Missouri Online (Hybrid) LPN Programs: Finding the Best School
Two-year colleges and career schools offer a wide range of practical nursing programs across Missouri. Many lead to certificates, diplomas, and eventually to licensure. But which program gives you the best chance to pass the NCLEX-PN? Which has the cost structure you need and the flexibility to balance school, work, and other commitments? Use EduMed’s guide to personalize your LPN program search and find the school that matches your educational and career goals.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Nursing Healthcare Administration Editorial Senior Care Dementia Care
Nursing Nursing Ed.Jump To Section
You might be interested in:
Choosing Your LPN Student Profile
When looking for LPN training, it’s important to narrow your search to programs that meet your unique needs. If you need a low-cost option, focus on board-approved LPN programs with tuition rates that fit within your budget. If you need flexibility, concentrate on programs with online learning opportunities across a majority of the curriculum (outside of labs and clinicals). The right program can make all the difference.
To begin your personalized LPN program search, choose the student profile below that best matches where you are now and what need the most.
The Recent HS Grad
You just finished high school and want an LPN credential in about a year, so you can start working in healthcare in Missouri without a four-year degree.
A program with no experience requirement means your high school diploma or GED is enough to get started in Missouri. Because graduating from a state-approved program is what makes you eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN, check approval first, then look for a hybrid format that moves theory online.
The Career Changer
You’re changing careers in Missouri and want an LPN program you can complete without giving up your current paycheck first.
Few prerequisites means you can start nursing coursework without a stack of prep classes first, which matters when you’re switching fields. Evening scheduling and hybrid delivery are what make it realistic to study while you’re still working.
The Budget Watcher
You’re watching your budget and want a Missouri LPN program that gets you licensed without a long-term loan burden.
Public colleges in Missouri typically charge residents less, so in-state tuition is the first thing to compare. Pair that with financial aid eligibility and a hybrid format, and you can lower both what you pay and what you spend getting to class.
The Future RN
You want to work as an LPN in Missouri while you build toward an RN or BSN, and you want to avoid repeating coursework later.
Credits that transfer into an RN or BSN program mean you won’t repeat coursework when you move up, so ask which schools the program has bridge agreements with. A hybrid format lets you keep working as an LPN while you study for the next degree.
The Local Student
You want to stay close to home in Missouri while you train, with a campus and clinical sites you can reach without relocating or enduring a long commute.
Every LPN program requires in-person clinicals, so the distance to local clinical sites matters as much as the campus location. A hybrid format cuts the number of trips by putting coursework online, and a nearby campus keeps the remaining ones short.
The Relocator
You’re relocating to Missouri or expect to relocate later, and you want a program that prepares you for licensure in more than one state.
Licensure rules differ from state to state, so confirm that your program is state board approved and look into how Missouri handles license transfers and the Nurse Licensure Compact. Hybrid delivery gives you more flexibility if your plans or location change.
Who Provides LPN Training in Missouri
Where you enroll affects how long you study, what you pay, and whether your coursework carries transferable credit. Community and technical colleges offer for-credit certificates, sometimes through part-time evening and weekend tracks. For clock-hour certificates, students can apply to area career and technical centers across the state, many operated by local school districts. Private career colleges provide a third route, including Missouri’s only verified hybrid options. See how these options stack up side by side:
At a Glance: How Missouri’s LPN Programs Compare
| Area Career and Technical Center Certificate | Community or Technical College Certificate | Private Career College Diploma | |
|---|---|---|---|
Length | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate About 10 to 12 months full-time | Community or Technical College Certificate About one year full-time; six semesters part-time at Jefferson College | Private Career College Diploma About 50 weeks at Concorde Career College |
Cost Range | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate Varies by center; ask for the current cost sheet | Community or Technical College Certificate About $13,000 to $13,700 in-district at MCC-Penn Valley, including program fees; out-of-district students pay more. State Tech’s tuition averaged $17,337 | Private Career College Diploma About $41,250 at Concorde, including books and a technology fee |
School Types | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate Area career centers and technical centers | Community or Technical College Certificate Community colleges and State Technical College of Missouri | Private Career College Diploma Private career colleges |
Credits or Clock Hours | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate Clock hours, such as 1,232 at Franklin Technology Center | Community or Technical College Certificate About 50 to 57 credits (52.5 to 56.5 at MCC-Penn Valley) | Private Career College Diploma Clock hours (1,611 at Concorde) |
Financial Aid Eligibility | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate Federal aid at Title IV centers | Community or Technical College Certificate Federal aid, Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, and A+ Scholarship for eligible students | Private Career College Diploma Federal aid at Title IV schools |
Credits Transfer to RN Program | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate Usually through LPN-to-RN advanced placement rather than course-by-course credit | Community or Technical College Certificate More likely, since courses carry college credit | Private Career College Diploma Limited; confirm with the RN program |
Best For | Area Career and Technical Center Certificate The Recent HS Grad | Community or Technical College Certificate The Future RN, The Local Student | Private Career College Diploma The Career Changer, The Relocator |
How They Work: Inside Missouri Online/Hybrid Programs
Because licensed practical nursing is a hands-on profession, LPN programs cannot be completed solely online. However, many Missouri schools offer partially online coursework with clinical rotations — a cornerstone of practical nursing education — that require in-person participation at local health care facilities. As a student, you may also need to attend labs and simulations on campus.
