Finding quality nursing degree programs in Missouri is simple with the plethora of accredited higher learning options in the “Show Me State.” Lying in the Midwest in the Ozark Mountains, Missouri is America’s 18th most populous state with over 6 million residents. Even though it’s historically linked to agriculture, Missouri has a booming healthcare sector filled with opportunity for young nurses. Missouri’s Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Boone Hospital Center, Heartland Regional Medical Center, and CoxHealth Hospital are all ranked. Missouri has the fifth highest concentration of RN jobs in the United States. Nursing graduates with RN licensure make an average yearly salary of $58,040 in Missouri. To see more accredited nursing degree programs in Missouri, visit Nursing Degree Programs in Missouri (M-S) and Nursing Degree Programs in Missouri (T-Z).
Avila University
School of Nursing
Founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Avila University is a small private Roman Catholic liberal arts institution situated on a 50-acre campus in southern Kansas City, Missouri’s second largest metropolitan area. Enrolling around 1,900 students, Avila offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and five graduate programs. Avila was ranked as the 206th best master’s level university in America for research, service, and social mobility by Washington Monthly magazine. The School of Nursing has one of the state’s oldest baccalaureate programs preparing students for clinical leadership in nursing.
BSN Program
Fully accredited by the CCNE, the BSN Program at Avila offers an innovative, 21st century curriculum for students to build the foundational knowledge for professional nursing practice. The four-year program is grounded in the natural and social sciences to develop the personal values nurses need to assume responsibility in today’s society. Major coursework will cover topics in human anatomy, pathophysiology, microbiology, lifespan development, health assessment, pharmacology, health informatics, public health, and psychosocial nursing. All BSN students work in the simulation labs in the Nursing Education and Resource Center (NERC). Two semesters of clinical practicum are also arranged at hospitals across Kansas City. There is also an RN to BSN option for registered nurses.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
(816) 501-3672
nursing@avila.edu
http://www.avila.edu/nursing/
Barnes-Jewish College
Goldfarb School of Nursing
Located on a 30-acre urban campus in downtown St. Louis near the banks of the Mississippi River, Barnes-Jewish College is an accredited private health sciences institution enrolling around 740 students annually. BJC was initially founded in 1902 as Jewish Hospital School of Nursing and affiliated with Washington University. After over $40 million in renovations, BJC has expanded with 200-seat auditoriums, 60-seat classrooms, study halls, and the Clinical Simulation Institute. With an NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 84 percent, the Goldfarb School of Nursing strives to educate nurses with the resources to make a difference in people’s lives.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Offered with three pathways, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the Goldfarb School is designed to give students the preparation to competently care for patients across the lifespan in hospitals and community settings. The RN to BSN Option features one year of rigorous training for registered nurses with a diploma or associate’s degree. The Accelerated Option is ideal for second-degree students who graduated from a non-nursing bachelor’s program. The Upper Division Option takes 20 months for students who completed two years of education at accredited colleges. All programs are offered with daytime or evening courses. Clinical practica is arranged at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and surrounding facilities.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
4483 Duncan Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-7055
joanrs@bjc.org
http://www.barnesjewishcollege.edu/Academics/Bachelor-of-Science-in-Nursing
Central Methodist University
Division of Health Professions
Affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1854, Central Methodist University is a premier private Christian liberal arts institution educating more than 5,400 students from its main 55-acre rural campus in Fayette just 28 miles northwest of Columbia. Satellite locations are operated in Clinton, Dexter, Macon, Neosho, Poplar Bluff, St. Louis, and more. The U.S. News has ranked CMU as the 26th best regional college and 25th top school for veterans in the Midwest. Within the Division of Health Professions, students can earn bachelor’s degrees in health science, nursing, physical education, psychology, exercise science, and athletic training.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
CMU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program gives students the academic and clinical opportunities to master the skills of nursing care to promote well-being of patients, families, and whole communities. With an emphasis on civility, the program builds on a liberal arts core before beginning professional preparation. The 120-credit curriculum is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for taking the NCLEX-RN exam. Courses will explore topics like pharmacology, public health, evidence-based nursing, gerontology, pediatrics, nursing informatics, adaptation nursing, health assessment, and nursing leadership. The program’s capstone course will include a seminar and semester-long field practicum. There’s also an RN to BSN option for nurses with an associate’s degree and minimum GPA of 2.0.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
411 Central Methodist Square
Fayette, MO 65248
(660) 248-6251
admissions@centralmethodist.edu
https://centralmethodist.edu/academics/nursing/index.php
College of the Ozarks
Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing
Founded in 1907 by the Presbyterian Church USA, the College of the Ozarks is an accredited private Christian liberal arts institution located on a 1,000-acre rural campus in Point Lookout just 40 miles south of Springfield. Perhaps best known for charging no tuition because of its required student work program, the C of O enrolls around 1,300 students in its four-year bachelor’s degrees. The U.S. News has ranked COFO the 4th best regional college, 1st top value school, and 3rd top college for veterans in the Midwest. The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE with a long tradition of excellence in nurse preparation.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Taking a Christ-centered, character-driven approach, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the College of the Ozarks builds on a liberal arts foundation to give students the training to effectively meet patients’ health demands. Nursing courses are spread over a six-semester curriculum that draws on the Nightingale model. Students are prepared for taking the NCLEX-RN exam with knowledge in maternity, pediatric, adult, geriatric, mental health, and community nursing. In the final semester, students complete a one-on-one preceptorship with a registered nurse carrying a typical patient caseload. Any students interested in military service can also participate in the Nursing Cadet Program.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
100 Opportunity Avenue
Point Lookout, MO 65726
(800) 222-0525
jwilliams@cofo.edu
http://www.cofo.edu/Page/Academics/Academic-Programs/Nursing.143.html
Cox College
Department of Nursing
Established as the Burge Deaconess Training School for Nurses in 1907, Cox College has grown into a private health sciences institution offering education in nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, diagnostic imaging, radiography, medical assisting, and medical coding/billing. Located in the center of Springfield, Cox College enrolls nearly 900 students for its associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. All students gain confidence in their clinical skills within Cox’s 28-bed Virtual Hospital and Simulation Lab. The Department of Nursing has dual CCNE and ACEN accreditation to educate aspiring nurses for joining the healthcare team.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
At Cox College, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program strives to help students develop the evidence-based skills to deliver therapeutic interventions that improve the health of diverse patient populations. There are four different enrollment tracks offered. First, the Early Decision Option (EDO) is for graduating high school seniors to immediately enroll as freshmen. The Entry Track (EL) is a traditional, 128-credit program for students wishing to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The Accelerated Track (ACC) is available for individuals with an accredited bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major. Lastly, the LPN Advanced Placement track is granted to licensed practical nurses with a one-year diploma in nursing.
RN to BSN Program
Delivered entirely online in eight-week blocks, the RN to BSN Program grants a baccalaureate degree for registered nurses with valid state licensure who have a regionally accredited diploma or associate’s degree in nursing. Consisting of 128 total credits, the program will include advanced courses in health assessment, mental health, nursing informatics, medical-surgical nursing, geriatrics, nursing research, pediatrics, and public health. Taking at least 30 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at Cox College will be required. CoxHealth RNs could be eligible for a 20 percent tuition discount. Those pursuing advanced practice nursing roles may consider the RN to MSN program.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1423 North Jefferson Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 269-3401
Sonya.Hayter@coxcollege.edu
http://coxcollege.edu/index.php/programs/
Graceland University
School of Nursing
Enrolling just over 2,200 students, Graceland University is a comprehensive private Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Community of Christ on a main 169-acre rural campus in Lamoni, Iowa, and its satellite location in Independence, Missouri. Consistently honored in the Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest” section, Graceland is currently ranked the 104th best regional college with America’s 49th best online bachelor’s programs by the USNWR. Fully approved by the CCNE, the School of Nursing offers face-to-face or online education to help fulfill the nation’s urgent need for competent, caring nurses in the healthcare system.
