Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

Best RN Programs in Missouri

ADN Programs in Missouri

A popular choice amongst nursing students is the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. This 2-year degree program is both economical and fast, making it ideal for those wanting to enter the healthcare workforce without having to go through too much schooling. ADN programs are most often found at community colleges, technical schools, and other smaller institutions in the state.

Missouri boasts over 30 schools that offer an accredited and state-approved ADN program.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in Missouri

There are a few key things to consider as you compare ADN programs, to ensure that you choose the right one for you. Check all prospective schools for the following:

Accreditation

There are a few industry-specific organizations that lend reputable accreditations to a school and its nursing programs. The Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are a couple of big ones to look for, although there are others. It's also a good idea to make sure your program is approved locally by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Licensing

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the test you'll need to pass in order to be eligible for registered nursing licensure and can be taken upon completion of your ADN program. To ensure that you choose an ADN program that fully prepares you for this exam researches all prospective schools for favorable and up-to-date curriculum, faculty, and NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Program Outcomes

A great way to explore the success of a potential ADN program is to check on program outcomes. Schools will often provide data from past program graduates, including stats on things like:

• Graduation rates
• NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Graduate satisfaction
• Employment rates

An example of a fully accredited ADN program in the state can be found at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, MO.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in Missouri

Admission is typically very selective for nursing programs, so it's smart to ensure that you meet all the program requirements before applying. While requirements vary depending on the school, you can expect to find something similar to the following:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above
• Completion of all prerequisite courses
• Submission of all official transcripts
• Submission of ACT scores and HESI A2 Entrance Exam with a minimum average score of 75%

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Missouri

Many students consider cost one of the biggest factors in making a decision regarding their ADN education. You'll need to pay for tuition expenses, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, and a plethora of other mandatory fees imposed by your school of choice. In some cases, financial aid can be obtained to help offset these costs.

To provide a real-world example of cost, the ADN program at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield will cost roughly $16,453 for in-district students, and $19,030 for out-of-district students.

Advantages of ADN Programs

If you are looking for a program that will allow you to start your career as an RN quickly, the ADN is an excellent choice. The 2-year length makes it especially appealing to many students, and you always have the option to "build on" your nursing education in the future by pursuing a BSN or MSN on top of your ADN. This program is also popular for budget-conscious individuals looking for a more affordable nursing program that's widely accessible throughout the state.

LPN to RN Programs in Missouri

Many RNs begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). For these LPNs, specialized programs exist to bridge their education to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nursing licensure. There are a few different RN pathways that Missouri LPNs can choose.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

The fastest way to earn an RN from an LPN is to enroll in an LPN to ADN program. These programs typically take around 3 semesters to finish, making them much shorter than a standard ADN program. Kansas City’s Metropolitan Community College offers an LPN to ADN to help nurses reach that next step in their careers. For those interested in a higher-level pathway, LPN to BSN bridge programs is another option. These may take longer to complete but culminate in the coveted bachelor’s degree in nursing. Missouri Valley College in Marshall offers an LPN to BSN program that delivers much of the curriculum in an online format.

Whether a nurse chooses the LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN program pathway, they will usually need to:

• Hold an active Missouri LPN license
• Graduate from an approved LPN program
• Complete any prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA

BSN Programs in Missouri

The next step beyond an ADN is a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A traditional 4-year program, BSNs are commonly offered at larger universities in more populated areas of the state. Aside from the pre-licensure BSN, specialty BSN programs like the accelerated program and the RN to BSN bridge program are available at many schools as well.

Over 25 schools in Missouri offer a fully accredited BSN program.

What To Look For in a BSN Program in Missouri

You will want to look for a BSN program that is highly accredited and meets your personal criteria for cost, location, and whatever other factors are most important to you. If you already hold a bachelor's degree or higher in another subject, you may be eligible to enter an accelerated BSN program to finish your degree more quickly; it's a good idea to find a school that offers this specific program. Additionally, if you are already an RN, you will want to look for a school that offers an RN to BSN program.

St. Louis University is one school in the state offering a fully approved BSN program.

