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HYBRID ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (ABSN) IN KANSAS CITY
If you’re comparing Kansas City ABSN programs and already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, Rockhurst University’s Hybrid Accelerated BSN can help you become job-ready and prepare for RN licensure:
- A full-time program that prepares you to become a confident, job-ready nurse in just 16 months with over 583 hours of clinical experience
- A hybrid program featuring one 10-day on-campus residency with the convenience of 100% online coursework and hands-on instruction at our state-of-the-art simulation lab
- 100% online coursework: convenient access to our top-ranking program and faculty from anywhere, any time
- Rockhurst’s 360Support to add value to your degree including complementary clinical placements and mentors at top regional hospitals, 1:1 NCLEX coaching, dedicated student success advisor, academic success coach, and comprehensive career services
- Receive quality care from the highly respected faculty of Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Start Sooner
Classes start in Spring, Summer or Fall
Receive Personalized 1:1 Support
From prerequisites to graduation to NCLEX
Top-Ranked Program
#1 Nursing College in Missouri* and #6 Regional University Midwest**
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY
ABSN Program Director Lindsey Carlson and Associate Dean of Nursing/Chief Academic Administrator of Nursing Kristina Henry, joined by students Carly Tomlin and Abbey Clark, share their goals, experiences and what students can expect from Rockhurst University’s Hybrid Accelerated BSN program.
ABSN Nurse Training in Kansas City
Online Coursework
Rockhurst’s hybrid format provides the convenience of 100% online coursework while building confidence through structured, real-world nursing experiences in top healthcare facilities in the Kansas City area. This blend is designed for students who want the flexibility of online nursing programs in Kansas City, while still receiving supervised hands-on training to thrive as a career-ready nurse.
One 10-day immersion at Sedgwick Hall (Kansas City campus)
During your first semester, you’ll attend a required 10-day on-campus residency in Kansas City, Missouri, for clinical instruction and supervised skill development in Rockhurst’s nursing facilities and brand new, state-of-the-art simulation lab. The residency provides our nursing students with hands-on clinical learning experiences, so they learn the competencies and skills to provide quality patient care.
What to expect during the immersion:
- Gain hands-on instruction from respected Saint Luke’s College faculty
- Receive dedicated mentorship and preceptor matching
- Practice clinical skills and complete simulation experiences
- Participate in supervised clinical rotations in small groups
Clinical Placements in the Kansas City Region
For students seeking accelerated nursing programs in the Kansas City area, Rockhurst’s placement support is designed to help you secure clinical experiences that meet university and national guidelines, so you can focus on coursework and skill development. Students will also gain access to our network of top healthcare facilities and employers in the Kansas City region and beyond.
Examples of prominent clinical sites
Clinical sites vary by availability and student location. Examples of sites in the broader Kansas City region include:
- Children’s Mercy (Kansas City, MO)
- Centerpoint Medical Center (Independence, MO)
- Menorah Medical Center (Overland Park area)
- AdventHealth South Overland Park (Overland Park, KS)
- AdventHealth Shawnee Mission (Merriam, KS)
- NKC Health (North Kansas City, MO)
- Liberty Hospital (Liberty, MO)
- Lee’s Summit Medical Center (Lee’s Summit, MO)
- Saint Luke’s Hospital-BJC Health (Kansas City, MO)
For more information about placements in Kansas and Missouri outside of the Kansas City area, visit our Kansas and Missouri ABSN pages.
1:1 NCLEX Coaching
As part of Rockhurst’s 360Support offerings, Rockhurst provides 1:1 NCLEX coaching to help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. This individualized support translates into strong outcomes, with a first‑time NCLEX pass rate that has consistently exceeded the national average.
Nursing Career Outlook in Kansas City
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for registered nurses through 2034 and a median salary of around $93,600. Missouri is among the top states for highest concentration of jobs and location quotients of registered nurses.
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), the Kansas City region is projected to have strong demand for registered nurses, with RNs among the occupations expected to see some of the most openings through 2030 due to growth, retirements, and replacements.
Kansas City’s health care ecosystem includes major hospital systems, specialty centers, and community-based care settings, creating a range of entry points for newly licensed RNs.
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- State requirement
- Residency in one of the following states: Iowa, Kansas or Missouri
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisites:
- Must complete 2 of 4 science prerequisites for your application to be reviewed
- Science credits must be no older than 7 years; older credits trigger an ATI TEAS admission exam
- Cannot repeat science courses more than once
- Minimum of grade C in all prerequisite courses
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher for prerequisite coursework, and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
- State requirement
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- State requirement
- Residency in one of the following states: Iowa, Kansas or Missouri
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisites:
- Must complete 2 of 4 science prerequisites for your application to be reviewed
- Science credits must be no older than 7 years; older credits trigger an ATI TEAS admission exam
- Cannot repeat science courses more than once
- Minimum of grade C in all prerequisite courses
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher for prerequisite coursework, and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
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This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental nursing principles in lab and clinical settings. (6 credits) Corequisites: NUA 3100, NUA 3120
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This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental nursing principles in lab and clinical settings. (6 credits) Corequisites: NUA 3100, NUA 3120
WHY CHOOSE ROCKHURST
Our online nursing programs are delivered by the Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. We are committed to preparing the health care workforce of tomorrow by offering undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs for adult learners. Our goal, which is aligned with the Jesuit education tradition, is for our graduates to be leaders-in-service.
Rockhurst prepares nursing professionals for clinical excellence through health care innovation, transformative learning, quality outcomes, and desirable specializations. Supportive resources and clinical placement services ensure that you have the necessary support and tools to thrive throughout your educational experience and succeed as a nurse in Missouri.
Halie McArdle, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
Ellie Thompson, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
Daley Sullivan, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program caters to those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who seek a career change into nursing. A second-degree BSN presents a faster and more cost-effective path to attaining the status of a registered nurse compared to traditional four-year BSN programs. Rockhurst’s Online ABSN program provides vital nursing education and training in a 16-month timeframe, equipping students for the NCLEX exam and their nursing careers.
To become a registered nurse, you need to complete a nursing education program and pass the NCLEX exam. For those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a second-degree BSN program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming an RN. After graduation, you will get paired with a faculty member to meet weekly for 1:1 NCLEX coaching. This individualized support translates into strong outcomes, with a first‑time NCLEX pass rate that exceeds the national average at nearly 100%. After passing the NCLEX exam, you can apply for state licensure and begin your nursing career. Learn more about how to become a nurse in Missouri or Kansas.
The demand for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RNs will increase by 5% by 2034, which is higher than the national average for all occupations. Many healthcare settings, including 25% of hospitals, require new hires to be registered nurses with a BSN, while 70% of employers express a strong preference for BSN graduates according to the AACN. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with a higher level of education and skills, making them well-prepared to provide quality patient care.
The median salary for registered nurses is around $93,600, according to the BLS. The salary of an RN can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education level and the specific healthcare facility or setting. Due to an aging population, healthcare advancements, and the evolving nature of the industry, BSN degree holders have better career prospects, opportunities for advancement and the ability to pursue specialized nursing roles.
Rockhurst University and Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences* are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rockhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
The accelerated BSN program is full-time and takes 16 months to complete.
The accelerated BSN is a rigorous program intended for full-time study. Students are not expected to work while enrolled in this program.
You will learn from active clinicians who bring real-world experience into the online classroom. As trusted Rockhurst faculty members, they are committed to your success as an advanced practice nurse.
Yes. Clinical placement services are built into the cost of the program. You’ll work with your Student Success Advisor who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, the placement team will work to help source and secure placement sites.