Traditional BSN to RN
With an average NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 94 percent, the Traditional BSN to RN program at Graceland University integrates the liberal arts and sciences into professional nursing education to prepare entry-level generalist nurses. Available at the Independence campus, the upper-division program is reserved for juniors and seniors with at least 65 credit hours. After the Matriculation Ceremony each June, a new cohort group of nurses enters the BSN program to complete their degree in 18 months. Students will take courses from informatics and pharmacology to maternal health and patient care management. An approved international study experience can be taken the summer before senior year in countries like China, Argentina, Australia, or Sweden.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1401 West Truman Road
Independence, MO 64050
(816) 833-0524
lhale@graceland.edu
http://www.graceland.edu/nursing/
Hannibal LaGrange University
Craigmiles School of Nursing
As a four-year private Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, Hannibal LaGrange University is home for over 1,150 students on its beautiful 165-acre rural campus in Hannibal near the Illinois border. Noted for its online ADVANCE degree completion programs, HLG is ranked as the 62nd best regional college in the Midwest by the U.S. News. Featuring a low student-faculty ratio of 14:1, the Craigmiles School of Nursing has a tight-knit community of students striving obtain real-world healthcare experience from a Christian ethical framework.
Online RN-BSN Program
From Hannibal LaGrange University, registered nurses with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and valid state licensing can enroll in the Online RN-BSN program to further their education without campus visits. Within the five-semester program, students can log in 24/7 to complete asynchronous courses in the dynamic 59-credit curriculum. Topics discussed will include abnormal psychology, nursing theory, community health, pathophysiology, client education, health assessment, bioethics, informatics, geriatrics, and evidence-based practice. A senior nursing capstone will be arranged in each student’s hometown. If local, practicum can take place at Hannibal Regional Hospital or Blessing Hospital. Students can also join the Missouri Nurses Association for continued service projects and networking.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
2800 Palmyra Road
Hannibal, MO 63401
(573) 629-3141
nursing@hlg.edu
https://www.hlg.edu/academics/departments/nursing/index.php
Lindenwood University
School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
Founded in 1827 by George and Mary Easton Sibley, Lindenwood University is the second oldest private four-year Christian liberal arts institution west of the Mississippi River on a sprawling 500-acre urban campus in St. Charles. Enrolling over 12,200 students, Lindenwood is currently ranked the 108th best regional college and 82nd top school for veterans in the Midwest with the 150th best online bachelor’s programs nationwide by the U.S. News. Within the School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Lindenwood offers values-centered education rooted in Presbyterian values to prepare students for health-related careers.
RN to BSN Program
Following the AACN curriculum guidelines, the RN to BSN Program at Lindenwood is designed to give registered nurses the advanced nursing education to provide, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of high-quality patient care in various settings. Students work one-on-one with a faculty advisor to individualize their program of study. Most RNs will spend six semesters completing around 42 credits to complete their BSN. Courses will range from health policy and community health to patient safety and holistic health assessment. The program is available in a hybrid format of mostly online education with two face-to-face sessions in St. Charles. For admissions, applicants must be RNs in good standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
209 South Kingshighway
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 949-4949
jsheldon@lindenwood.edu
http://www.lindenwood.edu/nursing/RNtoBSN/
According to the Institute of Medicine’s “Future of Nursing” report, at least 80 percent of professional nurses in today’s complex medical arena should be prepared with a bachelor’s degree. Forging ahead to a BSN will provide you better job prospects, career specialization, professional prestige, salary potential, and leadership responsibility. Don’t let your nursing career stagnate when these top-notch nursing degree programs in Missouri are available.
