Master’s in Nursing Schools in Kansas

A Master’s degree in nursing is one of the most flexible Master’s degrees you can earn. This degree can lead you into many different nursing specialties, including leadership, research, and education. Kansas nursing schools recognize this fact, and as a result, there are now several different routes to earning your MSN in the state.

Kansas Nursing Programs

Prior to beginning your MSN, you should become familiar with your program’s learning objectives. This can help ensure that you meet each and every objective as you move through your program. Objectives vary between MSN programs in Kansas. They may include learning how to integrate theory and evidence in nursing, applying evidence and research to practice, being able to influence nursing at the policy level, and collaborating with other health care colleagues.

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Working With Your MSN in Kansas

While most states are experiencing a shortage of primary care practitioners, it is particularly severe in Kansas. The Kansas Coalition for Action notes that almost 25% of Kansas counties are designated as primary care shortage areas. If you are willing to work in one of these counties, outlined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, you may enjoy a variety of job opportunities. While advanced practice nurses in Kansas have a slightly restricted scope of practice, groups like the Kansas Coalition for Action aim to change that in the coming years.

The field of nursing education is also going through a considerable amount of growth. Due to a growing demand for nurses and other health professionals, the Kansas University Medical Center is devoting $25 million to a health education building. As the state aims to increase the number of nurses in its workforce, it will rely on nurse educators. The demand for nurse educators is clear when you look at the list of high-demand occupations from the Kansas Labor Information Center. Registered nurses and specialty nurses are the most in-demand professionals.

Kansas has started to make strides in senior health, according to Kansas City Public Media. From 2013 to 2014, Kansas improved by three rankings. As nursing homes and hospitals improve rankings in Kansas, they will rely on nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and other types of Master’s-level nurses. To find out more about Gerontology Master’s programs in Kansas, visit our specialty pages and request information from the schools you are interested in.

The Kansas State Nurses Association is working to legislate changes, which will improve access to quality healthcare. The Healthcare Quality program is designed so you can evaluate healthcare systems. One responsibility would be to implement evidence-based health care quality initiatives.

This type of position would be most useful in hospitals or clinics, and typically requires graduate level nursing education. Earning your MSN in Kansas can help position you as a nurse manager in this way. Quality Control Systems Managers in Kansas earned an average income of $92,470 (O*net, 2014).

Public Health nursing is also an expanding field in Kansas. As you work on your MSN degree you can focus on infectious disease control or occupational health. The Medical and Health Services Manager position is possible with a graduate degree, and you may supervise and evaluate the work of medical staff.

Public health nurses often work in city or state public health departments, schools, hospitals or correctional facilities. Kansas Health Service Manager’s median wages were $92,810 (O*net, 2014).

Earning your graduate degree may give you the opportunity for advancement in a challenging career that meets your goals. Reach out to Kansas schools with MSN programs below to get started.

Nursing Schools in Kansas

University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

What You Can Expect From Your MSN Program

What’s your favorite part of your nursing career? Do you like interacting with patients, reading the latest research and figuring out how to apply it to your career, or leading other nurses to create a more productive work environment? You can build on these long-term career goals with an Master’s degree in nursing. This advanced nursing degree lets you explore a number of career options, find out where your strengths lie, and shape a career in your chosen path.

The Wichita Eagle reports that there is a severe doctor shortage predicted in Kansas. How does this affect you as an advanced practice nurse? Simply put, nurse practitioners and nurse midwives can often meet the primary care needs of Kansas citizens. Though the American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports that Kansas NPs have a slightly limited scope of practice, your graduate-level education can still be used to alleviate the primary care shortage in this state.

Per the Kansas Labor Information Center, several MSN-level careers are in high demand in Kansas. The state has a growing need for nurse educators, which is related to the growing need for registered nurses. Nursing schools often have to turn away qualified applicants because they simply do not have enough instructors to teach them. In addition, many health centers have a significant need for nurse managers.

Earning an advanced degree can also give you the chance to educate citizens and help them lead healthier lives. The Four States Homepage reports that the local health department provided a $20,000 grant to help care providers, including nurse practitioners and nurse midwives, educate pregnant women on healthy pregnancy.

Nurses with advanced degrees may be responsible for improving patient satisfaction ratings throughout Kansas. Kansas First News reports that Medicare is attempting to boost nursing home ratings. As a nurse manager or nurse administrator, you may be able to compile and use information to increase nurse performance.

