[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anyone who wants to become a registered nurse (RN) in Missouri should find plenty of employment opportunities waiting for them. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/2020-workforce-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]Missouri’s 2020 Workforce Report[/hen-ui-link], over 100,000 RNs work in the state. Additional data from Projections Central projects that the number of RNs could grow by 10% from 2022-2032 — nearly double the projected national growth rate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This comprehensive guide addresses frequently asked questions about nursing programs in Missouri, [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]how to become a nurse[/hen-ui-link], where to find jobs, and what you can expect from an RN salary in Missouri.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are a few ways aspiring nurses in Missouri can begin their careers, and even more options for professional advancement and growth. However, all RNs need a college degree, a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN), and a state license. Most nurses complete the following steps.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Missouri Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Missouri Board of Nursing is a valuable resource for licensing information. Part of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, the board sets rules and guidelines for nurses in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The board issues, renews, and revokes RN, licensed practical nurse, and advanced practice registered nurse credentials. Check out the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp” target=”_blank”]board’s website[/hen-ui-link] to find application forms, license renewal information, educational resources, workforce reports, and general information about RNs’ scope of practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective RNs in Missouri can apply for licensure in two different ways. Recent graduates obtain licensure by examination. This involves earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who are licensed in another state and want to practice in Missouri must apply for licensure by endorsement. These nurses must demonstrate that they meet Missouri’s licensing requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for New Nurses”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First-time nurses must earn an approved degree, submit their transcripts, undergo a background check, and take the NCLEX-RN. However, Missouri does not charge an application fee for first-time exam-takers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recent grads may practice as graduate nurses for up to 90 days after completing their degree as they wait to take the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN or BSN from an accredited or approved higher education institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Final college transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Passing NCLEX-RN score[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Background check with fingerprinting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for RN Licensure”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the board’s website features [hen-ui-link href=”https://pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/RN%20License%20by%20Examination%20Instruction%20Letter.pdf” target=”_blank”]thorough instructions[/hen-ui-link] for applying for licensure, here is a condensed version of the process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/types-of-nursing-degrees/”]nursing degree[/hen-ui-link], fill out an application form. Make sure to sign the form and get it notarized.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the country.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Request that your transcripts be sent to the Missouri Board of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Register to take the NCLEX-RN. The board recommends that you do so 3-4 weeks before graduation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should receive your NCLEX-RN results in about three days.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you pass the exam, the board sends you a letter giving you permission to practice as an RN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed nurses seeking Missouri licensure use a different application process. They can either verify their RN licensure in their original state, or simply begin practicing without any paperwork if they possess the proper multistate license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for RN Licensure”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Missouri participates in the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nursing Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link] (NLC). Nurses licensed in NLC states may practice freely in other participating states without applying for additional licensure, provided they hold a multistate license from their home state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses from non-NLC states can apply this way:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enroll in the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.nursys.com/enotify” target=”_blank”]Nursys e-Notify portal[/hen-ui-link] to receive a temporary permit through the system.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete and sign the application form and get it notarized.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the country.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Request verification of your original state license from [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.nursys.com/enotify” target=”_blank”]Nursys.com[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Request an official final transcript to be sent to the Missouri Board of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Missouri” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/missouri/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Missouri, RN licenses expire on April 30 of each odd-numbered year. Nurses can receive renewal reminders through [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.nursys.com/enotify” target=”_blank”]Nursys.com[/hen-ui-link]. The deadline to renew is three business days before the April 30 expiration date.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Missouri nurses do not need to complete continuing education or professional development courses to renew their licenses, and they can easily renew online through the Nursys system. RNs whose licenses have lapsed must provide a petition for relicensure and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency and submit to a background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The board charges an $85 renewal fee for inactive licenses and a $135 fee for lapsed licenses. Those who renew before the April 30 deadline do not pay a fee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average RN salary in Missouri is $65,900 — considerably lower than the national average of $80,010.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That said, Missouri’s cost of living is relatively low, with [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/slideshows/10-most-affordable-states?slide=4″ target=”_blank”]U.S. News &World Report[/hen-ui-link] naming it the nation’s eighth most affordable state. Missouri RNs also enjoy a higher average annual wage than the state’s general mean wage of $50,140.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition, the employment outlook for RNs in Missouri far surpasses the national figure. