Best Nursing Schools in Missouri in 2024

Known as the “Show Me State,” Missouri offers excellent opportunities for those looking to enter the nursing field. With over 69,000 registered nurses currently employed and earning an average salary of $67,790 per year, the career prospects for nurses in Missouri are bright. In fact, with the state needing to add 78,130 new registered nurses by 2030 to meet demand, the top nursing schools in Missouri play a crucial role in training the next generation of nursing professionals.

When researching the 10 best nursing schools in Missouri, you’ll find a mix of public and private institutions providing rigorous training programs designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing. From two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor of science tracks, nursing students can find the right program fit for their needs.

• There are 59 nursing schools in Missouri.
• The CCNE accredits 26 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 23 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Missouri is between 72.02% and 100.00%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Missouri is between 76.34% and 99.26%.
• RNs currently employed in Missouri are 69,240.
• RNs in Missouri earn an average of $67,790 per year or $32.59  per hour.
• Missouri needs 78,130 new RNs by 2030 or 4,410 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Missouri

Missouri offers nursing education through diplomas, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Each pathway equips you for nursing licensure exams and career advancement. Here are the types of nursing degrees available at Missouri:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

Choosing the Right Nursing Program

With various nursing education options on the table, how do you narrow your choice?

• Match your career goals. If interested in APRN roles like becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, direct entry and post-grad MSN programs offer this education. For bedside nursing, ADN or BSN entry levels both allow RN licensure.
• Consider time commitments. Accelerated options like 12-month ABSNs allow working nurses to minimize time out of the workforce. Need schedule flexibility? Online RN to BSN programs deliver quality education without campus visits.
• Compare program costs. Nursing education costs vary widely. Public and state colleges tend to offer lower tuition, while accelerated and graduate programs are pricier but time-limited. Also check average graduate salaries – a higher nursing income can offset costs after program completion.
• Examine licensure + certification pass rates. All pre-licensure nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam for state licensure. Successful first-time pass rates indicate effective exam preparation. Also check program graduate outcomes like certification rates for NPs, nurse anesthetists and other APRN roles.
• Study employer partnerships + job placement rates. Nursing programs with strong employer partnerships and on-site clinical training access position graduates for job offers post-graduation. High graduate employment rates also showcase effective career support services.

Missouri Board of Nursing

The Missouri Board of Nursing regulates nursing education, licensure, and practice for the state. Nursing schools must meet set curriculum standards aligned to national guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and other key nursing bodies.

The Board also handles nurse licensure, including applications, license verification databases, and discipline processes. Always check state regulations when applying for nursing programs or jobs.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri?

Online Nursing Programs for Missouri Students

Balancing life, work and education? Online nursing programs allow flexibility and access. Here’s how it works for Missouri nurses:

Can Missouri Nurses Complete Programs Online?

Yes – Missouri regulations allow approved online nursing programs both within the state and through nationally accredited out-of-state schools. Distance students must check clinical training requirements however, as these experiential credit hours may require regional site attendance during the program.

Many online programs are hybrid, blending online learning with in-person skills labs and faculty-supervised clinical rotations. This ensures graduates receive well-rounded preparation including valuable hands-on training.

When researching schools, check both online nursing programs accepted in Missouri along with program formats and clinical expectations. Also confirm an online program’s state approval for graduates to take Missouri nursing licensure exams if desired.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Earn a Bachelor’s degree in approximately 12-18 months with an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program option. Designed for those who hold a prior Bachelor’s degree in another field, ABSNs offer a fast-track into registered nursing.

Best ABSN Schools in Missouri

• Best ABSN Programs in Missouri

Eligibility and Admissions

ABSN admission is competitive, with required criteria including:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a competitive GPA average (often 3.0+)
• Complete program-specific prerequisite courses
• Submit test scores – options like the GRE or HESI A2 Nursing Admissions Test
• Pass background checks and meet health/immunization requirements

Carefully confirm admissions requirements when applying, as specifics can vary by school. Experience in healthcare via job shadowing, volunteering or personal experience can also strengthen applicant competiveness.

