If you’ve ever considered becoming a nurse but weren’t sure where to start, Missouri is a great place to explore your options. Within the next ten years, Missouri is expected to see a 7% increase in nursing positions due to the ongoing nursing shortage. Whether you already have some experience as a nurse or are just getting started, take a look at the sections below to learn about the various types of nursing degrees and where you can find them in the state.

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Cities in Missouri

Best RN Programs in Missouri

Selecting the best nursing school in Missouri can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Missouri by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 52 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

100 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726

Score: 99.53

The College of the Ozarks at Point Lookout is found near Branson, Missouri. The idyllic rural environment benefits from the college's robust, Christ-centered nursing program, which allows students to earn a BSN over six semesters. Graduates serve the surrounding area as well-qualified nurses.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (417) 334-6411
2.

3201 W 16th St, Sedalia, MO 65301

Score: 97.84

State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri is a highly regarded institution with a robust nursing department. They offer a bi-level program that allows students to become licensed as practical nurses after year one and then seamlessly complete an associate's degree after year two. Graduates are known for their engagement in lifelong learning, and sparking professional development individually and in their team.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (660) 530-5800
3.

2464 Charlotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Score: 96.20

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers multiple pathways for ambitious nursing students. The pre-licensure BSN follows a 4-5 year traditional degree plan, while the Accelerated BSN is a second-degree option for those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. There is also an RN to BSN completion program option. These programs aim to prepare caring and knowledgeable nurse generalists.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (816) 235-1700
4.

901 S National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897

Score: 93.97

Missouri State University is located in the heart of Springfield, Missouri. Experienced faculty members and nursing educators guide BSN students to develop and maintain their professional growth through a community-based program that prioritizes one-on-one attention. Students gain hands-on experience with a curriculum that includes more than 600 clinical hours.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (417) 836-5000
5.

4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO 63376

Score: 93.88

Cottleville's St. Charles Community College is home to a renowned associate degree nursing program. The demanding curriculum prepares nurses to pass the NCLEX licensing exam and to provide patient-centered care in a variety of healthcare facilities upon graduation.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (636) 922-8000
6.

108 W South St, Warrensburg, MO 64093

Score: 93.05

The University of Central Missouri's RN program offers a comprehensive nursing education with state-of-the-art simulation labs and experienced faculty. The program provides hands-on clinical experiences and prepares students for various nursing roles. Graduates are well-equipped for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful career in healthcare.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (660) 543-4111
7.

1301 Main St, Trenton, MO 64683

Score: 92.29

The North Central Missouri College - Trenton campus can be found northeast of Kansas City, and quite close to the state line. NCMC has an outstanding ADN nursing program designed for practical nurses as well as an online ADN program, flexibly designed to educate and deploy RNs to meet the state's healthcare demands.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (660) 359-3948
8.

2001 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

Score: 92.21

Cape Girardeau's Southeast Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences is home to multiple nursing programs for interested students. The school's ADN program has four tracks to accommodate many pathways, including a full-time basic track, a part-time track held on nights and weekends, an accelerated LPN to RN track, and a Paramedic to RN track. These programs utilize hands-on learning and individualized instruction to maximize the curriculum.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (573) 334-6825
9.

1 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63103

Score: 91.65

St. Louis University boasts both a traditional BSN and an accelerated one-year BSN for aspiring RNs. They believe in a low student-to-faculty ratio for clinical courses, and students are provided with classroom, labs, and other clinical experiences to aid in the educational process. There is also a unique study abroad opportunity where students spend all or part of their first two years in the nursing program studying in Madrid, Spain.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (800) 758-3678
10.

1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050

Score: 91.19

Jefferson College offers a robust RN program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in nursing. With modern simulation labs, experienced instructors, and diverse clinical experiences, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and various nursing careers. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and compassionate patient care.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (636) 797-3000
11.

650 Maryville University Dr, St. Louis, MO 06314

Score: 90.87

St. Louis' Maryville University is an excellent institution for nursing students to pursue a BSN degree. Maryville faculty strives to develop nurses with a strong legal and ethical framework for decision-making.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (314) 529-9300
12.

11830 Westline Industrial Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146

Score: 90.76

Chamberlain University's St. Louis campus offers students a traditional BSN program that can be completed in just 3 years of study. With no waitlists and no prerequisites, students can start their nursing education without delay.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (877) 751-5783
13.

