Baker University School of Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Private, CCNE-accredited nursing programs based at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, with pre-licensure BSN pathways and online RN-to-BSN and MSN options. Use this guide for program scope, published tuition snapshots, and where to verify NCLEX outcomes with the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Baker’s School of Nursing sits on the Stormont Vail Health campus in Topeka, so pre-licensure students train in a Magnet-designated system while still able to start with a residential liberal-arts experience in Baldwin City. That combination—regional hospital integration plus multiple BSN entry tracks—is the clearest structural differentiator versus generic online-only programs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Baker University School of Nursing
Founded in 1858, Baker University is a private Kansas institution whose School of Nursing is located on the Stormont Vail Health campus in Topeka, linking pre-licensure education to a large regional health system. The school offers stacked pathways—from a traditional residential start in Baldwin City through accelerated and online options—so applicants can match a BSN format to their timeline and work obligations.
Baker emphasizes small cohorts, simulation and skills labs, and clinical experiences within Stormont Vail and broader community settings. Graduate programs (MSN and post-master’s certificates) are delivered online for working RNs seeking education or administration roles.
For official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by program and reporting period, use the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) published materials. Baker’s marketing pages state that more than 90% of BSN students pass the NCLEX on the first attempt (school-reported language; not a substitute for KSBN tables). Confirm cohort-specific outcomes with KSBN and the School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Baker
Stormont Vail Health partnership
Pre-licensure nursing coursework is delivered on a Magnet-designated hospital campus, with clinical learning embedded in a major regional system rather than only scattered community sites.
Multiple BSN entry designs
Traditional BSN, online Accelerated BSN (ABSN), and online ADN-to-BSN let students align pace, cost, and employment status—ABSN is structured for working adults with weekend-oriented clinical scheduling.
CCNE-accredited BSN and MSN
Baker lists CCNE accreditation for its baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs and KSBN approval for the pre-licensure BSN—verify current status with CCNE, KSBN, and the university.
Simulation and skills infrastructure
Program materials describe high-fidelity simulation, a multi-bed skills lab, and structured NCLEX preparation supports (including review coursework and tutoring).
Post-licensure graduate stack
Online MSN tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration, plus ADN-to-MSN and post-master’s certificates, support nurses advancing without relocating.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are listed on Baker’s official School of Nursing and program pages. They are grouped by pre-licensure, post-licensure, and graduate study as recommended for nursing guide clarity.
Pre-licensure
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students typically complete prerequisites and general education (including about 62 credit hours) in Baldwin City, then complete the professional nursing sequence (about 62 credit hours) at the Stormont Vail Health campus in Topeka. The program prepares candidates for NCLEX-RN licensure.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at Baker the program is online for didactic courses with in-person clinicals, often described as completable in about 14.5 months. Prerequisites mirror standard science and general-education requirements.
Post-licensure (RN)
ADN to BSN (RN to BSN)
Online RN-to-BSN for associate-prepared RNs with at least one year of full-time practice experience (per Baker’s ADN-to-BSN page). Coursework is online with a leadership capstone in the student’s community.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN with tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration; start dates are offered multiple times per year. Baker also offers an MBA dual-degree option for students who want additional business coursework.
ADN to MSN
Bridge pathway for ADN-prepared RNs toward an MSN. Baker states explicitly that it does not award a BSN degree in this pathway—confirm curriculum and exit credential with the program.
Post-Master’s certificates
Post-master’s certificates in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration for nurses who already hold an MSN from a professionally accredited program.
Program titles, tracks, and delivery can change with catalog updates. Confirm your pathway, start term, and any prerequisite or residency rules on the official Baker University School of Nursing pages before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For authoritative first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Kansas nursing programs, refer to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) public reports and education dashboards. This page does not substitute a live KSBN table—use the Board’s published figures for the exact percentage, test-taker counts, and reporting year.
Separately, Baker’s own BSN marketing materials state that more than 90% of BSN students pass the NCLEX on the first attempt, and the Accelerated BSN page references first-time pass rates averaging around 95% in promotional copy. Treat these as school-reported narrative benchmarks, not replacements for KSBN statistics. Confirm current cohort performance with KSBN and Baker.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (official table) | See KSBN published program data for Baker University (not reprinted here to avoid stale numbers). |
| School-reported snapshot (BSN marketing) | Baker states more than 90% first-time NCLEX pass for BSN students (BSN program page; confirm wording and year on the live page). |
| Source | Kansas State Board of Nursing; Baker University BSN and Accelerated BSN program pages. Confirm current data with KSBN and the School of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and exam version. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and Baker University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on Baker’s admissions policies, clinical placement rules, visa type, and Kansas Board of Nursing licensure pathways. Use this as a checklist only—this is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm required exams and minimum scores with Baker admissions and the School of Nursing.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask which evaluation services Baker accepts for nursing prerequisites and prior degrees.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure and NCLEX eligibility (including endorsement or international credentials), work directly with KSBN and CGFNS/visa-related steps as applicable.
