In Brief
- Kansas nursing instructors earn a median salary of roughly $62,490 per year, with projected job growth of 16.8%.
- CCNE-accredited MSN programs are available fully online, hybrid, or on campus from multiple Kansas institutions.
- Kansas does not require a separate nurse educator license but mandates faculty qualification verification through the state board.
- Approximately 150 nurse educator openings were posted across Kansas in a recent month, signaling strong demand.
Nurse Educator Schools in Kansas: Your Guide to MSN Programs
Kansas nurses ready to move from the bedside to the classroom have a focused but solid set of MSN nurse educator programs to choose from. Whether you prefer a fully online format or a campus-based experience, the state's CCNE-accredited options can fit around a working RN schedule. In this guide, you will find ranked program profiles, cost breakdowns, licensing requirements from the Kansas State Board of Nursing, salary data, and a look at who actually hires nurse educators across the state. If you are still exploring online nursing education degrees at the national level, that broader view can help you benchmark Kansas programs against the wider market. Let's get started.
Best Nurse Educator Programs in Kansas: Rankings
Kansas offers a focused selection of nurse educator programs ranging from CCNE-accredited MSN degrees to post-master's certificates, with options for both campus-based and fully online study. We evaluated each school on a combination of cost, student outcomes, program format, and institutional quality. All graduation rates listed below are institution-wide figures, not specific to the nursing education program.
- Net price and tuition affordability
- Institution-wide graduation and retention rates
- Program format and flexibility
- Accreditation and program credentials
- Graduate earnings and debt outcomes
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- #1
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · $12,000 – $30,000/yr
Best for: Campus learners near Kansas City
The University of Kansas delivers a campus-based MSN with a Nursing Education specialty through its School of Nursing on the Kansas City campus. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 68.8% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, KU combines the resources of a major research university with statewide partnerships that create practicum and clinical-instructor opportunities across Kansas health systems and community colleges. KU also plays a central role in Kansas Board of Regents workforce initiatives aimed at increasing the number of nurse educators in rural and underserved communities.
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- CCNE-accredited 39-credit master's program
- Courses in teaching methods and curriculum development
- Scholarly project and clinical practicum required
- Application deadlines: April 1 and September 1
- BSN from accredited program and current RN license needed
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- CPR certification required before admission
- Five-year completion time limit
- #2
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS · ~$13,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-minded working RNs statewide
Fort Hays State University offers one of the most affordable online MSN Nursing Education programs in the state, with in-state tuition of approximately $4,949 per year and a per-credit cost of $349. The fully asynchronous, CCNE-accredited program is built for working RNs and includes 135 practicum hours that students can often complete at local Kansas education or clinical sites. No GRE or other standardized entrance exam is required, lowering barriers for nurses ready to transition into teaching roles.
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- CCNE-accredited, fully online asynchronous format
- 36 total credit hours at $349 per credit
- 135 clinical practicum hours across two semesters
- Full-time and part-time pacing options
- No GRE or standardized exam required
- Minimum 3.0 BSN GPA and active RN license needed
- Not available in Alabama, Tennessee, or Utah
- Prepares for academic and clinical educator roles
- #3
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS · $32,000/yr
Best for: Faith-oriented nurses seeking flexible options
MidAmerica Nazarene University, a faith-based institution in Olathe, offers both an online MSN in Nursing Education and a 12-credit post-graduate Nursing Education Certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN. The MSN can be completed in 12 to 24 months with flexible full-time or part-time pacing, and both programs are CCNE-accredited. As a private university, MNU charges the same tuition regardless of residency, and students may be eligible for the RISE Opportunity Scholarship and military benefits. The institution-wide graduation rate is 53.6%, and the 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports personalized advising.
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- CCNE-accredited online program, 37 credit hours
- Completable in 12 to 24 months
- Asynchronous classes with full-time or part-time pacing
- Curriculum covers curriculum development and clinical simulation
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA and unencumbered RN license
- RISE Opportunity Scholarship and military benefits accepted
- Personal faculty advisor assigned to each student
- 12-credit online certificate for MSN-prepared RNs
- Designed for completion in approximately 12 months
- Focuses on evidence-based teaching methodologies
- Asynchronous online format for working professionals
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
- CCNE-accredited credential
- #4
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS · $25,000/yr
Baker University offers a concise, fully online Post-Master's Nursing Education Certificate designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to move into academic or staff development teaching. The three-course curriculum covers educational theories, program assessment methods, and a hands-on practicum. Baker's net price of roughly $25,301 reflects its private-university status, while the institution-wide graduation rate stands at 57.8% with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Located in Baldwin City, Baker supports Kansas's growing need for qualified nursing faculty through this targeted credential.