Program Structure

ABSNs blend compressed nursing coursework with hands-on clinical rotations over 12-18 months full-time. Expect 40+ class hours per week covering advanced subjects compared to traditional BSN pathways. The rigorous curricula matches accelerated learning formats to prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and launch nursing careers.

Most ABSN programs utilize a cohort model where classmates progress together through intensive terms. Smaller cohort sizes allow for faculty attention and peer support. Schedules are set to allow dedicated study and practice for results-driven learning.

ABSN Clinical Requirements

Clinical training is central to ABSN programs, with 500+ hours working directly with patients to build skills. Nursing students arrange clinical schedules with guidance from nursing schools. Sites often partner locally with hospitals and clinics, allowing exposure across settings like pediatrics, critical care, community health and more specialty exposure.

Clinical hours may involve shifts on nights and weekends to ensure real nursing environment immersions. ABSN programs provide guidance for arranging patient care training around stringent course loads.

Program Outcomes

After you complete the program, you’ll be conferred a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Rigorous accelerated program can lead to strong outcomes:

• NCLEX Pass Rates – Many ABSN graduates boast first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rates exceeding state and national averages. Success signifies readiness for licensed bedside nursing practice.
• Employment Rates – Direct entry options position ABSN graduates to launch nursing careers quickly after graduation. Strong job placement reflects employer demand for BSN-educated nurses.

 When researching schools, check historical outcome rates like graduate certification exams and job placements. High indicators showcase effective accelerated nursing preparation.

RN to BSN Programs

Already hold RN licensure? Earning a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) opens up career growth opportunities in nursing leadership, public health, clinical specialization and graduate pathways.

Why Earn the BSN?

While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) , also known as Associate in Science in Nursing degree, meets requirements for entry-level nursing practice, the BSN expands knowledge and skills for advancement.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced clinical judgement and evidence-based care – BSN coursework enriches perspectives on care standards, safety protocols and coordination.
• Leadership and public health preparation – Curriculum covers management, quality improvements and community education.
• Eligibility for senior nursing roles – A BSN meets requirements for supervisor, instructor and other leadership positions.
• Higher salary potential – BSN-educated nurses can unlock increased earning capacity over the career.
• Prepares for graduate nursing pathways – A BSN is a prerequisite for MSN, DNP and nursing Ph.D programs.

Especially for licensed RNs, completing an RN to BSN program is an efficient pathway to reap these benefits.

When researching schools, look for RN to BSN online options offering customized timelines, flexible credits transfers and personalized advising.

Here are the top nursing schools in Missouri offering RN to BSN degrees:

Best RN to BSN Schools in Missouri

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Missouri

RN to BSN Program Formats

RN to BSN curricula builds on existing nursing knowledge with upper-level coursework to elevate practice. Program options feature:

• Fully online – No required campus visits, ideal for working nurses. Combines web-based coursework with arranged clinical intensives if required.
• Hybrid – Blends online and on-campus components like simulations, skills labs and faculty meetups. Offers location flexibility with some in-person expectations.
• Part-time and accelerated formats – Allows customization around existing work schedules. Typical duration is 1-2 years depending on pace.

Program Differences

How RN to BSN curriculum and time commitments vary:

• Transfer credit policies – Look for generous transfer acceptance of prior ADN credits along with credit for health-related work experience and certifications. Saves time and money.
• Credit for nursing coursework – Some schools offer upfront nursing credit for prerequisite RN knowledge, reducing overall credits to complete the BSN.
• Individual advising – Dedicated nursing academic and enrollment advisors provide personalized support from admissions to graduation preparation.

Overall BSN credit requirements range from 120-130, with schools accepting 60 or more RN transfer credits. With smart policies and advising, working nurses can minimize additional investments of time and tuition.

