Online Nursing Programs in Missouri: Finding the School for You
In Missouri, nursing can give you stability and competitive pay while allowing you to make a difference in the lives of patients. Whether you’re just starting your nursing journey or thinking about your next steps, this guide breaks down online nursing programs in Missouri, walks through the process of earning a license in the state, and provides links to additional support and resources to help you along the way.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareHealthcare Admin.Nursing HealthcareOnline Learning
NursingHealth ScienceInside Online Nursing Programs in Missouri (by Level)
Whether you prefer fully online or a hybrid format, Missouri offers nursing programs for individuals just entering the profession and for those looking to advance their careers. Here’s a quick overview of the degree programs offered at different academic levels:
- Undergraduate programs are designed for aspiring nurses and provide the basic education and training needed to begin your career. These include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Accelerated BSN programs.
- Graduate and post-graduate programs are for registered nurses seeking advanced roles in areas such as leadership, specialized clinical practice, and research. Graduates earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctorate in Nursing, or a post-master’s certificate and often pursue careers as nurse practitioners, educators, administrators, or healthcare policy experts.
- Bridge programs help working nurses advance their degrees more efficiently by combining prior education and experience with new coursework. Popular bridge programs include LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and direct-entry MSN.
The various degrees offered in Missouri make it easy to find a program to meet your needs. Read on to learn more about each.
Expert Insight
Nursing is not a one-size-fits-all career, and neither is the pathway leading to it. The steps I took to become a nurse were far from traditional, but I wouldn’t be near where I am today if it weren’t for the flexibility and number of options I had along the way.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Missouri
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
An online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program teaches essential skills like patient care, vital sign monitoring, and basic medical procedures. Through virtual coursework and in-person clinicals, students receive the entry-level training needed for hands-on healthcare roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Example: Missouri Health Care Association
- Cost: $700 – $1,300
- Length: 100 days (75 hours online curriculum + 100 clinical hours)
- Mode: Online
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADNs often serve as entry points for many students and are commonly offered by community colleges and vocational schools. With curriculums consisting of approximately 60 credits, ADN programs usually require two years of full-time study and allow graduates to seek RN licensure after meeting state requirements.
Example: St. Charles Community College
- Cost: $16,431
- Length: Two years
- Mode: In-person
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional BSN programs provide the best pathway for aspiring nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree and become eligible for RN licensure. These programs usually include 120 credits, with in-person clinical training components, and take around four years to complete.
Example: University of Missouri – Mizzou Online
- Cost: $17,663 per year
- Length: Four years
- Mode: Online/In-person
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs are designed to allow those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to graduate much quicker than traditional BSN programs. While both train and qualify graduates for the NCLEX-RN, ABSN programs focus specifically on core nursing curriculum, eliminating the need for students to waste time repeating general education classes.
Example: Rockhurst University
- Cost: $46,980
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate-Level Programs in Missouri
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earning an MSN takes around one to three years on average, depending on your specialization. After graduation, master’s-prepared nurses often assume roles as nurse practitioners or in areas such as informatics, education, or administration and leadership.
Example: University of Missouri – Mizzou Online
- Cost: $20,491 – $33,050 per year
- Length: 2 – 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
While there are major differences between a DNP and a PhD, they are both considered doctorate level degrees. The DNP takes between two to five years to complete and focuses primarily on clinical practice and leadership. On the other hand, a PhD in nursing leans heavily on research and can take much longer because of the required dissertation component.
Example: University of Missouri – Mizzou Online
- Cost: $47,592 / year (BSN to DNP), $25,118 / year (MSN to DNP)
- Length: 3-5 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates are designed to allow master’s-prepared nurses to expand their knowledge on specific nursing topics or patient populations. These typically take one to two years to complete and can help a nurse advance their career without having to earn an additional degree.
Example: University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Cost: $9,000-$18,000 per year
- Length: 1-2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs in Missouri
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Experienced LPNs who want to update their credentials can do so by completing an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN bridge program. While both allow graduates to sit for their NCLEX-RN, an LPN to RN program usually takes 12-18 months and results in an associate degree, whereas an LPN to BSN program awards a bachelor’s degree in around 24-36 months.
