ACNP Programs in Kansas (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Graduates of ACNP programs in Kansas play an essential role in making sure that patients get the highest quality of care when they're treated in ERs and ICUs across the Sunflower State. ACNP programs in the Sunflower State will teach you advanced clinical skills and procedural competencies like intubation, arterial line insertion, and bronchoscopy. On average, you can expect to earn $122,180 annually, and you'll have your pick of employment opportunities since the need for these practitioners is projected to rise by 43 percent within a single decade. The list below of the best ACNP programs in Kansas contains more information.



FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN KANSAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Kansas.)


1. Wichita State University - Wichita


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse who loves working in acute care? Do you prefer working with adolescents, adults, and older adults? Have you considered making a career move by earning a higher degree and becoming a nurse practitioner? If so, the role of an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner could be the perfect choice for you! In this article, I will share information with you about one of the best ACNP programs in Kansas, which is offered at Wichita State University.

The program admits new classes in the fall semester each year. The average program length is three and a half years. The program is a post-baccalaureate pathway that prepares students to sit for national certification as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and culminates in a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. You will receive instruction in quality improvement, healthcare system leadership, and evidence-based practices.

Most coursework for the BSN-to-DNP program is completed in an online format. However, some campus visits are required for simulations, consultations, and testing. When on campus, you will participate in enhanced learning opportunities in the school’s state-of-the-art simulated learning center. In addition to coursework, you will complete an evidence-based DNP Scholarly Project, residency, and an oral defense of your project.

The 73-credit curriculum is designed to prepare you for career opportunities as a practitioner, consultant, and role model for adult and gerontology care in various healthcare settings. In this program, you will take classes, including Pathophysiology & Management of Adult/Older Adult Acute Care Problems, Management of Acute & Critical Problems of Adult & Older Adult Populations, Population & Social Determinants of Health, and Advanced Pathophysiology.

Direct care clinical practicums are also an essential part of the program. All students complete at least 1,000 post-bachelor’s clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged by program faculty and supervised by clinical faculty and approved preceptors in various healthcare settings.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing school, an active, unencumbered RN license, and one year of work experience as a registered nurse in an intensive care setting. All candidates are required to provide letters of professional recommendation, an admission essay, and transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Transcripts should reflect the completion of a graduate-level statistics course taken within the last six years and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework, all undergraduate nursing courses, and any graduate-level courses.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Wichita State University’s ACNP program is led by faculty with decades of experience in adult and gerontology care and nursing education. Faculty work closely with students to promote success in the program and beyond.
• Graduates of the Wichita State University ACNP program have outstanding first-time pass rates on national certification exams. As a nurse educator, this is one factor I recommend all potential students consider when choosing a school.
• Graduate nursing programs can be intense. Knowing you have access to and support from faculty is important. At Wichita State University, low faculty-to-student ratios mean you will have more opportunities for individual attention and guidance from faculty, making your learning experience more personal and rewarding.
• As a nurse educator, I recommend searching for ACNP programs that are highly ranked by reputable sources. When you find programs with good rankings, you can feel confident that you will receive a quality education and be prepared for the role you want to pursue. For example, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Wichita State University’s DNP program in its Best Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs category.
• Wichita State University believes everyone should have access to education, and one way they make that possible is by awarding more than $100 million in scholarships each year! Financial aid advisors are available to discuss scholarships, grants, and other financial aid for which you may qualify.
• One factor to consider when choosing an ACNP program in Kansas (or any other state) is the reported job placement rates of previous graduates. Job placement rates can tell you a lot about how potential employers view a school or program. According to WSU, graduates of its ACNP program have outstanding job placement rates. Nearly all former students report being employed within six months of completing the program, while some are offered jobs while still enrolled, contingent upon graduating and passing national certification.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN KANSAS?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN KANSAS EXPECT?


Hourly$43.22
Weekly$1,729
Monthly$7,490
Annual$89,890


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN KANSAS EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level$43.22$1,729$7,490$89,890
1-4 Years of Experience$48.90$1,956$8,480$101,710
5-9 Years of Experience$57.72$2,309$10,010$120,060
10-19 Years of Experience$64.28$2,571$11,140$133,700
20 Years or More Experience$76.82$3,073$13,320$159,780


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN KANSAS?