Financial Aid for RN to BSN Programs

Between competitive program tuitions and lost shift work wages, what nursing student loan and scholarship options exist?

Sources like the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program provide substantial tuition assistance in return for post-grad service commitments. Schools themselves also offer financial aid including nursing-specific scholarships and employee education benefits.

Compare total program costs with graduate earning trajectories pre- and post-BSN when weighing educational investments. Higher long-term payouts offset short-term costs.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

For RNs ready to advance into an advanced practice registered nursing role (APRN) like a nurse practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and more, a Master of Science in Nursing degree unlocks opportunity.

MSN Specializations

Master’s degree in nursing programs blend graduate nursing theory with over 500 hours of specialized clinical training to prepare students for APRN certification and licensure in areas such as:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Informatics
• Nursing Education

MSN curriculum examines topics like advanced assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, pharmacology and cultural competency applied to chosen APRN population foci spanning the lifespan.

Program lengths range from 18-36 months depending on full-time or part-time formats. Expect 40+ academic hours per week plus clinical rotations when taking full-time course loads.

Program Delivery Methods

Modern MSN pathways offer scheduling flexibility:

• Campus programs feature in-person nursing theory coursework and local facility clinical placements. Traditional programs allow access to university resources.
• Online MSN programs utilize distance coursework with arranged clinical rotations, offering accessibility. Hybrid options blend online academics with short campus intensives.

Carefully weigh program formats including time commitments, facilities access and location constraints when selecting schools.

Admissions Competitiveness

MSN programs can be competitive, with rolling admissions meaning applying early is advantageous. Required items include:

• BSN degree with 3.0+ GPA scores
• Competitive GRE or equivalent grad school entry exam scores
• Active RN license and direct patient care hours
• Nurse practitioner focus requires 1+ years bedside experience
• Leadership, volunteering and scholarship participation viewed favorably
• Potential interviews, writing samples and appraisals
• also offer post-master’s certificate options, allowing nurses who hold the MSN to gain extra training and eligibility for specialist APRN certifications without completing a second full degree program.

MSN Licensing and Certification

Upon graduation, MSN students apply to take national APRN certification exams related to specialization areas. Examples include qualifying tests administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board (AANPCB).

Receiving a passing score then allows application for advanced practice licensure privileges within Missouri through the State Board of Nursing. Mandated requirements here include specifications like physician collaboration and pharmacology training for prescriptive authorities.

Understanding the sequence from degree to certification to licensure ensures nurses take the right steps towards credentials to begin rewarding advanced careers!

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

For RNs seeking to provide primary and specialty healthcare services, nurse practitioner careers offer increased responsibility and education challenges. Our article on how to become a Nurse Practitioner guides students from MSN NP program specifics to licensing essentials.

Best NP Schools in Missouri

• Best NP Programs in Missouri

NP Education Pathways

While specializing immediately in a nursing graduate NP program is possible, working bedside before selecting a focus area allows experience to guide passions.

Typical NP education steps are:

1. Earn BSN undergraduate nursing degree
2. Obtain RN licensure and work 1-2 years full-time direct care
3. Complete MSN NP specialization program at 2-3 years length
4. Pass national NP certification exam
5. Apply for Missouri APRN/NP licensed practitioner status

Dual certification options are also available, expanding expertise across specialties like adult-gerontology + acute care.

DNP degrees further enlarge scope and salary potential. Evaluate options like part-time, accelerated and post-master’s NP certificates to fit experience levels and schedule needs when considering programs.

NP Focus Areas

Major NP categories treating patients across ages include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner – Serves all ages in entire lifespan primary care
• Adult-Gerontology NPs – Cares for adolescent, adult and older adult patients
• Pediatric Primary Care NPs – Focuses on infant, child and adolescent well visits and illness
• Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs – Diagnoses, treats and manages psychiatric + mental health conditions

Compare population options and work variables when selecting specialization tracks. Does caring for vulnerable groups like children or the aging especially inspire?