- Immigration & visa: Online and hybrid programs differ in on-ground clinical requirements; confirm whether your visa status supports required clinical hours and travel.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Baker’s admissions office, international services (if applicable), and the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Baker’s Traditional BSN uses a competitive selection process that weighs prerequisite GPA (overall and math/science), progress on prerequisites, prior degrees, and a faculty interview. The public BSN admissions page lists minimum GPA thresholds and term-specific deadlines; ABSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN pathways have separate admissions contacts and requirements.
Application timeline (Traditional BSN)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall start | Applications due Dec. 31 (opens Sept. 10); transcripts due Jan. 10; interviews in February | If space remains, applications may be accepted until July 1—contact the School of Nursing. |
| Spring start | Applications due Aug. 10 (opens March 1); transcripts due Aug. 13; interviews in September | If space remains, applications may be accepted until Dec. 1—contact the School of Nursing. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA (Traditional BSN) | At least 2.70 overall prerequisite GPA and math/science GPA on a 4.0 scale; all prerequisites at C or higher (per BSN admissions page) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed as a requirement on the public BSN admissions page; tuition pages reference ATI testing fees—confirm which assessments apply to your cohort |
| Interview | Required for Traditional BSN selection (faculty interview) |
Honest tip: If you are applying to the Traditional BSN, align prerequisite sequencing early (sciences within Baker’s 10-year rule where applicable) and document consistent academic performance—math/science GPA is explicitly part of the calculation.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition differs by pathway. Figures below are taken from Baker’s nursing tuition pages labeled 2025–2026 (on-ground BSN and Accelerated BSN) or the current posted rate (ADN-to-BSN, MSN). Fees, ATI/assessment charges, insurance, and graduation fees add to the totals—see each official page.
| Program | Tuition snapshot |
|---|---|
| On-ground Traditional BSN (2025–2026) | $9,250 per semester full-time ($18,500 per academic year); part-time $596 per credit hour under 12 hours—plus activity, resource, ATI, and other fees listed on the BSN Tuition & Fees page |
| Accelerated BSN (2025–2026) | $9,875 per semester for full-time (12–18 credit hours)—plus ATI, resource, liability, graduation, and other fees on the Accelerated BSN Tuition & Fees page |
| ADN to BSN (online RN-to-BSN) | $230 per credit hour—plus technology fee per course and other line items on the ADN-to-BSN Tuition & Fees page |
| MSN (online) | $495 per credit hour—plus technology fee per course and other posted fees on the MSN Tuition & Fees page |
| Source | BSN Tuition & Fees, Accelerated BSN Tuition & Fees, ADN to BSN Tuition & Fees, MSN Tuition & Fees. Confirm current amounts with Baker. |
Room, board, transportation, and personal expenses for Baldwin City or Topeka vary by student; Baker’s financial aid office can provide a full cost-of-attendance estimate.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use KSBN for licensure exam outcomes and Baker’s consumer-facing pages for employment narratives. Strong percentages require clear attribution and a reminder to confirm methodology.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | Official first-time rates: see Kansas State Board of Nursing reports. Baker’s BSN page states more than 90% first-time pass (school-reported marketing). |
| Employment (school-reported) | BSN page: 95% of graduates licensed and staying in Kansas employed within three months (Baker marketing copy—confirm cohort definition with the school). Accelerated BSN page: employment outcomes described for graduates; confirm current statements on the live page. |
| Source | KSBN; Baker BSN page; Accelerated BSN page. Confirm current rates and job-outcome claims with the School of Nursing and KSBN. |
Is Baker University School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Baker fits students who want a private, mission-driven program with a visible hospital partnership and multiple BSN designs. It may be less appealing if you need the lowest possible published tuition (compare with Kansas public universities) or if you cannot travel to Topeka for required clinical blocks in pre-licensure tracks.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want pre-licensure training embedded in Stormont Vail Health’s Topeka environment and value Magnet-designated system exposure.
- Prefer a clear split between residential prerequisite study (Baldwin City) and professional nursing in Topeka for the Traditional BSN.
- Need an online Accelerated BSN or RN-to-BSN/MSN format while staying employed.
- Plan to practice in Kansas or the region and want locally recognized clinical relationships.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a fully online pre-licensure program with no in-person clinical or campus expectations (Baker’s pre-licensure pathways include on-site requirements).
- Are seeking the lowest published in-state tuition without considering aid (compare net price across institutions).
