Missouri registered nurses (RNs) who have previously earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) are realizing the opportunistic and monetary benefits of completing a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). Healthcare employers are increasingly requiring a BSN or higher for nursing jobs, so many schools in Missouri are now offering specialized RN to BSN programs to meet this need. Nurses who complete the program are able to provide better patient care, as well as increase their earning potential.

2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Missouri

Choosing the right online RN to BSN program can be overwhelming, but registerednursing.org has ranked the best options in Missouri based on key academic and career criteria. Online learning is essential for working nurses who need flexibility to balance job, family, and education. Many programs use virtual lectures and remote assignments, yet still count as online even if they include occasional on-campus sessions—the rankings treat hybrid and partially online programs the same as fully online. This makes advancing education accessible across Missouri, whether in urban centers or rural communities. For a full breakdown of how these rankings were determined, visit the methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, MO - Public 4-Year - umsl.edu

RN to BSN - Nursing, RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Missouri–St. Louis offers an online RN to BSN program designed for working registered nurses. This 100% online, part-time program can be completed in five consecutive semesters, or as little as two years. Coursework emphasizes leadership, technology, ethics, and population health, preparing nurses for roles in hospitals, community health, mental health, veterans affairs, private practice, and school nursing. Students gain clinical experience through more than 100 partners and a simulation center with lifelike hospital equipment. The program is fully accredited and ranked #11 among online bachelor's programs. Graduates join a network of 5,000 nursing alumni; many pursue DNP or PhD degrees. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and median earnings for graduates are $98,430.

  • 5-Semester program
  • As little as two years
  • Part-time available
  • $98,430 median earnings
  • median annual salary of $98,430
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Fully accredited program
  • 100% online format
  • For RNs with associate degree
#2

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO - Private 4-year - sbuniv.edu

RN to BSN - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Southwest Baptist University’s online RN to BSN completion track is ACEN-accredited and tailored for registered nurses with an associate degree. The fully remote curriculum eliminates campus visits, while local practice experiences allow you to stay close to home. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, with no ACT or SAT scores needed. As a Southern Baptist institution, SBU integrates faith into its coursework and fosters small class sizes. The program strong points include an 84% BSN job placement rate, a Mercy Health System partnership, and malpractice insurance coverage. Working nurses can fast-track coursework even before finishing an ASN, and military-friendly benefits support veterans. Personalized faculty mentoring rounds out this flexible, career-focused pathway to leadership roles.

  • ACEN accredited
  • 84% job placement rate
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Fully online curriculum
  • No onsite visits required
  • Practice experiences completed locally
  • Christ-centered university
  • Small class sizes
  • Partnership with Mercy Health System
#3

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO - Public 4-Year - semo.edu

RN to BSN - Nursing (BSN) Online: RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Southeast Missouri State University’s RN to BSN completion program is delivered fully online, offering registered nurses a flexible path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The CCNE-accredited curriculum builds upon existing nursing knowledge with coursework in leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health. Through real-world applications, graduates develop skills for expanded roles in nurse management, education, and specialized clinical practice. Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to balance career and personal commitments while advancing their credentials. Earning this degree also creates a foundation for graduate study, positioning graduates for broader opportunities in the healthcare field. No residency requirements are specified, and all nursing courses are completed online.

  • CCNE accredited
#4

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - webster.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Webster University offers a fully online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. The curriculum emphasizes holistic health promotion and social determinants of health, equipping nurses to understand broader patient factors. Faculty are 100% doctorally prepared, with expertise in community health, medical-surgical nursing, and psychiatric mental health nursing. Flexible eight-week terms allow part-time or full-time study, with completion in as little as 1 to 1.5 years for full-time students. Each student receives a personalized learning plan based on transfer credits, and credit for prior nursing education streamlines the pathway to a BSN. No ACT or SAT scores are required for admission. Graduates pursue careers in clinical nursing, administration, education, case management, and quality and safety. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

  • Complete in Part-time, approximately 2 to 2.5 years, depending on credit hours required. Full-time, approximately 1 to 1.5 years
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Fully online program
  • Eight-week course terms
  • Personalized learning plan
  • 100% doctorally prepared faculty
  • Credit for prior nursing education
  • Focus on social determinants of health
#5

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

Fenton, MO - Private 4-year - slchc.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

St. Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton offers an online RN to BSN Completion Program designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. This fully online format provides the flexibility needed to balance education with professional and personal responsibilities. The bachelor's degree requires 60 credits beyond transfer credits, with a 64-week structure. The curriculum covers nursing leadership, community health, research, complex care, and end-of-life care, plus evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, transcultural nursing, and ethical perspectives. Applicants must hold an active RN license and transfer at least 60 credits from an approved nursing program. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required. The program includes a BSN capstone course and prepares nurses for leadership roles, specialization, and advanced degrees, with 900 total program hours.

