Registered Nurse / Kansas
2026 data Kansas board official source

Kansas Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Kansas data shows for Registered Nurses

Kansas sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,176 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-RN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Kansas's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Budget $60 to get started, plus $60 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 3 weeks once your application is complete. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in Kansas

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,176 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$106
Renewal Fee
$72
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$60
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$60
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
30 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Kansas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Kansas? ▼
Kansas's requirements cover 2176 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-RN exam, and an initial fee of $106. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Kansas? ▼
Certification as a registered nurse in Kansas means clearing the state's checklist: 2176 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Kansas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Kansas from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Kansas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Kansas require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, Kansas requires a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Kansas? ▼
Kansas ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $72 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Kansas? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Kansas is $60. The renewal fee is $60 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Kansas? ▼
In Kansas, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.