Fort Hays State University Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Public university nursing in Hays, Kansas: CCNE-accredited pre-licensure BSN (on-campus and hybrid), online RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and graduate certificates. First-time NCLEX-RN outcomes below are from the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year RN report (data through December 31, 2024); tuition figures come from FHSU’s published schedules.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
FHSU’s Department of Nursing combines strong documented NCLEX-RN outcomes (100% first-time pass rate for the BSN program in calendar year 2024 per the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year RN table) with a high-fidelity simulation center, rural-focused senior internship, and a full ladder from pre-licensure BSN through DNP—useful if you want a public, northwest-Kansas option with online graduate programs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas, serving a large online student body in addition to on-campus programs. The Department of Nursing offers pre-licensure BSN pathways (on-campus and hybrid), an online RN-to-BSN, MSN tracks in administration and education, post-master’s certificates, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry points. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Clinical learning includes community and hospital experiences across multiple semesters; the senior year includes a structured internship with emphasis on rural health, matching the university’s service area in western Kansas.
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (first-time candidates, data through December 31, 2024), Fort Hays State University’s BSN program reported a 100.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024; the three-year average listed for FHSU BSN was 96.30%. The same report lists a Kansas BSN average pass rate of 94.21% for 2024 (footnote in the PDF). Confirm the latest cohort with KSBN and FHSU.
Reasons students choose FHSU Nursing
📊 Documented NCLEX outcomes
KSBN’s multi-year table shows strong BSN first-time pass rates, including 100% for CY 2024 and a 96.30% three-year average—above the Kansas BSN average for 2024 in the same document.
🏥 Simulation & rural clinical emphasis
FHSU highlights a simulation center modeled on hospital units and a fourth-semester internship with rural healthcare exposure—aligned with workforce needs in western Kansas.
💻 Online ladder for working RNs
RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing coursework are delivered primarily online, supporting nurses who need flexibility while practicing.
🎓 Full graduate pipeline
MSN (administration and education), post-master’s certificates, and DNP pathways let you progress without changing institutions—verify track details with the department.
💰 Published resident/regional rates
FHSU publishes per-credit tuition schedules approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, with transparent estimates for pre-licensure BSN and DNP.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following programs are listed on the FHSU Department of Nursing academic programs page and individual program pages. They are grouped here as pre-licensure, post-licensure undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral per project taxonomy.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Pre-Licensure BSN (On-Campus)
Traditional pre-licensure pathway on the Hays campus; combines general education, nursing theory, simulation, and clinical experiences. Admission is competitive with published GPA and deadline requirements.
Pre-Licensure BSN (Hybrid)
Second pre-licensure BSN option with hybrid delivery as described by FHSU; meets Kansas curriculum expectations for RN licensure. Confirm schedule and site requirements on the hybrid program page.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN
Online completion program for licensed RNs seeking a BSN. Delivery is online per FHSU’s program listing.
Graduate (MSN & certificates)
MSN — Nursing Administration
Master of Science in Nursing focused on leadership and administration; offered as an online program per FHSU.
MSN — Nursing Education
MSN track preparing nurse educators; aligns with the graduate certificate in nursing education.
Post-Master’s Certificates
Certificates in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education for nurses who already hold an MSN, per FHSU’s certificate pages.
Doctoral (DNP)
DNP (BSN to DNP)
Hybrid DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner preparation; 75 credit hours; clinical preceptorships must occur in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma per FHSU. Applicants must reside in those states.
DNP (MSN to DNP)
Post-master’s DNP pathway for APRNs seeking the practice doctorate; confirm specialty alignment with the department.
