Missouri Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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Nurses are critical professionals within the healthcare system. In Missouri, as in many other states, the early 2020s have proven a challenging time characterized by nursing workforce shortages, professional burnout due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and other issues. Missouri is not exceptional in this regard.
The Missouri Hospital Association’s 2023 Workforce Report noted a slight improvement in the state’s record-high vacancy and turnover rates from 2021. Nonetheless, these rates continue to be far above historical averages. The recent turnover rate for staff nurses approached 20 percent. Such a high turnover rate can easily undermine morale and make transferring knowledge and best practices to incoming nursing professionals much more challenging.
The challenges that Missouri and many other states face pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural issues are a major factor. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted that, to fulfill demand, the US healthcare delivery system will require 2.6 million more workers nationwide in the coming decade. Missouri faces a nursing workforce shortage and a nursing professional educator shortage. Qualified nursing school applicants often struggle to secure admission because of a lack of full-time nursing faculty within the state. Thus, Missouri must dedicate itself to a long-term, feasible vision to sustain and grow its nursing workforce.
Missouri faces nursing workforce challenges common to other states. For example, the opioid addiction crisis has been devastating to Missouri. It has been estimated that one in three Missouri families has been affected by this nationwide crisis. The state also struggles to provide quality healthcare to its rural residents. As in many states, Missouri faces a divide between the care it can provide its urban residents and those who live in the countryside. Several factors contribute to this divide. They include the fact that rural hospitals are rarely very financially sustainable and a lack of transportation and communications infrastructure, making accessing care challenging for many residents.
The issues above make Missouri fertile ground for investing in the education and employment of new nursing professionals. Missouri features a variety of academic programs for nursing professionals seeking to begin or advance their careers. These programs vary in terms of duration, intensity, and complexity. Read on to discover Missouri’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Missouri
College of the Ozarks (On-campus)
The College of the Ozarks offers a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The school’s charter class began classes in 2007. Admission requirements include both academic and physical assessments and an interview. Upon acceptance, students complete at least one year of nursing program prerequisites before embarking on a six-semester sequence of nursing coursework. Clinical courses include maternity, pediatrics, adult health, geriatrics, mental health, community health, and leadership.
Students may complete their clinical hours requirement in various rural and urban settings. In their last semester, students complete a preceptorship course. In this course, they work individually with an RN with a typical patient caseload. Graduates emerge prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) and/or pursue graduate study.
Every full-time student participates in the on-campus work education program for 15 hours per week and for two 40-hour work weeks during the school year. Work credit earned from participation in this program, plus any federal and/or state aid for which students qualify, plus the College of the Ozarks Tuition Assurance Scholarship all combine to fully meet each student’s full tuition cost. This framework allows students to graduate from their nursing program debt-free.
- Location: Point Lookout, MO
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Missouri State University (On-campus)
Missouri State University offers prospective nursing professionals the opportunity to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing within a traditional four-year program track or as a transfer student. Once enrolled, students are expected to progress through the program with the cohort of which they are members. Successful graduation involves satisfactory fulfillment of general education requirements, baccalaureate program requirements, academic performance requirements and maintenance of health insurance through the duration of the program.
The first two years of this degree program feature pre-nursing coursework. Students are required to have completed or be in the process of completing all necessary pre-nursing coursework before officially applying to the BSN program prior to the beginning of their fifth semester. Students complete an approximate minimum of 122 credit hours to graduate. Detailed plans of study can be found on the school website.
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Ranked the best public school in the Midwest for 26 consecutive years, Truman State University offers a 122 credit hour four-year bachelor of science degree in nursing. Students can begin taking nursing courses in their first semester while simultaneously completing courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and psychology.
Students are offered a wealth of opportunities to develop into skilled professional nurses. Some of these include the use of the Nursing Simulation Center, clinical experiences in the local community featuring varied patient populations, including adult and obstetric acute care, geriatric care, and pediatric care, an international student nursing experience in the Philippines, and the Army Nursing Program.