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- Fully online, three-course certificate program
- Covers educational theories and program assessment
- Includes practicum for hands-on teaching experience
- Requires MSN from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA and unencumbered nursing license
- Graduate-level statistics prerequisite required
- Asynchronous format for working professionals
- #5
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa, KS · $28,000/yr
Ottawa University's online MSN with a Nurse Educator specialization is a compact 18-credit program that covers foundations of educator practice, teaching strategies, curriculum design, and instructional technology, concluding with a practicum and capstone project. The program holds CCNE accreditation and carries a Military Friendly School designation. Ottawa's multi-campus network, including presence in the Kansas City metro, offers practicum and employment networking opportunities across the region. The institution-wide graduation rate is 27.9%, and out-of-state students pay the same tuition as Kansas residents.
View program
- CCNE-accredited 18-credit online master's program
- Covers curriculum design and instructional technology
- Practicum and capstone project required
- Asynchronous classes with full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, BSN, and current RN license needed
- Military Friendly School designation
- Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
How to Choose the Right Kansas Nurse Educator Program
Kansas offers several paths into nursing education, from fully online MSN programs to campus-based options and post-master's certificates. When you compare programs side by side, focus on three things: total cost, delivery format, and program structure. Keep in mind that the net price figures below are institution-wide averages reported to the federal government; your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your financial aid package, residency status, and whether you enroll at the graduate level.
| School | Program Type | Delivery Format | Credit Hours | Duration | GRE Required | In-State Tuition (annual, institutional) | Out-of-State Tuition (annual, institutional) | Avg. Net Price (institution-wide) | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University | MSN Nursing Education | Online | 36 | ~24 months | No | $4,949 | $12,745 | $12,569 | 15:1 |
| Emporia State University | MSN Nurse Educator | Online | 33 | 18 to 24 months | No | Not listed in federal data | Not listed in federal data | Not available | Not available |
| University of Kansas | MSN Nursing Education | Campus | 39 | Varies (5-year completion limit) | No | $11,971 | $27,146 | $18,059 | 18:1 |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | MSN Nursing Education | Online | 40 | 12 to 24 months | No | $13,597 (single rate) | $13,597 (single rate) | $32,165 | 11:1 |
| Ottawa University | MSN, Nurse Educator concentration | Online | 18 (concentration credits) | Varies | No | $12,562 (single rate) | $12,562 (single rate) | $27,963 | 12:1 |
| Baker University | Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse Education | Online | 3 courses | Varies | No | $12,246 (single rate) | $12,246 (single rate) | $25,301 | 13:1 |
How to Become a Nurse Educator in Kansas
Kansas does not issue a separate nurse educator license, but nursing programs must verify faculty qualifications through the Kansas State Board of Nursing's Faculty Qualification Report process. Here is the typical pathway from bedside nurse to nursing faculty in the state.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Online vs Hybrid Nurse Educator Programs in Kansas
What Online and Hybrid Programs Actually Mean
Online MSN nurse educator programs deliver all coursework through the internet, often asynchronously, so you never set foot on campus. Hybrid programs blend online classes with periodic in-person sessions, typically for intensive weekends, simulations, or faculty check-ins. Both routes are available to Kansas nurses, but fully online options have grown in popularity because they remove geography from the equation entirely. If you are weighing the tradeoffs, a deeper look at the benefits of online nurse educator program options can help clarify whether a fully remote path suits your schedule.
Benefits of Online Programs for Kansas Nurses
- Flexibility for working RNs: Log in when your shift schedule allows. No need to commute or rearrange patient-care hours.
- Rural access: A nurse in Garden City or Liberal can enroll in a program based anywhere in the country without relocating.
- Consistent tuition: Many online programs charge a flat per-credit rate regardless of state residency, which can make out-of-state degrees more affordable than expected. Some of the most affordable online nurse educator MSN programs fall into this category.
