With a wide variety of local schools and training programs, the barriers to entry are very low in Kansas City’s nursing profession. Local nursing students can pursue one of four critical roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Roughly 15 nursing schools serve the metropolitan area, with eight campuses located in Kansas City proper.
Nursing roles and training
Nursing assistant is the industry’s most junior role. CNA candidates need only complete a brief eight- to ten-week training program and pass a state-administered examination. Practical nurses are senior to CNAs. LPN certificate programs typically run from 12 to 18 months, and candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN national exam to attain licensure. Registered nurse is the most common role in Kansas City’s nursing industry. RNs typically follow one of two licensure pathways: two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). All candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN national exam to attain licensure. RNs who wish to pursue specialized fields may earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree in order to achieve licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse.
Kansas City’s nursing professionals earn some of the highest nursing salaries in Missouri. CNAs earn a median annual salary of $23,600, LPNs receive about $39,000 in annual pay, and RNs typically earn $62,800 per year. Each number is 5-10% higher than the respective figure for Missouri as a whole. Kansas City has many well-established healthcare employers, including Saint Luke’s Hospital, University of Kansas Medical Center, and Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
To help Kansas City’s aspiring nurses, we’ve provided below a comprehensive list of nursing schools and programs in the metropolitan area.