In Missouri, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students to become registered nurses. The program combines classroom study in subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, and health assessment with supervised clinical training in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings across the state.
Completing a BSN in Missouri qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required for licensure as a registered nurse. Because Missouri has both large medical centers in cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, and regional hospitals in smaller communities, BSN students gain experience with a wide range of patient populations and healthcare needs.
Best BSN Programs in Missouri
Here's a quick overview of the best BSN programs in Missouri. For more detailed information, continue to the next section.
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.00 | College of the Ozarks | BSN | Point Lookout | $7,202 | 99% | Yes |
| 93.66 | Truman State University | BSN | Kirksville | $11,216 | 92% | Yes |
| 92.63 | Southwest Baptist University | BSN | Bolivar | $17,369 | 97% | Yes |
| 92.12 |
Missouri State University Springfield |
BSN | Springfield | $16,625 | 95% | Yes |
| 91.89 |
University of Missouri Kansas City |
BSN | Kansas City | $17,899 | 96% | Yes |
| 90.07 |
University of Missouri Columbia |
BSN | Columbia | $17,899 | 92% | Yes |
| 88.93 | Cox College | BSN | Springfield | $17,490 | 89% | Yes |
| 86.89 | Missouri Southern State University | BSN | Joplin | $9,607 | 84% | No |
| 86.21 |
Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
BSN | Fayette | $25,087 | 92% | Yes |
| 86.10 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | BSN | Saint Louis | $24,450 | 91% | Yes |
| 85.36 | Research College of Nursing | BSN | Kansas City | 91% | Yes | |
| 85.15 | William Jewell College | BSN | Liberty | $20,289 | 84% | Yes |
| 85.07 |
University of Missouri St. Louis |
BSN | St. Louis | $17,899 | 81% | Yes |
| 81.26 | Rockhurst University | BSN | Kansas City | $20,942 | 85% | No |
*Costs as reported by Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. College of the Ozarks
College of the Ozarks, situated in Point Lookout, offers a BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $7,202. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 99% and ACEN accreditation, the college ensures students receive a top-notch nursing education at an affordable cost, setting the stage for a successful nursing career.
2. Truman State University
Truman State University in Kirksville presents a BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $11,216. The program maintains a strong NCLEX pass rate of 92% and holds ACEN accreditation, providing aspiring nurses with quality education and preparation for their professional journey.
3. Southwest Baptist University
Situated in Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University offers a BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $17,369. Boasting an outstanding NCLEX pass rate of 97% and holding ACEN accreditation, this program ensures students receive a comprehensive nursing education, equipping them to excel in their future as RNs.
4. Missouri State University – Springfield
The BSN program at Missouri State University's Springfield campus features an estimated annual cost of $16,625. Boasting an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 95% and ACEN accreditation, this esteemed program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in nursing.
5. University of Missouri – Kansas City
The University of Missouri's Kansas City campus offers a BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $17,899. Maintaining an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 96% and accredited through ACEN, this program diligently prepares students for a successful and impactful nursing career.
BSN Program Admission Requirements
BSN programs generally require:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
BSN Program Curriculum
Typical BSN coursework includes:
- Biology, including a lab and lecture course
- Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Sociology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
- General Psychology
Can BSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online?
No, BSN programs in Missouri cannot be completed fully online because the state requires in-person labs and clinical rotations for licensure. Programs at schools like Missouri State University and the University of Missouri combine classroom learning with clinical placements in hospitals and community health centers. These hands-on experiences are a core part of preparing students to become safe and effective registered nurses.
Some schools do provide online coursework options, but these are usually limited to RN-to-BSN tracks for licensed nurses who want to earn a bachelor's degree while continuing to work. For students starting a BSN from the beginning, attending on campus and completing clinical hours in person is required.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
In the end, prospective students should assess their preferences and choose institutions that suit them best. Accreditation is another vital factor to consider, often overlooked but crucial for BSN graduates. Here's why selecting an accredited BSN program is imperative:
- Guaranteed standards in nursing education.
- Ensures programs meet rigorous clinical hour requirements.
- Provides eligibility for RN licensing and state endorsement.
- Enhances career opportunities with employers preferring graduates from accredited programs.
- Facilitates credit transferability for further education.
- Boosts professional credibility by meeting national standards.
- Enables eligibility for federal financial aid.
- Holds institutions accountable for maintaining high educational standards.
- Recognized by peers and industry leaders for quality education.
- Provides feedback for continuous program improvement.
Reputable accrediting bodies for nursing programs include:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
2025 BSN Salary Expectations in Missouri
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 data, Missouri RN's annual salary is approximately 17.87% lower than the national average.
RN Earning Potential
- National RN Average - Hourly $45.42
- National RN Average - Annual: $94,480.00
- Missouri RN Average - Hourly $37.30
- Missouri RN Average - Annual: $77,590.00
While the top-paying states for RNs are:
- California: $137,690.00
- Hawaii: $119,710.00
- Massachusetts: $113,440.00
- Oregon: $111,030.00
- Alaska: $109,210.00
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this data pertains to ADN-prepared RNs or BSN-prepared RNs. However, as highlighted by ZipRecruiter data, BSN-prepared RNs generally earn higher salaries:
- Average ADN Hourly Salary: $39.00
- Average ADN Annual Salary: $80,321.00
- Average BSN Hourly Salary: $49.00
- Average BSN Annual Salary: $102,263.00
In Missouri, BSN RNs reportedly earn an annual salary of $73,790, equating to an hourly rate of $35.00. The highest-paying cities for BSN RNs in Missouri include:
- Cool Valley, MO: $113,313.00
- Kansas City, MO: $95,453.00
- St. Martin, MO: $94,563.00
- St. Charles, MO: $90,544.00
- Goodman, MO: $183,819.00
The Nursing Salary Guide provides detailed information on salary potential based on location, degree, or specialty.
FAQ and Additional Readings
How do I transfer my nursing license to Missouri?
Missouri is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.
Are there specialization programs for nurses in Missouri?
Many schools in Missouri offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.
How long does it take to complete a BSN in Missouri?
Traditional BSN programs, like the one at the University of Missouri, are designed to be completed in about four years after high school. Other schools, such as College of the Ozarks, also offer four-year tracks with structured sequencing of coursework and clinical experiences.
Where do students complete clinical training in Missouri?
Clinical experiences take place in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings throughout the state. College of the Ozarks places students in areas such as maternity, pediatrics, mental health, and community health. At the University of Missouri, students complete progressively advanced clinical rotations at partner hospitals in Columbia and surrounding regions.
Which BSN programs in Missouri have the highest NCLEX pass rates?
Several Missouri programs report strong NCLEX performance. College of the Ozarks has a pass rate of 99 percent, while Southwest Baptist University averages 97 percent. Missouri State University in Springfield maintains a rate of about 95 percent, consistently above the national average.
Are private BSN programs in Missouri different from public ones?
Private universities such as Maryville University, William Jewell College, and Research College of Nursing typically have higher tuition than public schools, but they often offer smaller class sizes and closer faculty interaction. Public schools like Truman State University and Missouri State University provide more affordable tuition for in-state residents and larger campus resources.