Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing at Washburn: Programs & Requirements (2026)
Public university nursing programs in Kansas’s capital: pre-licensure BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate DNP and PMHNP pathways from the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing. This guide summarizes catalog admissions rules, official per-credit tuition (2025–26 schedule), and where to confirm NCLEX-RN outcomes with the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Washburn anchors the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing on its Topeka campus with simulation labs, a Mobile Health Van for community clinical learning, and study-abroad nursing electives—distinctive touches for a public BSN program in the state capital. Graduate students access an online DNP with FNP and PMHNP tracks and optional MBA coursework integrated into the doctoral plan per university materials.
Overview & Why Students Choose Washburn University
Washburn University is a public institution in Topeka, Kansas, whose Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing delivers pre-licensure and completion BSN pathways plus doctoral and post-master’s graduate nursing programs. The school emphasizes capital-city clinical variety—hospitals, VA, community and long-term care—and runs a Mobile Health Van that pairs service learning with population-health exposure.
Graduate nursing centers on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with distance-accessible coursework; Washburn describes optional MBA courses within the DNP and multiple MSN-to-DNP entry designs for APRNs and master’s-prepared nurses. Always confirm track availability, residency, and clinical rules on the official DNP and graduate nursing pages.
For official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Washburn’s pre-licensure program, use the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) published education reports. This page does not substitute for a live KSBN table—confirm cohort year, program name, and methodology with KSBN and the School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Washburn
Capital-city clinical ecosystem
Topeka offers major hospitals, a VA medical center, rural critical-access sites within driving distance, and diverse outpatient and long-term care—supporting broad rotations without leaving the region.
Stacked BSN pathways
Pre-licensure BSN, LPN-to-BSN articulation, and online RN-to-BSN let students enter from high school, practical nursing, or associate RN practice with catalog-defined prerequisites.
DNP with FNP and PMHNP tracks
Washburn’s online DNP includes family and psychiatric mental health NP preparation, summer start, and defined pathways for BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP applicants per the program website.
Simulation and community learning
The school highlights simulation labs and community-based projects; the Mobile Health Van adds preventative-care experience in underserved settings.
Published tuition differentiation
Washburn posts distinct per-credit rates for School of Nursing courses, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing on the central tuition & fees schedule—useful for side-by-side budgeting with fees.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are listed in the Washburn undergraduate nursing catalog, graduate nursing catalog, and School of Nursing pages. Washburn University’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) pathway appears in the A–Z degrees list as a separate program with a Huntoon location (Washburn Tech)—it is not described here as part of the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing on the main campus; confirm campus and sponsor with the institution.
Pre-licensure
Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Four-year BSN: students complete prerequisites and general education, then apply to the nursing major (junior entry is typical per catalog). Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN licensure. ATI products are required across the undergraduate program with semester billing noted in the catalog.
LPN to BSN
Licensed practical/vocational nurses may pursue the BSN through Washburn’s LPN articulation plan with defined advanced-standing credit per the catalog; total length and transfer rules are program-specific.
Post-licensure (RN)
RN to BSN
Online RN-to-BSN for registered nurses seeking a BSN; catalog lists dedicated RN-to-BSN courses (e.g., clinical concepts, leadership capstone). Tuition is billed at the RN-to-BSN per-credit category on the university schedule.
Graduate
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Online DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks. Entry options include BSN-to-DNP and multiple MSN-to-DNP plans for nurses with or without prior APRN certification, with credit ranges and clinical hour minimums described on the DNP program page.
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate
Post-master’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate for eligible nurses seeking second certification or specialty preparation; clinical hour expectations align with graduate catalog course work.
Healthcare Education Post-Graduate Certificate
Nine-credit healthcare education certificate described in university materials for eligible DNP students or nurses who already hold a clinical master’s or doctorate; confirm eligibility with graduate nursing.
Tracks, credit totals, and on-campus immersion requirements can change. Confirm your pathway on the official Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing site and the live catalog before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) publishes nursing education data and NCLEX-RN outcomes for approved programs. For the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate attributed to Washburn University in official KSBN reports, use the Board’s current dashboards, annual reports, or program-specific tables—do not rely on third-party aggregates.
