Top Nursing Schools in Missouri
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition | Student/Teacher ratio | Program count | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crowder College | 97.75 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 1 | 27% |
| 2 | Jefferson College | 96.25 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 1 | 24% |
| 3 | North Central Missouri College | 96.00 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 1 | 33% |
| 4 | Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | 96.00 | $$$$$ | 6:1 | 1 | 100% |
| 5 | State Fair Community College | 95.75 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 1 | 22% |
| 6 | Texas County Technical College | 95.25 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 1 | 72% |
| 7 | East Central College | 95.00 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 1 | 18% |
| 8 | Metropolitan Community College – Kansas City | 93.50 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 1 | 16% |
| 9 | Ozarks Technical Community College | 93.25 | $$$$$ | 23:1 | 1 | 22% |
| 10 | Moberly Area Community College | 93.25 | $$$$$ | 21:1 | 1 | 23% |
| 11 | Mineral Area College | 93.00 | $$$$$ | 23:1 | 1 | 27% |
| 12 | Saint Louis Community College | 92.50 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 1 | 10% |
| 13 | St Charles Community College | 92.25 | $$$$$ | 24:1 | 1 | 20% |
| 14 | Missouri State University – West Plains | 91.50 | $$$$$ | 22:1 | 1 | 21% |
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition | Student/Teacher ratio | Program count | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westminster College | 92.00 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 1 | 66% |
| 2 | Cox College | 91.50 | $$$$$ | 11:1 | 7 | 50% |
| 3 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | 91.25 | $$$$$ | 13:1 | 1 | 66% |
| 4 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | 91.00 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 7 | 52% |
| 5 | University of Missouri-Columbia | 90.50 | $$$$$ | 20:1 | 4 | 69% |
| 6 | Truman State University | 90.25 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 15 | 71% |
| 7 | Missouri State University | 90.00 | $$$$$ | 20:1 | 4 | 55% |
| 8 | Webster University | 89.75 | $$$$$ | 13:1 | 7 | 64% |
| 9 | University of Missouri-St Louis | 88.75 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 1 | 42% |
| 10 | Rockhurst University | 88.75 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 15 | 69% |
| 11 | University of Central Missouri | 88.25 | $$$$$ | 18:1 | 11 | 53% |
| 12 | College of the Ozarks | 88.00 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 15 | 63% |
| 13 | Park University | 87.75 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 15 | 42% |
| 14 | Southwest Baptist University | 87.75 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 4 | 49% |
| 15 | William Jewell College | 87.75 | $$$$$ | 10:1 | 15 | 60% |
| 16 | Missouri Western State University | 87.00 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 10 | 36% |
| 17 | Missouri Southern State University | 86.75 | $$$$$ | 18:1 | 11 | 37% |
| 18 | Southeast Missouri State University | 86.75 | $$$$$ | 22:1 | 11 | 51% |
| 19 | Hannibal-LaGrange University | 86.75 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 11 | 35% |
| 20 | Northwest Missouri State University | 86.00 | $$$$$ | 24:1 | 15 | 50% |
| 21 | Avila University | 86.00 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 15 | 49% |
| 22 | Evangel University | 85.50 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 15 | 48% |
| 23 | Drury University | 84.50 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 15 | 63% |
| 24 | Missouri Valley College | 83.00 | $$$$$ | 16:1 | 15 | 28% |
| 25 | Culver-Stockton College | 83.00 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 15 | 41% |
A Look at Missouri Nursing Schools
According to a 2015 workforce report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there are currently 37 approved associate degree programs and 25 approved bachelor’s degree programs in nursing across the state. To meet the needs of more students and those who want to continue to grow into leadership roles in the field, schools are working to expand program options and offer many courses and degrees online. The search tool below includes Missouri nursing schools to help you narrow down choices and find the best match.