- Cannot relocate or commute for Topeka-area clinical intensives in ABSN or Traditional BSN tracks.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Topeka anchors Shawnee County’s referral network, while Kansas City and Lawrence expand job markets within a regional drive. Baker highlights Stormont Vail Health as the host system for its School of Nursing, giving students routine exposure to tertiary services common in a regional capital city environment.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Stormont Vail Health | Magnet-designated partner hosting Baker’s Topeka nursing campus; major source of clinical learning for pre-licensure pathways per Baker. |
| University of Kansas Health System (region) | Alumni example cited by Baker (ED nurse at KU Hospital); not a formal guarantee of placement—illustrates regional employment reach. |
| Community & public health | Rural and community rotations across northeast Kansas support primary care and population-health competencies. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Traditional BSN students often spend their first two years in Baldwin City with access to undergraduate student life—clubs, Greek organizations, and athletics—before transitioning to the Pozez Education Center at Stormont Vail in Topeka for the nursing major. Program materials reference high-fidelity simulation, a multi-bed skills lab, and student groups such as Sigma Theta Tau and student nurse associations.
Baker also promotes optional international service learning (for example, medical mission travel referenced on the BSN page) for students seeking global health perspective—confirm availability, cost, and scheduling with the School of Nursing.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School of Nursing site
- Topeka, KS (Stormont Vail Health campus)
- Address
- Pozez Education Center, 1505 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606, US
- Telephone
- 785-354-5850 or 888-866-4242
- BSN admissions contact
- cara.bonfiglio@bakerU.edu (Student Admissions & Progressions Coordinator—confirm current role on Baker’s site)
- Website
- bakeru.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the School of Nursing hub and identify your pathway (Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, ADN-to-MSN).
- Download or bookmark the BSN admissions checklist and prerequisite table; map courses you still need.
- Compare BSN and Accelerated BSN tuition pages and note fees beyond base tuition.
- Review KSBN licensure exam reporting for program-level NCLEX statistics.
- Email or call the School of Nursing to confirm interview timing, ATI/assessment expectations, and clinical commuting requirements.
- If you are an RN applicant, locate the correct form for ADN to BSN or MSN admissions.
- Add application deadlines (Dec. 31 / Aug. 10 for Traditional BSN) to your calendar with transcript submission dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Baker University School of Nursing located?
The School of Nursing is on the Stormont Vail Health campus in Topeka, Kansas (Pozez Education Center, 1505 SW 8th Ave.). Traditional BSN students often complete prerequisites in Baldwin City before the Topeka nursing sequence.
What nursing programs does Baker University offer?
Baker lists Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), online ADN-to-BSN, online MSN (Nursing Education and Nursing Administration), ADN-to-MSN, and post-master’s certificates. Confirm active tracks on bakeru.edu/nursing.
What is Baker’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
Use the Kansas State Board of Nursing for official program pass rates. Baker’s BSN marketing copy states more than 90% first-time pass—treat that as school-reported, not a substitute for KSBN tables.
Does Baker’s Traditional BSN require the TEAS?
The public BSN admissions page does not list TEAS; it emphasizes GPA, prerequisites, and interviews. Tuition pages include ATI testing fees—ask the School of Nursing which assessments your cohort requires.
What GPA do I need for Baker’s Traditional BSN?
Baker lists a minimum overall prerequisite GPA and math/science GPA of at least 2.70 (4.0 scale) with prerequisite grades of C or higher. Priority options exist for Baker College of Arts and Sciences students with higher GPAs.
How much is Baker BSN tuition?
For 2025–2026, Baker publishes $9,250 per semester full-time on-ground BSN tuition ($18,500 per year) plus fees—see the BSN Tuition & Fees page.
Is Baker University School of Nursing accredited?
Baker states CCNE accreditation for its baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs and KSBN approval for the pre-licensure BSN. Verify current status with CCNE, KSBN, and Baker.
Does Baker offer an Accelerated BSN?
Yes—online coursework with in-person clinicals, often described as about 14.5 months. Review prerequisites on the Accelerated BSN page and tuition on the Accelerated BSN Tuition & Fees page.
What clinical sites do Baker nursing students use?
Baker is headquartered clinically within Stormont Vail Health; additional community sites may rotate in. Confirm semester-specific placements with the School of Nursing.
References
- Baker University School of Nursinghttps://www.bakeru.edu/nursing/
- Baker University — BSN Tuition & Fees (2025–2026 figures cited)https://www.bakeru.edu/nursing/bsn-tuition-fees/
- Baker University — Accelerated BSN Tuition & Feeshttps://www.bakeru.edu/nursing/accelerated-bsn-tuition-fees/
- Baker University — ADN to BSN Tuition & Feeshttps://www.bakeru.edu/nursing/adn-to-bsn-tuition-fees/
- Baker University — MSN Tuition & Feeshttps://www.bakeru.edu/nursing/msn-tuition-fees/
- Baker University — BSN Admissionshttps://www.bakeru.edu/nursing/bsn-admissions/
- Baker University — Contact / School of Nursing addresshttps://www.bakeru.edu/contact
- Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN)https://www.ksbn.org/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX sourcing alignment, tuition figure checks against Baker pages, and program-list accuracy.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy