Wichita State University Nursing: What to Know (2026)
The Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing offers Traditional BSN, a K-State partnership pathway, online RN-to-BSN, MSN tracks, and DNP programs in Kansas’s largest health care hub. First-time NCLEX-RN figures below come from the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year RN report (data through December 31, 2024); tuition components come from WSU’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule (effective Fall 2025).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Wichita State’s nursing school is named for its long partnership with Ascension Via Christi, and WSU is co-developing the Wichita Biomedical Campus with KU and WSU Tech—useful context if you want clinical training in a major metro while staying at a public university. KSBN data show a 95.38% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the BSN program in calendar year 2024, with a 90.47% three-year average in the same multi-year RN table.
Overview & Why Students Choose Wichita State University
Wichita State University is a public research university in Wichita, Kansas, home to the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing within the College of Health Professions. The school offers Traditional BSN (competitive entry), a Guaranteed Placement Program for qualifying high school seniors, a dual-degree pathway with Kansas State University, online RN-to-BSN, MSN tracks (Nurse Executive and Nursing Education), and DNP options including postbaccalaureate NP tracks and a post-master’s DNP. The School of Nursing states that BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Clinical education is embedded in a large regional health care market; WSU highlights partnerships with major systems including Ascension Via Christi and access to diverse inpatient and community settings in the Wichita area.
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (first-time candidates, data through December 31, 2024), Wichita State University’s BSN program reported a 95.38% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024; the three-year average listed for WSU BSN was 90.47%. The same PDF lists a Kansas aggregate RN pass rate of 92.53% for 2024 (state summary row). Confirm the latest cohort with KSBN and WSU.
Reasons students choose WSU Nursing
📊 KSBN-documented NCLEX outcomes
The multi-year RN table shows a 95.38% first-time BSN pass rate for CY 2024 and a 90.47% three-year average—compare to the Kansas aggregate line in the same PDF and confirm the next publication with KSBN.
🏥 Metro clinical ecosystem
Wichita is the hub of south-central Kansas health care; WSU emphasizes applied learning and partnerships with regional providers including Ascension Via Christi.
🎓 Multiple entry paths
Traditional BSN, guaranteed placement for eligible high school students, a K-State dual-degree route, and online RN-to-BSN let you align prerequisites and geography with your situation.
💻 Graduate nursing online
MSN and post-master’s DNP tracks are described as online; postbaccalaureate DNP NP programs use hybrid or blended formats per WSU’s program pages.
🏗 Wichita Biomedical Campus
WSU is investing in interprofessional health sciences infrastructure with KU and WSU Tech—relevant if you value long-term clinical and simulation capacity growth.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following programs are listed on the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing hub and linked program pages. They are grouped here as pre-licensure, post-licensure undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Traditional BSN (Wichita campus)
Competitive-admission pre-licensure BSN with fall and spring entry; WSU publishes a points-based selection rubric (GPA, sciences, essay, volunteer hours, and more). Cohort sizes are described in the program comparison materials (e.g., up to 60 per fall/spring for traditional tracks—confirm on the live page).
Guaranteed Placement Program (high school seniors)
Early-assurance pathway for eligible high school students who begin at WSU and meet maintenance criteria—see the GPP page for GPA and progression rules.
Pathway to Nursing at Kansas State University
Students complete a BS or BA at K-State and the BSN at WSU; separate application and prerequisite expectations apply on both campuses.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
WSU’s undergraduate nursing index states the School of Nursing is not enrolling students for the Accelerated BSN program at this time. Do not assume this pathway is available until the official page updates.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
Online BSN completion for licensed RNs with an associate degree in nursing; WSU describes flexible pacing (e.g., three to six semesters in comparison materials).
Graduate (MSN)
MSN — Nurse Executive (Leadership & Administration)
Online MSN focused on healthcare leadership and administration per WSU’s graduate listing.
MSN — Nursing Education
Online MSN preparing nurse educators.
Doctoral (DNP) & post-graduate options
DNP — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (postbaccalaureate)
Postbaccalaureate DNP track listed on WSU’s nursing graduate hub.
DNP — Family NP (postbaccalaureate)
Described as hybrid (online and in-person components) on WSU’s program listing.
DNP — Psychiatric/Mental Health NP (postbaccalaureate)
Postbaccalaureate DNP PMHNP track per WSU.
DNP — Post-Master’s
Online DNP for nurses who already hold an MSN; confirm specialty alignment with the graduate office.
Dual certification (post-graduate)
WSU states dual certification post-graduate education for practicing APRNs may be available in FNP, PMHNP, or AG-ACNP—contact the School of Nursing for eligibility.
Program titles, delivery modes, and cohort sizes can change. Always confirm the current list on the School of Nursing website and in the WSU catalog.
