Online Nursing Programs in Missouri
Missouri is a compact state, so nursing licenses earned here can be used to practice in the other compact states. Missouri has many online nursing programs, which vary greatly in tuition. One of the most affordable choices, University of Central Missouri, offers an RN to BSN program and three master’s in nursing degrees for an annual tuition of $14,442. Central Methodist University offers four master’s degrees in addition to an RN to BSN program starting at a rate of $15,090 per year. Nursing licenses must be renewed every two years by April 30th.
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Comprehensive List of Online Nursing Schools in Missouri
| School | Annual Tuition | NCLEX Pass Rate | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.T. Still University of Health Sciences | $37,486 | Not Reported | Kirksville |
| Baker University | $29,880 | 97.4% | Multiple Locations |
| Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing | $10,872 | 91.46% | St. Louis |
| Central Methodist University | $15,810 | 90.57% | Fayette |
| Chamberlain College of Nursing | $19,638 | 88.32% | Multiple Locations |
| Chamberlain University | $19,638 | 92.83% | Multiple Locations |
| Columbia College | $23,498 | 84.21% | Columbia |
| Cox College | $12,600 | 90.24% | Springfield |
| Culver-Stockton College | $27,205 | Not Reported | Canton |
| Hannibal-LaGrange University | $23,590 | 70.83% | Hannibal |
| Lincoln University - MO | $14,898 | 96.88% | Jefferson City |
| Maryville University | $28,470 | 89.05% | St. Louis |
| Missouri Baptist University | $28,220 | 81.25% | St. Louis |
| Missouri State University | $15,898 | 90.7% | Springfield |
| Missouri Valley College | $21,100 | 70.59% | Marshall |
| Missouri Western State University | $14,135 | 93.62% | St. Joseph |
| Moberly Area Community College | $7,050 | Not Reported | Moberly |
| North Central Missouri College | $6,510 | 92.23% | Trenton |
| Northwest Missouri State University | $14,020 | Not Reported | Maryville |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $5,864 | 97.67% | Springfield |
| Park University | $11,190 | 60.0% | Parkville |
| Research College of Nursing | $10,520 | 94.07% | Kansas City |
| Rockhurst University | $38,760 | Not Reported | Kansas City |
| Saint Louis University-Main Campus | $45,424 | 90.86% | St. Louis |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $13,830 | 94.44% | Cape Girardeau |
| Southwest Baptist University | $24,578 | 85.4% | Bolivar |
| University of Central Missouri | $14,715 | 91.25% | Warrensburg |
| University of Missouri | $28,348 | 97.83% | Columbia |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City | $24,603 | 94.64% | Kansas City |
| University of Missouri at Saint Louis | $27,342 | 78.85% | St. Louis |
| University of Phoenix | $9,552 | 90.0% | Nationwide |
| Webster University | $28,700 | Not Reported | St. Louis |
| William Woods University | $24,830 | Not Reported | Fulton |
Becoming a Nurse in Missouri
If you’re considering a career in nursing, there are a number of colleges and universities in Missouri that offer undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs.
When earning an online nursing degree and Missouri nursing license, you will also be licensed to practice in over 40 different jurisdictions outside of Missouri. This is because of Missouri's status as a member state of the nurse licensure compact (NLC). In addition, you will not have to obtain a separate license to practice in other NLC member states. Licenses simply must be renewed every two years.
When earning an online nursing degree and Missouri nursing license, you will also be licensed to practice in over 40 different jurisdictions outside of Missouri. This is because of Missouri's status as a member state of the nurse licensure compact
In Missouri, the nursing sectoris overseen by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Aspiring nurses can earn one of three licenses from the board: (1) registered nurse (RN), (2) licensed practical nurse (LPN), or (3) advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Additionally, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services manages the certification for certified nurse assistants (CNAs). Each career path requires the successful completion of a different nursing program.
The prevalence of nursing programs in Missouri is no surprise, as the demand for licensed nursing is high. The state reports that just 3.7% of RNs and 2.2% of APRNs were unemployed in 2021.
Anyone wishing to work in the nursing profession in Missouri should research which institutions offer programs that will accommodate their schedules and professional nursing ambitions.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below.
