Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree opens doors to rewarding and meaningful careers. As nurses play an invaluable role in healthcare delivery across diverse settings, skilled BSN graduates are increasingly in demand nationwide. For aspiring nurses in the Kansas City metropolitan area looking to gain advanced nursing knowledge and clinical expertise, numerous excellent BSN programs are available to launch your career.
Overview of BSN Nursing Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program builds on the fundamentals of nursing by incorporating more advanced coursework in areas like research, leadership, community health, health policy and more. BSN curriculums blend classroom learning with plenty of hands-on clinical experience across healthcare environments.
The additional coursework and training equips BSN nurses with a stronger foundation to:
-
Provide comprehensive patient care: BSN-prepared nurses have a deeper understanding of care coordination, health promotion, disease prevention and counseling to better serve diverse patients.
-
Lead teams confidently: BSN degree holders develop stronger critical thinking and communication skills to coordinate care delivery across multidisciplinary teams.
-
Qualify for more opportunities: A BSN degree opens up options for career advancement, specializations, graduate nursing programs and higher salaries.
Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree
Pursuing nursing education at the bachelor‘s level carries many rewards:
-
Higher earning potential: BSN nurses earn approximately $8,000 more per year on average compared to nurses holding Associate‘s degrees.
-
Leadership development: BSN curriculums emphasize cultivating managerial, communication and interpersonal competencies required of nurse leaders and administrators.
-
Advanced career options: A BSN degree qualifies nurses to specialize in areas like oncology, pediatrics, surgery, emergency care or community health. Earning a BSN is also a prerequisite for entering many Master of Science in Nursing programs.
-
Enhanced patient care skills: With advanced coursework in social sciences, research and technology, BSN grads provide more holistic and evidence-based patient care.
In-Demand Nursing Careers for BSN Graduates
There is incredible diversity within nursing career paths open to BSN degree holders. While many work in acute or ambulatory care settings, BSN nurses are increasingly valued across community health organizations, governmental health agencies, private corporations and more.
Here are some rewarding nursing careers accessible with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing:
- Medical Surgical Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- School Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Case Manager
- Healthcare Administrator
The job outlook for nurses nationwide and specifically within Missouri remains very positive. According to projections, nursing jobs in Missouri will grow by 9% between 2020-2030. The Kansas City metropolitan area specifically is home to numerous healthcare systems and providers hiring skilled nursing talent.
Top 13 BSN Programs in Kansas City, Missouri
The Kansas City metro is home to over a dozen excellent BSN programs across universities, colleges and medical centers. From accelerated BSN options to RN-to-BSN completion programs, nursing students can find a program aligned with their academic interests and career aspirations.
Here are the top 13 BSN programs in Kansas City, MO:
1. Concorde Career College – Kansas City
Concorde Career College in Kansas City holds over 50 years of experience in preparing students for healthcare careers. Their BSN program blends classroom teaching with simulated clinical learning across their cutting-edge labs. Small class sizes ensure personalized guidance and support. Graduates praise the knowledgeable faculty and robust career placement services.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Average Class Size: 25
2. Columbia College-Kansas City
Columbia College-Kansas City empowers nursing students through rigorous academics complemented by real-world learning and strong student support systems. Nursing students gain clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, public health departments, primary care clinics and more. Alumni give the program high marks for its small class sizes and accessible, caring professors.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
3. Saint Luke‘s College of Nursing and Health Sciences
With roots dating back to 1887, Saint Luke‘s College of Nursing is one of Kansas City’s most established nursing schools. Students master clinical competencies and decision-making abilities through simulation learning and clinical rotations conducted across Saint Luke’s Health System. Distinguished faculty lead students through an innovative concept-based curriculum integrating emerging technology.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
4. Research College of Nursing
Research College of Nursing empowers students through a multifaceted curriculum fusing clinical practice, innovative simulations, leadership development and research participation. With a class size of 50, students form close knit communities while receiving individualized support services. RCN’s BSN graduates are highly sought after by nurse recruiters drawn to their clinical competence.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
5. University of Kansas School of Nursing
