[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With almost 70 associate nursing or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs in Missouri, learners can find an option that meets their career goals, background, and personal preferences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores the best nursing programs in Missouri, how to earn your registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license, and salary and job growth prospects.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best school depends on the criteria that matter most to you. This guide can help you select the best online or on-campus nursing program in Missouri for your needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Missouri, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing from the many nursing schools in Missouri, consider the type of degree you want, cost and financial aid, admission requirements and acceptance rates, the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, and program logistics. If you choose to attend classes online, find out about clinical placement options in your community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing accreditation[/hen-ui-link] is the most important indicator of program quality, this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending nursing school in Missouri is an excellent investment. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which means you can apply for a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]multistate license[/hen-ui-link] once you graduate. The first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 90%, compared to 86.6% nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Missouri offers a mix of midwestern and southern cultures, with both big cities and small rural communities. The food and music scenes are strong and growing, and the state is full of outdoor recreation opportunities. The high RN job growth and low cost of living make the state an excellent option for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average salary for RNs in Missouri is $65,900, and the salary for nurse practitioners (NPs) is $106,870. The state [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link] is 89.8%, compared to the national average of 100. Learn more about RN salaries in Missouri.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to a low cost of living, [hen-ui-link href=”https://health.mo.gov/living/families/primarycare/” target=”_blank”]Missouri offers[/hen-ui-link] government scholarships and financial aid for nurses and other primary care providers. If you commit to working in one of Missouri’s medically underserved areas after graduation, you may be eligible for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan forgiveness for nurses[/hen-ui-link] or full [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarships/”]nursing scholarships[/hen-ui-link], which can make your salary go farther.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying cities for RNs all have academic medical centers, as well as other hospitals and healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Missouri offers music for every taste. Kansas City and St. Louis are famous for blues, and the St. Louis Symphony is one of the oldest orchestras in the country. Additionally, St. Louis and Jefferson may appeal to foodies for their famous southern barbecue culture.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Kansas City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,240[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]St. Louis[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,230[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Columbia[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$65,270[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]St. Joseph[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,560[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Jefferson City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$63,560[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you meet the [hen-ui-link href=”/state/missouri/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]nurse licensing requirements in Missouri[/hen-ui-link], you can apply for a state or multi-state nursing license. You must pass a criminal background check with fingerprinting to receive your license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Missouri Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements” href=”/state/missouri/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Missouri Medical Assisting Programs + Online Training Options” href=”/state/missouri/medical-assistant-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to get an RN license in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This depends on several factors. Prospective nurses must apply and submit necessary documents, including transcripts, test scores, and background checks. The time it takes to earn a license can vary from applicant to applicant.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What are the top employment settings for nurses in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2021, the majority of Missouri RNs (60.4%) worked in hospital inpatient care, according to the state board of nursing. Another 6% worked in physicians’ offices or other ambulatory primary care, 5% worked in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/long-term-care-nurse/”]long-term care[/hen-ui-link], and 3.5% in home health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How many times can you take the NCLEX in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates can take the NCLEX-RN up to eight times per year, but with at least 45 days between attempts. You must apply and pay for the examination each time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average NCLEX-RN pass rate for nursing schools in Missouri is 90%, which is above the national average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the median salary for nurses in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports the median RN salary nationally as $75,330. The average salary in Missouri is $65,900 for RNs and $106,870 for NPs. The city with the highest average salary for RNs in Missouri is Kansas City at $70,240.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the most common degree for nurses in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2021, the state board of nursing reports that the most common degree for RNs in Missouri is a BSN, with 53.8% of nurses having earned the degree. Another 31.2% hold an associate degree in nursing, and 7.1% have a master’s. Nurses with a doctorate are rarer at 0.1%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]