2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

Overview of Nursing Schools in Missouri

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

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

Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing

100.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout, MO - 65726-0017
• 
  (417) 334-6411

Nurse Admin: Janice Williams, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, CDE

Title: Program Director And Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

College of the Ozarks is located in Point Lookout, Missouri.  C of O is a Christian college; their nursing program is biblically-based and students must take courses that satisfy these requirements in addition to nursing requirements.  The nursing department's mission is: "to present a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, character-driven nursing education program

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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

School of Nursing

96.15% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  901 S National Avenue, Springfield, MO - 65897
• 
  (417) 836-5000

Nurse Admin: Sylvia M. Feeney, RN, BSN, MSNA, DNAP

Title: Interim Director

• 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

Missouri State University is located in Springfield, Missouri. The division of nursing offers two BSN tracks: a two-year BSN and a four-year BSN. The four-year BSN is akin to most traditional BSN programs. The two-year option is a transfer-friendly program, tailored to those who wish to complete their college career at Missouri

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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

95.44% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  5000 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO - 64110
• 
  (816) 235-1000

Nurse Admin: Melissa Joy Roberts, JD, RN, APRN-BC, FNP

Title: Interim Dean

• 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

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public research university. They offer a traditional BSN track, an accelerated BSN track, and an RN-BSN track. Their curriculum is designed to prepare nurses who are responsible, accountable, and critical thinkers. The 4 year track is for students who do not hold another

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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

94.74% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  100 E Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO - 63501-4221
• 
  (660) 785-4000

Nurse Admin: Brenda Wheeler, MSN, RN

Title: Chair And Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.74%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor

Truman State University is a public university located in Kirksville, Missouri, United States. They offer two tracks toward completion of their BSN program. In addition to a traditional 4 year curriculum, they have designed an accelerated BSN program, ideal for students with college credits or a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Students

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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

93.86% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4525 Downs Dr, Saint Joseph, MO - 64507
• 
  (816) 271-4200

Nurse Admin: Jacklyn Gentry, Ed.D, RN

Title: Chair And Assistant Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.86%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Founded in 1969, Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community whose mission is to prepare individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. This vision infuse the School of Nursing. The school is located in St. Joseph in and the county seat of Buchanan County. Small parts of the

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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

Sinclair School of Nursing

93.37% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO - 65211
• 
  (573) 882-2121

Nurse Admin: Sarah Thompson, PhD, RN, FAAN

Title: Dean

• 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

The University of Missouri is a public research university in Columbia, Missouri. The Sinclair School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN online program. The traditional BSN track is a four year program tailored for those who recently graduated high school. The

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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

93.14% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO - 63103-2097
• 
  3149772222

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.14%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

Saint Louis University is a private Roman Catholic school, located in St. Louis, Missouri. SLU offers a traditional BSN program, as well as an accelerated one-year BSN track, RN-BSN track, in addition to graduate opportunities. All programs are CCNE accredited. Saint Louis University has a long history in nursing education,

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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

92.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  11830 Westline Industrial Drive, Suite 106, St. Louis, MO - 63146
• 
  (314) 991-6200

Nurse Admin: ,

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.53%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

Chamberlain University College of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Missouri offers individualized support to facilitate the student’s education. Students study full-time to finish in three or more years so they can quickly enter the workforce. The degrees are CCNE-accredited. All feature training in the SIMCARE CENTER™ nursing skills

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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

92.34% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2525 E. Meyer Boulevard, Kansas City, MO - 64132
• 
  (816) 995-2800

Nurse Admin: Rebecca A. Saxton, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Dean

• 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

Research College of Nursing is located in Kansas City, MO. This specialized school is small, private, and fully-accredited. RCN offers a BSN program, as well as various graduate opportunities. The BSN program has several options. There is a 1-year accelerated track, where applicants must hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, there’s

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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

92.22% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO - 65248-1198
• 
  (660) 248-3391

Nurse Admin: ,

• 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

92.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO - 65248-1198
• 
  6602483391

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

Central Methodist University is a private college in Fayette, MO. CMU offers a BSN program that places a focus on honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility. Student skills are honed through a two-part approach, combining rigorous academic coursework with diverse clinical experience. CMU’s Thogmorton Center for Allied Health is where most

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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

Department of Nursing

92.02% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  108 W South Street, Warrensburg, MO - 64093
• 
  (660) 543-4111