As you prepare to start your MSN program, you need to select a nursing specialty. Some of the specialties are based in clinical work, like nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, and nurse anesthesia. Others put you in a more administrative role, like nurse administration and nurse leadership. If you want to shape the future of nursing, you may be able to focus on nursing education.

Prior to beginning coursework in your area of concentration, you have to create a strong basis of advanced nursing knowledge. These courses cover the full range of MSN careers. Even if you don’t plan on working in research or direct care, you must be able to apply these aspects of nursing to your future career. Required courses include Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing, Foundation of Nursing Advanced Practice, Diagnostic Reasoning, and Advanced Assessment.

In general, MSN programs in Kansas focus on improving your skills in a few main areas. By the time you graduate, you should feel competent in physical and health assessment, pharmacology, physiology, health promotion, disease management, and disease prevention.

In Kansas, there are many nursing scholarships that are intended for graduate nursing students. Some scholarships are offered by employers, while others are funded by nursing organizations. Salina Regional Health Center awards the Kansas Nursing Student Scholarship and the Salina Regional Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship. Marsha’s Angels Scholarship Fund offers scholarships worth $2,000 per year, per student. Another great resource for nursing scholarships is the Kansas Nurses Foundation.

The statewide need for advanced nursing professionals is obvious when you look at job growth rates in Kansas. The lowest growth rate is attributed to nurse anesthetists; O*Net anticipates a 19 percent increase in job openings between 2012 and 2022. On the other end of the scale, they expect a 40 percent increase in nurse instructor jobs (O*Net, 2012).

You may earn a wide range of salaries, depending on which specialty you pursue and where you work. O*Net reports an average salary of $57,600 per year for nursing instructors. Nurse anesthetists have the highest average salary in Kansas, earning an average of $134,000 per year (O*Net, 2013).

Take some time to review the Kansas Master’s in Nursing programs listed on our site, and request information from those that interest you.

Kansas RN to MSN Bridge Programs

If you live and work as a registered nurse in Kansas, you know that nursing is an incredibly vital field in this state. From nursing homes and community clinics to hospitals and private clinics, nurses can support and give patients the care they need. Are you ready to take on more responsibility in your current position? You may be a good fit for an RN-to-MSN bridge program in Kansas if you alreaday have an Associate’s degree or your diploma in nursing. These programs can teach you more about the history of nursing, an important subject in Kansas, as well as other nursing specialties. Learn more about what RN-to-MSN programs entail and how you can get started in Kansas by contacting the schools you find on our site.

As you look through RN-to-MSN bridge programs in Kansas, make sure you pay special attention to each school’s nursing specialties. Your specialty choice is an especially important part of your education, which makes your school choice even more crucial. If you’re interested in advanced clinical practice, you may be interested in careers like nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist. Nursing leadership or administration may be better choices for those who want to serve in a management role. Nursing education is recommended for those who want to teach at the undergraduate level.

Becoming familiar with your school’s curriculum can help you prepare for the intense work that comes with an MSN degree. In your first couple semesters, you may be expected to take core courses like Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Health Assessment. From there, nursing education students may take courses like Foundations of Nursing Education, Nursing Education Practicum, and Teaching Strategies for Nursing Education. In a nurse administration program, you may take courses like Concepts of Quality, Evidence-Based Nursing, and Financing Health Care Services.

Each school has its own learning outcomes, so you may wish to study them before you begin your classes. By the time you graduate, you should be ready to use nursing research in your practice, act as a leader in a variety of health care settings, and integrate input from multiple sources to make the best choices possible for your patients.

A major part of your school decision may be the costs associated with an RN to Master’s in Nusring program. By looking into nursing scholarships and grants before you begin school, you may be able to get money for your education and save on school loans. The Kansas Nurses Foundation awards numerous scholarships, including the $500 KNF Scholarship, the George Devane Scholarship, and the Scheffer Public Health Nursing Scholarship. Each year, the Marsha’s Angels Scholarship Fund gives funds to students in certain parts of Kansas. There are also many Kansas employers that have scholarships for nursing students. The Baptist-Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation awards over one dozen scholarships every year.

Getting an MSN may help you increase your earning potential, particularly in certain career paths. Nursing instructors claim the lowest average salary in Kansas, with a median income of $57,600 per year (O*Net, 2013). The average salary for a nurse anesthetist is $134,000 per year (O*Net, 2013).