Benefits of Hybrid or On-Campus Programs
- In-person teaching practica: Direct observation and coaching from faculty during your teaching hours build confidence faster.
- Networking with faculty mentors: Face-to-face relationships often translate into job leads after graduation.
- Access to simulation labs: Hands-on practice with high-fidelity manikins and standardized patients sharpens your clinical teaching skills in a controlled setting.
How Teaching Practicums Work in Online Programs
Every reputable MSN nurse educator program, online or hybrid, requires a supervised teaching practicum. Online students do not miss out on this experience; they simply complete it close to home. Most programs call for 135 to 200 hours of hands-on teaching under a preceptor. For instance, Purdue Northwest's online track requires 135 hours1, while Walsh University's requires 2002.
Kansas-based students typically identify a preceptor at a local community college, hospital education department, or university. Some programs, such as Walsh's, offer placement assistance2; others, like UNC Charlotte's, ask you to arrange the site yourself3. In either case, the practicum gives you real classroom or clinical instruction time with an experienced nurse educator observing your work. Because the hours happen in your own community, you can build a professional network right where you plan to teach after graduation.
Nurse Educator Salary and Job Outlook in Kansas
How much can you actually earn as a nurse educator in Kansas, and is the job market strong enough to justify the investment in an MSN?
Kansas Nurse Educator Wages by the Numbers
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023), nursing instructors and teachers at postsecondary institutions in Kansas earn a median annual wage of $70,960.1 Here is how the wage distribution breaks down across the state:
- 10th percentile: approximately $44,960
- Median (50th percentile): $70,960
- 90th percentile: approximately $92,660
These figures cover full-time postsecondary nursing faculty (SOC 25-1072) and reflect base salary, not supplemental income from consulting, clinical practice, or summer contracts. Your position on the scale depends on factors like degree level, years of teaching experience, institution type, and whether you hold a doctoral credential.
How Kansas Compares to the National Median and Neighboring States
The national median annual wage for nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary, is not identical to the Kansas figure, and the gap matters when you are weighing relocation or remote teaching options. Kansas falls slightly below the national median for this occupation.2 Among neighboring states, Colorado typically reports higher median wages for postsecondary nursing faculty, driven largely by cost of living and demand in the Denver metro area. Missouri and Nebraska tend to cluster in a range comparable to Kansas, while Oklahoma often tracks a bit lower. For a detailed side-by-side comparison, check the full nurse educator salary breakdown by state. Keep in mind that cost of living in Kansas, particularly outside the Kansas City metro and Wichita, can stretch your salary further than raw numbers suggest.
Job Demand and Growth Projections
Nationally, BLS projects employment of postsecondary nursing instructors to grow roughly 16 to 17 percent between 2024 and 2034, well above the average for all occupations.3 Kansas-specific projection data from the state labor department has not been updated as frequently, but the national trend is driven by a nursing faculty shortage that hits states like Kansas particularly hard. Retirements among current nursing faculty, combined with expanding nursing program enrollments, create a steady pipeline of openings. You can explore broader trends in nurse educator demand to see how this occupation is evolving nationwide.
Rural areas across western and central Kansas may present less competition for faculty positions because fewer candidates are drawn to smaller communities. The trade-off is that pay at rural community colleges and technical schools can fall below what Wichita-area or Kansas City-area institutions offer. If flexibility matters more than maximizing salary, those positions deserve a serious look.
Program Earnings Data as a Complement
You may notice that program-level earnings data for MSN completers at Kansas schools is not yet available for most nurse educator programs listed here. When that data is published, it captures what graduates actually earn after completing a specific degree, which can differ from the BLS occupational median because it reflects early-career wages, part-time roles, and varied career paths among completers. Think of BLS occupational wages and program-level earnings as complementary snapshots: one tells you what the occupation pays across all experience levels, the other tells you where recent graduates from a particular school land financially. As reporting improves, nurseeducator.com will incorporate those figures into program profiles.
Bottom Line
A Kansas nurse educator career offers solid mid-range compensation relative to the region, with a job market that continues to tilt in the candidate's favor. If you are comparing programs, weigh both tuition costs and likely salary outcomes.
