Discover the Best Online Nursing Schools in Missouri
Explore top-ranked online and traditional nursing programs and find your Missouri nursing school match.
With jobs for all types of nurses in Missouri set to quickly grow anywhere from 6% to 42% from 2022 to 2032, nursing can give you lasting job stability and competitive pay. It also allows you to make a critical difference in the lives of patients.
Whether you’re just starting your journey into nursing or thinking about next steps after working as an RN, this guide can help you find the Missouri nursing school that best meets your needs. You’ll learn about the various types of nursing programs offered by top-ranked schools, how to earn a license in the state, and where to find academic support and professional resources along the way.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Public
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Public
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri
Private
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Public
Webster University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Public
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Public
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Public
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Public
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, Missouri
Public
Southwest Baptist University
Bolivar, Missouri
Private
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hannibal, Missouri
Private
Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, Missouri
Private
Missouri State University-West Plains
West Plains, Missouri
Public
Find Missouri Nursing Schools in a City Near You
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Missouri
You can find nursing schools in Missouri offering degrees at various academic levels, making it easy to find a program that meets you where you are professionally and academically and helps propel you to the next level. This section provides you with a good sense of the most common options currently available for those looking for quality nursing programs in Missouri.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Missouri
ADN Programs
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 licensure as RNs after meeting state requirements.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Traditional BSN programs provide the best pathway for first-time nursing students who know they want to earn bachelor’s degrees. These programs usually include 120 credits, which includes in-person clinical training components. Most traditional BSN programs take four years to complete. Graduates can seek licensure as RNs.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs consist of the same number of credits and set the same graduation requirements as traditional BSNs but allow students to graduate more quickly. The accelerated nature of these programs means you can earn your credentials in as few as three years.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Missouri for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
After working as an LPN for a time, some nurses decide they want to update their credentials and qualify for higher-paying jobs by completing LPN to RN or LPN to BSN programs. An LPN to RN program usually takes 12-18 months to finish and results in an associate degree. An LPN to BSN can take longer, typically 24-36 months, as graduate will earn aa bachelor’s degree.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Because more employers now expect RNs to hold bachelor’s degrees, RN to BSN programs are becoming popular. Because students in these programs already have extensive clinical training and experience as nurses, these programs are often available completely online. These programs usually consist of roughly 30 credits and take 1-2 years to complete. Schools commonly offer both part-time and full-time learning options.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
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.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Missouri
MSN Programs
MSN programs typically come in two forms: a standard MSN for those who already hold BSNs and direct-entry MSNs for students with bachelor’s degrees in fields others than nursing who are looking to transfer into the nursing field. These programs take anywhere from 2-4 years depending on qualifications upon starting the degree.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP programs support nurses who want professional degrees that allow them to practice at the highest echelons of the field. These programs take about three years to complete. A PhD in nursing appeals to nurses looking to move into research. A PhD is also helpful for students interested in an academic position, such as teaching the next generation of nursing students at colleges and universities. These doctoral programs usually take between 4-6 years to finish.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Designed for MSN-educated nurses, post-graduate certificates give specialized knowledge in niche areas without requiring the completion of another degree. Certificate offerings vary by school but usually include options like nurse-midwifery, nurse educator, and nurse leadership. Post-graduate certificate programs take approximately one year to complete.
Examples of Missouri Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Look at Online Nursing Programs in Missouri
Most nursing schools in Missouri now offer some level of virtual interaction, and many provide entire classes and degrees online. If you’re looking for an ADN or BSN, these programs always require in-person participation due to required clinicals needed for licensure. To provide flexibility, some schools offer hybrid programs at these levels. For example, Moberly Area Community College provides a hybrid ADN while Southwest Baptist University offers a partially-online BSN for busy students. Clinical requirements can usually be completed at an approved facility near where students live or work.
To help students with personal and/or professional responsibilities outside of school, some programs provide evening or weekend classes to better fit into their schedules. For additional flexibility, online programs often provide asynchronous learning where students can complete work at any time and from any location.
Financial Aid for Missouri Nursing Students
With the cost of higher education continuing to climb each year, finding ways to lessen the financial burden of earning a nursing degree is much appreciated. In addition to nursing scholarships offered by individual schools and programs, you can also look for awards provided by professional associations, hospitals and healthcare companies, and private foundations. These are commonly awarded as grants or scholarships.
The Missouri Department of Health is another financial aid resource. Although it does not offer any scholarships, it does provide the Missouri Nurse Student Loan Repayment Program. for the program works by requiring nurses to work in a health professional shortage area after graduating. Eligible RNs receive up to $10,000 per year in forgiveness while those with master’s degrees receive up to $20,000 in forgiveness per year.
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of financial aid before enrolling and consider whether you could graduate nursing school debt-free.
How to Become an RN in Missouri
You’ll want to understand what’s required to become an RN in Missouri before you enroll in nursing school. The last thing you want to do is spend all the money, time, and effort on a degree you can’t use. For example, attending a nursing program in Missouri that doesn’t hold state approval may bar you from earning a license. Below, we look at the specific licensure requirements as outlined by the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Attend a state-approved nurse training program
Whether pursuing an ADN or BSN, any program you decide to enroll in should hold approval via the Missouri Board of Nursing and accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Failing to complete this step can result in trouble getting a license.
Apply to the Missouri Board of Nursing
In addition to supplying a completed application, first-time nursing license applicants must also submit final college transcripts, proof of a background check with fingerprints, and proof of U.S. citizenship or a work visa. Once these are provided, students receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from PearsonVue.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
After receiving their ATT from PearsonVue, students have 90 days to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN. The Board of Nursing receives your results the following day and will send them to you. If you pass the exam, you are notified that you can begin practicing as a nurse.
Keep up with renewal requirements
In Missouri, all RN licenses expire on April 30th of odd-numbered years, but you must start the renewal process at least three days before to avoid any licensing lapse. Missouri does not currently require any continuing education or professional development courses, but nurses do need to pay an $85 renewal fee.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Missouri
Missouri is a great state for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking for competitive salaries and reliable job opportunities. The median RN salary here is $77,190, with the top 10% earning up to $99,330. Cities like Kansas City and St. Louis stand out, offering median pay around $80,000 and top salaries exceeding $100,000. In smaller areas like Columbia and St. Joseph, median earnings are close to $78,000, while Springfield provides more budget-friendly options with a median salary of $64,000, balancing cost of living with career potential.
On the employment front, Missouri’s RN workforce is growing steadily. By 2030, the state expects to add 7,620 new nursing jobs, a 9.9% increase, bringing the total to 84,580. With around 5,110 openings each year, there are plenty of opportunities for both new graduates and experienced professionals. Whether you prefer the energy of a big city or the pace of a smaller town, Missouri’s healthcare sector offers a stable and rewarding path forward. Explore the data below to learn more.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $56,690 | $77,190 | $99,330 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $58,010 | $75,580 | $90,870 |
| Columbia, MO | $60,800 | $78,330 | $98,270 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $49,240 | $68,060 | $89,020 |
| Joplin, MO | $57,370 | $74,460 | $95,210 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $64,010 | $79,920 | $100,050 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $59,930 | $79,460 | $93,010 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $61,660 | $80,760 | $100,700 |
| Springfield, MO | $54,000 | $64,000 | $86,000 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