The first step to becoming a licensed LPN is graduating from a state-approved program that meets Missouri LPN licensing requirements. From there, you’ll take the NCLEX-PN exam and then apply for licensure. A good way to discern between programs is by looking at the program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate and whether they are approved by the Missouri Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Here’s a breakdown of some of Missouri’s most high-quality online/hybrid LPN programs.
Practical Nursing Program – Applied Tech
Applied Tech offers its one-year practical nursing program at two locations, North Tech in Florissant and South Tech in Sunset Hills. Students need a high school diploma or equivalent and a passing score on entrance exams. Practical nursing students learn basic bedside care, including measuring and recording vitals and assisting patients with essential daily self-care tasks.
Applied Tech’s program is approved by Missouri’s Board of Nursing and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
The estimated cost (tuition, books, uniforms, and other supplies) is approximately $22,555. Financial aid includes federal grants and loans, military tuition assistance, and Veterans Administration funding. Transfer credits for prior coursework are also evaluated and accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Duration: One year
Mode: In-person
Cost: $6,700 (tuition per trimester)
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent from a valid institution
- Pass the Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) with a minimum score of 19
- Complete a Criminal Background Check
- Proof of Immunizations
- Provide Professional References
Curriculum:
- Personal Vocational Concepts
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Human Growth and Development
- Pharmacology
- Intravenous Therapy
- Geriatric Nursing
- Adult Health Nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Simulation
- Nursing Children
- Maternal & Newborn Nursing
- Nursing Leadership
Practical Nursing – North Central Missouri College
The program offered at North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is one of the shortest online LPN programs in Missouri. Students can finish their studies in as few as 11 months with a combination of fully online, in-person, and hybrid courses. This program is approved by Missouri’s Board of Nursing, and NCMC is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Prospective students must complete several prerequisite courses and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 at their last school (high school or college). Applicants must also earn passing scores on the ATI TEAS exam.
NCMC’s well-rounded curriculum prepares students to pass the NCLEX-PN and succeed in the field. In fact, 85% of students pass it on their first attempt, and 90% of graduates are either employed or enrolled in an RN program within 6-12 months after graduation. Thanks to NCMC Foundation Scholarships, many students graduate with less debt.
Duration: 11 months
Mode: Fully online, in-person, or hybrid
Cost: $258 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent from a valid institution
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 from high school or college
- Pass the Pre-Entrance Test – ATI TEAS with a minimum score of 58.7%
- Complete pre-requisites with a “C” or greater
- Complete a Criminal Background Check
- Proof of Immunizations
- Pass Drug Screening
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Nursing
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Personal Vocational Concepts
- Nursing of Adults
- Intro to Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing
What to Watch For in Missouri
Missouri’s LPN landscape is spread across many small programs rather than a few large ones. That gives rural students more local options, but it also means quality and cost can vary a lot from one town to the next. The state’s licensing rules are relatively light, which makes keeping a license simple once you have it.
These are the details that set Missouri apart from other states.
- Many small, local programs. Thirty-five Missouri programs had first-time NCLEX-PN testers in the first nine months of 2025, and 21 of them tested 25 or fewer graduates.
- Strong statewide results. Across those programs, 952 of 1,023 first-time testers passed from January through September 2025, about 93%.
- A path for Air Force medics. Missouri’s Board approved the Air Force 4N051 medical technician program as a practical nursing program, so qualifying military personnel and veterans can apply for a Missouri LPN license.
