Kansas may not have the sheer number of NP programs found in larger states, but it offers several well-established pathways for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. From major academic health centers in Kansas City to flexible online programs serving students across rural communities, Kansas schools prepare nurse practitioners for a wide range of clinical and leadership careers. This guide explores the state’s available NP pathways, specialty options, and program features to help prospective students make informed decisions about their education.
Featured NP Programs in Kansas
Students in Kansas can find options across several advanced practice specialties and learning formats, including programs designed for working nurses and those serving rural healthcare communities. Comparing featured programs can help prospective students better understand differences in specialization availability, online and hybrid delivery formats, clinical training expectations, and long-term academic pathways before exploring the broader directory section that follows.
| University of Kansas Medical Center | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Executive Leadership, Post-Master’s DNP Completion; Advanced Practice Clinical Certificates |
| Clinical Education | Students benefit from a clinical partnership with The University of Kansas Health System and access to preceptor relationships throughout Kansas and 11 additional states. |
| Curriculum Features | Beginning Fall 2026, all DNP programs feature a revised competency-based curriculum aligned with the AACN Essentials, emphasizing demonstrated competency across classroom, simulation, and clinical experiences. |
| Flexible Learning Options | DNP students can customize portions of their studies through Nursing Education Exchange (NEXus) courses and may complete programs with fewer credit hours and a faster full-time completion timeline. |
| Financial Support | Eligible students may access Graduate Nurse Training Scholarships for Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery specialties. The School of Nursing also awards more than $1.6 million in scholarships annually across its programs. |
| Accreditation & Recognition | The KU School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, and recognized as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. |
| Overview | The University of Kansas School of Nursing offers multiple DNP pathways for advanced practice and nursing leadership, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Executive Leadership, and Post-Master’s DNP Completion options. Students benefit from extensive clinical partnerships, multi-state preceptor networks, competency-based curriculum design, and scholarship opportunities that support advanced nursing education. |
| About the School | The University of Kansas School of Nursing is part of the University of Kansas Medical Center, a public academic health center based in Kansas City, Kansas. Established in 1906, the school offers nursing education from the bachelor |
| Wichita State University | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | DNP – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s DNP (APRN Clinical Practice Leadership Focus); MSN – Nursing Education, Nurse Executive-Leadership and Administration; Dual Certification Post-Graduate Education (FNP, PMHNP, AG-ACNP) |
| NP Specializations | Postbaccalaureate DNP students may choose Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations. |
| Learning Format | MSN concentrations in Nursing Education and Nurse Executive-Leadership and Administration are offered online. The Post-Master’s DNP is offered online, while the Family Nurse Practitioner program uses a hybrid format with online and in-person components. |
| DNP Pathways | The DNP program offers both postbaccalaureate and post-master’s entry options. The post-master’s pathway is designed for licensed and board-certified APRNs seeking advanced preparation in leadership, healthcare systems, health policy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice. |
| Certificate Opportunities | Dual certification post-graduate education is available for practicing APRNs in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialties. |
| Leadership Focus | Graduate nursing offerings include MSN and DNP options that emphasize leadership, healthcare systems, policy, administration, and advanced clinical practice. |
| Overview | Wichita State University’s School of Nursing offers graduate nursing education through MSN and DNP pathways designed for nurses seeking advanced clinical practice, leadership, and educational roles. Nurse practitioner preparation is available through Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health specializations within the postbaccalaureate DNP program. Additional options include online MSN concentrations in Nursing Education and Nurse Executive-Leadership and Administration, as well as post-master’s DNP and dual-certification opportunities for APRNs. |
| About the School | Wichita State University is a public research university located in Wichita, Kansas. The School of Nursing is part of the university’s health professions programs and offers nursing education ranging from undergraduate through doctoral study. |
| Fort Hays State University | |
| Nursing School | Department of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN – Nursing Administration, Nursing Education; BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP; Nursing Administration Certificate; Nursing Education Certificate |
| Learning Environment | Programs are offered in a student-centered environment that incorporates current technology, small class sizes, and interaction with faculty who bring extensive clinical and nursing experience. |
| Program Formats | Nursing programs include both online and on-campus options, including online graduate programs and BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways. |
| Doctoral Preparation | The DNP program prepares graduates to practice as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), assume leadership roles, and participate in executive decision-making processes to improve patient care outcomes. |
| Career Focus | Graduate and doctoral programs support career advancement in nursing leadership, administration, education, and advanced nursing practice across a variety of healthcare settings. |
