Become a Nurse in Missouri: Requirements, Licensing, and Employment Outlook

Anyone who wants to become a registered nurse (RN) in Missouri should find plenty of employment opportunities waiting for them. According to Missouri’s 2020 Workforce Report, over 100,000 RNs work in the state. Additional data projects that the number of RNs could grow by 16.2% from 2018-2028 — more than double the projected national growth rate.

This comprehensive guide addresses frequently asked questions about nursing programs in Missouri, how to become a nurse, where to find jobs, and what you can expect from an RN salary in Missouri.

There are a few ways aspiring nurses in Missouri can begin their careers, and even more options for professional advancement and growth. However, all RNs need a college degree, a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN), and a state license. Most nurses complete the following steps.

The Missouri Board of Nursing is a valuable resource for licensing information. Part of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, the board sets rules and guidelines for nurses in the state.

The board issues, renews, and revokes RN, licensed practical nurse, and advanced practice registered nurse credentials. Check out the board’s website to find application forms, license renewal information, educational resources, workforce reports, and general information about RNs’ scope of practice.

Prospective RNs in Missouri can apply for licensure in two different ways. Recent graduates obtain licensure by examination. This involves earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN.

Nurses who are licensed in another state and want to practice in Missouri must apply for licensure by endorsement. These nurses must demonstrate that they meet Missouri’s licensing requirements.

In Missouri, RN licenses expire on April 30 of each odd-numbered year. Nurses can receive renewal reminders through Nursys.com. The deadline to renew is three business days before the April 30 expiration date.

Missouri nurses do not need to complete continuing education or professional development courses to renew their licenses, and they can easily renew online through the Nursys system. RNs whose licenses have lapsed must provide a petition for relicensure and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency and submit to a background check.

The board charges an $85 renewal fee for inactive licenses and a $135 fee for lapsed licenses. Those who renew before the April 30 deadline do not pay a fee.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average RN salary in Missouri is $65,900 — considerably lower than the national average of $80,010.

That said, Missouri’s cost of living is relatively low, with U.S. News &World Report naming it the nation’s eighth most affordable state. Missouri RNs also enjoy a higher average annual wage than the state’s general mean wage of $50,140.

In addition, the employment outlook for RNs in Missouri far surpasses the national figure. According to Projections Central, the RN profession could grow by 7% on a national scale from 2018-2028 — compared to 16.2% over that same timeframe in Missouri.

The following table details RN salaries in Missouri by metropolitan area.

The following hospitals come from U.S. News & World Report’s list of best hospitals in Missouri. The rankings weigh factors, such as patient outcomes and experiences, along with available specialty procedures and how well facilities treat common conditions. These hospitals all ranked in the top 10 and employ thousands in their respective communities.

Nurses in Missouri must complete an approved or accredited nursing program in Missouri, earn an ADN or BSN, and pass the NCLEX-RN. If you move to Missouri from out of state, you can practice with a multistate NLC license, or apply for licensure by endorsement electronically.

Many nursing programs in Missouri offer high quality education, including public schools like the University of Missouri and private institutions like Washington University in St. Louis. U.S. News & World Report ranks St. Louis University among its top 50 nursing schools, while the University of Missouri – Kansas City ranks 23rd in U.S. News & World Report’s list of best online nursing schools.

That depends on your chosen educational pathway. ADN programs traditionally last for two years, while it typically takes four years to earn a BSN. Part-time students often take longer to graduate. Many nurses start as licensed practical nurses and enroll in accelerated bridge programs that allow them to earn their degree more quickly.

The number of clinical hours you complete before becoming an RN in Missouri varies based on your degree. Each nursing program in Missouri includes different supervised clinical experiences.

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