You may also find a wide range of job growth rates in Kansas. Per O*Net, job openings for nurse managers may increase by 21 percent between 2012 and 2022. Nursing instructors may see a 40 percent increase in job openings during this period (O*Net, 2012).

Ensure that you are meeting the nursing licensure standards of Kansas by contacting the Kansas State Board of Nursing. At the very least, you need a registered nursing license. However, in certain advanced specialties, you also need an advanced practice license.

If you’re ready to move forward in your nursing career, an RN-to-MSN program may be what you’re looking for. Completing this degree can have a broad impact on your career options and income potential. Use our school listings to contact those Kansas RN-to-MSN programs you are interested in.

Kansas Direct Entry MSN

With your non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, you may wonder if there’s any way to become a nurse that takes your previous education into account. Direct entry MSN programs in Kansas may be the solution! You can advance your knowledge with a Master’s degree while working towards an advanced nursing career. This degree is very flexible; you can choose from myriad specialties, including nursing leadership, nurse anesthesia, clinical nursing, and nurse practitioner.

To learn which nursing schools in Kansas offer Direct Entry MSN routes, simply contact those listed on this page to inquire about details. We recommend comparing as many schools as you can before making a decision about where to attend. Enrolling is a significant commitment, so it is important to know that you are choosing the school that is best for you.

The first step to choosing a nursing program of this nature is finding out whether or not you are a good fit for a direct entry MSN program. These programs can be extremely challenging and demanding of your time. If you need to work full-time while attending classes, this may not be a good degree choice for you, as many schools require students to restrict their work while in classes due to the intense schedule.

In addition, your undergraduate work must include many science courses. Schools tend to require classes like Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Biology. If you meet the prerequisite requirements and are ready to dedicate the majority of your time to school for the next two years, you might be excellent in a direct entry MSN program!

When you get accepted to a program, you start by taking Bachelor’s-level courses. Upon successfully finishing all these classes, you can take the NCLEX-RN and, after passing, apply for your registered nursing (RN) license. This allows you to work part-time as a nurse while gaining your MSN if you choose to. Be prepared for courses like Nursing Theories and Skills, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and the Human Body in Health & Disease.

From there, your training goes specifically into the career that you’re pursuing. Nurse practitioners, midwives, and nurse anesthetists learn about how to provide primary care, deliver babies, and use anesthesia. Those in nursing leadership programs may learn about health care leadership skills and practice managing in clinical hours. Nurse educators often learn nursing-specific teaching skills and put those skills to use in a local nursing program. Common core courses that all students may take include Nursing Theory and Research, Health Care Systems, Professional Role and Skill Development, and Disease Prevention.

One of the main benefits of continuing your education in an in-demand field like nursing is the variety of scholarships available. A number of organizations fund scholarships and grants for nursing students, including federal and local government agencies, private employers, and nursing associations. The Kansas Board of Regents awards the Kansas Nurse Educator Service Scholarship. To be eligible, you must agree to serve at an approved school after graduation. The Kansas Nurses Foundation is another excellent resource for nurses, with dozens of scholarships ranging from $300 to $5,000. The Marsha’s Angels Scholarship Fund is worth around $2,000 per student.

Kansas has stringent licensing requirements for nurses of all levels. The Kansas State Board of Nursing requires you to maintain RN licensure throughout the course of your education. Depending on which specialty you choose, that may be all you need. If you decide to start a career as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist, you will need to take the advanced exams relevant to your specialty and get an advanced license.

Though you may start on the low end of the salary scale, you may earn more as you become more experienced in the field of nursing. O*Net notes that nursing instructors earn an average salary of $57,600 per year. The average salary for a nurse anesthetist is $134,000 per year (O*Net, 2013). Other advanced nursing careers have average salaries that fall in the middle of this range.

O*Net reports positive job growth rates in many different fields. Growing slightly slower than other fields, jobs in nurse anesthesia are expected to increase by 19 percent between 2012 and 2022 (O*Net, 2012). As is the case in many other states, job openings for nurse instructors are expected to increase very quickly, at a rate of 40 percent between 2012 and 2022 (O*Net, 2012).

Choosing to further your education with an MSN can improve your job security and help you find a field that is rewarding and fulfilling. You can feel good about the work you do every day and know that it is improving the lives of Kansas residents. To learn more about your options for Direct Entry MSN programs in KS, contact the nursing schools you see on this page.

