Overview of Nursing Schools in Missouri
- There are 55 nursing schools in Missouri. The CCNE accredits 25 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 21 schools in Missouri.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Missouri is between 77.50% and 97.31%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Missouri is between 78.19% and 97.28%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Missouri can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Missouri
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Missouri
The nursing profession in Missouri is constantly evolving and healthcare leaders are hoping to meet the needs of a growing elderly population in rural areas. Nursing programs in Missouri are increasing access to registered nurses in Missouri who wish to obtain an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) There are more than twenty programs in Missouri that provide flexibility to busy nurses. Programs can be completed online at the convenience of the nurse. Nurses are constantly faced with sicker patients that experience chronic diseases and the shift of medicine is moving to preventative health and the expansion of new healthcare objectives for communities.
In our Missouri RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Missouri RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Missouri, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Missouri RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 22 | 37 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 88.63% | 89.51% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 77.50% to 97.31% | 78.19% to 97.28% |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Missouri
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Missouri and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 20 ADN degree programs and 26 BSN degree programs in Missouri. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Missouri to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Missouri
Over 90 percent of the registered nurses in Missouri passed the NCLEX at the first attempt. BSN programs in Missouri are commonly designed to shift the perspective from hospital-centered care to the needs of public health, disease prevention, and population-based nursing. Nursing research and applied theories help nurses to build on existing experience and knowledge. Classes in a typical RN to BSN program in Missouri may include:
- Health education for communities
- Professional values
- Health information systems
- Evidence based practice
- Organizational leadership
- Healthcare policy
- College of the Ozarks
- Missouri State University-Springfield
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Truman State University
- Missouri Western State University
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Saint Louis University
- Chamberlain College of Nursing
- Research College of Nursing
- Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Central Methodist University
- University of Central Missouri
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Avila University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Cox College
College of the Ozarks
Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout, MO - 65726-0017
- (417) 334-6411
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 96
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,100
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,303
Percent Admitted: 14%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 87%
Graduation Rate: 60%
Missouri State University-Springfield
Pass Rate
- 901 S National Avenue, Springfield, MO - 65897
- (417) 836-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.15%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 742
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,294
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,549
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
Graduation Rate: 58%
University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Pass Rate
- 5000 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO - 64110
- (816) 235-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.44%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 601
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,599
Book and Supplies: $770
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,046
Percent Admitted: 63%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Truman State University
Department of Nursing, HS 3206
Pass Rate
- 100 E Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO - 63501-4221
- (660) 785-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.74%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 278
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,689
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,772
Percent Admitted: 72%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
Graduation Rate: 75%
Missouri Western State University
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Pass Rate
- 4525 Downs Dr, Saint Joseph, MO - 64507
- (816) 271-4200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.86%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 173
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,875
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,008
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 36%
University of Missouri-Columbia
Pass Rate
- 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO - 65211
- (573) 882-2121
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.37%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
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University Information
Total Faculty: 2160
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,475
Book and Supplies: $1,032
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,270
Percent Admitted: 82%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
Graduation Rate: 73%
Saint Louis University
Pass Rate
- One Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO - 63103-2097
- 3149772222
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.14%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, Suite 106, St. Louis, MO - 63146
- (314) 991-6200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.53%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $600
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,428
Percent Admitted: 74%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 64%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Research College of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 2525 E. Meyer Boulevard, Kansas City, MO - 64132
- (816) 995-2800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.34%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 34
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,013,249
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Pass Rate
- 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO - 65248-1198
- (660) 248-3391
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.22%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 14
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,600
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,383
Percent Admitted: 100%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 67%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Central Methodist University
Pass Rate
- 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO - 65248-1198
- 6602483391
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
University of Central Missouri
Pass Rate
- 108 W South Street, Warrensburg, MO - 64093
- (660) 543-4111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.02%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 424
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,071
Book and Supplies: $1,250
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,834
Percent Admitted: 64%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Catherine McAuley School of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, MO - 63141-7299
- (800) 627-9855
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.70%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 165
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $12,000
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,835
Percent Admitted: 95%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 75%
Avila University
Pass Rate
- 11901 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO - 64145-1698
- (816) 942-8400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.49%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 65
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $7,516
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,755
Percent Admitted: 42%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Southeast Missouri State University
Pass Rate
- One University Plaza, MS2025, Cape Girardeau, MO - 63701
- (573) 651-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.79%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 381
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,715
Book and Supplies: $644
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,205
Percent Admitted: 93%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Cox College
Pass Rate
- 1423 N Jefferson, Springfield, MO - 65802-1917
- (417) 269-3401
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.69%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
Total Faculty: 59
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,700
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: $1,458,013
Percent Admitted: 100%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 100%
Graduation Rate: 3,325%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Missouri
Nursing schools in Missouri are ahead of the game - many of their RN programs are offered virtually or in an evening/weekend format. This allows their students to attend to other necessities of life, such as family and work, while simultaneously attending school on a part-time or full-time basis.