Truman University prides itself on offering students a multidimensional experience designed and created for the modern world. Curricula consist of a combination of liberal arts and sciences and dynamic experiential learning. The university’s openness to various students is just one way it showcases the quality of its academic programs and guiding mission. The nursing program welcomes applications from various people, including high school graduates, transfer students, international students, graduate students, and returning students.
- Location: Kirksville, MO
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Saint Louis University (On-campus)
The Saint Louis University (SLU) Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers students a direct-entry bachelor of science in nursing program. This four-year degree program requires students to complete between 120 and 131 credit-hours to graduate. This program features state-of-the-art classrooms and clinical labs, study abroad opportunities, clinical experiences in a variety of settings and a low student-to-faculty ratio for clinical courses.
Nursing students begin studies in their nursing curriculum in their first semester. Students move on to practice lab experiences in the fall semester of their sophomore year and begin clinical experiences the following spring. Students must complete clinical experiences across all major nursing specialties during their studies. Students also benefit from internships and fellowships offered in St. Louis-area hospitals. SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital also recruits SLU’s nursing students to work as patient care technicians while enrolled in the nursing program.
High school seniors applying for admission are reviewed on a competitive, holistic, and individual basis. Students must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale, emphasizing math and science. Standardized test scores are optional but are preferred. Nursing students sit for multiple exams throughout their studies at SLU. Their culminating exam is the NCLEX exam at the end of the program. While applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores for admission, standardized tests are required to become a practicing nurse.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Missouri (Online and on-campus)
The University of Missouri offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in nursing. Those seeking to obtain a bachelor’s degree have a variety of options to choose from. These options include the traditional BSN program, accelerated BSN program, and the RN-to-BSN online program. This entry surveys only the traditional BSN program. Applicants interested in the other undergraduate degree options or higher-level nursing degrees should consult the school website for more information.
The traditional program accepts new students to the Pre-Nursing program in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. As students near completion of their Pre-Nursing coursework, they then formally apply to the clinical major. Admission is based on a competitive, space-available basis through a systematic and holistic review of each applicant. Admission to the clinical major occurs in fall or spring semesters. Students generally complete 60 credit hours (four semesters) of general education requirements before moving on to 60 credit hours of nursing education coursework. Students further develop their skills through both the Simulation Center and at least 700 hours of clinical experience. Traditional students may complete their clinical experience requirement in acute, subacute, long-term and community healthcare settings, as well as the Simulation Center.
- Location: Columbia, MO
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Barnes-Jewish College (On-campus)
The Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing offers three options to obtain an undergraduate nursing degree. These options are the upper division, accelerated, and weekend/evening programs. The upper division program is for undergraduate transfer students who have already completed two years of education at an accredited institution.
The accelerated program is designed for highly motivated students and can be completed in just 12 months. This program is appropriate for those seeking a faster transition from education to nursing practice. Finally, the weekend/evening option is for busy individuals who have completed their prerequisite coursework. Students of this program attend part-time and complete the program in 36 months.
Regardless of the program, all students benefit from a nursing education defined by its interdisciplinary emphasis. Students collaborate with professional colleagues from disciplines including medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, social work and other related fields. Students also benefit from various placement possibilities to fulfill their clinical education requirements. Clinical placements are offered throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. One well-known clinical learning experience is the school’s Clinical Simulation Institute.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Duration: Varies according to the program
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Columbia College (On-campus)
Columbia College offers two degree options for those seeking an undergraduate degree in nursing. These are the traditional BSN and RN-to-BSN programs. Students pay the same tuition regardless of which program they select.
The traditional BSN program is a 77-credit program in which students can transfer up to 45 credits from another accredited institution. Students learn basic medical-surgical nursing, various specialties, and community care. Students also learn the clinical reasoning, decision-making and collaborative skills necessary to work in teams effectively. The curriculum features coursework in biology, anatomy, and physiology. Nursing coursework includes the topics of nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, human nutrition, mental health nursing, pathophysiology, and infection control.