Kansas CRNA Programs

At one time, anesthesia could be risky business in the United States, with many surgeons having to care for patients in unsafe ways or perform surgery without the use of adequate anesthetic. As a result, patients suffered, received too little or too much anesthesia, or dealt with serious complications from routine procedures. Now, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) provide pain relief services to much of the United States. In fact, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, it is almost 50 times safer to get anesthesia now than it was in the 1980s. If you enjoy learning about pharmacology and applying your knowledge to the care of patients, consider becoming a nurse anesthetist in Kansas. Contact the schools you see on our site to learn more about your options for CRNA programs in Kansas.

If you’re interested in a nurse anesthesia degree, get ready to work with all different types of patients. Anesthesia is a common part of many procedures and treatments, from treatment for chronic pain to epidurals for labor pain and general anesthesia for surgery. Like most other nursing specialties, working as a nurse anesthetist requires you to work a variety of shifts. You may be on call or be scheduled to work during holidays, on weekends, and at night. If you’re ready to explore the opportunities that this career field can give you, learn more about Kansas CRNA programs by requesting more information.

Admissions and Curriculum for CRNA Programs in Kansas

Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires an advanced nursing degree, and you must meet specific requirements to be eligible for admission to a program in Kansas. To start, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school. While earning your BSN, you should have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Some schools in Kansas require a GPA of 3.5 or higher in your nursing courses. The type of work experience you have is another important part of the admissions process. Schools tend to look for at least one full year of nursing experience in a critical care setting, such as an emergency room or ICU.

Once you have started your nurse anesthesia degree, you will begin developing the skills you need to serve as a clinical, educational, and research leader in the field of anesthesia. Courses are taught in two main parts. You will first learn about the theory behind different aspects of anesthesia and then put your knowledge to use in a clinical or laboratory setting. Before working with real patients, you may work in a simulation lab that helps you develop your anesthesia skills. In total, you must work with over 550 real patients before you can graduate from a nurse anesthesia program.

Some of the courses you may take as a nurse anesthetist student include Principles of Anesthesia, Conceptual Foundations, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Advanced Health Assessment. Later courses in the program may include Advanced Principles of Anesthesia, Nurse Anesthetist Clinical Practice, and Interpreting Health Care Policy.

As a nurse anesthetist student, you may be able to apply for a variety of scholarships, grants, and student loans. The Kansas Nurses Foundation funds several scholarships ranging from $300 to $1,000. The Marsha’s Angels Scholarship Fund awards a varying amount of scholarships each academic year. Quite a few local employers also have scholarship opportunities for advanced nursing students. Salina Regional Health Center is one such employer. You may also wish to look at financial aid opportunities that are unique to your school, as these financial aid programs may have a smaller pool of applicants. Begin applying early and often to have a chance at the different scholarships in Kansas.

Working as a Nurse Anesthetist in Kansas

Since you already have a career as a registered nurse, you should know a bit about the licensing process in Kansas. First, it’s important to keep your registered nursing license valid at all times while earning your degree in nurse anesthesia. As you near the end date of your Master’s degree program, you can apply to take the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist exam through the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. You can take the exam once you have officially graduated. Passing this exam allows you to apply for an advanced practice license through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. One you have an advanced nursing license, you must renew it every two years to keep working in this field.

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Forensic Nursing in Kansas

The interdisciplinary nature of healthcare has given rise to dozens of specialties that staff nurses, doctors, and other care providers. One of the fastest growing specialties in nursing is forensic nursing. Those who are trained in this area of study provide immediate medical care to patients, collaborate with law enforcement professionals and prosecutors, follow up with patients, and advocate for victims’ rights. Forensic nurses must know how to effectively collect and photograph physical evidence without causing undue delay or stress to victims. Forensic nursing specialists often work in conjunction with other professionals, including child abuse specialists, police officers, and members of local Sexual Assault Response Teams (Via Christi Health, 2016).

When crime occurs, time is of the essence. Immediate collection of evidence may create a stronger court case and help victims get the justice they deserve. If you think you’d be a great fit in this field, contact forensic nurse degree programs below.

Master’s Degree Programs in Forensic Nursing in Kansas

When you decide to devote your nursing career to forensic nursing, there are several paths of study you may pursue. Almost all programs require a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, as you must have a stable set of critical thinking skills and advanced knowledge in various types of nursing. Your strengths should include evidence-based decision making, patient communication, and ability to remain calm under pressure.

