Nursing student checks mannequin

Nursing

Start Your Nursing Journey at Barton

A career in nursing opens the door to a wide variety of opportunities. Nurses care for individuals across the lifespan and work in diverse settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, clinics, and schools. If you're ready to begin a meaningful and rewarding career—Barton is here to help you get started.

Barton Community College offers two nursing pathways at our Great Bend and Pratt campuses:

  • Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) – prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). 
  • Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) – prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs).

Whether you are just starting your journey or advancing your nursing credentials, Barton provides the education and clinical experience you need. We invite you to visit our new state-of-the-art nursing facilities and speak with our faculty about your goals.

Nursing Students

Barton Benefits

At Barton, our areas of study are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today’s world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals. 

Why Barton?
  • Flexible Degree Options
    Choose from a Practical Nurse (PN) certificate (45 credit hours) or advance to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Career-Ready Curriculum
    Complete well-rounded, challenging coursework designed to equip you with the critical skills and knowledge needed for real-world nursing careers.
  • Lifespan Nursing Education
    Learn to care for patients from pre-birth through end-of-life, with training in diverse healthcare needs.
  • Extensive Clinical Experience
    Benefit from clinical partnerships that provide hands-on learning in areas like obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, intensive care, and med-surg units.
  • Student Nursing Organization
    Join the Barton Nursing Club, affiliated at the state and national levels, for professional networking and peer support.
  • Expert Faculty
    Learn from experienced nursing professionals who are actively engaged in current practices and instructional methods.
  • Modern Learning Environment
    Train in newly renovated facilities, including two fully equipped simulation labs for immersive, real-world practice.
Accreditation Information

Barton Nursing Programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

ADN/PN Program Approval
Kansas State Board of Nursing
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, STE 1051
Topeka, Kansas  66612-1230
(785) 296-4929
Fax: (785) 296-3929
ksbn.org

The Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) through 2030. 

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000  
acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website

Choose Your Path. Start at Barton.

Barton offers two nursing pathways at our Great Bend and Pratt campuses:

Practical Nurse (PN) Program

Certificate, 45 credit hours 

The Barton Community College Practical Nursing (PN) program is in alignment with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) CIP code 51.3901: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment. 

Upon completion of the program:

  • Students earn a Certificate in Practical Nursing (45 credit hours)
  • Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
  • Once the NCLEX-PN is successfully passed and all other requirements are met, the Kansas State Board of Nursing may grant a license.

 

 

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) /Registered Nurse (RN) Program

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurses wanting to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing can complete our intensive one-year program.  

The Barton Community College Associate Degree Nursing program is in alignment with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) CIP code 51.3801: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.  A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques, and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

Upon completion of the program: 

  • Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
  • Once the NCLEX-RN is successfully passed and all other requirements are met, the Kansas State Board of Nursing may grant a license.

 

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Barton classes are affordable and accessible, with sessions starting throughout the year. 

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Financial Aid

You have many options to help you accomplish yours goals and we're here to help!

Planning to transfer?

If your plan is to take foundational courses at Barton before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a four-year institution, our Advisement Center is here to help. Contact us at advisement@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9225 for personalized academic guidance. We also recommend connecting with your intended transfer institution for specific degree requirements.

Degree Maps
Degree Maps

Barton Nursing Programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The Associate Degree Nursing Program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) through 2030.

Starting in 2006, Barton became a 1+1 nursing program. What this means is Barton’s nursing program will have an application process for both levels of the program.

To enter the Practical Nursing Program, you must complete the application process and be able to pass a background check. For more information on the admissions criteria, contact the Nursing Department at 620-792-9357. After completing the PN Program, you will receive a Vocational Certificate.

Entry into the ADN Program requires completion of Barton’s PN Program or another recognized Practical Nursing Program, completion of the application process and the ability to pass a background check. At the completion of the ADN Program you will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Completion of either program makes you eligible to take national licensure examinations for Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses.

Certificate
Practical Nursing (45 hours - degree guide)

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Nursing - RN (69 hours - degree guide) 

Associate of Science Degree
AS Nursing Transfer 

View the full list of Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2025) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2025 and after).

Pre-Nursing 
For information about pre-requisites and application requirements for Barton's nursing program, please contact Renae Skelton at (620) 792-9355 or by email skeltonr@bartonccc.edu.

If you are not planning to enter the nursing program at Barton, but want to take classes at Barton before transferring to a four-year institution to obtain your Bachelor's in Nursing, please contact Advisement Center at advisement@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9225 for advising assistance. Students should also contact the college/university to where they are transferring concerning degree requirements within the appropriate department or college.