Kansas Nurse Educator Salary at a Glance
Kansas nursing instructors earn slightly below the national median, but strong projected job growth of 16.8% signals rising demand across the state. The figures below show how Kansas salaries for postsecondary nursing instructors (BLS SOC 25-1072) compare at key percentile levels. The national median of $80,780 serves as a useful benchmark.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Kansas
Before you step into a classroom or clinical setting in Kansas, you need to understand the state's specific faculty requirements. The Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) sets clear standards that differ depending on the type of program you plan to teach in and the role you will fill.
First and foremost, you must hold an active RN license in Kansas.1 This is a non-negotiable baseline for any nursing faculty position in the state. Beyond licensure, degree requirements vary by program type and teaching role:
- Professional (RN) program course faculty: A graduate degree is required.1
- Professional (RN) program clinical faculty: A graduate degree, or an active degree plan toward one, is required.1
- Practical (LPN) program course faculty: A baccalaureate degree is required.1
- Practical (LPN) program clinical faculty: A baccalaureate degree, or an active degree plan toward one, is required.1
For anyone hired after July 1, 2001, KSBN requires that professional program faculty hold a graduate degree specifically in nursing.1 If you are teaching under a degree plan (meaning you have not yet completed the required degree), you must finish that degree within six years.2 Nursing programs must also file a Faculty Qualification Report with the KSBN within 30 days of hiring new faculty.1
It is worth noting that KSBN does not specify a minimum number of years of clinical experience for faculty, nor does it mandate continuing education specifically for nurse educators.1 That said, most hiring institutions will expect substantial clinical background, and pursuing voluntary national certification can strengthen your candidacy. Earning your certified nurse educator credential through the NLN demonstrates expertise that Kansas employers value, even though the state does not require it. If you are weighing different credential options, a CNE vs CNEcl certification comparison can help you decide which path aligns with your teaching goals.
Kansas requirements are straightforward once you know where to look, and meeting them positions you to join the state's growing community of nursing faculty.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Kansas?
Kansas is a state where the demand for nursing faculty quietly outpaces supply, and that shortage has reshaped who recruits nurse educators and how aggressively they compete for them. Roughly 150 nurse educator openings were posted across Kansas in April 2026, spread across academic institutions, hospital education departments, and a handful of industry employers.1
Academic Employers
Four-year universities anchor the academic market. The University of Kansas School of Nursing, Wichita State, Pittsburg State, and Fort Hays State all hire tenure-track faculty, clinical instructors, and adjuncts for prelicensure and graduate programs. KU is also home to the Kansas Nurse Educator / Clinical Teaching Institute, which works to strengthen the state's nursing education workforce.2
Community colleges run the bulk of Kansas ADN programs and hire heavily for clinical and didactic teaching roles. The list is long: Johnson County, Kansas City Kansas, Butler, Hutchinson, Garden City, Dodge City, Seward County, Barton, Cloud County, Colby, Pratt, Neosho County, Labette, Coffeyville, and Highland. Statewide curriculum alignment work coordinated by the Kansas Council of Associate Degree Nurse Educators in 2022 means faculty often move between these programs without retooling from scratch.3
Hospital and Industry Employers
Health systems hire clinical educators for staff development, in-service training, simulation labs, and nurse educator roles like residency program coordination. Stormont Vail Health holds Practice Transition Accreditation Program status and organizes the 2026 Kansas Nurse Educator Conference.4 Ascension Via Christi (Wichita) and AdventHealth (Kansas City metro) run similar staff education operations. Medical device companies recruit here too: Novasyte has posted nurse educator roles in Kansas City focused on device in-service training.5
Urban vs. Rural
Wichita, the Kansas City metro, and Topeka concentrate the largest share of positions, higher pay, and more specialized clinical educator tracks. Rural community colleges and critical access hospitals, however, recruit aggressively and often offer faster paths to lead-faculty roles. If you are still weighing whether to make the switch, consider exploring why nurses become nurse educators for a closer look at the trade-offs. Many Kansas nurse educators split their week, teaching part-time while keeping a clinical shift or two to maintain practice currency and a second income stream.
Key Takeaway for Kansas Nurse Educator Candidates
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Educator Programs in Kansas
Kansas nurses thinking about a move into education often share the same core questions. Below are concise, data-grounded answers to the topics that come up most often, from salaries and timelines to scholarships and licensure requirements.