You may become trained as a legal nurse consultant. Legal nurse consultants serve as expert witnesses and analyze evidence to make professional calls. In this type of program, you may tackle specific learning goals in your curriculum.

Topics Covered in Legal Nurse Consulting Programs

Types of law
Intentional and unintentional torts
Liability in healthcare
Methods of obtaining healthcare records
Legal documents
Informed consent
Criminal cases in healthcare
Litigation process
LNCs in the insurance industry
LNCs in private practice
LNCs in risk management
LNCs in government service
Legal nurse consulting protocol

Upon completion of your Master’s degree, it may be time to pursue specialty certification as a legal nurse consultant or forensic nurse. The title of Certified Forensic Nurse is awarded by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute. They require three years of nursing experience and 30 CEUs every three years. Through the Commission for Forensic Nursing Certification, you may apply to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner with at least two years of experience and 40 hours of SANE courses.

You must also complete a preceptorship and get 300 hours of SANE work experience. With 2,000 practice hours in forensic nursing, you may become an Advanced Forensic Nurse. Aspiring legal nurse consultants apply for certification through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants.

The Role of Forensic Nurses in Kansas

The role of a forensic nurse in the healthcare industry is complex and multifaceted. As is the case in any other nursing specialty, forensic nurses must put the care needs of their patients first. However, they must give significant weight to evidence collection, examinations for signs of violent crime, and photographic evidence of violent crime. Those who pursue forensic nursing in Kansas are expected to work with legal authorities to help prosecutors and ensure that justice is served. Among their patients are domestic violence victims, victims of sexual assault, perpetrators of sexual assault, and abused children (HaysMed, 2016). Prompt patient assessment is crucial in this field, so you may be expected to work or be on call on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Working in forensic nursing is a tough calling that makes life easier for patients all over Kansas. Discover how you can contribute to this field by contacting forensic nurse programs in Kansas today.

Kansas Research Nursing Graduate Programs

No matter how much you love being a registered nurse in Kansas, maybe you are ready to take the next step in your career. Maybe you are ready to take the experience and first-hand knowledge you have gained into an exciting career path. If your passion lies in the improvement of patient care, the nursing research field could use your dedication and experience.

Research is an area of significant importance in the Kansas nursing industry. Millions of dollars are spent on research every year to find ways to make the health care system better and more efficient. You may find an area of nursing that you are passionate about and use your interest to improve health care in that area. In Kansas, nurse researchers recently secured a grant to study and support breastfeeding mothers and babies. This research may improve infant mortality rates, help mothers reach their nursing goals, and lower public health expenses.

Take the first step to a career in nursing research by contacting research nursing graduate programs in Kansas.

Kansas Graduate Degree Programs in Nursing Research

Not only must you know how to conduct and analyze research as a nurse researcher, you must be able to act in a leadership role, analyze changes in the nursing industry, and effectively promote change among nursing professionals. You can actively pursue these goals in a graduate program in research nursing.

To become a nurse researcher, you must complete at least 30 credits. Keep in mind that many schools require more, so you may want to spend some time looking into different programs in your area. Your curriculum should dive into the field of research with courses like Foundations of Quantitative Research, Foundations of Qualitative Research, Theoretical Perspectives of Nursing Science, Responsible Conduct of Research, and Instrumentation & Measurement.

To round out your education, you may be required to complete a capstone project or conduct a research study. Although this work may be done under the supervision of an instructor or advisor, you are expected to work independently and carry out your duties like a clinical nurse researcher would. The work you do at this point in your education may define your career options after graduation.

Applying for scholarships may help you earn money for your graduate degree and connect with leaders in the research industry. One local scholarship is the Marsha’s Angels Nursing Scholarship.

The Role of Clinical Nurse Researchers in Kansas

When you start conducting your own nursing research, you should use your experience and knowledge to start tackling major problems in the field of health care. As problems in nursing homes started to crop up in Kansas, researchers asked why. Their research found that Kansas nursing homes often misuse powerful antipsychotic drugs to restrain patients with dementia, leading to injuries and deaths.

Anticipated job growth in Kansas slightly exceeds the national average. An 8% increase in demand is expected in this state through 2022 (O*Net, 2012). Data from O*Net shows that nurse researchers earn an average of $91,000 per year in Kansas.