- No continuing education. Missouri doesn’t require CE hours to renew an LPN license.
- Strict renewal deadline. LPN licenses expire May 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal costs $77, and there’s no grace period.
- Multistate practice. Missouri belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, so Missouri residents can practice in other compact states, including Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
- Free tuition for many adults. The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant can cover remaining tuition and fees for Missouri residents 25 and older who meet income limits, in eligible high-demand programs.
Missouri Board-Approved LPN Programs
One of the most important indicators of LPN program quality is NCLEX-PN pass rate. The Missouri State Board of Nursing publishes NCLEX-PN results by program each quarter, with the latest available report covering January through September of 2025. The table below includes every program with 2025 testers, sorted alphabetically, with format noted where the school or a state training provider list confirms it.
| Program | Location | Board Status | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Program Air Force Nursing Service Program – PN | Location Military program | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 74.5% (76/102) | Format Military training |
Program Applied Technology Services | Location St. Louis area | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 88.3% (68/77) | Format Not stated |
Program Bolivar Technical College | Location Bolivar | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (19/19) | Format Not stated |
Program Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center | Location Cape Girardeau | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 97% (32/33) | Format Not stated |
Program Carthage Technical Center | Location Carthage | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (13/13) | Format Not stated |
Program Cass Career Center | Location Harrisonville | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 88% (22/25) | Format Not stated |
Program Concorde Career College | Location Kansas City | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 93.5% (29/31) | Format Hybrid or blended |
Program Crowder College | Location Southwest Missouri | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (7/7) | Format Not stated |
Program East Central College | Location Rolla | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (11/11) | Format Not stated |
Program Franklin Technology Center | Location Joplin | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 92.6% (25/27) | Format Not stated |
Program Hannibal-LaGrange University | Location Hannibal | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (3/3) | Format Not stated |
Program Jefferson College | Location Hillsboro | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (37/37) | Format Day; part-time evening and weekend |
Program Kirksville Area Technical Center | Location Kirksville | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 86.7% (13/15) | Format Not stated |
Program Lex La-Ray Technical Center | Location Lexington | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 84.2% (16/19) | Format Not stated |
Program Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley | Location Kansas City | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 87% (20/23) | Format Not stated |
Program Mineral Area College | Location Park Hills | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (18/18) | Format Not stated |
Program Moberly Area Community College | Location Moberly, Mexico, Columbia | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 98.3% (58/59) | Format Not stated |
Program North Central Missouri College | Location Trenton | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (68/68) | Format Day classes; some evening and weekend clinicals |
Program Ozarks Technical Community College | Location Springfield | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 98.4% (62/63) | Format Not stated |
Program Ozarks Technical College – Lebanon | Location Lebanon | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (19/19) | Format Not stated |
Program Ozarks Technical College – Table Rock | Location Hollister | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (1/1) | Format Not stated |
Program Pike-Lincoln Technical Center | Location Eolia | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 95.8% (23/24) | Format Not stated |
Program Saline County Career Center | Location Marshall | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 91.7% (11/12) | Format Not stated |
Program Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Location Cape Girardeau | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (5/5) | Format Not stated |
Program Southern Missouri Technical Institute | Location West Plains | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 89.7% (26/29) | Format Not stated |
Program St. Charles Community College | Location Cottleville | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 91.3% (21/23) | Format Not stated |
Program St. Louis College of Health Careers | Location Fenton | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 93.5% (43/46) | Format Not stated |
Program St. Louis Community College | Location St. Louis | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 80% (4/5) | Format Not stated |
Program State Fair Community College | Location Sedalia, Eldon | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 98.6% (73/74) | Format Not stated |
Program State Technical College of Missouri | Location Linn | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 95.7% (22/23) | Format Not stated |
Program Texas County Technical College | Location Houston | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (30/30) | Format Not stated |
Program Three Rivers College | Location Poplar Bluff | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (31/31) | Format Not stated |
Program Warrensburg Area Career Center | Location Warrensburg | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 100% (13/13) | Format Not stated |
Program Washington School of Practical Nursing | Location Washington | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 83.3% (20/24) | Format Not stated |
Program Waynesville Career Center | Location Waynesville | Board Status Approved | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 91.7% (11/12) | Format Not stated |
Source: Missouri State Board of Nursing, NCSBN Report 4: First-Time NCLEX-PN Candidates by Program, 2025 Quarters 1–3 (data as of October 9, 2025). The statewide figure is our sum of program totals. Concorde’s format comes from the Kansas eligible training provider list. “Not stated” means we couldn’t confirm the delivery format on the school’s site.