Nurse Admin: Nicole Webb, DNP, APRN-BC, FNP-BC

Title: Title:

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.02%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

University of Central Missouri is located in Warrensburg, Missouri.  UCM offers a BSN degree and an RN to BSN degree.  The RN to BSN program is an online program and can be completed in one calendar year.  In 2013, the RN to BSN program was added to the "Best Buy"

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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

91.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, MO - 63141-7299
• 
  (800) 627-9855

Nurse Admin: Karla S. Larson, PhD, MSN, RN

Title: Assistant Dean For Nursing

• 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

Maryville University offers a BSN program that focuses on in-depth knowledge of nursing theory and practical experience. MU has well equipped practice labs, as well as a supportive community of faculty and students who have similar goals. MU’s BSN program prepares students who are confident, capable, and knowledgeable with the

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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

School of Nursing

91.49% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  11901 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO - 64145-1698
• 
  (816) 942-8400

Nurse Admin: Angela Yanez, DNP, RN, CHSE

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.49%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

Avila University is a  private university in Kansas City, Missouri that offers a CCNE accredited BSN program. This four-year baccalaureate track is designed around four pillars: discover, understand, participate, and assume. "Discover" entails the understanding and appreciation of the human responses and varied perceptions of life experiences; "Understand" focuses on

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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

Department of Nursing

90.79% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One University Plaza, MS2025, Cape Girardeau, MO - 63701
• 
  (573) 651-2000

Nurse Admin: Connie Drury, PhD, MSN, RN

Title: Chairperson

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.79%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, MO. They offer two programs, a BSN program and an RN to BSN online program. Both of them are CCNE accredited. Unique to SMSU is that there’s no such thing as in-state or out-of-state tuition rates; instead, all students pay the

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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

Department of Nursing

90.69% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1423 N Jefferson, Springfield, MO - 65802-1917
• 
  (417) 269-3401

Nurse Admin: Amy Townsend, EdD, RN

Title: Chief Nurse Administrator

• 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

Cox College is located in Springfield, Missouri.  They offer ASN, BSN and an RN to BSN degree options.  The nursing program began in 1907 as the Burge Deaconess Training School for Nurses, with three nursing students.

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

99.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO - 65301-2199
• 
  (877) 311-7322

Nurse Admin: Allison Brosch,

Title: Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

State Fair Community College is a public community college in Sedalia, Missouri. The nursing division offers a bi-level program that allows students to become LPNs after year 1, or to complete a second year with an ADN diploma and NCLEX preparedness. At SFCC, the focus is on a blend of

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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

97.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO - 63376-0975
• 
  (636) 922-8000

Nurse Admin: Jen Bussen,

Title: Program Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

St. Charles Community College is a public institution situated in Cottleville, Missouri, and first opened its doors in 1986. St. Charles offers a Missouri State Board of Nursing approved and ACEN accredited ADN program in addition to an LPN to RN bridge program. Students may enroll in either program in

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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

94.60% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  6915 S Hwy 63, Houston, MO - 65483
• 
  (417) 967-5466

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.60%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Texas County Technical Institute is in Houston, but in the “show me” state of Missouri! TCTC is a private college specializing in healthcare programs. Houston lies in the heart of the Ozarks in the south central portion of the state, surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest. Students will enjoy

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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

93.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO - 65802
• 
  (417) 447-7500

Nurse Admin: Tena Wheeler,

Title: ASN Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Ozarks Technical Community College was founded in 1990, and is located in Springfield, Missouri. They offer an LPN to ADN program, and students can enroll at 4 different points throughout the year. The program is uniquely designed as a bridge curriculum that lasts 36 weeks and has ACEN accreditation. This

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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

92.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2001 William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO - 63703-4507
• 
  (573) 334-6825

Nurse Admin: Tonya , PhD, RN

Title: Dean Of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

The Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit school in Cape Girardeau, MO. What is unique to this institution is its narrow focus on health care education and career preparation. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program, which has four different tracks to suit

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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

91.80% 3-Year
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

Missouri State University-West Plains is public college in West Plains, MO. They offer an two-year ADN track, as well as a one-year LPN-RN track, which are both ACEN accredited. The two programs do include a summer semester, and students may enroll annually in the fall. The coursework revolves around a

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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

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.

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.