  • Fully online delivery
  • Program length 64 weeks
  • 60 credits required
  • Active RN license required
  • 60 transfer credits needed
  • Includes BSN capstone course
  • Covers nursing leadership topics
  • Focus on evidence-based practice
  • Community health nursing included
  • Complex care nursing covered
*Data obtained from: NCES IPEDS 2025 database. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Fast & Affordable Program Options

One of the hesitations that prevent many nurses from getting their bachelor’s degree is that many BSN programs cost a lot of money and take up a lot of time. Fortunately, nurses who have a current license, an associate degree, and a few years of experience can seek out bridge programs such as an RN to BSN program to achieve their BSN degree quicker and cheaper than a more traditional BSN program.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

RN to BSN programs are exceptionally fast with many students graduating in as little as two years or even less if you have a large number of transferable credits or your prospective program is offered online. Still, some RN to BSN programs are even faster than others. Take a look at the table below to discover some of the fastest RN to BSN programs in the state.

SchoolDegree NameLength
St. Louis UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year
Missouri State UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, but they aren’t super common. If you have substantial transferable credits and an associate degree in nursing, a 6-month RN to BSN may be an option for you if one is offered in your community. Unfortunately, you’ll have to look outside of Missouri if you want to pursue these opportunities as none are currently offered in the state.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

For some students, the benefit of saving money on their education is much more attractive than the benefit of a timely RN to BSN program. Spending less time in the classroom means that your financial obligation to your chosen program will be relatively small compared to a traditional 4-year BSN program. Furthermore, the affordability of an RN to BSN program may be further compounded by residency status (depending on the school) or if you receive your education primarily online. Below are a few of the most affordable options in Missouri.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Northwest Missouri State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$9,502 per year (Resident)

$15,569 per year (Non-Resident)

North Central Missouri CollegeRN to BSN$6,978 per year

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

See Related Articles

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Applying for an accredited RN to BSN program is not unlike applying for other degree programs; if you meet the criteria and submit your application by the deadline, you have a decent chance of being accepted. Popular programs may be more selective. The following are common entrance requirements in the state:

  • Associate's Degree in Nursing required
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Licensed as a registered nurse in good standing
  • A criminal background check required

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Roughly 30 credits of upper-division nursing courses are required to complete an RN to BSN program. Some of the nursing courses offered at the University of Central Missouri include:

  • Advanced Concepts of Wellness for RNs
  • Socio-Economic Factors Impacting Health
  • Pathophysiology
  • Concepts of Nursing Leadership in Management

2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Missouri

Looking for the perfect RN to BSN program in Missouri? Check out our listings below!

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Browse Our List of Programs

Browse our list of programs to explore a variety of educational opportunities. The table below provides an organized view of each school, including its city and state, so you can easily identify programs in your preferred location. We have also included program highlights to help you understand the unique features of each offering. To dive deeper, click the provided link to access the school's dedicated program page, where you can find complete details about the curriculum, admissions, and more. Start your search today and find the program that fits your needs.
Jump to City:

Bolivar, MO

Bolivar Technical College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework
    • Complete in 1 year
    • 8-week course terms
    • 5:1 student-teacher ratio
    • Virtual clinical simulations
    • Self-directed program
    • No entrance exam required
    • Unencumbered RN license required

Southwest Baptist University

  • RN to BSN - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 84% job placement rate
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Fully online curriculum
    • No onsite visits required
    • Practice experiences completed locally
    • Christ-centered university

Cape Girardeau, MO

Southeast Missouri State University

  • RN to BSN - Nursing (BSN) Online: RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited

Columbia, MO

Columbia College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Fully online program
    • CCNE accredited
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Prepares for leadership roles
    • Online education since 2000