The RN-to-BSN program is designed for working RNs who seek to complete their BSN degree simultaneously. The curriculum features chemistry, ethics, pharmacology, statistics, community health, and nutrition.
- Location: Columbia, MO
- Duration: Two-and-a-half to four years, depending on chosen program
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Missouri
Missouri State University (Hybrid and online)
Missouri State University offers a master science of nursing (MSN) degree program in which students choose one of three tracks. These three tracks are family nurse practitioner (FNP; hybrid), nurse educator (online) and population health leadership (online).
The FNP program features several appealing elements. To begin with, it is a program more affordable than many other such graduate programs. In addition, students are not required to seek out a clinical placement; program personnel complete this task. The hybrid program provides the flexibility many professionals need in order to complete an advanced degree. Finally, the program boasts a 100% pass rate for students making their first attempt on the FNP certification exam.
The nurse educator program is designed to meet the pressing need for nursing professionals who will ultimately train new nursing professionals. Highlights of this program include its short duration (two years), low cost, fully online delivery model, and focus on a pressing need within the nursing field, namely the training of future nurses.
Nurses seeking to develop and oversee healthcare programs that benefit people at the population level should pursue the population health leadership track. Highlights of this program include its short duration (two years), low cost, fully online delivery model, and highly experienced faculty who will effectively train new nursing professionals.
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Duration: Varies depending on program
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Central Methodist University (Online)
Central Methodist University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program designed to train nurses in the advanced clinical, ethical leadership and social responsibility skills needed to become effective nursing professionals. This program features two tracks. These tracks are the clinical nurse leader and nurse educator tracks. Students study within a cohort of at least 10 to 12 people.
The MSN clinical nurse leader (CNL) program is designed to train students in the advanced knowledge and skills in both nursing and clinical leadership needed to direct and improve healthcare delivery systems across varied healthcare settings. A primary focus of a CNL’s duties is to be accountable for client care outcomes through the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of healthcare delivery and its related infrastructure. CNLs also improve client outcomes as well as nursing practices through the use of evidence-based care.
The nurse educator (NE) track trains students in the knowledge and skills necessary to train new nursing professionals in the practice of nursing across all settings. The NE is accountable for student outcomes by using evidence-based information to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum, instruction, and learning. NEs also employ effective instructional strategies to sustain enthusiasm for learning, explain complex topics and practices, and instill within new nurses the confidence necessary to become ethical, knowledgeable, and competent professionals.
- Location: Fayette, MO
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Central Missouri (Online)
The University of Central Missouri (UCM), ranked as the most affordable online MSN NP program by Fortune Magazine (2022-23), offers a two track MSN program. These two tracks are the family nurse practitioner (FNP) track and the nurse educator (NE) track.
The UCM nursing curriculum is based on the recognition that nursing is a combination of both art and science. Caring for people is conceptualized and delivered within broader cultural and other systems. UCM thus trains nursing professionals to deliver culturally competent, holistic care.
The MSN FNP track is offered in a hybrid format in which coursework is partially completed on the Lee’s Summit campus. Students complete practicum hours and gain experience in various specialties, including women’s health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and more. Coursework topics include organizational leadership, healthcare policy, pharmacology, primary care for women and pediatric patient populations, and pathophysiology.
The MSN-NE track is a fully online program. As part of their training, students in this track complete a teaching project designed to help them understand pedagogy in different settings, such as academic and professional development settings. Coursework topics include teaching theory in nursing, teaching clinical practice, and design of nursing curricula.
- Location: Warrensburg, MO
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Cox College (Online and on-campus)
Cox College offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program designed to train practitioners who will be frontline leaders in roles featuring substantial clinical, mental health and educational duties. Graduates employ evidence-based practices to inspire and drive change for both individual patients and the broader communities in which they work.
Students select one of two MSN program tracks. These are the family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) tracks. Regardless of placement, students will spend their first semesters studying leadership systems, advanced physiology and ethical and legal practices. Both tracks feature a 780 clinical hour training requirement.
