Become a Nurse in Kansas – Licensure & Requirements

^{*A master's or higher degree is required for the current Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) initial-licensure pathway in Kansas. A limited exception applies only to applicants who met the state's prior nurse-midwife education requirements before January 1, 2010, under K.A.R. 60-11-103.}

Kansas Nursing Salaries

^{Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics — May 2025 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Kansas (statewide), Kansas City, MO-KS, Topeka, KS, and Wichita, KS metropolitan area profiles, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.}

There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Kansas. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in Kansas, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Kansas nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Kansas, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Compact State Status

As of July 1, 2019, Kansas is a Nursing Licensure Compact state, according to the Kansas State Board of Nursing and the Nurse Licensure Compact's official implementation map.

Prescriptive Authority in Kansas

Under K.S.A. 65-1130, advanced practice registered nurses covered by that section — clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives — may independently prescribe, procure and administer non-controlled drugs (with the exception of drugs intended to cause an abortion), durable medical equipment, and controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, consistent with their role and population focus. Registered nurse anesthetists are governed separately under K.S.A. 65-1158, which sets out CRNA prescriptive authority and the physician- or dentist-directed healthcare-team framework for nurse-anesthesia practice.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Kansas

^{APRNs in Kansas include clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse-midwife, and nurse practitioner.}

Education: Completion of an Approved Advanced Practice Nursing Program

Examination: Varies for Different Certifications

Fees:

• $50 Application Fee
• $57 Background Check Fee

Experience: Varies for Different Certifications

Certification Required: National Certification in Specialty Area

Additional Information: An active Kansas registered nurse license — or an active multistate Nursing Licensure Compact RN license from your primary state of residence — is required for application.

Renewal: APRN licenses renew on the same biennial cycle as the registered nurse (RN) license but require a separate renewal application. APRNs must also submit proof of 30 continuing nursing education hours related to their APRN role and a $55 renewal fee.

Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Kansas

Education: Master’s degree or higher from a nurse anesthetist program accredited by the council on accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs.

Examination: National Certification Examination (NCE) from the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

Fees:

• $75 Application fee
• $57 Background Check Fee
• $1,310 National Certification Examination (NCE) Fee

Certification Required: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) from the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

Additional Information: An active Kansas registered nurse license (or an eligible multistate Nursing Licensure Compact RN license) is required for Kansas CRNA licensure; national certification through NBCRNA is a separate requirement.

Renewal: CRNA licenses renew on the same biennial cycle as the registered nurse (R.N.) license but require a separate renewal application, nurse-anesthesia-specific continuing education, and a $55 renewal fee.

Learn more on how to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Registered Nurse (RN) in Kansas

Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

• $100 Single-State Application Fee ($125 Multistate Application Fee)
• $57 Background Check Fee
• $200 Examination Fee

Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $100 single-state application fee ($125 for a multistate license) is required.

Renewal: All licenses expire on the last day of the birth month in odd- or even-numbered years based on the nurse’s birth year. Licenses may be renewed 90 days prior to the expiration date. Thirty hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) is required for renewal and must be completed prior to renewing the license.

Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kansas

Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

• $75 Single-State Application Fee ($125 Multistate Application Fee)
• $57 Background Check Fee
• $200 Examination Fee

Renewal: LPNs are required to submit proof of 30 contact hours of approved continuing nursing education.

Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a licensed practical nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $75 single-state application fee ($125 for a multistate license) is required.

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

Information Disclosure

^{Information for the nursing careers above: advanced practice registered nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetist, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse was retrieved from the Nurse Practice Act of Kansas and the Kansas State Board of Nursing fee schedule, verified September 2026.}