Getting Your RN License in Missouri
Nurses must earn the appropriate license to practice in the state of Missouri, and that starts by choosing a school that’s approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. This government agency issues licenses and monitors the professionalism of the field and those practicing in an effort to protect the public and enforce state laws and regulations. The Board also sets the requirements for nursing professionals and ensures practicing nurses are properly fulfilling their professional obligations. First-time RN licensing applicants who are seeking licensure by examination should expect to fulfill the following requirements:
Eligibility Requirements
- Complete an associate or bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university. (Nurses who have a current license in another state may apply for an RN license by endorsement).
- Fill out the required licensure by examination forms with the Board of Nursing, which includes a $45 fee for RNs or $150 for advance practice recognition. Applications must be sent to the Board no later than three months before graduation.
- As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, nurses hold a compact license from the applicant’s home (primary) state. Applicants must fill out a declaration of primary state of residence form with their licensing application.
- Submit a 2” by 2” signed photograph with your notarized application
- Complete a criminal background check at least two weeks after submitting an application to the Board
- Register to take the NCLEX and pay the accompanying fee to Pearson Vue
- Once you receive an Authorization to Test, complete NCLEX registration and take the exam (three months to four weeks prior to graduation)
- Request your nursing school transcripts be sent to the Board of Nursing.
- Enroll in the e-Notify system to receive notifications about changes in your license or discipline status
RN Renewal Information
Nurses in Missouri must renew their licenses every two years to continue practicing. Licenses expire on April 30 of every odd-numbered year and those with current licenses receive renewal notices about two months before the expiration date. Missouri does not require nurses to take continuing education hours to renew a nursing license; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that RNs will not need to fulfill these credits – many health care employers mandate that nurses and other health care professionals complete some form of CE on a regular basis. For more information, it’s best to speak with your current or potential employer.
Becoming an Advance Practice Nurse in Missouri
Many RNs in Missouri choose to continue their education to advance – and specialize – their careers as advance practice nurses. These specialty nurses include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
Like other specialists in the health care field, advance practice nurses must obtain additional certification. In addition to typical RN licensure requirements, advance practice nurses must also:
- Hold a current Missouri or Compact Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Complete all field experience requirements for the specialty license for which you are applying
- Hold a master’s degree or higher in the nursing field for which you are applying
- Complete the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Application and pay all required non-refundable fees
- APRNs must re-certify with their certifying body at least three months before expiration. A copy of your re-certification must be sent to the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Advance practice requirements vary depending on the individual specialty. For more details on current licensing and renewal information, visit the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Missouri Nursing Stats
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, across the country, the need for registered nurses will increase 16 percent between 2014 to 2024, while growth for advanced practice nurses is expected to be 31 percent during the same time period. Nurses in Missouri enjoy a salary that is in line with the cost of living for each geographic area. Take a look at the stats below to get an idea of salary and employment outlook for nurses in Missouri.
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Missouri
| Area | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City MO-KS | $30.44 | $63,310 |
| St. Louis MO-IL | $27.64 | $57,490 |
| Columbia | $26.68 | $55,490 |
| Jefferson City | $25.79 | $53,650 |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $25.27 | $52,560 |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $25.13 | $52,260 |
| Springfield | $24.30 | $50,540 |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $23.65 | $49,190 |
| Cape Girardeau-Jackson MO-IL | $23.62 | $49,130 |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $23.46 | $48,800 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Missouri vs. National Numbers
- Missouri
- National
- Annual Salary (25th percentile)
- Annual Salary (median)
- Annual Salary (75th percentile)
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and Projections Central
Missouri Nursing Resources
The Missouri League for Nursing provides continuing education opportunities for nurses who wish to continue their education.
Organized in 1906, the Missouri Nurses Association advocates for registered nurses and their patients and provides tools to help support the profession. It provides professional development, continuing education and lobbying on behalf of nurses.
The Missouri Nursing Students’ Association helps to enhance current students’ education in an effort to graduate nurses who can provide the best quality of care possible to the public.
The St. Louis Nurses in Advanced Practice aims to promote a positive image of health care by influencing policy makers, providing research on best practices and encouraging quality and effective care. It offers a career center, educational meetings and advocacy for its members.
The State of Missouri Board of Nursing is issues and renews the licenses of nurses in the state. It also develops and enforces state laws that govern the practice of nursing in an effort to protect the general public.