This guide does not print a percentage here because rates change by cohort and reporting period; pulling a single number without the matching KSBN document year could mislead. After you open the KSBN materials, compare Washburn’s rate to the Board’s state benchmarks only when those figures appear in the same official report.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Washburn, pre-licensure) | See current KSBN nursing education / NCLEX reporting for Washburn University. |
| Source | Kansas State Board of Nursing. Confirm current data with KSBN and the Harmony J. Hines 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 Washburn University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on Washburn admissions, clinical placement policies, visa type, and Kansas State Board of Nursing licensure rules. The pre-licensure catalog lists minimum TOEFL iBT or IELTS section scores for applicants whose first language is not English. Use this as a checklist only—this is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm current TOEFL/IELTS or other requirements with Washburn admissions and the School of Nursing.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask which evaluations are accepted for prerequisites and prior degrees.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure, NCLEX eligibility, and endorsement or international credentials, work directly with KSBN and any required national credentialing steps.
- Immigration & visa: Pre-licensure and graduate programs include on-site or supervised clinical hours; confirm visa compatibility with the Office of International Programs.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Washburn’s admissions office, international programs, and the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Washburn’s Pre-Licensure BSN uses a formal application to the School of Nursing after prerequisite progress. The catalog describes an Early Acceptance Pathway for students admitted to Washburn directly from high school (separate process after graduation) and a Regular Admission Pathway with minimum GPA and coursework rules. RN-to-BSN and DNP applicants should use graduate nursing communications and published checklists.
Application timeline (Regular Admission Pathway, Pre-Licensure BSN)
| Entry Term | Application window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall admission to nursing major | Sept. 1–Dec. 1 (year before entry) | Catalog language: applications accepted a year prior to expected date of entry into the program. |
| Spring admission to nursing major | Mar. 1–July 1 (year before entry) | Confirm whether the program is accepting spring cohorts for your cycle on the School of Nursing site. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum cumulative GPA (Regular Admission) | 2.70 minimum on catalog-listed prerequisite and general education coursework; grades of C or better in prerequisites |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed in the pre-licensure admission excerpt reviewed here; undergraduate nursing uses ATI products billed each semester—confirm any entrance exam with the School of Nursing |
| Interview / references | Catalog lists reference statements and written interview questions in the application packet; faculty interview may be required |
Honest tip: Map prerequisites early (including math and science sequencing) and keep a strong GPA—the catalog notes competitive, space-limited admission through the UAPR committee.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Washburn establishes tuition by credit hour and course category. The figures below come from the university’s Tuition & Fees Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026 schedule. All students pay additional fees (for example, a $70 student fee per fall/spring term when enrolled in one or more courses, per that page). ATI, insurance, uniforms, travel to clinicals, and other nursing-specific costs are listed in the nursing catalog under program expenses.
| Category (Washburn schedule) | Rate (USD per credit hour) |
|---|---|
| School of Nursing courses (traditional undergraduate) | $446.00 |
| School of Nursing online courses (undergraduate) | $556.00 |
| School of Nursing RN to BSN courses | $282.00 |
| School of Nursing online graduate courses (PMHNP) | $727.00 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) courses | $727.00 |
| Source | Washburn University Tuition & Fee Schedules. Confirm current rates and fees with the Business Office. |
Room, board, and personal expenses vary; Washburn’s financial aid office publishes cost-of-attendance components for budgeting.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use KSBN for licensure exam outcomes. For employment, rely on school disclosures with clear attribution—Washburn’s public nursing FAQ references strong graduate employment support through career services; confirm any percentage or timeframe language on the live page and methodology with the school.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate | Official first-time rates: see Kansas State Board of Nursing reports for Washburn University. |
| Employment / placement (school-reported) | Washburn’s nursing FAQ discusses career support and employer connections; if the live page states a placement outcome, treat it as school-reported and confirm cohort definition with the Career Engagement Office. |
| Source | KSBN; Washburn School of Nursing; Career Engagement. Confirm current outcomes with the school and KSBN. |
Is Washburn University the Right Fit for You?
Washburn fits students who want a public university BSN in Topeka with multiple entry tracks and a visible DNP pipeline. It may be less appealing if you need a fully online pre-licensure program without local clinical travel—the catalog warns students may need to travel outside Topeka for clinical placements as cohorts grow.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Kansas resident or Midwest pricing with clearly posted School of Nursing per-credit categories.
- Value simulation, community van service, and capital-city hospital variety for clinical learning.
- Plan to progress from LPN or RN licensure into a BSN or later into an online DNP with FNP or PMHNP focus.
- Prefer a mid-size public campus experience with access to student organizations such as Student Nurses of Washburn (referenced in catalog).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot travel to regional clinical sites outside Topeka when assigned.
- Require a private religious college environment or a different tuition model without comparing net price.