Academics and Clinicals

In NP programs, students complete 500-1,000 supervised clinical hours working directly with patients for assessment technique development:

• Physical exams – Heart, lung, abdominal and neurological
• Diagnostics – Lab testing and medical imaging interpretation
• Differential diagnoses – Distinguishing between conditions
• Treatment plans – Medication/therapy evidence-based selection and monitoring
• Procedures – Biopsies, stitches, ID placement, etc.

Rotations may involve outpatient clinics, ERs, community organizations and inpatient wards. Varied on-site exposure enriches perspectives and readiness.

Career Trajectory

Nurse practitioners fill an important and expanding healthcare role. Benefits include:

• Increased autonomy – Diagnose, treat, refer and discharge patients while collaborating interprofessionally as part of care teams. Prescribe medications and therapies.
• Specialization – Focus clinical expertise in key areas from primary care to cardiology, pediatrics, oncology and more while leading coordinated care initiatives.
• Leadership and scholarship – Publish research as clinical experts while evaluating and presenting evidence-based improvements. Teach within academic NP programs.
• Earning potential – Missouri NPs average $91,000-$115,000 salaries reflecting skills and demand. 

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For nursing professionals looking to help transform patient care through research and leadership, a doctorate degree significantly expands opportunities. Both research-focused PhDs in nursing and practice-oriented DNP programs cultivate influential skills, albeit via different pathways.

Key Differences: DNP vs. PhD in Nursing

While DNP vs. PhD pathways take distinct approaches, both equip nurses for senior-level specialization. Core contrasts are:

• Program focus
  • The DNP prioritizes nursing practice leadership with a scholarly clinical project
  • PhDs concentrate on academic research scholarship and new knowledge creation through a dissertation
• Time investment
  • DNPs average 3-4 years from BSN entry including an MSN or post-MSN to DNP
  • Nursing PhDs usually require 5-7 years minimum for completion
• Career trajectories
  • DNPs work as advanced practice nurses and innovative care executives
  • Nursing PhDs often become scientists directing studies and university faculty educating degree nurses

Overall goals orient towards solving complex healthcare system problems and mentoring fellow nurses through quality initiatives or future research. Advanced expertise positions graduates as trusted advisors shaping policy and standards regionally to nationally.

Residencies, Capstones and Dissertations

Both DNP and PhD pathways culminate via intensive final projects. DNPs typically complete a systems-change oriented DNP Capstone:

• Addresses a critical patient population, care process or policy issue
• Grounded in science-based research evaluation
• Includes proposal, implementation and analysis of interventions through leadership

PhD candidates focus research initiatives into an original Dissertation study:

• Poses hypotheses and tests scientific unknowns
• Data and statistical analysis combined with literature reviews
• Presents new nursing science conclusions

Through these robust demonstrations of scholarship, graduates showcase ability to spearhead transformations.

Finding the Right Nursing Doctoral Program

Just as prospective students investigated schools for RN and MSN education fit, doctoral decisions require reflections on specialization and community.

Assess factors like full-time and part-time scheduling models to progress while working. Consider financial assistance offers ranging from traineeships to teaching assistant roles that provide tuition remission.

Also connect with current students and faculty regarding research interests and opportunities for involvement on innovative projects during programs. Finding the right aligned selection is key for persisting through intensive dissertations or capstones.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Missouri

Beyond the calling to care and serve, nursing careers in Missouri offer outstanding stability. With our state’s aging population and expanding healthcare models, nursing job prospects show bright outlooks.