State Fair Community College
Pass Rate
- 3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO - 65301-2199
- (877) 311-7322
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 78
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,288
Book and Supplies: $6,168
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,378
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 33%
St Charles Community College
Pass Rate
- 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO - 63376-0975
- (636) 922-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 101
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,880
Book and Supplies: $5,520
Percent Received Aid: 76%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,896
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 29%
Texas County Technical Institute
Pass Rate
- 6915 S Hwy 63, Houston, MO - 65483
- (417) 967-5466
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 2
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,450
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,463
Percent Admitted: 63%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 93%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Ozarks Technical Community College
Pass Rate
- 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO - 65802
- (417) 447-7500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 215
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,796
Book and Supplies: $6,028
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,139
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 32%
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 2001 William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO - 63703-4507
- (573) 334-6825
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 17
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $918
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 86%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,720
Percent Admitted: 90%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 72%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Missouri State University-West Plains
Pass Rate
- 128 Garfield Avenue, West Plains, MO - 65775-2715
- (417) 255-7255
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 34
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,800
Book and Supplies: $833
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,090
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 30%
Additional Listings for Missouri Nursing Schools
Grade
|
University
|
Missouri Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
87.20 | Moberly Area Community College | 10 | ADN |
86.90 | Three Rivers Community College-Poplar Bluff | 9 | ADN |
84.20 | Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | 12 | ADN |
84.20 | Mineral Area College | 11 | ADN |
83.00 | Lincoln University | 13 | ADN |
82.80 | Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Southwest Baptist University) | 14 | ADN |
81.60 | Columbia College | 15 | ADN |
75.80 | Hannibal La-Grange University | 16 | ADN |
88.47 | Columbia College | 16 | BSN |
87.97 | Lincoln University | 17 | BSN |
83.32 | William Jewell College | 19 | BSN |
83.19 | Park University | 18 | BSN |
83.00 | University of Missouri-St Louis | 20 | BSN |
81.04 | Missouri Southern State University | 21 | BSN |
71.22 | Missouri Valley College | 22 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Missouri
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Missouri
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Missouri offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
MSN Programs Recommended by Our Education Experts
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Missouri RN Licensing Requirements
Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Blvd
P.O. Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
Phone: (573) 751-0293
Website: http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $45
License renewal (every two years), RN: $60
Continuing Education Requirements:
None
There is strict regulation nurses must follow in order to obtain licensure in the state of Missouri. There are three ways a candidate can obtain licensure: by exam, by endorsement, and by completing a nursing program abroad.
RN Licensure by Exam
No more than three months before graduation, candidates must submit the following:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application
- 2 x 2 passport-type photograph
- $45.00 fee made payable through money order, cashier’s check, or personal check to the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Candidates are required to submit a background check approximately two weeks after the application has been submitted. This can be done at: www.machs.mo.gov. Candidates will choose a fingerprint site, complete a fingerprinting process and obtain a receipt. There is a $44.80 fee that will include a State of Missouri search, FBI search, and Cogent (the vendor that processes fingerprints for the state) fee. After graduation, nurses should request that an official transcript be sent to the Board of Nursing office. Candidates must apply for the NCLEX exam through the Pearson VUE website and pay the $200 fee. Tests can only be scheduled when the candidate has received the Authorization to Test (ATT).
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Missouri is a part of the Nursing Licensure Compact, which allows nurses who are licensed in Missouri to practice in other compact states. Nurses may only hold one compact license and it must be issues by the primary residence. Candidates who reside in a compact state outside of Missouri planning on changing the primary residence to Missouri within 9 days may declare their primary residency in Missouri. Nurses who declare a non-compact state as the primary residence will be required to meet all the other requirements for licensure in Missouri. The following documentation must be submitted:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application
- $55 fee by check or money order made payable to Missouri State Board of Nursing
- License verification
- Official transcript
- Criminal background check along with the $44.80 fee
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Foreign nurses who have obtained licensure in a foreign country (with the exception of Puerto Rico and Canada) must have their credentials approved by an evaluation service and sent to the board. A list of services can be found on the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools website.
RN Salaries in Missouri
There are approximately 64,870 registered nurses currently working in Missouri. The mean salary is around $58,040. Nurses who earn their BSN degree will be able to expand the nursing services in the state are often preferred by community based employers. Nurses who take advantage of a higher education will find new and satisfying job opportunities as a result. Areas of certification and specialty nursing may provide advancement such as:
- Oncology nursing
- Nurse practitioner
- Midwifery
- Legal nursing
- Clinical nurse leaders
- Tele-Nursing
Nurses are encouraged to take advantage of nursing programs in Missouri in order to allow them to expand their practice and finding personal and professional satisfaction.
Missouri Registered Nursing Salaries
St. Louis has the largest employment rate of registered nurses than any other area in the state of Missouri. However, nurses who are employed in Kansas City make a higher hourly mean wage and annual median wage than St. Louis and all the other metropolitan areas statewide.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.