| Accreditation | The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Overview | Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing offers graduate and doctoral pathways for nurses seeking careers in leadership, education, administration, and advanced practice. Options include MSN programs in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education, BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways, and post-master’s certificate programs. The department emphasizes student-centered learning, technology-enhanced education, and close faculty interaction designed to support professional growth and career advancement. |
| About the School | Fort Hays State University is a public university located in Hays, Kansas. The Department of Nursing offers undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and doctoral nursing programs designed to serve students pursuing a wide ran |
| Washburn University | |
| Nursing School | Harmony Hines School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) |
| Clinical Learning | Students participate in hands-on clinical opportunities and simulation training designed to prepare them for patient-centered nursing practice. |
| Graduate Focus | Graduate nursing education prepares students to become specialized practice experts with expanded responsibility and accountability for the care of patients, populations, and healthcare systems. |
| Advanced Competencies | Graduate students develop competencies in evidence-based practice, organizational and systems leadership, healthcare policy, population health, information technology, interprofessional collaboration, and advancing nursing practice. |
| Preceptor Support | The School of Nursing provides preceptor resources and utilizes the Medatrax system to support clinical experiences. |
| Overview | Washburn University’s Harmony Hines School of Nursing offers graduate nursing pathways including the DNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs. Graduate education emphasizes advanced clinical expertise, leadership, evidence-based practice, healthcare technology, policy advocacy, and population health. Students build skills through clinical experiences, simulation training, and preceptor-supported learning opportunities. |
| About the School | Washburn University is a public university located in Topeka, Kansas. The Harmony Hines School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate nursing education with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, clinical preparation, and service to diverse patient populations. |
Kansas NP Program Directory
| Institution | Pathway Options | Selected Specializations | NP Certificates |
| Fort Hays State University Hays, KS | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | NA | |
| University of Kansas Kansas City, KS | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerNurse-MidwiferyPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Saint Mary Leavenworth, KS | Master’s | Family Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| Washburn University Topeka, KS | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Wichita State University Wichita, KS | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
How to Choose an NP Program in Kansas
Kansas offers a mix of public university and academic health center-based NP pathways, with many programs designed to support working nurses through online and hybrid learning formats. As you compare schools, focus on specialization availability, delivery format, clinical placement support, and how each pathway aligns with your long-term professional goals.
Match your specialization to your goals
Kansas programs offer a solid range of advanced practice specialties, though availability varies by institution. The University of Kansas Medical Center offers DNP pathways in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery, while Wichita State University offers Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health specializations through its DNP program. Students interested in psychiatric mental health may also consider Washburn University, which offers a dedicated PMHNP pathway. When comparing Kansas schools with other best nurse practitioner programs, it’s worth considering not only your preferred specialty but also whether you may want opportunities to add certifications or pursue leadership-focused doctoral education later in your career.
Consider how the program is delivered
Many Kansas NP programs are designed for working nurses balancing graduate education with professional responsibilities. Wichita State offers online MSN concentrations and an online post-master’s DNP pathway, while the Family Nurse Practitioner program uses a hybrid format. The University of Kansas Medical Center incorporates flexible learning options and allows some curriculum customization through Nursing Education Exchange (NEXus) coursework. Fort Hays State University also offers online graduate nursing pathways alongside on-campus options. Students still exploring how to become a nurse practitioner should compare campus requirements, scheduling flexibility, and clinical expectations before selecting a pathway.
Think about your geographic context
Geography can influence both clinical opportunities and travel expectations. Students in the Kansas City region may benefit from access to large academic medical centers and specialty healthcare systems through the University of Kansas Health System partnership network. One distinctive feature of the University of Kansas Medical Center is its access to preceptor relationships not only throughout Kansas but across 11 additional states, which may create additional flexibility for some students. Rural and western Kansas students may encounter fewer specialty providers nearby but may gain valuable experience in primary care, behavioral health, and underserved community settings that remain important across the state’s healthcare landscape.
Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility
Kansas schools offer DNP, post-master’s DNP, certificate, and leadership-focused graduate pathways depending on the institution. Wichita State offers dual-certification opportunities for practicing APRNs seeking additional specialty preparation, while KU’s DNP curriculum includes leadership and executive-focused options alongside clinical specialties. Fort Hays State also supports students interested in leadership, administration, and education roles through MSN and DNP pathways. Before selecting a program, students should review the nurse practitioner program accreditation standards and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Kansas nurse practitioner license requirements and national certification eligibility.