Program titles, tracks, and delivery modes can change. Always confirm the current list in the FHSU catalog and on the Department of Nursing website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (Program Summary — All First Time Registered Nurse Candidates Educated in Kansas through December 31, 2024), Fort Hays State University’s BSN program reported the following first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by calendar year:
- 2024: 100.00%
- 2023: 95.56%
- 2022: 93.33%
- Three-year average (reported): 96.30%
The same PDF reports a Kansas BSN average pass rate of 94.21% for 2024 (see footnote), so FHSU’s 2024 BSN rate is above that statewide BSN average from the identical report. For national context, the document also cites NCSBN national pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN, CY 2024) | 100.00% (KSBN multi-year RN table) |
| Three-year average (BSN) | 96.30% (same KSBN table) |
| Source | KSBN Multi-Year Pass Rates — RN (PDF). Confirm current cohort data with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and FHSU. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and test plan. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with KSBN and the Department of Nursing before making enrollment decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Fort Hays State University enrolls students from many backgrounds; specific English proficiency scores, visa rules, and transcript evaluation steps depend on your program level and admission category. FHSU’s BSN-to-DNP materials note that foreign nursing transcripts may require CGFNS course-by-course evaluation. Use the checklist below as guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other exams and minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether WES, CGFNS, or another service is required for nursing coursework completed outside the U.S.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure and NCLEX eligibility, follow KSBN instructions for international and foreign-educated applicants.
- Immigration & visa: Whether your program supports F-1 status, how clinical courses affect visa compliance, and any restrictions on out-of-state clinicals.
Verify with FHSU’s International Student Services, the Department of Nursing, and KSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
The on-campus pre-licensure BSN admits twice per year. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum GPA does not guarantee a seat. The department lists a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) at application and at the start of the Junior 1 semester, with C or higher in prerequisites. Applicants may be ranked using cumulative GPA and, if needed, math/science prerequisite GPA. Nursing Guaranteed Admission (NGAP) is offered for qualifying high school seniors—see the department’s NGAP page.
After admission, students must complete CastleBranch clinical clearance (background check, drug screen, BLS, immunizations, physical exam, and a CNA course or equivalent).
Application timeline (pre-licensure BSN, on-campus)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 | Submit materials to the Department of Nursing; GPA check August 1 per program page. |
| Spring | September 1 | GPA check January 1 per program page. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Pre-licensure BSN) | 3.0 cumulative (official program page) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not publicly disclosed on the official program page reviewed—confirm with the Department of Nursing |
| BSN-to-DNP residency | Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma only (FHSU DNP program page) |
Complete prerequisites early, maintain strong science grades, and meet with a nursing advisor listed on the faculty page. Transfer students should send official transcripts to the department before review. For DNP, plan clinical sites within KS/NE/OK and budget for clearance costs.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
FHSU publishes Tuition and Fee Schedules by credit hour (PDF) approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. Rates depend on course type (on-campus vs. FHSU Online) and residency (resident/regional, non-resident, or MSEP). The figures below are taken from the official tuition hub and program pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| On-campus undergraduate (resident/regional) | ~$203.73 per credit hour; FHSU estimates ~$3,055.95 per semester at 15 credits (pre-licensure BSN program page) |
| Tuition schedule (FY26) | Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026 (PDF) |
| BSN-to-DNP (illustrative total) | FHSU cites ~$33,624.63 total based on 75 credits (12 cr at MSN rate $348.78/cr + 63 cr at DNP rate $467.29/cr)—see DNP program page |
| Room, board, books | Not itemized in this guide—see FHSU cost of attendance resources |
| Source | FHSU Tuition and Fees. Confirm current amounts each term. |
Complete the FAFSA and review FHSU scholarships. NURSE Corps and other programs may require separate applications.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pre-licensure outcomes are summarized using KSBN-documented NCLEX-RN pass rates above. For employment or placement percentages, this guide does not state a figure because a single school-reported placement rate with methodology and year was not consolidated in the sources used here.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (BSN, CY 2024) | 100.00% first-time (KSBN multi-year RN PDF) |
| Job Placement / Employment | Not publicly disclosed in the sources consolidated for this page—see FHSU career outcomes or consumer information if published |
| Source | Confirm current NCLEX data with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and FHSU. |
Is Fort Hays State University the Right Fit for You?
FHSU fits a wide range of students, but the program’s location, competitive pre-licensure admission, and graduate-state restrictions for DNP are important to weigh honestly.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a public university in western Kansas with documented NCLEX performance in KSBN reports.
- Value a simulation lab and rural-focused clinical experiences.
- Plan to pursue RN-to-BSN or graduate nursing online while working.
- Live in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma and seek a DNP-FNP with regional clinical placement.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the BSN-to-DNP program but cannot live or complete clinicals in KS, NE, or OK.
- Prefer a large urban hospital ecosystem for every undergraduate rotation.
- Expect guaranteed admission without meeting competitive GPA and prerequisite expectations.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Hays is a regional hub for northwest Kansas health care. Students typically rotate through community hospitals, clinics, and related settings—exact sites vary by semester. Major area providers often include Hays Medical Center and surrounding community facilities. Rural health exposure is emphasized in the BSN curriculum.
| Facility / Region | Details |
|---|---|
| Hays Medical Center | Regional hospital serving northwest Kansas; common touchpoint for clinical learning in the Hays area—confirm current affiliations with FHSU. |
| Rural western Kansas | FHSU cites rural internship opportunities; workforce demand in rural and community settings remains significant for RNs statewide. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses and advising are centered in Stroup Hall on the Hays campus. The department emphasizes a simulation center with exam rooms, manikins, and patient-care learning environments. Student organizations include the Fort Hays Association of Nursing Students (FHANS), Nursing Christian Fellowship, and the Sigma Theta Tau chapter (Nu Zeta), which supports service and professional development activities.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Hays, KS
- Address
- 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601, US (main campus)
- Telephone
- (785) 628-3478 (main) · Nursing office support (785) 628-4256 (Academic Program Specialist, per faculty page)
- Contact email
- Nurs.APS@fhsu.edu
- Website
- fhsu.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the on-campus pre-licensure BSN page and download the application checklist (PDF).
- Compare your transcripts to prerequisite courses in the catalog.
- Schedule a meeting with a nursing professional advisor (Stroup Hall) via the links on the faculty page.
- Confirm whether TEAS/HESI or other tests are required for your application cycle.
- Bookmark the KSBN multi-year RN pass rate PDF for outcome monitoring.
- If applying to DNP, review the BSN-to-DNP residency and clinical rules.
- Add February 1 / September 1 deadlines to your calendar if targeting pre-licensure BSN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Fort Hays State University offer?
FHSU lists pre-licensure BSN (on-campus and hybrid), online RN-to-BSN, MSN in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education, post-master’s certificates, and DNP (BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP). Confirm current offerings with the Department of Nursing.
What is the Fort Hays State University BSN NCLEX-RN pass rate?
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (data through December 31, 2024), FHSU’s BSN program had a 100.00% first-time pass rate in calendar year 2024 and a 96.30% three-year average. Confirm the latest cohort with KSBN and FHSU.
What GPA do you need for Fort Hays State University’s pre-licensure BSN?
The program page specifies a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at application and at the beginning of the Junior 1 semester, plus grades of C or better in prerequisites.
When are nursing application deadlines at Fort Hays State University?
For the on-campus pre-licensure BSN, materials are due September 1 for spring and February 1 for fall. Hybrid deadlines may differ—check that pathway’s page.
Does Fort Hays State University require the TEAS for nursing?
A TEAS or HESI requirement is not stated on the official pre-licensure BSN page used for this guide. Confirm whether an entrance exam applies with the Department of Nursing.
How much is undergraduate nursing tuition at Fort Hays State University?
FHSU cites about $203.73 per credit for on-campus resident/regional undergraduates (FY26 schedule) and roughly $3,055.95 per semester at 15 credits for the on-campus pre-licensure BSN estimate.
Is Fort Hays State University nursing CCNE-accredited?
Yes. FHSU states that the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
What student nursing organizations exist at Fort Hays State University?
The department lists FHANS, Nursing Christian Fellowship, and Sigma Theta Tau (Nu Zeta chapter). Participation varies by year.
Who can enroll in Fort Hays State University’s BSN-to-DNP program?
FHSU limits BSN-to-DNP applicants to residents of Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma, with clinical experiences in those states. Verify current rules with the DNP coordinator.
References
- Fort Hays State University — Department of Nursingfhsu.edu/nursing
- Fort Hays State University — Pre-Licensure BSN (On-Campus)fhsu.edu/programs/nursing
- Fort Hays State University — Academic Programs (Nursing)fhsu.edu/nursing/academic-programs
- Fort Hays State University — Tuition and Feesfhsu.edu/sfs/students_parents/tuition
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Multi-Year Pass Rates (RN, PDF)ksbn.kansas.gov (PDF)
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Homeksbn.kansas.gov
- 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 data alignment with the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year RN pass rate publication, program-list consistency with FHSU’s academic programs page, and tuition figures tied to official FHSU tuition schedules.
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