Kansas licensure requirements for international nurses

Moving to the US as an international nurse can be an exciting yet challenging journey. If you’re considering Kansas as your destination, understanding the Kansas State Board of Nursing licensing process is crucial.  

This guide will provide you with comprehensive information on: 

• Eligibility criteria for international nurses
• How to apply for licensure in Kansas
• Kansas compact state licence application process 
• Why work as an international nurse in Kansas 
• Is there a nursing shortage in Kansas?
• How Espirita can help you move to Kansas

Eligibility criteria for international nurses 

To be eligible to apply for a nursing licence in Kansas, you must hold certification of a completed board-approved education course. It must be equivalent to an approved nursing programme in the United States. Your credentials could be similar to: 

• Diploma in Nursing: Usually provided by hospitals, these programmes usually take two to three years to complete. 
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Commonly available at community colleges, this qualification takes between two to three years to finish. 
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year degree course provided by universities. 
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): An advanced course for specialised roles, generally requiring a BSN in a health-related subject for admission. 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This the highest level of nursing education in the United States and focuses on clinical practice. 

The quality of care provided in Kansas is of a very high standard and working as a nurse in the US requires a lot of expertise. As a result, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) standardised the criteria for international nurses seeking licensure, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements. 

How to apply for licensure in Kansas 

There are numerous key steps for international nurses to take when seeking licensure with the Kansas State Board of Nursing. By familiarising yourself with the criteria, you can expedite the process and prevent possible setbacks in your application.  

Licence by examination  

Most international nurses applying for licensure with the Kansas State Board of Nursing must apply for licensure by examination since this is the best way for the regulatory body to assess nurses’ credentials and skills. The process typically involves these steps:

• Submit a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report: Either via Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS) or another approved agency. 
• Show proof of English language proficiency: For all nurses who weren’t taught in English. 
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX): This is taken in a testing centre on a computer. Nurses who have already passed the NCLEX in Canada may not need to retake it.  
• Complete background checks: All applicants must submit a fingerprint card, a completed three-page waiver, and the required fee for a criminal background check before a license or temporary permit can be issued. Fingerprints can be taken at your local law enforcement agency or any authorised facility and must be recorded on the latest version of the FBI’s Applicant Fingerprint Card, FD Form 258.

Licensure by endorsement 

Canadian nurses who have already passed the NCLEX exam may be able to apply for licensure by endorsement. It won’t automatically equal in a Kansas nursing licence and you’ll have to meet the state board’s requirements.  

To apply for licensure by endorsement in Kansas, the steps you must take are:

• Create an online application for licensure by endorsement. 
• Provide details of your education, previous employment and current licence. 
• Ask your nursing school to send an official transcript, including your degree and graduation date, to the Kansas State Board of Nursing via Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse or by post. 
• Mail fingerprint cards, waiver and the background check fee to Kansas State Board of Nursing. 
• Ask your licensing body to send verification of your current licence to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, either via Nursys or by submitting a completed Verification of Licence form. 
• Send the state board a copy of your current active nursing licence, along with an explanatory letter and any legal documents related to any convictions noted on your application, if applicable.

Kansas licensure fees for international nurses 

The cost of moving to the US can vary between states and Kansas is usually regarded as a cheaper state to move to compared to others.  

The fees to cover your licensure application and allow you to work in Kansas as an international nurse are: 

• CGFNS CES Professional Report: $485 USD and an extra $425 USD for the expedited review (fees for CES reports from other approved agencies will vary). 
• English language proficiency tests: Range from $180 to $300 USD depending on location. 
• NCLEX registration: $200 USD with an extra $150 USD scheduling fee. 
• Criminal background checks: $57 USD each in Kansas. 

Kansas allows its nurses to apply for a multistate licence, the fees of the different licences are:

• Single-state licence: $100 USD 
• Multistate licence: $125 USD 

Processing times 

In Kansas, the usual time for state licence processing takes between six and eight weeks after all documentation has been received. To check the progress of your licensure application, log into your portal page on the nursing board’s website. If you have any questions, you can contact the board directly via telephone or email.  

Kansas compact state licence application process 

Kansas is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to work in other participating states without needing to get single licences for those states.  

To be eligible for a multistate licence in Kansas, nurses must meet 11 requirements:

• Your primary state of residence is Kansas 
• You have graduated from an approved international education programme 
• You have passed an English proficiency exam if your international qualification was not taught in English, or English is not your native language 
• You have passed NCLEX–RN 
• You’re eligible for or hold an active licence without active discipline 
• You have submitted background checks by fingerprint to the state and relevant federal body 
• You’re not a convicted felon (federal or state) 
• You have no misdemeanour convictions related to nursing 
• You don’t currently participate in an impaired provider programme 
• You have declared if you’re a current participant in an alternative programme 
• You hold a valid United States Social Security number 

Why work as an international nurse in Kansas 

 Kansas is one of the best states for international nurses to move to in the US because of its: 

• Affordability: Housing expenses in Kansas are 31% below the national average. Additionally, the cost of living is 14% less than the rest of the US. 
• Remuneration: Skilled nurses can expect to earn an hourly rate of $37 USD. Depending on your specialty and experience, this rate could increase. 
• Supportive community: This is a fantastic state for families and for nurses to grow a support network due its smaller healthcare network.  
• Location: Kansas is situated in the central region of the U.S., offering its residents both warm and sunny summers alongside snowy winters.  

Is there a nursing shortage in Kansas? 

Kansas has a growing demand for skilled nurses to fill shortages in its workforce. In the coming years, this demand is only expected to grow, as nursing training enrolment is 10% below the required rate to meet the need for registered nurses in the state. To address the shortages, Kansas is offering scholarships to qualifying students attending nursing training at community and technical colleges and hiring nurses from out-of-state and abroad. 

How Espirita can help you move to Kansas 

We’re experts in international nurse recruitment and relocation. Our goal is to make your journey to the US as smooth as possible by helping you with:

• Relocation, including booking accommodation and travel 
• State board applications 
• Documentation collation guidance 
• Work visa application 
• Compliance