The academic side of nursing is growing rapidly, and so too is the need for dedicated researchers. Find out how you can fill this need by requesting information from research nursing programs in Kansas.

Kansas Certified Nurse Midwife Programs

Women are starting to take advantage of the options they have available to them before, after, and during their childbearing years. Care provided by experts can mean the difference between care that meets a woman’s needs and care that simply goes by the book.

Certified nurse midwives look at birth as a normal, physiological process, and this shapes their entire career path. In many parts of the world, midwives are in extremely short supply. If you want to become a CNM in Kansas, you may work with women in hospitals, birth centers, or even at home.

With prior experience in the nursing field, you may have the foundational knowledge you need to explore this career option. Get started now by reaching out to certified nurse midwife (CNM) programs in Kansas.

Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife in Kansas

Education is one of the most important aspects of becoming a CNM in Kansas. You have to meet stringent educational requirements before you can be considered for admission to a CNM program. While earning your Bachelor’s degree in nursing, you should maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 to meet minimum admissions requirements. In addition, completing undergraduate coursework in labor & delivery or obstetrics can be particularly advantageous.

If you attend CNM school as a full-time student, you may be able to graduate in as little as two years. Part-time programs may take between four and five years. Depending on which school you choose, you may complete between 30 and 45 credits.

Clinical experience is just as important as theoretical knowledge and training. While learning about different aspects of midwifery, you may complete well over 1,000 hours of clinical work.

In your curriculum, you may find a wide variety of courses that help you address the learning goals of your program. Courses that you may be expected to take include Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, Reproductive Health Care of Women, Foundations of Health Systems and Policy, Labor and Birth, Newborn Care for CNMs, and Integrated Reproductive Care of Women.

Scholarships can be an excellent way to save money on your education. If you plan on working through school, your employer may offer scholarships or tuition assistance. The Kansas State Board of Nursing awards scholarships of $1,000 each to students. Several funding opportunities are available through the Kansas State Nurses Association. The Kansas Board of Regents funds over one dozen scholarships.

Working as a Certified Nurse Midwife in Kansas

Licensure and certification are two important aspects of nurse midwifery in Kansas. Keep these processes in mind as you complete your education. First, you must get certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. This involves passing a comprehensive CNM exam and supplying proof of your education and clinical hours. With national certification, you can apply for Kansas licensure through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Since you must maintain your RN license as a student, this should be a fairly quick process.

Kansas has a growing need for CNMs. As more women begin to explore and exercise their options in their childbearing years, you may see the demand for CNMs continue to grow. Through 2022, O*Net predicts a 26% increase in Kansas nurse midwife jobs. Choosing this career path may also allow you to boost your earning potential. O*Net reports an average salary of $97,000 per year for CNMs.

Are you ready to serve women in the various stages of their lives? If it’s time to take the next step in your nursing career, reach out to certified nurse midwife programs in Kansas directly from our site.

Kansas Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs

If you’ve been working as a registered nurse for some time and you’re ready to find out how you can become a bigger player in the health care industry of Kansas, it may be time to learn more about clinical nurse specialists. The need for highly-trained nursing specialists is growing rapidly throughout the country, and pursuing a career in advanced nursing can help you boost your job outlook and take your earning potential to the next level.

Contact the schools with CNS programs in Kansas today for program details.

Becoming a clinical nurse specialist can be a great way to serve your community and use your skills where they are truly needed. Students and practitioners alike often bring health care to impoverished communities where health care is more of a dream than a reality. If your career goals involve advancing the field of nursing and improving care standards for patients, learn more about clinical nurse specialist programs in Kansas.

Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Kansas

You may be able to become a clinical nurse specialist in as little as two years if you are willing to attend school full-time and work hard during your clinical hours. If you meet the admissions requirements of local CNS programs, you may be able to start your education as quickly as next semester.

You must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a registered nursing license that is valid in the state of Iowa. Most schools require you to have used this license to gain at least one year of full-time nursing experience. Depending on which specialty you plan on pursuing, specialized RN experience may be helpful.

In the early stages of your nursing education, you may complete core nursing courses. These are typically part of all advanced nursing curricula and build up your core skills. Courses in this category may include Epidemiology, Advanced Nursing Concepts and Theories, Research for Health Professionals, and Ethics for Health Professionals.