Ranked among Kansas’ top nursing schools, KU School of Nursing prepares students through an engaging concept-based curriculum and hands-on clinical work guided by nursing thought leaders. Nursing undergraduates can tailor their learning via diverse elective options while immersing themselves in KU’s thriving research environment.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
6. UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies
Driven by a mission to enhance healthcare access across urban communities, UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies empowers students to address health inequities through nursing knowledge and skill development. Undergraduates can complement their studies through global electives, research assistantships and scholarships for ethnically diverse students.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Student Diversity: Over 35% students of color
7. Graceland University School of Nursing
The close-knit learning community at Graceland University School of Nursing nurtures students’ clinical reasoning, compassion, ethics and spirit of inquiry through one-on-one mentorship. Nursing students gain practical experience across diverse settings while benefiting from the university’s partial online course options, study abroad programs and service learning opportunities.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN, ABSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Faculty Positions: 100% hold Doctoral or Master’s degrees
8. Park University in Kansas City, MO
Park University’s BSN program prepares nurses to advance community health and patient care quality across diverse settings. Students master clinical skills through simulation exercises and experiential learning across Park University’s hospital and clinic partners. Graduates pursue careers improving population health across the public health, corporate, clinical and non-profit sectors.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: RN-to-BSN, BSN
- Accreditation: ACEN
- 8-week course terms
9. National American University
National American University offers an affordable and accelerated online RN-to-BSN program helping associate degree nurses gain advanced nursing skills. Their flexible program format allows working nurses to balance career and academic responsibilities. Students benefit from NAU’s career assistance connecting graduates with prospective employers.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: Online RN-to-BSN
- Accreditation: HLC
- Course Length: 5 weeks
10. University of Missouri-Kansas City: Hospital Hill Campus
UMKC‘s Hospital Hill Campus nursing programs leverage strong partnerships with leading Kansas City medical centers including Children’s Mercy Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital and Truman Medical Center. Nursing students work with expert faculty and nursing professionals across cutting-edge simulation labs and clinical environments to gain practical expertise.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Hospital Partners: 5 major medical centers
11. Achieve Test Prep
Achieve Test Prep empowers prospective nursing students through one-on-one and small group tutoring for critical nursing school entrance examinations. Their NCLEX test prep solutions leverage comprehensive content review, hundreds of practice questions, timed mock exams and more. Achieve Test Prep’s customized study plans help applicants gain admission into their target nursing programs.
Key Offerings:
- NCLEX Prep Courses
- TEAS Test Prep
- HESI Test Support
- Flexible pricing tiers
12. Health Science Institute
Health Science Institute offers a 2-year fast-track BSN program providing motivated students accelerated entry into nursing practice, delivered through year-round intensive learning. Students gain clinical experience across HCA Midwest Health System hospitals and develop clinical reasoning abilities through engaging case studies and simulations.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: Accelerated BSN
- Accreditation: HLC
- Program Length: 24 consecutive months
13. Concorde Career College – Kansas City Main Campus
The Kansas City main campus of Concorde Career College holds 60+ years of educating nursing professionals across Missouri and Kansas. Their BSN program integrates interactive learning technology and simulations into the curriculum guided by highly qualified faculty. Small cohort sizes encourage collaborative peer learning critical for nursing practice.
Key Stats:
- Program Formats: BSN
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Simulation Lab Capabilities: High fidelity manikins, virtual IV simulator
Tips for Prospective Nursing Students
When researching BSN programs in Kansas City, here are some helpful tips:
-
Make sure your target program holds accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
-
Look into the licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) passing rates among recent graduates
-
Ask about clinical rotation sites and employer partners to understand externship/career support services
-
Evaluate student support resources like tutoring, counseling services and academic advising
-
Arrange to speak with current students and alumni about their first-hand program experiences
-
Review costs and financial assistance options thoroughly to minimize loan burdens
As the need for highly skilled nurses continues growing, BSN programs offer dedicated students a rigorous yet rewarding journey towards serving communities through nursing practice. There are fantastic program options across the Kansas City region preparing graduates to enhance care experiences and advance their careers. By selecting an accredited program aligned with your aspirations, you’ll be set up for success in this meaningful field.