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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in administration, research, teaching, and nurse consulting. Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements. 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.
Best BSN Programs in Missouri
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 ProgramsBe Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patent care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.
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
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Edited by Erin Lee