After successfully completing these courses, you may move on to advanced classes like Health Policy Issues, Health Care Financing, Role Socialization, Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Health Program Planning, and Outcomes Performance Management. Throughout your education, you may gain experience in several different clinical settings. This experience helps you prepare for graduation, after which you may be expected to work independently.

Once you begin your education, you can start looking into different types of financial aid. Financial aid can go a long way in making your education more affordable and accessible. Look into public and private scholarship sources. Marsha’s Angels Nursing Scholarship Fund is available to students all over Kansas. Numerous scholarships are funded by the Kansas State Board of Regents. Through the Hays Medical Center Foundation, you may be able to apply for advanced nursing scholarships.

Working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Kansas

To complete the process of becoming a clinical nurse specialist, you can apply for advanced practice standing through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This involves providing proof of your existing registered nursing license, supplying your educational information, and passing a rigorous licensing exam. With your CNS license, you can expand your scope of practice.

Clinical nurse specialists throughout the country may enjoy a growing job market. Through 2022, CNN anticipates a 26% increase in CNS jobs throughout the United States. Their reports indicate an average salary of $86,500 per year.

Ready to become a nursing specialist who changes the community and the field of nursing? Get started now by contacting clinical nurse specialist programs in Kansas.

Kansas Public Health Nursing Graduate Programs

According to the Department of Public Health in Kansas, there are three core functions of public health, which include assessment, policy development and assurance.

There is an increasing demand for primary care providers, which calls for an increase in the number of APRNs and additional certifying bodies. The Kansas legislature’s Public Health and Welfare Committee is currently debating a bill that will remove barriers for APRNs who practice independently in the field of public health. The nurses in the debate use research articles that established that APRNs are very cost effective, and they provide high quality care.

The CDC lists specific activities performed by public health nurses, which include monitoring the health status of individuals to identify disease, and they investigate health problems that may be specific to a particular community. These nurses educate and empower the community about health issues.

If this growing profession interests you, contact the schools below to learn more about enrolling in a public health nursing program in Kansas.

Master’s Degree Programs in Public Health Nursing in Kansas

There are several Kansas universities and colleges that offer graduate degrees in public health nursing.

Kansas Public Health Nursing programs are designed for both the novice and the experienced nurse in public/community health. The primary focus is on health promotion and disease prevention strategies for a targeted will population.

The admission criteria typically includes:

BSN from an accredited program
Currently registered in one state
Minimum of one year of clinical work experience as an RN
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Potential for leadership
Graduate level statistics course

There are around 40 required credits in a Master’s in Public Health program, which are divided between three areas. The curriculum may include:

Common Core

Theories for Practice and Research: Individual, Family, Community
Health Care Research
Health Care Professionalism: Issues and Roles
Research Project

Leadership Core

Organizational Foundations for Leading Change
Social Context for Health Care Policy
Evaluation and Analysis for Health Care Effectiveness
Global Perspectives and Diversity in Health Care

Public Health Specialization

Health Promotion and Complementary Therapies
Epidemiology
Environmental Health
Advanced Concepts and Public Health Nursing/Practicum

Kansas scholarships and grants are available for specific graduate degrees, which include being a dependent or spouse of a deceased public safety officer, a prisoner of war, a dependent or spouse of a deceased military personnel or if you are from a Foster Education Assistance Program. The Kansas University Medical Center also offers the Kansas Board of Regents scholarships, which is available for graduate students.

The Role of Public Health Nurses in Kansas

There are several areas for public health nurses to find jobs. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment have a large number of bureaus for various types of public health concerns, and they work closely with local agencies.

The Medical and Health Services Managers in Kansas earned an annual salary for 2014, of $92,810. A graduate degree can improve your future in a positive way, and a public health nurse is important to healthcare on a local or even a national level.

Graduate Nursing Programs in Healthcare Policy in Kansas

The days spent in a clinic or hospital can be heartbreaking and full of joy for a nurse. Welcoming new life into the world and watching people die of preventable causes are just two of the emotional experiences that nurses like you are witness to every day.

Not every health tragedy can be prevented, but as a nurse, you are in a great position to use your experience to improve public health in Kansas. In the last 12 years, youth drug overdose rates and overdose-related deaths have quadrupled in this state (Wichita Eagle, 2015). This is the second-largest increase in the entire country.

The insight you have from the nursing field can help you develop policies to improve education, care, and outcomes in Kansas.

