Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

Missouri Western State University's BSN program offers an exceptional nursing education pathway with impressive credentials. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum integrating general education and specialized nursing courses, supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences in St. Joseph and Kansas City. The program boasts remarkable NCLEX-RN pass rates, with 98.8% in 2023 and a perfect 100% in 2024, demonstrating exceptional student preparation. With small class sizes ensuring personalized learning, experienced faculty, and CCNE accreditation, this program provides robust training for aspiring nurses. Military-friendly and focusing on practical skills, students receive comprehensive preparation for professional nursing practice through a senior capstone course and opportunities for faculty-guided research.

• Combines general and nursing education.
• Small class sizes for personalized learning.
• High-tech nursing simulation lab available.
• Quality clinical experiences in top healthcare settings.
• Prepares students for NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Experienced faculty with real-world practice.
• Opportunities for research with faculty.
• Senior Capstone course for real-world prep.
• Missouri State Board of Nursing approved.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City's BSN program offers comprehensive nursing education with two dynamic track options: Pre-Licensure and Accelerated BSN. Designed to cultivate critical thinking and professional accountability, the program prepares students to address healthcare needs across diverse populations. Prospective students must complete a university application and supplemental clinical program submission. With a remarkable NCLEX pass rate of 97.14% in 2023 and 100% in 2024, graduates demonstrate exceptional preparedness. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, focusing on individuals, families, and community health. Military-friendly and innovative, the program equips students with essential skills for modern healthcare environments.

• Prepares nurse generalists.
• Two track options available.
• Pre-Licensure BSN for newcomers.
• Accelerated BSN for degree holders.
• Focuses on critical thinking.
• Comprehensive healthcare approach.
• Innovative health management program.
• Requires university application first.
• Supplemental Application for clinical program.
• Emphasizes responsibility and accountability.

UMKC's Accelerated BSN program provides a rapid pathway to nursing for bachelor's degree holders, completing in less than two years. Featuring an impressive 1,050 clinical hours—the region's most extensive—the program ensures comprehensive practical training. Admission considers GPA, personal essays, and healthcare experience, with prerequisites including a bachelor's degree and specific science coursework. The program offers daytime classes in state-of-the-art learning spaces, promoting work-life balance. Kansas residents benefit from in-state tuition rates, while Midwestern state residents receive additional discounts. The curriculum prepares students for diverse healthcare roles through intensive hands-on learning and professional development.

• Less than two years completion.
• 1,050 clinical hours.
• Daytime classes for balance.
• State-of-the-art learning spaces.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• 30 hours patient interaction needed.
• GPA and essays considered.
• In-state tuition for Kansas.
• Midwestern discounts available.
• Extensive clinical experience.

UMKC's fully online RN-BSN program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers with flexible, technology-enhanced learning. Designed for working professionals, the program requires an unencumbered RN license and a 2.5 GPA for admission. The curriculum focuses on leadership development, professional advocacy, and healthcare innovation. No campus visits are required, making it ideal for busy nurses seeking career progression. With high student satisfaction and nationally recognized accreditation, the program offers affordable in-state tuition rates. Graduates gain advanced skills in professional nursing, positioning themselves for leadership roles in complex healthcare environments.

• Fully online program
• Accredited RN-BSN
• Leadership skill development
• No campus visits required
• In-state tuition for eligible
• Requires unencumbered RN license
• 2.5 GPA admission requirement
• Focuses on professional development
• High student satisfaction
• Affordable tuition rates

St. Charles Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing program delivers exceptional healthcare education with consistently outstanding NCLEX-RN performance. Recent pass rates have impressively reached 97.47% in 2023 and 98.80% in 2024, demonstrating the program's robust academic preparation. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing clinical judgment, patient-centered care, and cutting-edge medical technology. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and HESI A2 entrance exam, ensuring high-quality candidate selection. With a focus on diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, graduates are strategically positioned for successful nursing careers. The program offers financial aid options and provides extensive clinical rotations to develop practical skills and professional competence.

• Campus-based program
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Focus on clinical judgment
• Patient-centered care approach
• Strong job placement success
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• HESI A2 scores required
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Tuition and lab fees apply
• Financial aid options available

Missouri Southern State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers a comprehensive pathway into the nursing profession. Located in Joplin, the program has demonstrated exceptional NCLEX performance, with recent pass rates ranging from 93.33% to 100%. Students benefit from a curriculum emphasizing quality, safety, and patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings. The program supports pre-licensure and RN to BSN tracks, providing flexible educational opportunities. Admission typically requires standard academic criteria, and the military-friendly institution prepares students for over 100 potential nursing specialties. With dedicated faculty and a focus on innovative learning, graduates are well-positioned for successful healthcare careers.

• Campus-based program
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Dedicated faculty support
• Focus on patient-centered care
• Opportunities for specialization

Ozarks Technical Community College offers a strategic Associate of Science in Nursing program specifically tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking rapid RN advancement. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), this intensive 36-week curriculum provides comprehensive healthcare training focused on Southwest Missouri's medical landscape. With an impressive track record, the program boasts exceptional metrics including a 100% NCLEX pass rate and job placement success. Designed for working professionals, the campus-based program enables LPNs to efficiently transition into registered nursing roles. Students benefit from accessible education, potential financial aid opportunities, and comprehensive preparation for diverse healthcare environments, making it an attractive pathway for career-driven nursing professionals.

• 36-week program length.
• ACEN accredited.
• 100% NCLEX pass rate.
• 88% program completion rate.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Designed for LPNs.
• Fast-track to RN licensure.
• Campus-based program.
• Focuses on Southwest Missouri health.
• Financial aid available.