College to University
Barton has articulation agreements with four year colleges and universities that specifically direct your studies in certain programs for seamless transition from Barton to the transfer school.  Students should utilize the expertise of academic advisors on campus, as well as information gained by contacting colleges and universities concerning degree requirements within the appropriate departments or colleges. 

Professional Licensure

The Associate Degree and Practical Nursing Program at Barton Community College meets the state education requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas. Barton Community College has not determined if the Associate Degree or Practical Nursing Program at Barton Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has a resource that may be helpful.

 

Practical Nursing (PN) Start Here: 1st Year
Practical Nursing (PN) Start Here: 1st Year

A student completes the first two semesters of the program to earn a PN certificate (45 credit hrs) and is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN® to become Licensed Practical Nurse. The graduate then can decide to continue their education or enter the work force.

PN Application Process:
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed. 

Covid-19 Statement: Currently, the Barton Nursing Program does not require Covid-19 vaccination as an entrance requirement. Be advised that Covid-19 vaccination may be required in the future due to the increasing number of clinical sites requiring students to be vaccinated. Acceptance of Religious and Medical exemptions will be at the discretion of each clinical site.

Functional Ability Categories Sheet

Looking for information about CNA,CMA, or CMA Update? Adult Healthcare can answer your questions!.

For more information contact Renae Skelton at skeltonr@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9355.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) / Registered Nurse (RN) Start Here - 2nd Year
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) / Registered Nurse (RN) Start Here - 2nd Year

Barton's Associate Degree Nursing Program (70 credit hrs.) is an intensive one year completion process. All students wanting to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing from Barton must first complete a Practical Nurse Program and become licensed through the State of Kansas. When the LPN wants to continue their education they may apply for the second year of the nursing program, graduates will receive the Associate in Applied Science degree and is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® to become a Registered Nurse.

ADN Application Process:
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed. 

Covid-19 Statement: Currently, the Barton Nursing Program does not require Covid-19 vaccination as an entrance requirement. Be advised that Covid-19 vaccination may be required in the future due to the increasing number of clinical sites requiring students to be vaccinated. Acceptance of Religious and Medical exemptions will be at the discretion of each clinical site.

Functional Ability Categories Sheet

For more information contact Renae Skelton at skeltonr@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9355.

TEAS Nursing Test
TEAS Nursing Test

The ATI TEAS assesses the academic preparedness of entry-level nursing students in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. An ATI TEAS Study Manual and online practice assessments are available for the students to use for preparation and review at ATI Testing. Make sure you study for the ATI TEAS test. If you took a different version of the TEAS test you will have to take the ATI TEAS test.

When taking the ATI TEAS, students will demonstrate reading skills in paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences and conclusions. The math section will measure their knowledge of whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions and decimals, algebraic application, percentages, ratio and proportion, and data interpretation. Science covers scientific reasoning, life science, chemical science, physical science, human body science, and general science.  And in the English section, students will tackle punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling.

You may take the test up to 3 times within a calendar year, with a 30 day wait period between tests. A minimum score of 58.7 is required.

Student Achievement Data
Student Achievement Data
  2021-2022 2022-2023 2023 - 2024
Licensure Pass Rates ADN - 88%
PN - 96.8%
ADN - 96%
PN - 100%
ADN - 100%
PN - 100%
Completion Rates ADN - 80%
PN - 74%
ADN - 92%
PN - 62.5%
ADN - 79%
PN - 77%

Definitions

Licensure Pass Rates

The programs’ most recent annual licensure examination pass rates will be at least 80% for all first-time test takers from January 1 to December 31 every year.

Completion Rates

Minimum of 75% of all ADN students who began the first nursing course in the program will complete the program within 2 academic terms.

Minimum of 55% of all PN students who began the first nursing course in the program will complete the program within 2 academic terms.

Occupational Outlook
Occupational Outlook
  • Practical Nurses (PNs):
    • Projected to grow 6% from 2023-2033, as fast as average for all occupations. The best opportunities will occur in nursing care facilities and home health care services.
    • Average median pay $59,730/year or $28.72/hour
  • Registered Nurses (RNs):
    • Overall job opportunities for RNs are expected to be excellent and projected to grow 6%, faster than average, from 2023-2033.
    • Average median pay $86,070/year or $41.38/hour

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook - Modified August 2024

 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes292061.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm

 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm and https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm 

The Kansas Department of Labor's Office can be contacted at (785)296-5000 ext.1068 or KDOL.LaborMarketInformation@ks.gov

 

ADN to BSN Articulation Agreements
Discover Career Paths
Discover Career Paths

Visit the What Can I Do with My Major? webpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!

 
 

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