Uncover the opportunities in health policy in Kansas and discover how you can make a difference to people in your community. The first step is requesting information from healthcare policy graduate programs in Kansas below.

Master’s Degree Programs in Healthcare Policy in Kansas

There are quite a few significant differences between working as a registered nurse and working as a nurse who specializes in healthcare policy. Of course, your clinical skills and knowledge are an advantage to you in a legislative role, but you must learn how to navigate the legislative system before you can actually contribute to health policy.

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How Do Nurses Impact Healthcare Policy in Kansas?

There are many avenues that nurses use to influence healthcare policy in Kansas. By the time you complete your Master’s degree in healthcare policy, you should be experienced about the different routes you can use to create effective healthcare policies. In many cases, change starts at a facility-wide level. When you work for a clinic or hospital, the policies you establish may become part of healthcare legislation throughout the state if they lead to improved patient outcomes.

You may also contribute to healthcare legislation by working for groups like the Kansas Health Institute. In these positions, you may have access to the most recent research and evidence when forming your policies and proposals.

To understand how important nurses are in legislation, simply look at some of the victories enjoyed by the Kansas State Nurses Association. Legislative efforts in 2015 focused on medications used for mental illness, newborn screenings for congenital heart disease, the use of CNMs, and the scope of practice for APRNs.

The future of the nursing industry is decided by many factors, and healthcare policy is one of the main components. Improve the future of healthcare in Kansas and contact graduate healthcare policy programs in Kansas below.

Hospice Nursing in Kansas

Whether a patient is young or old and their diagnosis is expected or unexpected, handling the end-of-life stage is a challenge for family members, caretakers, and patients. The role of the hospice nurse is multifaceted. They work with doctors and nursing assistants to ensure that patients get whatever curative care they choose, minimize pain with a variety of methods, and provide support to patients and family members.

As the role of hospice care has grown all over the country, many organizations have worked to advance the roles of hospice nurses. The Kansas Hospice and Palliative Care Organization provides resources to families who need hospice care while giving care providers the training and advocacy they need to meet patients’ needs. The Kansas Home Care Association has similar goals, primarily serving patients who choose to spend their final days in their homes.

If you’re interested in using your nursing experience to help patients during this difficult time, contact hospice nursing programs in Kansas to find out how you can earn palliative care certification.

Master’s Degree Programs in Hospice/Palliative Care Nursing in Kansas

You can become a graduate-level hospice nurse via two different paths. First, you can become a nurse practitioner and meet the primary and acute care needs of patients. Second, you can become a clinical nurse specialist and expand your clinical skills on a highly specialized area of study. With either option, you can select an area of study and complete your degree in about two years. You may then add hospice certification to your degree and take palliative care courses.

Commonly Offered Hospice Care Courses

Palliative Care and the Advanced Practice Nursing Role
Pain and Suffering in the Seriously Ill
Life-Threatening Illness, Disease Progression, and Quality of Life
Pain Management
Non-Pain Symptom Management
Advanced Care Planning

Clinical work is mandatory in the field of hospice care. Combined with your nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist hours, you may spend well over 500 hours in approved clinical settings.

A variety of scholarships are available to Master’s-level nursing students, including those who specialize in hospice care. The Hospice & Palliative Nurses Foundation awards $2,000 scholarships to graduate students each year.
You should maintain your RN licensure throughout your education. You can apply for advanced licensure through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. At that point, you may start preparing to become an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, a title that is regulated by the Hospice & Palliative Credentialing Center. They require 500 hours of experience in the past 12 months or 1,000 hours of experience in the past 24 months.

The Role of Hospice/Palliative Care Nurses in Kansas

You should have a strong network with local palliative care providers after completing your palliative care nursing degree. Kansas healthcare institutions offer hospice care in patients’ homes, which means that you may spend most of your time traveling to patients and providing medical care in their homes. There are numerous institutions that offer this service, including Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, and Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice.

From day to day, your tasks and responsibilities may change, depending on what your patients need. You may update family members on patients, spend time talking with patients to ease their minds, offer pharmacological pain relief, and complete documentation. You may need 24-hour availability to work as a hospice nurse, since a patient’s status can turn on a dime.

Applying for hospice and palliative care certification can take your career to the next level and give you a new way to use your years of nursing experience.

Reach out to hospice nursing programs in Kansas for more information.