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link], the RN profession could grow by 7% on a national scale from 2018-2028 — compared to 16.2% over that same timeframe in Missouri.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table details RN salaries in Missouri by metropolitan area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$69,680[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$66,250[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$64,120[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$63,520[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$61,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work at in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following hospitals come from U.S. News & World Report’s list of [hen-ui-link href=”https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/mo” target=”_blank”]best hospitals in Missouri[/hen-ui-link]. The rankings weigh factors, such as patient outcomes and experiences, along with available specialty procedures and how well facilities treat common conditions. These hospitals all ranked in the top 10 and employ thousands in their respective communities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Barnes-Jewish Hospital[/hen-ui-heading] Affiliated with the Washington University School of Medicine, this teaching hospital employs nearly 10,000 individuals and offers multiple specialty services, including lung care, transplant services, and orthopedics. The hospital has also pioneered certain medical procedures, restoring a patients voice with an artificial larynx in 2003. The American Nurses Credentialing Center designated Barnes-Jewish Hospital a Magnet Hospital in 2008, 2013, and 2018.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Saint Lukes Hospital of Kansas City[/hen-ui-heading] This facility operates as part of Saint Lukes larger faith-based, nonprofit healthcare system in the Kansas City region. The hospital offers services in over 60 medical specialties, including dermatology, infusion therapies, and neurology.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Missouri Baptist Medical Center[/hen-ui-heading] MoBaps approximately 2,600 employees care for over 22,000 admissions each year. The medical center facilitates a variety of patient services and specializes in womens health, neonatal care, and neurosciences. MoBap also runs a cancer center, advancing treatment with research and clinical trials.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://boone.health/” target=”_blank”] Boone Hospital Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Boone Health is a full service hospital based in Columbia that cares for patients in 25 counties in mid-Missouri. Physicians and nurses treat patients at the centers 24-hour emergency center, and the hospital offers services in cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics, among other specialties.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Mercy Hospital Springfield[/hen-ui-heading] The Sisters of Mercy founded this hospital in 1891, and the facility remains affiliated with the Catholic church. Mercy boasts nearly 900 beds and serves southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. The hospital also includes a Level 1 trauma and burn center, a childrens hospital, and a cancer center. The hospital system employs nearly 5,000 individuals.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp” target=”_blank”] Missouri Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The Missouri Board of Nursing sets and enforces rules regarding nursing licensure in the state. Nurses apply for and renew their licenses through the board. The boards website also offers helpful information about renewal, educational requirements, and the states nursing workforce.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://missourinurses.org/” target=”_blank”] Missouri Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1906, the Missouri Nurses Association represents more than 90,000 RNs throughout the state. The association is a constituent member of the national American Nurses Association, and both groups offer educational programs and opportunities to connect with other nurses. The group also advocates for the nursing profession in state government through its political action committee.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://amnp.enpnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”] Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This association offers a variety of resources for prospective nurse practitioners. Members can access a job board, attend an annual conference, and take advantage of continuing education opportunities, or get politically involved through the organizations committees and boards.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/missouri” target=”_blank”] National Nurses United (Missouri)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This state group is part of the larger National Nurses United, a professional association and union promoting progressive policies in the nursing field. Founded in 2009, NNU organizes campaigns on topics, such as racial and environmental justice, and offers scholarships for members across the country.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I become a nurse in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Missouri must complete an approved or accredited nursing program in Missouri, earn an ADN or BSN, and pass the NCLEX-RN. If you move to Missouri from out of state, you can practice with a multistate NLC license, or apply for licensure by endorsement electronically.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the number one nursing school in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/missouri/”]nursing programs in Missouri[/hen-ui-link] offer high quality education, including public schools like the University of Missouri and private institutions like Washington University in St. Louis. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools/nur-rankings” target=”_blank”]U.S. News & World Report[/hen-ui-link] ranks St. Louis University among its top 50 nursing schools, while the University of Missouri – Kansas City ranks 23rd in U.S. News & World Report’s list of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing/rankings” target=”_blank”]best online nursing schools[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become a RN in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That depends on your chosen educational pathway. ADN programs traditionally last for two years, while it typically takes four years to earn a BSN. Part-time students often take longer to graduate. Many nurses start as licensed practical nurses and enroll in accelerated bridge programs that allow them to earn their degree more quickly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How many clinical hours do you need for an RN in Missouri?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of clinical hours you complete before becoming an RN in Missouri varies based on your degree. Each nursing program in Missouri includes different supervised clinical experiences.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in Missouri[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/missouri/”]Top Missouri RN-to-MSN Degrees + Direct Entry Requirements[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/state/missouri/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]The Best Missouri Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/state/missouri/medical-assistant-programs/”]Top Missouri Medical Assisting Programs + Online Training Options[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”font-size:small; font-style:italic;”]Featured Image: Lightvision, LLC / Moment / Getty Images[/hen-ui-text]

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