Licensed Practical Nurse in Kansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$59,920
trending_down -3.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kansas.

engineering
6,940

Jobs (KS)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$275

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years (program length)

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Kansas

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kansas, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Kansas State Board of Nursing. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are mandatory for all applicants. Kansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with multi-state licenses from other compact states to practice in Kansas.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,540
25th percentile $51,940
50th (median) $59,920
75th percentile $64,530
90th (experienced) $73,260

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Kansas requirements

Licensing bodyKansas State Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$75
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. The Kansas State Board of Nursing may deny a license for felony convictions or misdemeanors involving illegal drug offenses, unless sufficient rehabilitation is established. There is no specified minimum age, but some programs may require applicants to be 17 or 18. Some positions may require a valid driver's license or an approved drug test.

Source: Kansas State Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual openings
54,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
651,400
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleKansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a licensed practical nurse in Kansas? expand_more
In Kansas, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($75 fee).
Does Kansas require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more
Kansas mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. Kansas State Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.
What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in Kansas? expand_more
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Kansas is $59,920 per year. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. New licensed practical nurses start around $48,540; seasoned professionals can reach $73,260.
How much does it cost to become a licensed practical nurse in Kansas? expand_more
Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Kansas? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-2 years (program length) from start to finish in Kansas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
How many CE hours do licensed practical nurses need in Kansas? expand_more
License renewal in Kansas requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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