Hourly$58.74
Weekly$2,350
Monthly$10,180
Annual$122,180


HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF KANSAS?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Lawrence$57.45$2,298$9,960$119,490
Manhattan$55.55$2,222$9,630$115,540
Topeka$61.79$2,472$10,710$128,520
Wichita$55.77$2,231$9,670$116,000



ACNP SALARY IN KANSAS VS. OTHER SALARIES


ACNP SALARY IN KANSAS VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Kansas
ACNP Annual Salary
Average National
ACNP Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$122,180$131,620-$9,440-7.17%


ACNP SALARY IN KANSAS VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


StateAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
California$165,480-$43,300-26.17%
Nevada$152,290-$30,110-19.77%
Washington$148,940-$26,760-17.97%
New Jersey$148,560-$26,380-17.76%
Oregon$148,480-$26,300-17.71%
Massachusetts$147,520-$25,340-17.18%
New York$146,310-$24,130-16.49%
Connecticut$140,320-$18,140-12.93%
New Mexico$140,100-$17,920-12.79%
Minnesota$138,300-$16,120-11.66%
District of Columbia$138,130-$15,950-11.55%
Rhode Island$136,710-$14,530-10.63%
Hawaii$135,840-$13,660-10.06%
Arizona$135,790-$13,610-10.02%
Delaware$134,300-$12,120-9.02%
Iowa$134,010-$11,830-8.83%
New Hampshire$133,920-$11,740-8.77%
Texas$133,180-$11,000-8.26%
Wisconsin$131,460-$9,280-7.06%
Maryland$131,110-$8,930-6.81%
Utah$130,930-$8,750-6.68%
North Dakota$130,870-$8,690-6.64%
Pennsylvania$130,550-$8,370-6.41%
Illinois$129,990-$7,810-6.01%
Alaska$129,240-$7,060-5.46%
Vermont$129,170-$6,990-5.41%
Montana$127,680-$5,500-4.31%
Idaho$127,580-$5,400-4.23%
Oklahoma$127,360-$5,180-4.07%
Wyoming$126,570-$4,390-3.47%
Indiana$126,320-$4,140-3.28%
Maine$125,930-$3,750-2.98%
Ohio$125,860-$3,680-2.92%
Colorado$124,960-$2,780-2.22%
Nebraska$124,640-$2,460-1.97%
North Carolina$124,550-$2,370-1.90%
Georgia$124,100-$1,920-1.55%
South Dakota$123,930-$1,750-1.41%
Virginia$123,810-$1,630-1.32%
Michigan$123,620-$1,440-1.16%
Florida$122,630-$450-0.37%
Kansas$122,180$00.00%
Louisiana$121,560+$620+0.51%
Mississippi$120,350+$1,830+1.52%
South Carolina$119,790+$2,390+2.00%
Missouri$119,520+$2,660+2.23%
West Virginia$116,210+$5,970+5.14%
Arkansas$116,170+$6,010+5.17%
Kentucky$113,060+$9,120+8.07%
Alabama$112,700+$9,480+8.41%
Tennessee$106,250+$15,930+14.99%


ACNP SALARY IN KANSAS VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN KANSAS


Type of NurseAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Nurse Anesthetist$184,650-$62,470-33.83%
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner$122,180$00.00%
Registered Nurse$76,240+$45,940+60.26%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary$72,260+$49,920+69.08%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse$55,610+$66,570+119.71%
Nursing Assistant$36,020+$86,160+239.20%


ACNP SALARY IN KANSAS VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN KANSAS


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist$175,480-$53,300-30.37%
Podiatrist$141,650-$19,470-13.75%
Optometrist$138,280-$16,100-11.64%
Pharmacist$129,300-$7,120-5.51%
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner$122,180$00.00%
Physician Assistant$119,470+$2,710+2.27%
Veterinarian$103,730+$18,450+17.79%
Physical Therapist$93,780+$28,400+30.28%
Occupational Therapist$92,510+$29,670+32.07%
Radiation Therapist$91,970+$30,210+32.85%
Speech-Language Pathologist$82,790+$39,390+47.58%
Dental Hygienist$79,160+$43,020+54.35%
Audiologist$78,380+$43,800+55.88%



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Kansas?


S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Kansas?


1


3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Kansas?


$58.74


4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Kansas?


$2,350


5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Kansas?


$10,180


6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Kansas?


$122,180


7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Kansas?


10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+42.90%


Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).



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