Practical Nursing (PN), Medication Aide, Certified Nurse Aide
- Specializes in intensive vocational-style training at an affordable rate
- State-of-art hospital lab wing and innovative Virtual Reality training simulators
- 93% job placement for 2021 PN certificate earners
- Seamless transitions into BSN & RN degree programs

**Nursing Program Cost & Outcome Comparison**

| Institution | Avg. Tuition | Program Length | 2022 First Time NCLEX Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wichita State Univ. | $8,928/year | 4 years | 86% | 95% in 6 months |
| Newman University | $20,292/year | 4 years | 100% BSN; 96% Acc. 2nd Degree | 84% |
| WSU Tech | $16,740 total | 12 months | 93% PN Diploma | 93% PN graduates |

With community college annual tuition often under $5,000, LPN and RN pathways through WSU Tech also provide extremely affordable upfront education options as well – credits can then potentially articulate into BSN nursing bachelor‘s degree programs.

Meanwhile Bachelor-level offerings at Wichita State and Newman produce successful NCLEX licensing exam pass and job placement outcomes for those seeking more traditional 4-year paths. Newman also offers an Accelerated 2nd Degree program allowing non-nursing graduates to transition quickly into the profession.

## Analyzing Nursing Employment Trends

Registerd nursing occupies the 5th most common job in the Wichita MSA, employing over 10x more people than the average occupation across all sectors. And the job growth outlook remains highly favorable over the next decade locally and nationally due to shifting demographics and care delivery models.

**Wichita MSA: Fastest Growing Nursing Specialties by Projected 10-year Job Growth Rates**

| RN Specialty | Projected Growth 2022-2032 |
| --- | --- |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 25.4% |
| Nurse Midwives | 23.1% |
| Pediatric Endocrinology Nurses | 18.2% |
| Family Nurse Practitioners | 16.9% |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Nurses | 16.1% |

These specializations align to growing incidence rates for conditions like diabetes and obesity in younger populations along with rising cases of chronic illnesses among aging demographics.

Ambulatory care settings and hospitals currently engage over 85% of the metro‘s registered nursing workforce. And while hospitals employ the majority of nurses today, the highest growth rates looking ahead are forecasted for ambulatory settings and nursing/residential care:

**Fastest Growing Settings for RN Jobs through 2030**

| Sector | Projected Job Growth by 2030 |
| --- | --- |
| Offices of Physicians | 21% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 20.2% |
| Residential Intellectual Facilities | 18.5% |
| Continuing Care Retirement Centers | 17.1% |
| Rest Homes/Assisted Living Facilities | 16.3% |

## Improving Nursing Education through Innovative Reforms

While demand for nurses continues gaining steam, nursing schools must confront capacity constraints and modernize training approaches to graduate adequately prepared students.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) projects the RN shortage nationally could reach over 400,000 open positions by 2030. Expanding faculty, clinical placements, and program seats remains imperative to producing more graduates. Educational innovations also provide solutions – particularly blending online and hybrid modalities with intensive in-person skills labs and simulation center training.

Wichita BSN programs have increased enrollment and made targeted investments to meet these challenges. Wichita State University recently opened a new state-of-the-art nursing building adding training capacity. The university also continues modernizing curriculum through Kansas‘s only Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to prepare next-generation nursing educators and leaders.

Meanwhile, Newman University completed construction on an advanced simulation hospital to mimic real clinical environments. This hands-on experiential lab supplements coursework and allows students to manage complex cases and hone practical skills. Newman also offers a Partial Online Accelerated Bachelor‘s pathway catering to second-degree career changers with compatible undergraduate credits.

Many regional employers directly sponsor Nursing candidate tuition as well through joint WSU Tech workforce partnerships – allowing Practical Nursing graduates to earn income while pursuing more advanced degrees.

## Affordability & Lifestyle Perks Attract Students

Wichita offers extremely reasonable costs of living – with apartment rental rates and general consumer prices below national benchmarks.

**Wichita Housing + Living Cost Comparison to National Average**

| Expense | Wichita | National Avg. | % Below Nat‘l |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Median 1BR Rent | $647 | $1,097 | 69% |
| Food + Groceries | $3,027 | $3,073 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $4,178 | $4,905 | 17.6% |
| Utilities | $4,013 | $4,293 | 7% |
| Transport | $6,799 | $6,439 | -5.4% |

Data Source: BestPlaces Cost of Living Index

Easy commutes across the metro also facilitate accessing clinical placements at regional health systems – like Via Christi Hospitals on St. Francis and St. Joseph campuses along with Wesley Medical Center.

And Wichita offers no shortage of leisure outlets either – from the Arkansas River pedestrian pathways…to the eclectic Delano District‘s eateries and boutiques…to Intrust Bank Arena hosting concerts and sporting events downtown.

## Laying the Groundwork from Admissions to Job Hunting

Prospective nursing students should complete key steps well in advance to set themselves up for success:

**_Admissions Checklist:_**

- Complete all prerequisite courses in sciences, math, statistics, etc.
- Research minimum GPA requirements for each program
- Take TEAS or HESI nursing college entrance exams
- Obtain healthcare experience through volunteer work or CNA certification
- Secure letters of recommendation from professors/employers

It‘s also vital to apply early and take care of financial aid – tap into scholarships, complete FAFSA paperwork, and investigate employer tuition reimbursement programs.

**_Advancing Your Career Long-Term:_**

The BSN provides strong nursing fundamentals, while establishing credentials for specialization and leadership roles:

- Gain RN licensure then boost skills through graduate degrees and certifications
- MSN opens doors to education, clinical specialties, or healthcare administration
- The DNP degree offers advanced clinical and leadership preparation

Many top nurses pursue credentials like CNOR (operating room specialty), certified rehabilitation registered nurse (CRRN), pediatric nurse cert, or clinical nurse leader certifications.

Identifying areas of interest early allows tailoring course electives and clinical training accordingly. This helps position new graduates as competitive candidates for coveted specialty roles.

With a low cost of living, expanding nursing job market, high-caliber yet affordable BSN degree options, and health sector employers hungering for talent – Wichita holds real advantages for launching a nursing career compared to other regions nationwide.

The programs profiled offer well-rounded academics backed by intensive practical instruction through advanced simulation labs and technology. Graduates earn RN licensure and job placement at very high rates – entering the workforce prepared to provide compassionate, quality care with in-demand skillsets.

Whether seeking traditional 4-year tracks or accelerated credentials, nursing aspirants will uncover robust opportunities in Wichita – finding reward in improving community health outcomes through the invaluable nursing profession.

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Source: [Top BSN Programs in Wichita, Kansas](https://33rdsquare.com/top-bsn-programs-in-wichita-kansas/)