How to Become an LPN in Missouri
Missouri’s licensing path is one of the simpler ones in the region, with low fees and no ongoing continuing education (CE) requirement. You’ll apply to the Missouri State Board of Nursing, which handles your exam eligibility and your license. Most students finish training in about a year, and then test within a few weeks of graduating.
Here are the core steps each future practical nurse needs to follow:
- Choose a Board-approved program. Admission often requires a TEAS or similar entrance exam, prerequisites, a background check, and immunizations.
- Complete your program. You’ll finish classroom instruction, skills labs, and supervised clinical rotations.
- Apply for licensure by examination. Submit your application to the Missouri State Board of Nursing with the LPN exam fee (about $41) and complete state and federal fingerprint background checks.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-PN. Registration with Pearson VUE costs $200. NCSBN is raising the fee to $350 for registrations on or after February 1, 2027.
- Receive your license. If Missouri is your primary state of residence, you can hold a multistate license that covers other compact states.
- Renew by May 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal costs $77, and Missouri has no grace period, so renew early to keep practicing.
Paying for LPN School in Missouri
The cost of earning an LPN certificate or diploma varies by school. Some programs offer tuition as low as $13,000, while others can run as high as $40,000. To help reduce costs and keep your higher education affordable, explore or review the following sources of funding:
- Loans, scholarships, and grants
- Work-study programs and employer tuition reimbursement programs
- VA benefits for active military and veterans
For example, the State of Michigan offers a Missouri Nursing Student Loan Program to Missouri residents enrolled full-time in an board-approved Missouri LPN program. Borrowers can receive up to $2,500 at a 0% interest rate. Preference is given to residents of underserved areas and underrepresented minority groups.
Missouri LPN students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need may also qualify for scholarships awarded by the Missouri League for Nursing. Find out about additional funding opportunities you may be eligible for by contacting the financial aid offices at each prospective school.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Missouri
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $48,580 | $61,530 | $77,120 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $45,700 | $60,100 | $74,250 |
| Columbia, MO | $48,880 | $61,670 | $75,280 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $47,510 | $60,340 | $76,110 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $48,010 | $58,920 | $72,950 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $52,440 | $64,420 | $78,470 |
| Springfield, MO | $49,420 | $61,350 | $74,710 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $47,840 | $60,720 | $71,030 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $56,610 | $65,120 | $79,590 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 651,400 | 668,500 | 17,100 | 2.6% | 54,400 |
| Missouri | 15,210 | 15,560 | 350 | 2.3% | 1,260 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
LPN Licensure in Missouri: Step by Step
Obtaining an LPN license in Missouri begins with completing a training program and ends with passing a state licensing exam. Though the process is straight forward, prospective LPNs must strictly follow the guidance provided by Missouri’s Board of Nursing, which includes filling out an application, registering for the NCLEX-PN, and paying associated fees.
How to obtain an LPN license in Missouri:
- Complete an accredited, board-approved LPN training program
- Apply for LPN licensure through Missouri’s board of nursing
- Pass a criminal background check
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN
The first step in becoming a licensed practical nurse is completing an accredited, board-approved training program that gives you the skills needed to work as an LPN. Refer to the list of approved practical nursing programs through the Missouri State Board of Nursing for verification. After completing your LPN program, you must prove you possess the necessary skills by passing the NCLEX-PN.
Because LPNs often work with vulnerable patient populations, Missouri requires LPN candidates to pass a criminal background check as a measure for ensuring patient safety. This is included as part of the licensure application process, so any prior convictions that would present a conflict with nursing practice can result in disqualification.
Additional licensing information:
- LPN licenses in Missouri expire on May 31st of each even-numbered year, and they must be renewed three days prior. There is no grace period.
- If your license lapses, you will be required to reapply and pay extra fees.
- Renewal instructions are emailed approximately 90 days before expiration. The current renewal fee is $77.
- Missouri does not require LPNs to complete any continuing education credits for license renewal.
Expert Insight
Preparing for the NCLEX requires dedication and patience. The applications, deadlines, fees, and studying can be overwhelming. I would suggest keeping a planner or detailed calendar during this time so you don’t miss anything.