In-Demand Careers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Missouri nursing growth to increase dramatically through 2030 – much faster than national job average. Hence, earning a nursing degree is a smart move since there is no shortage for nursing positions in Missouri. Openings span settings:

• Hospitals – Bedside and specialty care nurses
• Ambulatory centers – Clinic, same-day surgery and outpatient care nurses
• Nursing homes – Care managers, coordinators and educators
• Community health – Home health, school nurses and care navigators
• Advanced practice – Nurse practitioners, CRNAs and nurse midwives

Salaries + Incentives

Nursing provides steady incomes well above state averages. Newly licensed RNs start around $55,000-60,000 with pay rising commensurate of experience and credentials like BSN or MSN degrees. Specialized nurses earn at advanced levels:

• Nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $103,880 in Missouri
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) average $174,790 yearly

Many healthcare employers offer generous incentives spanning hiring and retention bonuses, loan repayment aid, insurance, tuition reimbursement and pension/retirement matching.

How to Earn Your Missouri Nursing License

Ready to obtain credentials allowing professional registered nursing practice? Here are Missouri Board of Nursing RN licensure steps:

Missouri RN Licensure Requirements

1. Graduate from a State Board of Nursing-approved RN diploma, ADN or BSN degree program. Successful academic completion sets graduates up for licensing exams.
2. Apply and Register for the NCLEX-RN exam through the national NCSBN organization. Schedule a test date once Missouri authorization is granted.
3. Prepare and Pass the NCLEX-RN to demonstrate nursing knowledge. Achieving passing cut score allows application for state RN licensure.
4. Apply for Missouri RN Licensure by submitting form, fees and documentation like transcripts to the State Board.
5. Maintain Licensure through license renewal every 2 years before expiration date. Continuing education credits are also required.

RN Specialization and Job Growth

The bedside RN license offers diverse opportunities to launch careers from cardiology to pediatric health. Experienced nurses also continue specializations through future certifications in areas like:

• Critical care – ICU, ER, Trauma
• Labor, delivery and NICU nursing
• Oncology (cancer) nursing
• Pediatrics and Neonatal care
• Geriatrics and palliative care

Missouri RN role job openings, already expanding quicker than national averages, are projected to see over 9% additional growth through 2030. Join a flourishing field delivering meaningful service in communities across the state.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Missouri

With many quality nursing programs in Missouri spanning diploma credentials to doctoral degrees, how do students evaluate ideal picks?

Check aspects like accreditations, affordability, location interests and competency outcomes when weighing top nursing colleges.

Accreditation Standards

Ensure any prospective Missouri nursing school holds proper accreditations through oversight bodies:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) – Evaluates BSN, MSN and other bachelor+ pathways meeting curricular quality guidelines. Not all advanced degrees see this accreditation.
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) – Upholds standards for ADN, diploma and other associate and entry-level nursing programs. Also accredits some BSN and MSN tracks.

Review annual reports that outline areas like faculty qualifications, learning resources, progression policies and student competency outcomes. Accreditations signal program investment in success.

Graduation and Licensure Rates

While nursing curricula prepare graduates for practicing registered nursing care, actually passing the NCLEX-RN exam proves competency. Programs with higher test pass rates have effectively equipped students for this critical licensing milestone.

Ask schools about historical as well as current NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates to gauge learning outcomes. Many top Missouri nursing colleges demonstrate scores well exceeding state and national benchmarks.

Variety and Value

Compare location factors like clinical rotation site options both near campus and available through partnerships. Discover specialties you can experience during practical training at regional healthcare networks.

Also weigh each program’s total cost of attendance against average graduate salaries post-degree. Projected nursing wage trajectories should justify investments into education. Consider program scholarships, grants and loan forgiveness programs that can ease tuition burdens.

By thoroughly investigating measures from admissions and curriculum design to graduate outcomes, nurses find the right Missouri fit to launch profession-ready nursing careers. Reach out with any questions during your search process. The exceptional nursing programs available across the state position graduates to improve wellbeing in local communities and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Missouri

Does earning my BSN degree in an accelerated program limit my nursing career options?