Fayette, MO

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

  • RN to BSN - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Develop skills in Professional Nursing Practice
    • Hands-on learning through clinical experiences
    • Prepares for management and leadership positions
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Courses include end-of-life care and gerontology

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

  • RN to BSN - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Curriculum includes Professional Nursing Practice
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Prepares for management and leadership roles
    • Designed for registered nurses
    • Offered online and at statewide centers
    • Preparation for advanced nursing degree

Fenton, MO

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online delivery
    • Program length 64 weeks
    • 60 credits required
    • Active RN license required
    • 60 transfer credits needed
    • Includes BSN capstone course
    • Covers nursing leadership topics
    • Focus on evidence-based practice

Hannibal, MO

Hannibal-LaGrange University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online courses
    • Complete in 12 months
    • 8-week course terms
    • Multiple start dates
    • Credit for RN license
    • Flexible pacing options
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Christian worldview approach

Jefferson City, MO

Lincoln University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • $269 per credit
    • 59 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Online nursing courses with local preceptors
    • Designed for associate degree and diploma RNs
    • Program established in 1992
    • Dual degree option for Lincoln AAS students

Joplin, MO

Missouri Southern State University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts summer/fall/spring
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Fully online learning format

Kansas City, MO

Concorde Career College-Kansas City

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Bachelor of Science Degree
    • 120 semester credits required
    • 15 months full-time completion
    • 22 months part-time completion
    • Online delivery format
    • 60 transfer credits accepted
    • Requires active RN license
    • Associate degree prerequisite

Rockhurst University

  • RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 3-Semester program
    • As little as three semesters
    • Capstone required
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • 100% online
    • RN-BSN to MSN Bridge available
    • Oldest and largest nursing school in Kansas City

Marshall, MO

Missouri Valley College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 124 total credit hours
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Continuous enrollment
    • Faculty and preceptor-guided practicums
    • Seat capacity 10-15 per term
    • Online distance learning format

Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • NLN CNEA accredited
    • $10,734 total program tuition
    • $347 per credit
    • 12-Month program
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-08
    • 4 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/summer

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University

  • RN to BSN - Nursing, BS RN to BSN Track

    Online Learning - Website

    • 32 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 100% online curriculum
    • Designed for working registered nurses
    • Credit for prior RN license awarded
    • No repetition of pre-licensure courses

Saint Joseph, MO

Missouri Western State University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Track

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Missouri State Board of Nursing accredited
    • 31 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts rolling
    • 2.7 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Employer reimbursement supported

Saint Louis, MO

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Completed in one year
    • Flexible online format
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Three term structure
    • Spring, summer, fall starts
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • ADN completion required
    • Capstone project required

Maryville University

  • RN to BSN - Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • 1-Year program
    • 89 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2025-12-26
    • Part-time available
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 2.5 GPA minimum

Missouri Baptist University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 12-Month program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • 100% online coursework
    • Transfer up to 90 credit hours
    • Up to 40 nursing credits via RN licensure
    • Flexible for working nurses

University of Missouri-St Louis

  • RN to BSN - Nursing, RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 5-Semester program
    • As little as two years
    • Part-time available
    • $98,430 median earnings
    • median annual salary of $98,430
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Fully accredited program

Webster University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete in Part-time, approximately 2 to 2.5 years, depending on credit hours required. Full-time, approximately 1 to 1.5 years
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Fully online program
    • Eight-week course terms
    • Personalized learning plan
    • 100% doctorally prepared faculty

Springfield, MO

Bryan University

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science In Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 60 weeks program length
    • 6 quarters duration
    • 100% online delivery
    • 90 quarter credits required
    • 58.5 core course credits
    • 31.5 general education credits
    • For current registered nurses
    • Requires ADN and RN license

Cox College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts rolling
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Financial aid available
    • Eight-week nursing course blocks
    • Almost completely online

Missouri State University

  • RN to BSN - BSN-Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in Complete your degree in just one year
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 5 start dates per year
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • No out-of-state tuition surcharge

St. Louis, MO

Chamberlain University-Missouri

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete in 10 months
    • Costs $13,335
    • 100% online coursework
    • 122 total credits required
    • 77 proficiency credits awarded
    • 45 credits to complete
    • Up to 15 transfer credits
    • 2.0 minimum GPA required

Warrensburg, MO

University of Central Missouri

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in as little as one year
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Top Online RN-to-BSN Program
    • Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Program
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025 collection.