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The Best Missouri Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements

NurseJournal Staff
by
Updated November 7, 2022
This page outlines the steps for becoming a nurse practitioner in the state, from choosing nurse practitioner programs in Missouri to in-state average salaries for these professionals.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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Candidates for nurse practitioner (NP) careers should pursue advanced degrees like a master’s or doctorate in nursing. These nurse practitioner programs in Missouri explore assessment and healthcare concepts, requiring fieldwork that prepares for responsibilities like overseeing check-ups, ordering lab work, and treating problems like infections and viruses. NPs may also discuss ways to prevent health issues with patients by .

Missouri nurses may enter collaborative practice arrangements with doctors. These agreements regulate what tasks RNs may perform and should reflect the nurse’s specialization. For instance, a candidate with a pediatric focus should consider a collaborative practice arrangement with a pediatrician. By these arrangements, RNs must work geographically close to their collaborative doctors for the majority of the year.

Candidates for nurse practitioner (NP) careers should pursue advanced degrees like a master’s or doctorate in nursing.

Individuals who want to work as NPs in the state should continue reading for information on the best nurse practitioner programs in Missouri. Our guide also addresses state credentials for nursing, average salaries for NPs, and growth projections for these careers in Missouri.

Read about our ranking methodology here

Requirements to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Missouri

Missouri residents can follow these steps to qualify for in-state NP positions.

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In-Demand Nursing Specialty Eligibility Requirements in Missouri

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Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC)

Years of Experience: Candidates must have earned an RN license.

Clinical Hours Required: Applicants must complete 500 clinical hours that include supervision during their academic programs.

Continuing Education: Renewal requires 75 continuing education hours. Candidates must renew certifications after five years.

Other: Certification calls for scores from a standardized test and a $220-$395 application fee.

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Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC)

Years of Experience: This certification calls for two years of RN experience.

Clinical Hours Required: Candidates must complete 2,000 hours of clinical fieldwork and 30 continuing education hours in gerontology. These experiences can be no more than three years old.

Continuing Education: Certifications expire after five years. Candidates must complete 75 continuing education hours to renew these credentials.

Other: The certification exam includes 175 questions. Applicants must also pay a $295 or $395 application fee, depending on membership.

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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC)

Years of Experience: The AGACNP-BC calls for an RN license.

Clinical Hours Required: Certification mandates 500 hours of fieldwork. This experience must reflect the specialization and involve supervision.

Continuing Education: For renewal, candidates must earn 75 continuing education hours. Licenses last for five years before renewal.

Other: Applicants must pay a $290-$395 application fee and take a 200-question certification exam.

Salary and Career Information

In 2019, the average U.S. income was $54,099. NPs in Missouri take home mean annual wages of nearly double this amount ($106,870). These professionals also earn higher average salaries than RNs in the state.

Candidates should note that the national average salary for NPs is nearly $11,000 higher than Missouri’s, and the U.S. average salary for RNs is more than $9,000 higher than Missouri’s average pay for RNs. However, certain areas in Missouri, such as Kansas City, boast mean annual wages comparable to national expectations. Residents may also increase their salaries by choosing specializations with higher average pay, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects NP positions in Missouri to grow by 29.7% in the coming years. Nationally, the BLS anticipates NP opportunities to increase by 28.2%. To benefit from these increases, candidates should begin pursuing their nursing credentials by enrolling at nurse practitioner schools in Missouri.

 Registered NurseNurse Practitioner
Missouri Mean Salary$65,900$106,870
U.S. Median Salary$75,330$117,670
Missouri Job Growth16.2%29.7%
U.S. Job Growth12.1%28.2%
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
LocationSalaryEmployment
Fayetteville – Springdale – Rogers, Arkansas – Missouri$117,700350
Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas$110,6502,910
St. Louis, Missouri – Illinois$105,3602,790
St. Joseph, Missouri – Kansas$124,010150
Joplin, Missouri$105,720150
Source: BLS
1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
LocationSt. Louis, MO

The Religious of the Sacred Heart founded Maryville University in 1872. Today, the institution's enrollment exceeds 10,000 students representing almost 60 countries, including around 6,000 online learners. Maryville University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The institution's 47-credit online master of science - family nurse practitioner program includes asynchronous courses on policy, leadership, and pharmacotherapeutics. Students also complete several clinical experiences totaling 745 hours. Graduates are prepared to provide patients of all ages with holistic care.

Maryville University also offers an online doctorate with a family nurse practitioner specialization.

Campus: St. Louis, Missouri

Type: Private

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $813/credit

Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license and 12 months of relevant experience; recommendations; resume or CV; essay

Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters

On-Campus Requirements: No

Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

2
Cox College
LocationSpringfield, MO

Cox College started in 1907 as Burge Deaconess Training School for Nurses with only three learners. As of Spring 2019, the school enrolled around 900 students. The college holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Cox College's master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner program comprises 42 credits. The curriculum includes eight- and 16-week classes covering nurse practitioner roles, ethical field concerns, and pharmacology. Students also complete 660 hours of clinical experience, in which they care for children, women, adults, and the elderly.

Graduates are qualified to sit for family nurse practitioner certification examinations.

Campus: Springfield, Missouri

Type: Private

Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing

Tuition: $600/credit

Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA preferred; RN license; CV; two recommendation letters; essay

Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

3
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences
LocationKansas City, MO

Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences has been training qualified nurses since the 1800's. The school's student body includes high school students, higher education learners, and professionals who want to elevate their careers. The College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Students pursuing a master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner (MSN-FNP) at the College complete 49 credits, including courses in informatics, policy, and healthcare research. The program also mandates 600 clinical hours and two days of on-campus attendance. Candidates may transfer as many as 12 credits into the program and must earn a minimum grade of "B" in all MSN-FNP classes.

Campus: Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Private

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $603/credit

Admission Requirements: Bachelor or master of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; nursing license

Minimum Time Commitment: Six semesters

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

Program: Master of science in nursing - nurse family practitioner

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

4
University of Missouri - Kansas City
LocationKansas City, MO

UMKC opened with 260 learners in 1933. Today, the university boasts more than 16,000 students and over 126,000 graduates. Current enrollment represents over 85 countries. UMKC is a public institution with accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a master of science (MSN) in nursing program with a family nurse practitioner track. Learners complete 47 credits that cover topics like health assessment, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning, along with clinical institutes that mandate on-campus visits. The program may prepare learners for certification exams through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Campus: Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Public

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $600/credit for resident and graduate metro students; $900/credit for Midwest exchange; $1,142 for nonresident students

Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.2 GPA; nursing license; interview; prerequisite coursework in statistics and health assessment

On-Campus Requirements: Yes

Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

5
University of Central Missouri
LocationWarrensburg, MO

Located in Warrensburg, UCM began in 1871. The university has since grown to serve over 12,000 learners, with 97% of alumni working or entering other programs within six months of graduation. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The university's master of science in nursing program offers a concentration in family nurse practitioner concepts. Degree candidates complete 44 credits, taking classes in leadership, policy, and pharmacology. The program culminates in a capstone experience consisting of clinical hours.

Candidates may study on a part- or full-time basis. All learners must earn a minimum grade of "C" in each course to continue the program without interruption.

Campus: Warrensburg, Missouri

Type: Public

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $365.90/credit

Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license and 12 months of experience

On-Campus Requirements: No

Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid