Missouri State University, Springfield

Established in 1906, Missouri State University (MSU) School of Nursing blends practical learning experiences with innovative teaching methods, ensuring students are well-prepared for successful careers in healthcare.

Discover Missouri State University, Springfield

Springfield, Missouri

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School Ranking: B
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Missouri State University, Springfield is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MA, BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, DNAP, CRNA, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Demographics

  • 21 Average Age
  • 40% Men
  • 60% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 92% White
  • 2% Hispanic
  • 4% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $26,467 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $27,407 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Missouri State University, a public institution, was founded in 1906.

Undergraduate

Pre-Nursing

This program is for any student who would like to become a nurse. The program consists of prerequisite courses as well as general education courses. After taking these courses, students are eligible to apply to the nursing program at Missouri State or anywhere in the nation.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is a four year program, completed in eight regular semesters and two Summer semesters.

Admission Policies (not all inclusive)

  • Resume
  • Official transcripts of all college coursework
  • Minimum 43 credit hours
  • Minimum cumulative GPA 2.75 in all attempted college coursework
  • Nursing prerequisites grade of 'C' or higher
  • Current immunizations
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification
  • Health insurance

BSN Completion (BSN-C) (RN to BSN)

This 100% online BSN-C program (RN to BSN) is designed for the RN who has completed an associate's degree in nursing. Classes are available for a full- or part-time enrollment. The program is flexible and community based.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Current unencumbered RN license in Missouri or the state of current practice as an RN
  • Health insurance
  • GPA 2.75 or higher
  • Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
  • Current immunization (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, complete Hepatitis B series, and a PPD (or evidence of appropriate medical follow-up for PPD positive individuals)

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

NOTE: Master of Nurse Anesthesia (admission closed)

The Traditional MSN program is designed for RNs who currently hold a BSN. Family nurse educator is the specialty available.

There are 14-17 hours and a research component for every student who continues his or her education. There will be additional 20 coursework for the nurse educator specialty. The Nurse Educator specialization requires hours for clinical rotation.

The Accelerated master's degree program is also available. Students must be enrolled in the BSN-C program.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Junior standing
  • Current, unencumbered RN license; eligible for licensure in Missouri
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • One (1) year full-time experience in direct patient care as an RN
  • Overall GPA 3.25 or higher
  • Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification

Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Master's Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing graduate program that includes graduate courses in nursing theory and research
  • Graduate clinical course with grade "B" or higher
  • Graduate health assessment course with grade "B" or higher
  • Graduate GPA 3.00 or higher
  • Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing/eligible for licensure in the State of Missouri
  • Current liability insurance
  • Current health insurance
  • Immunization or vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases
  • Provide documentation of negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification
  • Drug screening test/criminal record check

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

There are two degree options that are offered in a combined online and hybrid format, the BSN to DNP and post-master's DNP. The BSN to DNP graduate will be prepared to take the national Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. The post-master's DNP prepares nurses in leadership roles.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • RN in good standing for the state FNP clinical rotations and/or DNP project
  • Pathophysiology (BSN-DNP only), health care informatics, graduate level statistics, epidemiology (Post-Master's DNP) w/'C' or better
  • Current immunizations
  • Health insurance
  • Certification in basic life support for health professionals approved by the AHA
  • Drug screening and criminal record check
  • Cumulative GPA 3.25 on previous graduate-level course work; lower than 3.25 must submit Graduate Record Examination scores in the sections analytical, quantitative and verbal sections

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Degree Options

  • RN to DNAP Three-Year
  • CRNA to DNAP One-Year
  • CRNA to DNAP Two-Year
  • CRNA to DNAP Three-Year

All DNAP Applicants (not all inclusive)

  • Bachelor's degree in an area of life science, nursing, or Chemistry from an accredited institution in the U.S.
  • Undergraduate work: inorganic/organic Chemistry, Microbiology, human anatomy/physiology, genetics (strongly recommended)
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA for last 60 hours coursework
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores taken no earlier than five years prior to application
  • Unencumbered U.S. RN license
  • Minimum one year experience in a acute care setting
  • Current BLS, ACLS, PALS certification
  • Personal interview
  • Criminal background check, drug screen

MS/CRNA to DNAP Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Current, valid CRNA license
  • Transcript from completed anesthesia program
  • Master's Degree
  • Current BLS, ACLS, PALS certification 
  • Personal interview

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

  • #111 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
  • #32 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #76 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
  • #47 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans
  • #74 (tie) in Nursing-Anesthesia

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Big Colleges in America #105 of 131
  • Best College Campuses in America #193 of 1,408
  • Top Public Universities in America #197 of 672
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #217 of 1,542
  • Best College Locations in America #403 of 1,553
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #500 of 1,591
  • Best Colleges in America #524 of 1,647
  • Most Conservative Colleges in America #623 of 725
  • Best Value Colleges in America #898 of 1,590
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Missouri #5 of 38
  • Top Public Universities in Missouri #5 of 13
  • Best College Campuses in Missouri #6 of 38
  • Best Colleges in Missouri #11 of 40
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Missouri #12 of 40
  • Best College Locations in Missouri #13 of 40
  • Best Value Colleges in Missouri #21 of 39
  • Best Colleges in Springfield, MO Area #1 of 4

Forbes (2019)

  • #521 Top Colleges
  • #189 in Public Colleges
  • #121 in the Midwest

College Factual (2018-2019)

  • #5 Best Colleges for the Money in Missouri
  • #161 Best Colleges for the Money nationally

MONEY Magazine ranked MSU #598 Best Colleges For Your Money (2018-2019).

Accreditation and Approval

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The DNAP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Missouri State Board of Nursing approved the BSN program.

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