The FNP track is a 45-credit program that can be completed somewhere between five and seven semesters, depending on the pace of study. Upon completion of their degree, students can take the national certification exam to become certified as an FNP. The curriculum consists of online didactic coursework and clinical practice. Admission for this track is offered in the spring and fall semesters.
The PMHNP track is a 46-credit-hour program designed to train RNs to become advanced practice nurses who provide holistic care throughout the human lifespan while bridging the common gap between physical and mental healthcare. The components of the curriculum and available admissions times are identical to the FNP track.
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Duration: Varies depending on pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. When looking for a nursing program, it is important to ensure that it is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure that nursing programs meet certain standards and provide students with a quality education.
In Missouri, to be eligible to obtain an RN license, students must attend a Missouri Board of Nursing-approved program. Accredited nursing programs within Missouri will typically be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Additional steps to become a licensed RN include passing a criminal background check, completing the MO Board of Nursing application for licensure, and passing the NCLEX exam.
After obtaining their licenses, nursing professionals maintain their skills through continued education. Continuing education is an important way for nurses to maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties and renew their licenses in the future.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Missouri?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest data available as of December 2023.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 641,240 | 12,110 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $51,850 | $49,500 |
| 10th percentile | $37,150 | $38,220 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,070 | $48,450 |
| 90th percentile | $63,790 | $59,590 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,047,530 | 70,440 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $82,750 | $71,860 |
| 10th percentile | $59,450 | $51,440 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,600 | $71,460 |
| 90th percentile | $120,250 | $94,340 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 43,950 | 1,040 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $202,470 | $205,190 |
| 10th percentile | $131,840 | $150,080 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $195,610 | $181,140 |
| 90th percentile | >$208,000 per year | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 7,750 | 130 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $114,210 | $107,660 |
| 10th percentile | $61,500 | $74,270 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $112,830 | $112,180 |
| 90th percentile | $166,170 | $132,710 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 234,690 | 7,290 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $118,040 | $113,180 |
| 10th percentile | $79,470 | $81,320 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,680 | $106,640 |
| 90th percentile | $163,350 | $138,170 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licenses in Missouri
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Missouri Division of Professional Registration Board of Nursing |
In order to earn an LPN license in the state of Missouri, candidates must:
|
LPN licenses in Missouri expire May 31st of even years. Renewal requirements include:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licenses in Missouri
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Missouri Division of Professional Registration Board of Nursing |
In order to earn a license in the state of Missouri as an RN, a candidate must:
| Registered nurse licenses in Missouri expire April 30th of even years. Renewal requirements include:
|
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licenses in Missouri
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Missouri does not issue APRN licenses but rather a Document of Recognition. APRN applicants must:
|
Missouri issues an APRN Document of Recognition, not a license. Applicants must have an active Missouri RN license or multistate RN license from another nurse licensure compact state to keep the APRN recognition current. If either the Missouri RN license or compact state license expires, then the APRN recognition will expire. They must also maintain current national certification. |
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licenses in Missouri
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for CNM recognition in the state of Missouri, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Missouri issues an APRN Document of Recognition, not a license. Applicants must have an active Missouri RN license or multistate RN license from another nurse licensure compact state in order to keep the APRN recognition current. If either the Missouri RN license or compact state license expires, then the APRN recognition will expire. |
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Licenses in Missouri
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Missouri does not issue APRN licenses but rather a document of recognition. CRNA applicants must:
|
Missouri issues an APRN document of recognition, not a license. Applicants must have an active Missouri RN license or multistate RN license from another nurse licensure compact state in order to keep the APRN recognition current. If either the Missouri RN license or compact state license expires, then the APRN recognition will expire. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licenses in Missouri
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Missouri does not issue APRN licenses but rather a document of recognition. CNS eligibility requirements in Missouri are:
|
Missouri issues an APRN document of recognition, not a license. Applicants must have an active Missouri RN license or multistate RN license from another nurse licensure compact state in order to keep the APRN recognition current. If either the Missouri RN license or compact state license expires, then the APRN recognition will expire. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].