Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Missouri

If you’re already in the healthcare field, you’ve likely already worked alongside nurse practitioners. These hardworking professionals are not only able to pursue exciting and rewarding positions treating a variety of patient populations, but they are also able to pursue specialized practice areas which often lead to higher-paying salaries and more independence in the nursing profession. Learn about all of this and more in the sections below, as well as a number of affordable and fast nurse practitioner programs located in St. Louis or communities across the State Of Missouri. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Missouri

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Missouri! Our rankings are designed to help aspiring nurse practitioners find the top online programs across the state. We evaluate each program based on factors such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise. For a detailed look at our ranking process, visit our methodology page.

1.

University of Missouri Kansas City

Kansas City, MO

The University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) offers a variety of nurse practitioner programs through their School of Nursing and Health Studies. These programs include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. UMKC also offers online and hybrid options for their nurse practitioner programs, providing flexibility for working professionals.

DNP Programs

• DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
• DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Online/Hybrid
• DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Online/Hybrid
• DNP: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
• Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP/AC PNP) Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Online/Hybrid
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Online/Hybrid

2.

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO

The University of Central Missouri's nursing department, known as the School of Nursing, offers highly regarded nurse practitioner programs including the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN and graduate certificate. These programs provide students with advanced clinical skills and knowledge through a combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. The university also offers online/hybrid options for certain programs, allowing students to balance their studies with their busy schedules.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

Mizzou Online

Columbia, MO

Mizzou Online, part of the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing, offers a variety of highly ranked nurse practitioner programs including Family, Pediatric, and Psychiatric Mental Health specialties. These programs are designed for working professionals with online and hybrid options available, allowing students to balance their education with their busy schedules while receiving a top-notch education from a renowned institution.

DNP Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Online/Hybrid
• Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Missouri is famously known as “The Show-Me State”, likely because Missourians are famously suspicious. If you tell a Missouri nurse that they’re able to become a nurse practitioner in as little as two years (or less) and for as little as $12,000, they’ll likely say “Show me where.” If this sounds like you, we’re happy to oblige! Take a look at the sections below to learn how you can access these programs in Missouri.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

To become a nurse practitioner in Missouri, you’ll need either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The faster of these two options is of course an MSN, which usually lasts 2 years, or even less if you’re able to transfer a significant number of credits and you have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) already. Below are currently the fastest MSN programs located in Missouri:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re living in Missouri, you’re already living in one of the most affordable states in the country. This often means that many of the nurse practitioner programs available in the state are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to nationwide averages. This of course will depend on the size of the program and additional costs such as room and board, tech fees, and the cost of living in your specific area. Here are a few examples of affordable programs in the state:

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

As mentioned, future nurse practitioners can look forward to a variety of specialized curriculums. Nearly every nurse practitioner program, whether it’s an MSN, DNP, or even a post-grad certificate (read more below), offers many options for nurse practitioners to specialize in an exciting field that interests them. Here are a few examples:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Traditional MSNs may be one of the more common routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but they are far from the only route. Depending on your credentials, licensure, and previous education, you may be able to graduate even faster and for less money than if you had enrolled in an MSN program. Here are the various types of NP programs available to you in Missouri.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, as we’ve discussed, are usually the most common option for nurse practitioners as it’s usually the fastest and cheapest option available to nurses who are already working in the field. Here are a few examples located in Missouri:

• Missouri Valley College – Marshall, MO
• Missouri Western University – St. Joseph, MO

RN to NP Programs

An RN to NP program is a type of nurse practitioner program that allows a licensed RN who has achieved an ADN or ASN to get their MSN in a much shorter amount of time. These programs are also referred to as an RN to MSN program or an ADN/ASN to MSN program. Here are a few you can find in Missouri:

• Missouri Baptist University – St. Louis, MO
• Missouri Western State University – Joplin, MO

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If the time in which you graduate is not a factor in your decision, you may want to look into Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. This is the highest level of degree that a nurse practitioner can achieve, and they often unlock many highly advanced nurse practitioner positions that pay very well. On average, you can expect to be enrolled for at least six years following your BSN if you want to complete a DNP. Here are a few DNP programs located in Missouri:

• Missouri State University – Springfield, MO
• Sinclair School of Nursing – Columbia, MO

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are not degrees, and you must have at least an MSN to enroll in one. However, they do allow you to change or add to your existing nurse practitioner specialization. Here are some examples in Missouri:

• University of Missouri Kansas City – Kansas City, MO
• Goldfarb School of Nursing – St. Louis, MO

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Deciding to become a nurse practitioner later in life? Accelerated, direct-entry MSN and master’s entry to nursing practice programs are a bridge program that allows you to combine your BSN and MSN into one nursing program. This type of program isn’t for everyone — it is long and very intense, but for many, it is worth the time and money saved. Here are a few that you can find in Missouri:

• St. Louis University – St. Louis, MO
• Sinclair School of Nursing – Columbia, MO

General Admissions Requirements

While there are certainly differences in admissions requirements depending on the school, you an generally expect to provide the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Missouri NP License and Certification Requirements

To qualify as a nurse practitioner in Missouri, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria that ensure they are well-prepared to provide advanced patient care. The key requirements include:

• Current RN License: Applicants must hold an active and unrestricted rn license issued by the Missouri Board of Nursing.
• Educational Background: Candidates must complete a nurse practitioner program accredited by a recognized body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This program must focus on a particular NP specialty and include both clinical training and advanced coursework.

Once the basic requirements are met, applicants will need to provide documentation verifying their RN licensure, graduation from an accredited program, and clinical experience. The licensing process requires filling out a formal application and paying an application fee, which is typically around $150. Detailed instructions for applying for NP licensure/certification in Missouri can be found on the Missouri Board of Nursing’s website.

For certification, NPs in Missouri must obtain national certification in their specific area of expertise. Certification is available through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). In general, applicants must hold a valid RN license, have completed a graduate-level nursing program in their specialty, and pass a certification exam to demonstrate their expertise.

Missouri is a reduced practice state, meaning NPs have some restrictions and must enter into a collaborative practice agreement with a supervising physician. This agreement outlines the scope of the NP's authority, including prescribing medications and providing certain types of care. However, nurse practitioners in Missouri can still provide a broad range of healthcare services within these guidelines.

Resources for further guidance, professional development, and ongoing education are available through the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA), which supports NPs across the state

List of NP Programs in Missouri

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