100 E Normal Ave, Kirksville, MO 63501

Score: 90.52

Truman State University's home is Kirksville, Missouri. Four-year BSN nursing candidates are drawn to the school's reputation of excellence and are challenged by the diverse array of clinical experiences available to them. An Accelerated 18-month BSN (ABSN) program is also available to students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another subject.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (660) 785-4000
14.

1001 E Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802

Score: 90.17

Springfield, Missouri is home to Ozark Technical Community College, whose associate degree nursing program is an integral part of measures designed to fill the gap in nursing over the next few years. OTC's program is offered in a hybrid cohort, consisting primarily of online coursework.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (417) 447-7500
15.

4525 Downs Dr, St Joseph, MO 64507

Score: 90.05

Missouri Western State University's BSN program is a popular choice for students in the St. Joseph region. With typical class sizes of just 60 students (a 10-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio), collaboration and interaction are easily facilitated. Enrolled students utilize lectures and simulated labs and even have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (816) 271-4200
16.

Four Campuses, St. Louis, MO

Score: 89.97

St. Louis Community College delivers a high-quality and well-regarded associate degree nursing program and LPN bridge offering. Students are prepared with numerous opportunities for clinical experiences in the St. Louis area. SLCC graduates are known as capable and caring additions to the care team.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (314) 513-4292
17.

411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248

Score: 89.66

The Fayette campus of Central Methodist University is home to a high-quality BSN program for aspiring nurses. The curriculum blends coursework in sciences, liberal arts, humanities, nursing labs, and more. Graduates leave with a strong understanding of the human body and disease processes to provide excellent patient care.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (660) 248-6251
18.

4020 N Main St, Cassville, MO 65625

Score: 89.57

Crowder College's Cassville campus offers an ADN program steeped in various instructional methods to prepare tomorrow's RNs. With low tuition, small class sizes, and a perfect 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, it's easy to see why Crowder College in Cassville is a popular choice.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (417) 847-1706
19.

11901 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145

Score: 89.56

Kansas City's Avila University creates nursing leaders through its BSN degree program. Avila's Nursing Education and Resource Center (NERC) houses a variety of simulation programs designed to cultivate clinical reasoning and give students a well-rounded experience.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (816) 942-8400
20.

810 E. Rollins St., Columbia, MO 65211

Score: 88.99

The University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing is located in the bustling community of Columbia, Missouri. Traditional BSN students working toward their nursing degree can take advantage of a multitude of learning opportunities delivered by caring faculty, including clinical placements and innovative labs.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (573) 882-0277

Missouri Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

With several types of nursing degree programs available in Missouri, finding the right entry-level path can be challenging for many students. The three main entry-level nursing programs to consider are the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here's a closer look at each option.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

Now that we've covered the common entry-level nursing programs available in Missouri, let's look at the main differences. For students seeking the quickest route, ADN and nursing diploma programs are popular options, often requiring just one to two years of full-time study. However, keep in mind that an ADN results in a degree, while a nursing diploma is more training-focused. For those already working as LPNs, Missouri offers LPN to RN bridge program, allowing students to earn either an ADN or BSN in a shorter timeframe.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Missouri include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Missouri.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a great option for nurses looking to invest more time in their education, and it's often the preferred choice for students planning to pursue a graduate degree. However, it’s important to remember that a traditional BSN program typically takes about four years to complete. If you already hold an RN license (and an ADN), you can complete your BSN in as little as two years through an RN to BSN program. Additionally, for those with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, Accelerated BSN programs offer a fast-track option to earn your BSN in just one to two years.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Missouri typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