While accelerated bachelor of science in nursing programs allow you to launch your nursing career quickly, your nursing experience and potential nursing positions are in no way limited by pursuing this accelerated format. The rigorous curriculum of quality BSN programs condenses key content, preparing graduates for the same NCLEX nursing exam and RN licensure as traditional tracks.

This allows opening doors across diverse healthcare specialties and settings like hospitals, clinics, schools and more. Just be sure any prospective accelerated BSN program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for appropriate content. Many innovative offerings feature experiential learning through expansive clinical rotation partnerships, further enriching preparation. Overall, accelerated BSN graduates bring passion, dedication and competence to essential nursing positions that improve community health across the state.

Which nursing programs in Missouri offer the most varied clinical rotation options?

With many superb nursing schools in Missouri to consider across diploma credentials to Master’s degrees, evaluating clinical training variability allows students to preview diverse healthcare roles. Several renowned providers like the Sinclair School of Nursing at University of Missouri, Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College and others operate their own top-tier teaching hospitals while also partnering with major regional networks.

This clinical rotation access helps nurses gain experience across dozens of specializations from primary care to critical trauma during programs. Such immersive exposures enrich expertise. Barnes-Jewish offers one of the largest clinical training programs in Missouri for instance, rotating students through all their clinics and inpatient areas. When researching schools, explore clinical partners and specialty areas you can learn within through valuable hands-on patient care.

What are the latest Missouri RN nursing licensure requirements?

To begin registered nursing practice in Missouri, candidates must successfully meet State Board of Nursing expectations. These include:

• Graduating from a Board-approved nursing diploma, ADN or BSN program
• Passing the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam
• Submitting transcripts, fees and paperwork to obtain Missouri RN licensure

After earning RN status, requirements also exist around maintaining an active license through renewal every 2 years before the expiration date.

Ongoing competency and education demonstrations are also mandated. RNs must complete continuing education credits approved by the State Board.

By understanding the sequence from graduation through testing and into license awards and renewal, nursing candidates smoothly navigate requirements for RN practice privileges within Missouri healthcare facilities. Check the State Nursing Board’s website for the latest expectations.

I’m interested in completing an Accelerated BSN program in Missouri while working part-time. What are my options?

Balancing work with an intensive Accelerated BSN curriculum can be achievable with the right program model. Schools like Missouri State University offer part-time tracks with evening/weekend courses spread over 2 years. Others like Saint Louis University provide 16-month accelerated options blending online and campus-based studies.

Many worship communities like Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis also operate accredited accelerated programs tailored to assist working nurses.

Evaluate schools across central Missouri regions as many scaled programs partner with major community college and healthcare networks to facilitate clinical training at varied times.

Finally, online-enhanced accelerated BSN pathways can maximize flexibility. Programs offered through schools like Truman State University and University of Missouri – Kansas City enable remote coursework with intensive simulation on-site skills sessions.

Discuss schedule needs with prospective nursing schools to discover the right BSN fit. The demand for these highly motivated graduates is creating more options to balance life priorities.

What types of nursing specialties can I train for while attending nursing school in Missouri?

Numerous nursing schools across Missouri offer clinical rotation access at specialized treatment centers, allowing exposure to high-demand nursing career areas spanning:

• Critical care — ICU, trauma, emergency, transplant
• Obstetrics, labor/delivery, NICU
• Pediatrics, neonatal care
• Oncology and cancer care
• Geriatrics, palliative medicine
• Community health, home care
• Psychiatric and mental health

Rotations often involve placements at teaching hospitals like the University of Missouri Health system as well as urban networks like Mercy Hospital St. Louis and rural regional centers.

Such immersive specialty training grounds new nurses in advanced workflows while allowing exploration of passion areas. Experiencing the meaningful impacts nurses have across all health phases and community settings helps students envision their perfect career fit within Missouri’s thriving healthcare landscape.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Missouri State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

Best Nursing Schools Near Me