Saint Louis University's Traditional Four-Year BSN program delivers comprehensive nursing education with exceptional preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. Boasting an impressive 96.33% to 96.68% NCLEX pass rate across recent years, the program supports 211-245 students annually. The curriculum blends rigorous science and nursing courses with a robust liberal arts foundation. Requiring a minimum 3.20 high school GPA with emphasis on math and science, students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs, diverse clinical experiences, and personalized faculty attention. SAT/ACT entrance exams are standard, with a holistic admission process ensuring well-rounded candidate selection. Study abroad opportunities and direct-entry pathways enhance the program's appeal for aspiring nurses seeking comprehensive professional training.

• Four-year B.S.N. program.
• State-of-the-art simulation lab.
• Low student-to-faculty ratio.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• Study abroad opportunities.
• Direct-entry program.
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
• Holistic admission process.
• Minimum GPA requirement 3.20.
• Emphasis on math and science.

Saint Louis University's Accelerated One-Year BSN program offers a dynamic pathway for career changers with existing bachelor's degrees. Designed as an intensive 12-month track, the program enables rapid nursing career transition with a strategic May start date. With an outstanding NCLEX pass rate of 96.33% to 96.68%, the curriculum integrates comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Requiring prerequisite science and humanities courses and maintaining a 3.2 minimum GPA, students engage in high-touch learning environments. The program emphasizes rigorous preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and diverse clinical settings. Scholarships and financial aid options support students through this transformative educational journey.

• 12-month intensive program
• Starts annually in May
• 53 credits total
• Campus-based in St. Louis
• Low student-to-faculty ratio
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Minimum GPA requirement 3.2
• Holistic admission process

Bolivar Technical College's Professional Nursing (RN) Program offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring nurses, demonstrating remarkable academic performance with a perfect 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023. The comprehensive 1-year and 8-month campus-based program integrates 585 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings, ensuring students receive robust practical training. Students must complete Anatomy & Physiology prerequisites and engage in intensive nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and leadership curriculum. The program's strategic design emphasizes hands-on experience through simulation labs and clinical rotations, preparing graduates for immediate professional placement. With a 100% job placement rate and military-friendly status, the program stands out as a premier nursing education option in Missouri, providing students comprehensive preparation for successful nursing careers.

• 100% job placement rate
• 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• 1 year and 8 months duration
• 585 clinical hours
• Campus-based program
• Focus on nursing fundamentals
• Includes pharmacology training
• Hands-on clinical experience
• NCLEX preparation integrated
• Small class sizes

College of the Ozarks offers an exceptional Christ-centered BSN program with a remarkable 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2023. Their four-year nursing curriculum is meticulously designed to cultivate compassionate healthcare professionals through comprehensive clinical experiences across diverse medical settings. The program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, emphasizes holistic patient care and professional integrity. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and a preferred ACT composite score of 21. Students benefit from an evangelical Christian educational environment that prioritizes both academic excellence and spiritual development. The program prepares graduates to excel in complex healthcare environments while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical and patient-centered care.

• Christ-centered nursing education.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Four-year BSN program.
• Clinical experiences in diverse settings.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Focus on holistic patient care.
• Minimum GPA 2.75 for admission.
• Preferred ACT score of 21.
• Emphasizes professional integrity.
• Dedicated faculty with extensive experience.

Missouri State University's LPN-to-RN Bridge Program provides licensed practical nurses a strategic pathway to become registered nurses. This innovative hybrid program offers flexible learning options with both online and seated configurations. Spanning 65 credit hours, the program provides LPNs 15 additional credits toward their RN certification. Clinical practicums are conducted in Missouri and northern Arkansas, ensuring comprehensive practical training. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.5 GPA, specific course completions, and IV training proof. The program prepares students comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN exam, supporting their professional advancement with a flexible, resident-focused curriculum.

• 65-credit hour program
• Hybrid learning options
• Competitive admission
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical practicums in MO/AR
• 2.5 GPA requirement
• Specific course prerequisites
• Proof of IV training needed
• 15 additional credits for LPNs
• Flexible scheduling for clinicals

Missouri State University's BSN program offers an exceptional nursing education with impressive outcomes. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing interprofessional skills and hands-on training. With a remarkable 96% NCLEX pass rate consistently demonstrated across recent years, graduates are well-prepared for successful nursing careers. The program requires an entrance exam and provides 14 nursing scholarships to support student success. Located in Springfield, the campus-based program features state-of-the-art facilities and boasts a 100% job placement rate. Accredited by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, this program prepares students for a dynamic healthcare environment with projected 12% job growth by 2028.

• 96% NCLEX pass rate
• 100% job placement
• 12% job growth by 2028
• Affordable program cost
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Interprofessional education
• 14 nursing scholarships
• Accredited program
• Missouri Board approved
• Hands-on skills training

University of Central Missouri's BSN program provides a comprehensive nursing education that prepares students for successful professional practice. With consistently high NCLEX pass rates, including 89.61% in 2023 and an impressive 98.53% in 2024, the program demonstrates strong academic preparation. Students benefit from advanced simulation labs and extensive clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings. The program requires a 2.75 GPA for admission and includes a nursing admission exam, ensuring candidates are academically prepared. Curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, theoretical knowledge, and community health projects. Prospective students will find scholarship opportunities and a robust pathway to nursing licensure. The program's commitment to excellence is evident through its expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive approach to nursing education.

• 97.6% NCLEX pass rate
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Hands-on clinical experience
• Competitive admission process
• Scholarships available
• 2.75 GPA requirement
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Nursing admission exam required
• Focus on clinical training
• Theoretical coursework included