Pittsburg State University (Irene Ransom Bradley) Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Southeast Kansas public university nursing with a dedicated Simulation Hospital, Gorilla Advantage multi-state resident tuition, and a full ladder from pre-licensure BSN through online MSN, MSN-to-DNP Leadership, and Advanced Practice DNP. First-time NCLEX-RN rates below are from the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year RN table (data through December 31, 2024); tuition snapshots are from PSU’s published 2025–2026 schedules.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing pairs KSBN-documented NCLEX-RN performance (97.40% first-time BSN pass rate in calendar year 2024) with a Simulation Hospital, 700+ clinical hours, and graduate pathways including online MSN and DNP—a strong fit if you want a public university in the Four-State Area with Gorilla Advantage tuition for residents of many states.
Overview & Why Students Choose Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University is a public university in Pittsburg, Kansas, near the borders of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. Nursing sits in the College of Arts and Sciences as the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing. PSU offers pre-licensure BSN, RN-to-BSN, online MSN (with Educational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and Forensic Nursing Leadership emphases), MSN-to-DNP Leadership, an Advanced Practice Nursing DNP (BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP with optional education emphasis), and a Nurse Educator Certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN, DNP, or PhD. The baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); BSN and DNP are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing per the school’s accreditation statement.
Undergraduate students train in PSU’s Simulation Hospital and complete extensive clinical hours across the Four-State Area; the program highlights student organizations such as the Kansas Association of Nursing Students (KANS) and optional study-abroad health experiences.
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (first-time candidates, data through December 31, 2024), Pittsburg State University’s BSN program reported a 97.40% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024; the three-year average listed for PSU BSN was 93.08%. The same PDF footnote cites a Kansas BSN average pass rate of 94.21% for 2024, so PSU’s 2024 BSN rate is above that statewide BSN average from the identical report. Confirm the latest cohort with KSBN and PSU.
Reasons students choose Irene Ransom Bradley Nursing
📊 KSBN-documented NCLEX outcomes
The multi-year RN table shows a 97.40% first-time BSN pass rate for CY 2024 and a 93.08% three-year average—above the Kansas BSN 2024 average (94.21%) in the same PDF footnote.
🏥 Simulation Hospital & clinical volume
PSU promotes a Simulation Hospital with high-fidelity manikins and more than 700 clinical rotation hours—useful if you want repeated hands-on reps before patient care.
🗺 Gorilla Advantage tuition footprint
Undergraduate Gorilla Advantage pricing covers residents of many states beyond Kansas—see PSU’s tuition page for the current state list and flat-rate semester amounts.
🎓 Online MSN & DNP options
Graduate nursing coursework is offered online for MSN emphases and doctoral pathways, supporting working RNs advancing to leadership or advanced practice—verify your track on the program page.
🤝 Regional employer connections
PSU’s nursing page lists regional health systems (e.g., Freeman and Mercy in Joplin, Via Christi in Pittsburg, major Kansas City hospitals) as examples of where graduates have been recruited—confirm placements for your cohort with the school.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following programs are drawn from the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing hub and linked program pages. They are grouped as pre-licensure, post-licensure undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral per project taxonomy.
Pre-licensure
Pre-Licensure BSN
For students without an RN license: combines general education, prerequisites, upper-division nursing courses, the Simulation Hospital, and clinical experiences across the region. Leads to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN
Builds on ADN preparation and RN licensure toward a BSN; application materials are listed on the dedicated RN-to-BSN application page.
Graduate (MSN & certificate)
MSN (Online)
PSU lists an online MSN with emphasis tracks in Educational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and Forensic Nursing Leadership—confirm course delivery and admission with the graduate nursing office.
MSN to DNP in Leadership
Post-MSN DNP with Organizational, Leadership, and Forensic Nursing emphasis options as described on the MSN-to-DNP program page.
Nurse Educator Certificate
Designed for nurses who already hold an MSN, DNP, or PhD and want additional preparation as educators.
Doctoral (DNP)
Advanced Practice Nursing DNP
BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways with an optional Nursing Education emphasis; coursework is available online per PSU, with application windows described on the doctoral pages (e.g., BSN-DNP application August 1–October 10 for a summer start).
Program titles, emphases, and delivery modes can change. Always confirm the current list in the PSU catalog — School of Nursing and on Fields of study.