Example: Missouri State University
- Cost: $16,624 (LPN to RN)
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are becoming increasingly popular as more employers now expect RNs to hold bachelor’s degrees. Designed for working RNs, these programs are often available completely online, offer part-time or full-time learning options, and take 1-2 years to complete.
Example: University of Central Missouri
- Cost: $297/credit
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
RNs with associate degrees may decide to bypass bachelor’s credentials altogether and move directly into master’s degrees. RN to MSN programs take approximately three years from start to finish and can commonly be done completely online, depending on the specialization.
Example: Missouri Baptist University
- Cost: $365/credit (Undergraduate and graduate while in the BSN program) // $777 (Graduate after beginning the MSN program)
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
For bachelor’s-prepared RNs seeking to influence healthcare at the most impactful level, earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice through a bridge program may be a smart choice. These programs teach courses in advanced clinical training, leadership, and healthcare policy to prepare graduates for roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, or educators.
Example: Missouri State University
- Cost: $51,920 (in-state) // $66,424 (out-of-state)
- Length: 3-4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
A Direct-Entry MSN program provides a straight path for non-nursing majors and those with no prior experience to obtain their RN license alongside a Master of Science in Nursing. These programs offer accelerated nursing coursework and hands-on clinical training to help ensure graduates are well equipped to pass the NCLEX-RN and take on advanced nursing roles.
Example: Herzing University
- Cost: $790/credit
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online
RN License Requirements in Missouri
The Missouri Board of Nursing governs the requirements for earning and maintaining a nursing license in Missouri. Like most states, licensure begins with graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown of these steps and beyond.
1 – Accredited Degree in Nursing
Graduating from an accredited nursing program is the first step to becoming a licensed nurse in Missouri and choosing a school with proper accreditation is essential. In Missouri, nursing schools should be regionally accredited from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), as well as hold program-specific accreditation by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2 – Passing Grade on the NCLEX-RN
Aspiring nurses must earn a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in Missouri. To prepare for the exam, many schools offer mentoring or NCLEX review services for students to take advantage of. Additionally, a variety of resources are available online which provide practice questions and mock exams.
Registering and paying for the NCLEX-RN exam is done through Pearson VUE. Once eligibility is confirmed through the state, you will receive your authorization to test (ATT) allowing you to schedule the exam within 90 days.
Expert Insight
Preparation is key for passing the NCLEX on your first try! Make sure to take full advantage of any review courses or study material offered to you. When it comes to test day, you’ll be happy you did.
3 – Apply for Licensure in Missouri
Applying for RN licensure in Missouri is done via the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. In addition to filling out the application, three key steps are required: graduating from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and undergoing a criminal background check with fingerprinting. After all requirements are met, nurses are eligible to hold a multistate license allowing them to practice not only in Missouri, but in other compact states as well.
4 – Renew Your Licensure on Schedule
In Missouri, RN licenses expire on April 30th of each odd-numbered year, but nurses are eligible to renew as early as February 1st. Unlike some states, Missouri does not require continuing education credits for renewal, however, renewal applications and fees must be submitted three days prior to the expiration date or nurses risk their license becoming lapsed.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
After becoming a licensed RN in Missouri, you can advance your career by obtaining specialty certifications in fields such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology. These certifications typically require additional coursework, clinical experience, and passing an exam, however, being certified can enhance job opportunities, increase salary potential and open doors for career growth. Furthermore, many healthcare employers offer tuition assistance or financial reimbursement for those pursing these certifications.
Salary Trends and Job Forecast for Nurses in Missouri
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $58,510 | $79,770 | $103,140 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $60,440 | $79,490 | $100,840 |
| Columbia, MO | $59,600 | $81,370 | $102,610 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $56,070 | $75,930 | $92,920 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $59,670 | $73,190 | $92,710 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $65,360 | $82,630 | $104,240 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $60,360 | $74,750 | $92,680 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $61,990 | $82,560 | $105,630 |
| Springfield, MO | $56,140 | $66,530 | $95,490 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Missouri | 76,960 | 84,580 | 7,620 | 9.90% | 5,110 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Missouri’s Leading Online Nursing Programs
With the number of nursing programs in Missouri, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. While we can’t make the decision for you, we’ve researched and ranked schools based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We specifically consider factors important to students, such as student-to-faculty ratio, tuition cost, accreditation, and more. For further details on our ranking process, check out the methodology pop-up below.
