Best Nursing Schools in Missouri | 2024

Missouri, renowned for its thriving healthcare sector and academic diversity, offers a wide array of nursing programs designed to cater to diverse career aspirations.

Whether you're contemplating an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for a swift entry into the nursing profession, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for a comprehensive educational foundation, or advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for specialized roles, Missouri provides a wealth of opportunities.

Discover Missouri's nursing landscape as we shed light on educational prospects and address common questions about nursing education and career prospects within the state.

Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools 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 (when applicable), graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

Discover the best undergraduate nursing schools by program:

• Associate in Nursing
• BSN

Best Associate in Nursing Programs in Missouri

An Associate in Nursing in Missouri is a two-year nursing program offered by various community colleges and technical schools. It provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to become RNs. Curriculums typically cover a broad spectrum of nursing topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and more.

1. St. Charles Community College

The top-rated ASN program at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville has a budget-friendly annual cost of just $4,575, this program boasts an impressive 95% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation, ensuring a high-quality nursing education for students.

2. State Fair Community College

The AAS program at State Fair Community College in Sedalia comes with an estimated annual cost of $6,419. While it lacks formal accreditation, rest assured that this program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) and maintains an outstanding 98% success rate.

3. Ozarks Technical Community College

Consider starting your nursing journey with the ADN program at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, priced at an estimated $8,710 per year. With a remarkable 94% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation, this program equips students with the education and training needed for a successful nursing career.

Best BSN Programs in Missouri

BSN programs in Missouri are four-year undergraduate programs offered by colleges and universities that prepare students for careers as RNs with a strong foundation in nursing theory, clinical practice, and the ability to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients. BSN programs are more comprehensive than ADN programs and oftentimes increase the employability and salaries of nurses.

1. College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks, located in Point Lookout, offers an affordable BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $7,202. This program boasts an exceptional 99% NCLEX pass rate and holds ACEN accreditation, ensuring students receive a high-quality nursing education, and setting the foundation for a successful nursing career.

2. Truman State University

Truman State University in Kirksville presents a comprehensive BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $11,216. With a strong 92% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation, this program provides aspiring nurses with a top-tier education and thorough preparation for their professional journey.

3. Southwest Baptist University

Located in Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University offers an outstanding BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $17,369. Featuring an impressive 97% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation, this program ensures students receive a well-rounded nursing education, preparing them for success as future RNs.

4. Missouri State University – Springfield

The esteemed BSN program at Missouri State University's Springfield campus has an estimated annual cost of $16,625. With a remarkable 95% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation, this program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of nursing.

5. University of Missouri – Kansas City

The University of Missouri's Kansas City campus offers a competitive BSN program with an estimated annual cost of $17,899. Maintaining an impressive 96% NCLEX pass rate and being accredited through ACEN, this program diligently prepares students for a successful and impactful nursing career.

Best Graduate Nursing Schools in Missouri

The two main types of graduate nursing programs in Missouri are:

• MSN
• DNP

Best MSN Programs in Missouri

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program offered by universities and colleges in the state of Missouri. The MSN is designed to provide advanced nursing education and training to RNs who want to pursue specialized roles.

1. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University offers three MSN tracks with additional specialties:

• Accelerated MSN (Direct-Entry)
• MSN Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
  • Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

The Direct-Entry MSN is for prospective nurses seeking a transition to healthcare and holding a bachelor's in another field, while the NP MSN and CNL MSN are for BSN-prepared RNs seeking to become APRNs.

2. Webster University

Webster University offers two MSN tracks

• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader

Both programs are ACEN-accredited and allow students to engage with nurses in their cohort and balance their schedules with part-time and full-time study options. Classes are in the Live Virtual Format, where students take online modules before virtually meeting with instructors one night per week.

3. Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College

The Goldfarb School of Nursing offers several specialties:

• Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Clinical Preceptor
• Nurse Educator

Degree outcomes include translating science to guide advanced practice nursing, quality improvement, and scholarship, the ability to demonstrate ethical organizational and systems leadership to improve patient outcomes, the ability to apply quality improvement initiatives within an organization or practice setting, and more.

4. Southeast Missouri State

Southeast Missouri State University's MSN degree with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) prepares graduates for jobs as FNPs, delivering advanced nursing care and conducting critical investigation, integration, and synthesis of scientific knowledge. The program boasts a 97.4% first-time pass rate on the American Nurse Credentialing Center's (ANCC) FNP certification exam and 100% over five years.

Best DNP Programs in Missouri

A DNP is a doctoral-level nursing degree program that prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in healthcare, clinical practice, and healthcare policy. The DNP is one of the highest levels of education a nurse can achieve and is designed for nurses who want to excel in their careers and influence the healthcare system.

1. University of Missouri

The Unversity of Missouri offers a DNP with several areas of emphasis:

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nursing Leadership & Innovations in Health Care
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (PNP-PC)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The DNP program helps graduates advance their careers in advanced nursing roles. The program is distance-mediated, providing online coursework with minimum on-campus commitments, making it ideal for the working nurse.

2. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University offers two DNP tracks:

• BSN to DNP
  • Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
  • Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• MSN to DNP
  • APRN
  • Nurse Executive Leader

The BSN to DNP track is for RNs with the goal of becoming APRNs, while the MSN to DNP is for students who possess an MSN and want to further advance their clinical skills, increase their leadership in health policy, and become catalysts for improved healthcare delivery.

3. Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College

The Goldfarb School of Nursing offers three DNP tracks:

• Nurse Anesthesia
• Health Systems Population Health Leadership
• Post-Master's DNP

Upon completion of the DNP, graduates will be able to integrate, translate, and apply scientific underpinnings to improve healthcare practice and outcomes, influence population health, design, implement, and evaluate safe, evidence-based compassionate care, and more.

4. Missouri State University

Missouri State University has two DNP tracks:

• BSN to DNP of Nursing Practice
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Post-Master's DNP

Both tracks are CCNE-accredited, with the BSN to DNP being for RNs seeking to become NPs while the post-master's option is for nurses already holding an MSN who want new or enhanced career roles. 

Studying Nursing in Missouri

Missouri can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as the state offers a range of nursing programs, a strong healthcare infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for nursing students. Here's an overview of what to expect:

• Quality Nursing Programs: Missouri is home to several reputable universities and colleges that offer nursing programs at different levels.
• Variety of Nursing Specializations: Missouri's nursing programs offer a wide range of specializations, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. Whether you're interested in pediatric nursing, gerontology, psychiatric nursing, or nurse anesthesia, you can find programs that cater to your interests and aspirations.
• Clinical Opportunities: Missouri has a diverse healthcare landscape with urban hospitals, rural clinics, and everything in between. This diversity provides nursing students with a wide array of clinical placement options to gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. Clinical rotations and practical experience are integral components of nursing education, and Missouri's healthcare infrastructure supports these opportunities.
• Research and Innovation: Missouri is home to cutting-edge healthcare research institutions, including the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of Missouri's Health System. Nursing students interested in research and innovation can find unique opportunities to get involved in projects related to healthcare advancements, biotechnology, and healthcare policy.
• Affordable Education: Many public universities and colleges in Missouri offer affordable tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. This makes nursing education more accessible and affordable for many students. Additionally, there are scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to help offset the cost of tuition and related expenses.
• Diverse Patient Populations: Missouri is a diverse state with a multicultural population. Studying nursing in Missouri may expose you to a wide range of patient populations and healthcare needs, helping you develop cultural competence and adaptability as a nurse. This experience can be valuable in today's healthcare landscape, which requires nurses to provide culturally sensitive care.
• Strong Job Market: Missouri has a robust demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses. After completing your nursing program and obtaining licensure, you're likely to find a variety of job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more. The state's healthcare industry continues to grow, providing a stable job market for nurses.
• Community Engagement: Many nursing programs in Missouri emphasize community service and engagement. You may have opportunities to participate in outreach programs, healthcare initiatives, and volunteer work to serve underserved populations, which can be a fulfilling aspect of your nursing education.
• Scenic Locations: Missouri offers a mix of urban and rural settings, with picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Studying in Missouri provides a balance between access to healthcare resources and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the state.

Missouri can offer a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. The state provides quality nursing programs, diverse clinical opportunities, and a strong job market for nursing graduates.

Salary Expectations

The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers valuable insights into the typical nursing salaries in Missouri. Nevertheless, when contemplating salary projections, it's vital to factor in a range of variables that can have an impact on your earnings.

These variables include your educational background, years of professional experience, the nature of the healthcare institution where you work, the employer you are associated with, the level of demand for your particular nursing specialization, and your work schedule, including shifts and hours. To acquire a comprehensive grasp of your potential income, it is recommended to explore the specific details that relate to your unique situation and your employer's compensation policies.

RN Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Missouri earn:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $34.55
• Annual Mean Wage: $71,860

Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an associate-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.

RN salary in Missouri is 19% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
• Annual Mean Wage: $89,010

With the highest-paying states being:

• California: $133,340
• Hawaii: $113,220
• Oregon: $106,610
• Massachusetts: $104,150
• Alaska: $103,310

The BLS collected the Missouri RN wage data from over 70,440 nurses.

Advanced Practice Salaries: MSN- and DNP-Prepared Nurses

For advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with an MSN or DNP, the BLS reported the average salaries in Missouri are:

• Nurse Practitioners: $113,180
• Nurse Anesthetists: $205,190

Compared to the national averages of:

• Nurse Practitioners: $124,680
• Nurse Anesthetists: $205,770

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it better to have an ADN or BSN in Missouri?

When choosing between an ADN and a BSN in Missouri, it's crucial to consider the key factors.

ADN:

• Typically 2-year program at community colleges or vocational schools.
• Pros: Faster entry, RN licensure, cost-effective.
• Cons: Limited career advancement, evolving requirements.

BSN:

• 4-year degree from universities/colleges.
• Pros: Comprehensive education, preferred by employers, Magnet status.
• Cons: Longer duration, higher tuition.

Your choice depends on your career goals, timeline, and finances. ADN offers quicker entry, while BSN provides comprehensive education and better career prospects.

Q: Is it better to have an MSN or DNP in Missouri?

The decision between an MSN and a DNP depends on career goals and interests.

MSN:

• For advanced practice nurses (e.g., nurse practitioners).
• Pros: Quicker entry, clinical focus.
• Suitable for those focused on patient care.

DNP:

• Ideal for leadership roles and advanced clinical practice.
• Pros: Highest clinical expertise, advocacy, and research.
• Suitable for influencing policy and research.

Choose based on career aspirations—MSN for clinical practice, DNP for leadership and influence.