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), Pittsburg State University’s BSN program reported the following first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by calendar year:
- 2024: 97.40%
- 2023: 94.05%
- 2022: 87.80%
- 2021: 82.56%
- 2020: 92.94%
- Three-year average (reported): 93.08%
The same PDF footnote cites a Kansas BSN average pass rate of 94.21% for 2024, so PSU’s 2024 BSN rate is above that statewide BSN average from the identical report. The PSU nursing page also displays a 93.08% three-year average first-time NCLEX statistic aligned with KSBN’s table—confirm methodology and cohort year on the school site.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN, CY 2024) | 97.40% (KSBN multi-year RN table) |
| Three-year average (BSN) | 93.08% (same KSBN table) |
| Source | KSBN Multi-Year Pass Rates — RN (PDF). Confirm current cohort data with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and PSU. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and test plan. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with KSBN and the School of Nursing before making enrollment decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Pittsburg State University publishes minimum TOEFL iBT and IELTS section scores for BSN applicants born outside the United States on the official BSN application procedure page. International tuition and insurance estimates are listed separately from Gorilla Advantage rates. Use the checklist below as guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL iBT and IELTS minimums per section as listed on the BSN application page for non–U.S.-born applicants.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators if required by graduate nursing or the admissions office.
- 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-area clinicals.
Verify with PSU’s International Programs & Services, the School of Nursing (nurs@pittstate.edu), and KSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
The pre-licensure BSN uses a formal application in addition to PSU admission. The BSN application procedure states that all applicants must take the ATI TEAS on campus (McPherson Hall, Room 135); for full admission, the School of Nursing standard score is 65.0%, with one retake allowed. The catalog requires an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 2.50 GPA in specified science sequences for upper-division nursing, plus other prerequisites—meeting minimums does not guarantee admission because clinical seats are limited.
Applicants complete a CastleBranch national background check; non-Kansas residents also need a Kansas Bureau of Investigation check per the application instructions.
Application timeline (pre-licensure BSN)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (recent cycle) | December 15 | Application and application materials per BSN application page; official transcripts due by January 20. |
| Catalog reference | December 1 | Catalog also references December 1 prior to fall upper-division enrollment—confirm the active date with the School of Nursing. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Pre-licensure BSN) | 3.0 overall; 2.50 in selected science courses (2025–2026 catalog excerpt) |
| ATI TEAS | Required; 65.0% minimum for full admission (BSN application page) |
| ACT | Catalog notes ACT results must be provided for pre-licensure clinical nursing |
| CNA / CPR (clinical) | Catalog: current state CNA certification and CPR certification required for clinical courses; students arrange transportation and liability insurance |
Schedule ATI TEAS dates early through the Office Forms link on the application page, budget for the $70 exam fee, and prepare using the official ATI study manual. Plan for CNA and BLS/CPR documentation before clinicals per the catalog. Send transcripts to the Registrar’s office and keep copies of prerequisite grades. For graduate nursing, confirm separate Graduate School requirements and deadlines.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
PSU publishes flat-rate undergraduate tuition for fall and spring (12–18 credits) plus per-credit rates for part-time enrollment. The Gorilla Advantage tier extends resident-style tuition to residents of many states; out-of-state students pay the higher flat rate unless they qualify for Legacy or other programs. Figures below are from the 2025–2026 Undergraduate Tuition and Costs page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Gorilla Advantage / in-state tier (flat rate, incl. campus fees) | $4,299.50 per semester (2025–2026) |
| Out-of-state undergraduate (flat rate) | $9,971.50 per semester (2025–2026) |
| Estimated academic year total (tuition + books + residence hall) | $20,233 (Gorilla tier) / $31,577 (out-of-state)—estimates from PSU table |
| Part-time per credit (undergrad) | $317 in-state tier; $695 out-of-state (9 credits or fewer) |
| Graduate tuition | See Graduate tuition and costs for MSN/DNP rates |
| Source | PSU Undergraduate Tuition and Costs. Confirm current amounts each term. |
Complete the FAFSA and review scholarships and financial assistance. Nursing scholarships may require a separate application after October 1 per the BSN application page.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pre-licensure outcomes are summarized using KSBN-documented NCLEX-RN pass rates above. The PSU nursing landing page also cites a 97.6% BSN retention rate over three years, a 99.91% BSN graduation rate, and reported job placement among surveyed graduates—confirm definitions, cohort years, and methodology on the official page before comparing programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (BSN, CY 2024) | 97.40% first-time (KSBN multi-year RN PDF) |
| Three-year average first-time NCLEX (BSN) | 93.08% (KSBN table; also shown on PSU nursing page) |
| Retention / graduation (BSN, school-reported) | 97.6% retention (three-year window); 99.91% graduation rate—per PSU nursing program page; confirm cohort scope with the school |
| Job placement (school-reported) | PSU states reported job placement among surveyed graduates over several years on the nursing major page—confirm current survey methodology and year with PSU |
| Source | Confirm current NCLEX data with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and PSU consumer/outcomes disclosures. |
Is Pittsburg State University the Right Fit for You?
PSU fits students who want a public university with strong regional clinical ties, documented NCLEX outcomes in KSBN data, and flexible graduate pathways—but competitive pre-licensure admission and on-campus TEAS testing are important to plan for.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want KSBN-documented BSN NCLEX outcomes and a Simulation Hospital–heavy curriculum.
- Live in or can relocate to southeast Kansas / the Four-State Area for clinical commuting.
- Value Gorilla Advantage tuition if they qualify for the multi-state resident tier.