Four years can feel like a significant time commitment, especially for those already working as nurses. Thankfully, Missouri offers excellent RN to BSN, which is ideal for nurses holding an RN license and an associate’s degree in nursing. This pathway allows working nurses to earn their BSN in about half the time of a traditional program.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Many students choose to pursue nursing later in life after already earning a bachelor's degree in another field. In Missouri ABSN programs offer a fantastic opportunity for these individuals to earn their BSN in a much shorter time frame—often in just one year—helping them transition into nursing quickly and efficiently.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurses in Missouri who are looking to take their careers to the next level will find a wide range of graduate programs designed to meet their professional aspirations. For those aiming to deepen their expertise and enhance their qualifications, options include a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), which provides advanced clinical training and leadership skills. If you're interested in providing specialized patient care, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program might be the right fit, allowing you to work independently in advanced practice roles. Additionally, for nurses seeking to enter advanced practice, bridge programs are available that provide a pathway to higher-level nursing positions. For those with a strong desire to make a significant impact in the field, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers the highest level of clinical practice education, preparing nurses for leadership roles in both clinical and healthcare policy settings. No matter your career goals, Missouri offers several graduate options that cater to the diverse needs and ambitions of nurses seeking to advance their practice.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Missouri:

Getting an RN License in Missouri

The licensure process for aspiring nurses in Missouri follows a similar path to other states. It begins with passing the NCLEX-RN exam and submitting an application to the Missouri State Board of Nursing along with the required fee. Once licensed, nurses must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education courses during each renewal period.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Missouri

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the Missouri Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

One of the most crucial factors to consider when searching for the right nursing program in Missouri is RN program accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the approval standards set by the state board. Graduating from a non-accredited nursing program could make you ineligible for licensure. In Missouri, as well as nationwide, the two primary accrediting bodies for nursing programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Continued List of All RN Programs in Missouri

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
21.
Union, MO 63084 | Phone: (636) 584-6500
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.92
22.
Saint Louis, MO 63141 | Phone: (314) 434-1115
Programs: BSN
88.75
23.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 | Phone: (573) 651-2000
Programs: BSN
87.97
24.
Kansas City, MO 64132 | Phone: (816) 995-2800
Programs: BSN
87.51
25.
Independence, MO 64050 | Phone: (816) 833-0524
Programs: BSN
86.82
26.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473 | Phone: (573) 329-5160
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.75
27.
Springfield, MO 65802 | Phone: (417) 269-3401
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
86.50
28.
West Plains, MO 65775 | Phone: (417) 255-7255
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.46
29.
Bolivar, MO 65613 | Phone: (417) 777-5062
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.28
30.
Kansas City, MO 64110 | Phone: (816) 932-2367
Programs: BSN
85.29
31.
Joplin, MO 64801 | Phone: (866) 818-6778
Programs: BSN
85.12
32.
Liberty, MO 64068 | Phone: (816) 781-7700
Programs: BSN
85.11
33.
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 | Phone: (573) 840-9605
Programs: Associate in Nursing
84.96
34.
Jefferson City, MO 65101 | Phone: (573) 681-5000
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
84.07
35.
St. Louis, MO 63110 | Phone: (314) 454-7055
Programs: BSN
84.06
36.
Park Hills, MO 63601 | Phone: (573) 518-2172
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.72
37.
Rolla, MO 65401 | Phone: (573) 466-4100
Programs: Associate in Nursing
82.43
38.
Springfield, MO 65804 | Phone: (417) 820-2069
Programs: Associate in Nursing
81.32
39.
Neosho, MO 64850 | Phone: (417) 451-3223
Programs: Associate in Nursing
80.67
40.
Moberly, MO 65270 | Phone: (660) 263-4100
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.97
41.
Hannibal, MO 63401 | Phone: (573) 221-3675
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.10
42.
St. Louis, MO 63121 | Phone: (314) 516-6066
Programs: BSN
77.35
43.
Marshall, MO 65340 | Phone: (660) 831-4000
Programs: BSN
77.27
44.
Pineville, MO 64856 | Phone: (417) 226-6000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
75.84
45.
Nevada, MO 64772 | Phone: (417) 667-0518
Programs: Associate in Nursing
75.82
46.
Columbia, MO 65201 | Phone: (573) 875-8700
Programs: Associate in Nursing
70.89
47.
Linn, MO 65051 | Phone: (573) 897-5000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
51.97
48.
Fenton, MO 63026 | Phone: (636) 529-0000
Programs: LPN to RN
-
49.
Columbia, MO 65215 | Phone: (573) 442-2211
Programs: BSN
-
50.
Bolivar, MO 65613 | Phone: (800) 526-5859
Programs: BSN
-
51.
Kansas City, MO 64111 | Phone: (816) 604-4108
Programs: Associate in Nursing
-
52.
Canton, MO 63435 | Phone: (573) 288-6618
Programs: BSN
-

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