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), Wichita State University’s BSN program reported the following first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by calendar year:
- 2024: 95.38%
- 2023: 91.60%
- 2022: 84.43%
- Three-year average (reported): 90.47%
The same PDF lists a Kansas aggregate RN pass rate of 92.53% for 2024 (state summary row), so WSU’s 2024 BSN rate is above that statewide aggregate from the identical report. The document also cites NCSBN national pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates for broader context. Separately, WSU news noted a school-reported first-time pass outcome for Spring 2024 BSN graduates—confirm cohort definitions with the School of Nursing and prefer KSBN tables for regulatory comparability.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN, CY 2024) | 95.38% (KSBN multi-year RN table) |
| Three-year average (BSN) | 90.47% (same KSBN table) |
| Source | KSBN Multi-Year Pass Rates — RN (PDF). Confirm current cohort data with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and WSU. |
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
Wichita State enrolls international students in many majors; specific English proficiency scores, visa rules, and transcript evaluation steps depend on your program level and admission category. Clinical nursing programs require clearance for health care placements and may have additional documentation expectations. 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 WSU’s Office of International Education, the School of Nursing, and KSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
The Traditional BSN admits fall and spring cohorts. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum GPA does not guarantee a seat. WSU’s comparison materials list a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 to apply and require a 3.00 GPA in the five-science grouping for program entry; the detailed BSN page also describes science course scoring and a 350-word essay, volunteer hours, and optional healthcare experience points. You must be admitted to WSU as a degree-seeking student before applying to nursing.
After acceptance, students complete clinical clearance (immunizations, background check, and other requirements listed on WSU’s clinical requirements page)—budget time and cost for these items before the first nursing semester.
Application timeline (Traditional BSN)
| Entry Term | Application window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | December 1 – January 15 | Notifications by March 15 (BSN program page). A separate comparison chart also references February 1—confirm which deadline applies to your cycle. |
| Spring | July 1 – August 15 | Notifications by October 15. Comparison chart references September 1—verify on the live BSN page. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA to apply (Traditional BSN) | 2.75 cumulative (comparison chart); 3.00 in required sciences for entry |
| TEAS / HESI | Not stated on the official BSN pages reviewed for this guide—confirm with CHP Advising |
| Deposit | $100 non-refundable deposit to hold a seat (deadlines published on BSN page) |
Complete chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology before the application deadline if required for your cycle, keep a strong science GPA, document volunteer hours, and draft your essay early. Meet with CHP Advising (316-978-3304, option 2) to align prerequisites with the checksheet.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
WSU publishes a Comprehensive Fee Schedule (effective Fall 2025) with base tuition, mandatory fees, and program-specific charges. Nursing students in pre-licensure and graduate tracks also pay School of Nursing program fees and College of Health Professions per-credit fees on applicable courses, plus student support and infrastructure line items—see the full schedule for your credit load.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate base tuition (Wichita campus) | $259.75 per credit hour (Kansas resident); $615.27 (non-resident)—Fall 2025 schedule |
| School of Nursing — Nursing (H11A) program fee | $53.43 per credit hour (all credits in the program, per fee schedule) |
| College of Health Professions fee | $20.00 per credit hour on CHP courses (per fee schedule) |
| Graduate base tuition | $350.73 per credit hour (resident); $861.38 (non-resident)—same schedule |
| Accelerated BSN (H11D) total (if offered) | Fee schedule lists $30,000 program total for Accelerated Baccalaureate Nursing; WSU states ABSN is not enrolling at this time—do not budget this unless the program reopens. |
| K-State / WSU pathway (H11F) | Fee schedule lists $32,500 for the WSU/K-State Nursing Program—confirm applicability with advising. |
| Room, board, books | Not itemized here—see WSU financial aid cost of attendance resources |
| Source | WSU Comprehensive Fee Schedule. Confirm current amounts each term. |
Complete the FAFSA and review WSU financial aid and College of Health Professions 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 in the NCLEX section. For employment or placement percentages, this guide does not state a single placement rate because a school-reported figure with full methodology and cohort year was not consolidated in the sources used here—check WSU consumer information or career services if published.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (BSN, CY 2024) | 95.38% first-time (KSBN multi-year RN PDF) |
| Job Placement / Employment | Not publicly disclosed in the sources consolidated for this page—see WSU career outcomes or consumer information if published |
| Source | Confirm current NCLEX data with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and WSU. |
Is Wichita State University the Right Fit for You?
WSU fits students who want a public university in a major Kansas city with multiple nursing pathways, but competitive Traditional BSN admission and layered tuition/fees deserve an honest look.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want documented NCLEX-RN outcomes in KSBN reports and a broad clinical network in south-central Kansas.
- Value the Ascension Via Christi partnership and ongoing Wichita Biomedical Campus development.
- Need online RN-to-BSN or online MSN while working as an RN.
- Are considering the K-State dual-degree pathway or GPP high-school assurance options.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect an open-admission pre-licensure BSN—WSU uses competitive selection and rubric scoring.