- Plan to continue at PSU for online MSN or DNP after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot test on campus for ATI TEAS or meet the 65% standard after preparation.
- Need guaranteed nursing admission without competitive upper-division review.
- Prefer every clinical rotation in a major metro—many experiences are regional/community focused.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Pittsburg sits in a Four-State Area where Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas meet. PSU describes clinical training across community hospitals, home health, hospice, and other settings; employer examples on the nursing page include Via Christi Hospital (Pittsburg), Freeman Health System and Mercy (Joplin, Missouri), and several Kansas City–area hospitals. Exact contracts rotate—confirm current affiliations with the School of Nursing.
| Facility / Region | Details |
|---|---|
| Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg | Local hospital named on PSU’s nursing careers list—verify active clinical placement agreements. |
| Joplin & regional Missouri | Freeman and Mercy (Joplin) listed as regional employers/recruiters of PSU graduates. |
| Kansas City corridor | University of Kansas Health System, Olathe Medical Center, Research Medical Center, Truman Medical Center, and others named as examples of regional employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
ATI TEAS testing occurs in McPherson Hall, Room 135, per the BSN application page. The School of Nursing promotes its Simulation Hospital with pediatric, adult, and obstetric manikins (including mixed-reality birthing scenarios), white coat and pinning ceremonies, and student involvement through KANS (Kansas Association of Nursing Students). In 2026 PSU announced the state’s first Men in Nursing chapter—confirm active organizations via Campus Labs Engage.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Pittsburg, KS
- Address
- 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762, US (Registrar address for transcripts)
- Telephone
- (620) 235-4431 (School of Nursing, per PSU nursing site)
- Contact email
- nurs@pittstate.edu
- Website
- pittstate.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the BSN application procedure and download the pre-nursing advisement form (PDF) if provided for your cycle.
- Register for an ATI TEAS date through the Office Forms scheduling link on the application page.
- Compare your transcripts to prerequisites in the BS in Nursing catalog entry.
- Bookmark the KSBN multi-year RN pass rate PDF for outcome monitoring.
- Review DNP or MSN pages if you are considering graduate entry.
- Add the December application deadline and June/August School of Nursing orientation dates from the BSN application page to your calendar.
- Contact swinter@pittstate.edu (administrative associate listed on the application page) with process questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pittsburg State University BSN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (data through December 31, 2024), PSU’s BSN program had a 97.40% first-time pass rate in calendar year 2024 and a 93.08% three-year average. Confirm the latest cohort with KSBN and PSU.
What nursing programs does the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing offer?
PSU lists pre-licensure BSN, RN-to-BSN, online MSN emphases (Educational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Forensic Nursing Leadership), MSN-to-DNP Leadership, Advanced Practice DNP (BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP), and a Nurse Educator certificate. Verify titles on pittstate.edu/nursing.
Does Pittsburg State University require the TEAS for pre-licensure BSN?
Yes. The BSN application procedure requires the ATI TEAS at PSU with a 65.0% minimum score for full admission and one retake allowed.
What GPA does Pittsburg State University require for nursing upper division?
The catalog states a 3.0 overall GPA and a 2.50 GPA in specified science courses, plus completion of prerequisite coursework, before upper-division nursing courses.
When is the Pittsburg State University pre-licensure BSN application due?
The BSN application page lists December 15 for fall with transcripts by January 20 for a recent cycle; the catalog also references December 1. Confirm the active deadline for your term.
How much is Pittsburg State University undergraduate tuition?
For 2025–2026, PSU publishes $4,299.50 per semester flat tuition (Gorilla Advantage tier) and $9,971.50 per semester for out-of-state, plus estimated books and housing on the Undergraduate Tuition and Costs page.
Is Pittsburg State University nursing accredited?
PSU states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs and Kansas State Board of Nursing approval for BSN and DNP.
What is the Simulation Hospital at Pittsburg State University?
PSU describes a Simulation Hospital with high-fidelity manikins and mixed-reality scenarios for skills practice before clinical rotations.
When can I apply to Pittsburg State University BSN-to-DNP?
The program page lists August 1–October 10 for BSN-DNP applications with a summer start, with first consideration before October 10; MSN-to-DNP accepts applications year-round.
What English tests does Pittsburg State University require for international BSN applicants?
The BSN application page lists minimum TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores by section for applicants born outside the United States. Confirm current requirements with International Programs.
References
- Pittsburg State University — Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursingpittstate.edu/nursing
- Pittsburg State University — BSN Nursing Program Applicationpittstate.edu/nursing/bsn-nursing-application
- Pittsburg State University — Undergraduate Tuition and Costspittstate.edu/admission/tuition-and-costs
- Pittsburg State University — Catalog (BS in Nursing)BS in Nursing (catalog)
- 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 PDF, program-list consistency with PSU’s nursing program pages and catalog, and tuition figures tied to Pittsburg State’s published 2025–2026 tuition tables.
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