BSN Program Length in Missouri

A standard, pre-licensure BSN takes 4 years from start to finish. For current registered nurses, the RN to BSN program that many colleges are now offering will take less time; roughly 1-2 years. Accelerated BSN programs also tend to take less time to complete, they average at about 15 months in length. Because there are so many different BSN options, it's a good idea to check with your college of choice to see how long their programs will take.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in Missouri

You will need to make sure you qualify for the BSN program you are interested in. Entrance requirements vary, but here is an example of what you can expect:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• High school GPA of 3.2 or higher
• ACT composite score of 24 / SAT score of 1160 or higher

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Missouri

While a BSN education can be a significant expense, the opportunities awarded with this type of nursing degree are second to none. Tuition will need to be accounted for, as well as mandatory college fees and other expenses, some of which include textbooks and uniforms. Each BSN program will have its own specific set of costs, so price them out before making your final decision, and don't forget to explore financial aid if you qualify.

To provide an example of cost, the 4-year BSN program at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin is approximately $267.53 per credit hour for in-state students, not including additional mandatory fees and supplies.

Advantages of BSN Programs

Many students choose to obtain a BSN due to the greater emphasis on higher nursing degrees in lots of healthcare settings. Achieving this degree opens you up to a greater variety of nursing positions, and will give you the potential to earn a greater salary. For those who have the time and resources to attend a traditional 4-year school and want a rewarding career in healthcare, a BSN is an excellent choice.

MSN Programs in Missouri

For those wanting to go above and beyond in their nursing careers, a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) can take you there. This advanced program is required for such specialized nursing jobs as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, Family Nurse Practitioner, and more. Those wanting to hold higher education or administrative nursing jobs will also need to obtain an MSN degree. These positions tend to come with higher salaries as well.

There are more than 3 schools in Missouri that offer accredited MSN programs for your consideration.

MSN Program Length in Missouri

An MSN will take approximately 2-3 years to complete, depending on what courses are needed and what type of schedule you choose. Many MSN programs offer flexible classes in order to accommodate busy working RN schedules. Some MSN programs come with nursing specialties, and depending on the specialty chosen you may be required to complete more coursework, which may impact the length of time needed to complete the degree.

MSN Admission Requirements in Missouri

MSN programs can be highly selective, so it's imperative to meet the minimum requirements in order to be admitted. Schools may vary, but you can expect to find something similar to the following:

• BSN from a nationally accredited college or university
• Minimum GPA of 3.2
• Current unencumbered Missouri nursing license
• Completion of prerequisite courses
• Personal interview

Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in Missouri

While MSN programs can vary drastically in costs, most will require that you pay for tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, lab fees, equipment, and more. It's always a good idea to inquire about your school of choice's MSN program expenses to ensure that you get a full picture of what you'll need to pay for. To give you an example of cost, the tuition and fees for the MSN program at Missouri State University is estimated at $3,529 per semester for Missouri residents.

For NP programs visit:

• Missouri DNP Programs
• Missouri FNP Programs
• Missouri Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Missouri Post-Graduate Certificate Nursing Programs

Getting a Missouri Nursing License

Missouri nursing licensure by examination or endorsement can be obtained by submitting the following:

Completed/notarized application with fees attached, along with the following information:

• Photography 2" x 2" - signed and dated
• Criminal Background Check - including fingerprints
• Proof of registration for NCLEX exam

Licensure by endorsement can be obtained by submitting a completed/notarized application, as well as:

• Criminal Background check - including fingerprints
• Verification of original license - either by request form or NURSYS (if applicable)
• Official final transcripts - date of graduation and degree obtained, must be sent directly from the nursing program to the state board

Learn more at the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Missouri

Where could you be in 12 to 18 months? If you are pursuing a nursing degree, you could have finished an accelerated BSN program at one of over 10 statewide colleges. Full-time studies and clinical hours can make for an intense program, but at the end you will have earned your degree and the opportunity to fast track your career. When you are looking at different programs, bear in mind that entrance eligibility varies from one college to another. Check the prerequisite courses beforehand to be well informed on what needs to be completed before the start date of the degree program. This research into prerequisites will also give you an estimate on additional costs and time frame.

• Missouri Accelerated BSN Programs
• Missouri Accelerated MSN Programs

Continued List of All RN Programs in Missouri

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