- Expect a guaranteed clinical site at a single employer—sites vary by semester and capacity.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Topeka is Kansas’s capital city, combining two major hospitals, a VA medical center, and rural critical-access hospitals within driving distance—patterns Washburn’s nursing landing page calls out for clinical training. Lawrence, Kansas City, and Manhattan expand employment markets within a few hours’ drive for graduates who seek larger metro employers.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Regional hospitals (Topeka) | Washburn references multiple major hospitals in Topeka for acute-care learning; confirm assigned facilities each term with the School of Nursing. |
| Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center | Federal VA campus frequently used in regional nursing education; placement depends on program contracts and student clearance. |
| Community & public health | Clinics, long-term care, physician offices, and the Washburn Mobile Health Van support outpatient and population-health competencies. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Washburn’s main campus in Topeka combines professional nursing coursework with undergraduate student life—athletics (Ichabods), student organizations, and leadership opportunities. The School of Nursing highlights simulation laboratories, skills practice, and student groups such as Student Nurses of Washburn (SNOW) referenced in the catalog.
Optional study abroad nursing electives include an annual Costa Rica trip and a Japan partnership with Fukuoka University on a biennial cycle, per the School of Nursing page—confirm availability, cost, and credit application before planning.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School of Nursing
- Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing
- Address
- Petro Allied Health Center, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621-1117, US
- Telephone
- 785-670-1525 (fax 785-670-1032 per school page)
- nursing@washburn.edu · Undergraduate: louisa.schurig@washburn.edu · RN-BSN: RNBSN@washburn.edu · Graduate: graduate-son@washburn.edu
- Website
- washburn.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the School of Nursing hub and choose Pre-Licensure BSN, LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, or DNP.
- Review the Pre-Licensure BSN admission section for GPA, deadlines, and application packet items.
- Bookmark Tuition & Fee Schedules and note the School of Nursing credit-hour lines plus the $70 term fee.
- Check KSBN for official Washburn NCLEX-RN reporting for your intended entry cohort.
- Email the appropriate School of Nursing inbox (undergraduate vs. RN-BSN vs. graduate) with pathway-specific questions.
- If applying to the DNP, read the BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP descriptions and sample sequences.
- Add catalog application windows (Sept. 1–Dec. 1 / Mar. 1–July 1) to your calendar if pursuing Regular Admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing located?
Programs are administered from the Petro Allied Health Center at 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, Kansas, on Washburn’s main campus.
What nursing programs does Washburn University offer?
Washburn lists Pre-Licensure BSN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, DNP (FNP and PMHNP tracks with multiple entry paths), Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate, and a healthcare education post-graduate certificate in university materials. Confirm on the School of Nursing site and the catalog.
What is Washburn’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
For official rates, use KSBN published nursing education reports. This guide does not print a live percentage—confirm cohort year and program name in the Board’s tables.
What GPA do I need for Washburn’s Regular Admission BSN pathway?
The Pre-Licensure BSN catalog section lists a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 and completion of 30 credit hours of prerequisites and general education with grades of C or better in required courses.
When do I apply to Washburn’s nursing major?
For Regular Admission, applications are accepted Sept. 1–Dec. 1 for fall entry and Mar. 1–July 1 for spring entry, a year before beginning the nursing major, per the catalog.
How much is School of Nursing tuition per credit (2025–2026)?
Washburn’s schedule lists $446 per credit for School of Nursing courses, $556 for School of Nursing online undergraduate courses, $282 for RN-to-BSN, and $727 for DNP/PMHNP graduate nursing courses, plus the $70 student fee when applicable.
Is Washburn nursing CCNE-accredited?
Washburn’s DNP page states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate program, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate. Verify with CCNE and the university.
Does Washburn offer a DNP with FNP and PMHNP tracks?
Yes. The DNP is distance-accessible with FNP and PMHNP specialties and defined BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways on the DNP program page.
What hospitals or systems do Washburn students use near Topeka?
Washburn describes major Topeka hospitals, VA, rural hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and the Mobile Health Van. The catalog notes travel outside Topeka may be required—confirm placements with the program.
References
- Washburn University — Harmony J. Hines School of Nursinghttps://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/nursing/index.html
- Washburn University — Tuition & Fee Schedules (Fall 2025–Summer 2026 cited)https://www.washburn.edu/student-life/business-office/tuition-fees.html
- Washburn University Catalog — Pre-Licensure BSNhttps://catalog.washburn.edu/undergraduate/school-nursing/pre-licensure-bsn/
- Washburn University Catalog — Undergraduate School of Nursing (overview)https://catalog.washburn.edu/undergraduate/school-nursing/
- Washburn University — Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/nursing/grad/dnp/index.html
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)https://www.ccneaccreditation.org/
- Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN)https://www.ksbn.org/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)https://www.ncsbn.org/
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 Washburn’s published tuition schedule, and program-list accuracy against the catalog.
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