- Need a currently enrolling Accelerated BSN; WSU states ABSN is not enrolling at this time.
- Prefer a small private cohort or fully online pre-licensure BSN (WSU’s Traditional BSN is Wichita campus–based with in-person clinical components).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and a regional referral center for south-central Kansas and northern Oklahoma. The School of Nursing highlights partnerships with Ascension Via Christi; students also encounter other major providers in the metro area. Exact clinical sites rotate by semester and course—confirm current contracts with the School of Nursing.
| Facility / Region | Details |
|---|---|
| Ascension Via Christi | Large integrated system in Wichita; naming partner of the WSU School of Nursing—common site for clinical learning and employment pipelines. |
| Wesley Medical Center & other metro hospitals | Major teaching and community hospitals in Wichita; WSU news features alumni placements (e.g., emergency nursing)—confirm site-specific rotations with the school. |
| VA & specialty clinics | Regional VA and specialty clinics support diverse patient populations; availability varies by cohort. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses are delivered through the College of Health Professions, with advising through the CHP Academic Advising Office. The college emphasizes applied learning, interprofessional education resources, and student organizations tied to CHP. The university is investing in the Wichita Biomedical Campus with KU and WSU Tech—future facilities may change where some health science instruction occurs; confirm current building locations with nursing advisors.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Wichita, KS
- Address
- 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, KS 67260, US (main campus)
- Telephone
- Main campus (316) 978-3456 · CHP Advising (316) 978-3304 (option 2)
- Advising email
- chp.advisor@wichita.edu
- Website
- School of Nursing (wichita.edu)
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Traditional BSN page and the program comparison chart.
- Compare your transcripts to the BSN checksheet.
- Call CHP Advising at 316-978-3304 (option 2) or email chp.advisor@wichita.edu with prerequisite questions.
- 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 interested in graduate nursing, open the graduate nursing hub for DNP and MSN tracks.
- Add BSN application windows (December 1–January 15 for fall; July 1–August 15 for spring) to your calendar and confirm against the live BSN page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Wichita State University list?
WSU’s School of Nursing hub lists Traditional BSN, Guaranteed Placement for qualifying high school students, the K-State pathway, online RN-to-BSN, online MSN tracks (Nurse Executive and Nursing Education), postbaccalaureate DNP NP programs, post-master’s DNP, and dual certification options for APRNs (by contacting the school). Accelerated BSN is listed as not enrolling at this time.
What is the Wichita State University BSN NCLEX-RN pass rate (KSBN)?
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing Multi-Year Pass Rates for RN (data through December 31, 2024), Wichita State University’s BSN program had a 95.38% first-time pass rate in calendar year 2024 and a 90.47% three-year average. Confirm the latest cohort with KSBN and WSU.
What GPA do you need for Wichita State’s Traditional BSN?
WSU’s comparison chart lists a 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA to apply and a 3.00 science average for the five-science grouping; the detailed BSN page describes science scoring and additional rubric points. Confirm current thresholds with CHP Advising.
When are Wichita State Traditional BSN application windows?
The BSN page lists fall applications December 1–January 15 and spring applications July 1–August 15, with notification dates in March and October. A separate chart references Feb. 1 and Sept. 1—verify which dates apply to your cycle on the live page.
Does Wichita State require the TEAS for nursing?
A TEAS or HESI requirement is not stated on the official BSN pages reviewed for this guide. Confirm with CHP Advising whether any entrance exam applies.
How much is undergraduate nursing tuition at Wichita State?
Per the Comprehensive Fee Schedule effective Fall 2025, undergraduate base tuition is $259.75 per credit hour (Kansas resident) and $615.27 (non-resident), plus School of Nursing and College of Health Professions per-credit fees on applicable courses.
Is Wichita State’s School of Nursing accredited?
WSU states that baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Does Wichita State offer an Accelerated BSN right now?
WSU’s undergraduate nursing index states the School of Nursing is not enrolling students for the Accelerated BSN program at this time. Re-check the official page for updates.
What is the Ascension Via Christi naming partnership?
In 2025 WSU announced the School of Nursing naming as Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing, reflecting clinical partnership and investment tied to the Wichita Biomedical Campus initiative.
Who advises Wichita State pre-nursing students?
The CHP Advising Center uses 316-978-3304 (option 2) and chp.advisor@wichita.edu for Traditional BSN, GPP, and K-State pathway questions; RN-to-BSN lists a separate contact on the online BSN page.
References
- Wichita State University — Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursingwichita.edu/nursing
- Wichita State University — Traditional BSNTraditional BSN program page
- Wichita State University — Get Started (program comparison)get-started.php
- Wichita State University — Comprehensive Fee ScheduleComprehensiveFeeSchedule.php
- 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 WSU’s School of Nursing pages, and tuition figures tied to the WSU Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
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