Nursing Degrees by State
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get CNA Certification in Missouri
In order to receive a Missouri CNA certificate and register in the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry, prospective nursing aides must complete a state-approved course. This includes 75 hours of classroom training, 100 hours of on-site training, and passing a two-part final exam. The certification exam includes both written and practical components. Nursing aide students should expect to study a wide range of topics, such as basic nursing skills, fire safety, disaster training, and resident safety and rights.
Once these requirements have been completed, program graduates can earn their Missouri Registry Active CNA Status and become eligible to work in long-term care facilities.
Missouri CNA Certification Renewal
In order to retain an active status, nursing aides must perform paid nursing duties for at least one day within the two-year licensing renewal period. Otherwise, a licensee will be listed as inactive and unable to work as a CNA. Licensees will be listed as expired if they have not performed paid duties over the preceding five consecutive years.
How To Get an LPN License in Missouri
Missouri LPN license applications must be notarized after they are completed. A fee must also accompany the form, along with a criminal background check. Graduates must send their official final transcript from an approved nursing program to the board directly from their educational institution.
Between four weeks and three months before graduating, students should register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) exam. Then they can receive an Authorization to Test from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. This authorization is sent by mail after all Missouri nursing license application materials are received by the board.
Missouri LPN License Renewal
Renewals for Missouri LPN licenses occur every two years during even-numbered years. Licenses will expire on May 31 if the renewal application is not filled out on time. The petition for renewal must be filled out completely and then signed in front of a notary. An optional survey is also included in the renewal process to help the board gather nursing workforce information.
Curious to learn more about LPNs? Read our article about how to become an LPN, which includes more details.
How To Get an RN License in Missouri
To qualify for an RN license in Missouri, an applicant must complete an approved nursing program and submit a notarized version of the Missouri Board of Nursing's application. Applicants must first complete an approved nursing program, so they can have their official transcript sent to the board from the school. The application fee and criminal background check should also be included alongside the application.
Importantly, graduates must register for the NCLEX-RN exam prior to receiving authorization to test. The board recommends that students apply for the exam between four weeks and three months prior to graduating. Upon earning their approved degree, aspiring RNs may practice as graduate nurses for 90 days or until they take the licensure exam.
Missouri RN License Renewal
RN licenses expire on April 30 of odd-numbered years. A Missouri nursing licensee with this designation receives a renewal postcard three months before their license expires. It takes the board three to five business days to process renewals, so they encourage RNs to not wait until the last minute when submitting their renewal form. There are no continuing education requirements for this license.
How To Get an APRN License in Missouri
The first step to earning a Missouri APRN license is to successfully earn a graduate degree with a concentration in a clinical nursing specialty area. Then, applicants must earn APRN certification from a nationally recognized certifying body. APRN specialties recognized in Missouri include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist.
Notarized applications may be sent before taking the certification exam or right after. There is also a nonrefundable fee. Once a Missouri nursing license is obtained, APRNs in collaborative practice arrangements with physicians have automatic prescriptive authority.
Missouri APRN License Renewal
The renewal process requires those with a Missouri APRN license to maintain their RN license through the state. Renewal occurs every two years, with licenses expiring on April 30 of odd-numbered years. APRNs must also recertify with their certifying body three months prior to the certification's expiration. Licensees must send a copy of their recertification to the board directly from the certifying body.
Noncertified APRNs must instead submit evidence of 800 clinical practice hours in their specialty area over the previous two years. They must also demonstrate 60 contact hours through an accredited college or university during the renewal period.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Missouri
Can I Become a Nurse With an Online Degree?
Yes. You can become a nurse with a respected online degree from an accredited institution. There are dozens of approved online nursing schools in Missouri where students can earn the appropriate certificateor degree to match their professional aspirations.
How Long Does It Take To Be an RN in Missouri?
The amount of time it takes to become an RN in Missouri depends on how many hours you take each term and the pace of the program in which you are enrolled.
Is Missouri Good for Nurses?
As evidenced by the number of nursing schools in Missouri and the employment of more than 100,000 nurses throughout the state, Missouri is a great place for nurses.
Are There Online LPN to RN Programs in Missouri?
Yes, there are a number of online LPN to RN programs in Missouri. Additionally, there are a variety of online LPN to BSN programs in Missouri to consider.
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