Evaluate clinical placement support
Clinical support structures vary between Kansas programs. The University of Kansas Medical Center emphasizes extensive clinical partnerships through The University of Kansas Health System and maintains preceptor relationships throughout Kansas and neighboring states. Washburn University provides preceptor resources and clinical tracking support through the Medatrax system, while several schools incorporate simulation training alongside hands-on clinical experiences. Before enrolling, students should ask whether placements are coordinated by the school, whether travel may be required for specialty rotations, and how programs support students in rural areas or highly specialized tracks.
Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Kansas
Kansas NP students may complete clinical rotations through academic medical centers, regional hospital systems, community clinics, behavioral health organizations, and rural healthcare networks across the state. Clinical experiences can vary significantly depending on specialty track, geographic location, and program structure.
Major Clinical Training Environments
Several Kansas universities emphasize clinical partnerships, simulation training, and advanced practice preparation.
- University of Kansas Medical Center maintains a clinical partnership with The University of Kansas Health System and provides access to preceptor relationships throughout Kansas and 11 additional states.
- Wichita State University incorporates advanced clinical preparation across Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health pathways while emphasizing leadership, healthcare systems, and evidence-based practice.
- Washburn University combines hands-on clinical experiences with simulation training and provides preceptor resources through its Medatrax system.
- Fort Hays State University supports advanced nursing education through a mix of online and on-campus learning environments designed to serve students across the state.
Students in Kansas may encounter clinical opportunities connected to healthcare systems such as:
- The University of Kansas Health System
- Ascension Via Christi
- Stormont Vail Health
- AdventHealth Shawnee Mission
- Community HealthCare System
- Salina Regional Health Center
How Geography Can Affect Placements
Location can shape both access to preceptors and travel expectations.
Students in:
- Kansas City
- Wichita
- Topeka
- Salina
may have greater access to:
- academic medical centers
- specialty providers
- psychiatric and acute care clinical sites
- large healthcare systems
Students in rural and western Kansas may encounter:
- fewer specialty preceptors nearby
- longer travel requirements for some rotations
- stronger exposure to primary care, community health, and underserved population settings
Because much of Kansas is rural, students should ask early about travel expectations and clinical placement logistics.
Online and Hybrid Program Considerations
Many Kansas NP pathways use online or hybrid formats, but clinical training still requires in-person participation.
Before enrolling, students should ask:
- whether the school coordinates placements
- if students must identify preceptors independently
- whether travel is required for specialty rotations
- how placements are handled for online students
- whether clinical hours can be completed near home communities
These questions can be especially important for students living far from major population centers.
Program-Specific Placement Models
Clinical support structures vary between Kansas schools.
- The University of Kansas Medical Center maintains extensive preceptor networks throughout Kansas and neighboring states.
- Washburn University provides preceptor resources and clinical tracking support for graduate nursing students.
- Several schools incorporate simulation experiences alongside direct patient care opportunities to help students build advanced practice competencies.
Before enrolling, students should ask detailed questions about placement responsibilities, travel expectations, and support available for securing specialty clinical experiences.
Professional Networking Resources
Students looking for networking opportunities, continuing education, legislative updates, or potential preceptor connections may find the following organizations helpful:
- Kansas State Nurses Association
- Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association
- Kansas Rural Health Association
NP Programs in Kansas FAQ
Do NP programs in Kansas require the GRE?
GRE requirements vary by school and pathway. Many Kansas graduate nursing programs have reduced or eliminated standardized testing requirements for experienced nurses and doctoral applicants, but students should always confirm current admissions policies directly with the university.
Can I complete an NP program online in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas offers several online and hybrid NP pathways. Wichita State University offers online MSN concentrations and an online post-master’s DNP program, while Fort Hays State University provides online graduate nursing options. Other programs, including some NP pathways at the University of Kansas Medical Center, incorporate flexible or hybrid learning formats. Clinical training and simulation experiences still require in-person participation.
How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Kansas?
Preceptor availability varies by specialty and geographic location. Students in larger healthcare markets such as Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka may have greater access to specialty providers and hospital systems, while students in rural regions may need to travel for certain rotations. Some programs maintain extensive clinical networks and placement support, while others expect students to take a more active role in securing preceptors.
What NP specialties are available in Kansas?
Kansas schools offer specialties including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery pathways. Some programs also offer dual-certification or post-graduate certificate options for practicing APRNs seeking additional specialization.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Kansas?
Kansas is considered a full practice state, meaning nurse practitioners can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage treatment independently under state law. APRNs must still meet Kansas licensing, certification, and prescriptive authority requirements before practicing independently. Students should review current state regulations and national certification standards before entering practice.