Thomas Reed, RN
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs allow registered nurses to enhance their education by achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. RN to BSN programs serve as essential components in Missouri’s healthcare workforce development particularly in rural areas because these regions experience continuous high demand for skilled nurses. A BSN education prepares nurses to take leadership positions while handling public health responsibilities and specialized clinical work which modern hospitals and clinics throughout Missouri need.
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - webster.edu
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Webster University's RN to BSN online program offers a flexible path for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree in 1-2.5 years, depending on transfer credits. This fully online program features 8-week course terms, part-time enrollment options, and instruction from doctorally prepared faculty. The curriculum focuses on holistic health promotion, social determinants of health, and leadership development, preparing nurses for advanced roles in diverse healthcare settings. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for working professionals seeking career advancement without standardized testing barriers.
Saint Charles, MO - Private 4-year - lindenwood.edu
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Lindenwood University's RN to BSN program is fully online, offering flexibility for working registered nurses to advance their careers. With a completion time of 12-24 months, it grants up to 32 credits for prior nursing experience at a cost of $495 per credit hour. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare policy, and patient-centered care, preparing graduates for roles with potential earnings around $86,070 annually. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program, making it accessible and focused on professional development in diverse healthcare settings.
Springfield, MO - Private 4-year - coxcollege.edu
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Cox College's RN to BSN program is fully online, designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement without disrupting employment. It offers flexible part-time or full-time study with eight-week course blocks, requiring 50 new credit hours while transferring up to 70 credits from prior nursing education. No ACT or SAT is required for admission, and the program features no strict deadlines, potential tuition discounts through CoxHealth, and a bridge option to an MSN, making it highly accessible and practical for busy professionals.
Warrensburg, MO - Public 4-Year - ucmo.edu
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The University of Central Missouri offers a highly affordable online RN to BSN program, ideal for working nurses seeking advancement. With a remarkable 97.6% NCLEX pass rate, students benefit from hands-on clinical experiences in Kansas City-area hospitals and clinics. The curriculum is taught by expert faculty and includes state-of-the-art simulation labs, allowing for specializations in pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, and critical care. Flexible online and in-person tracks are available, and no entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program. UCM is recognized for its competitive admission and strong community initiatives, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles.
Cape Girardeau, MO - Public 4-Year - semo.edu
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Southeast Missouri State University's RN-BSN online program enables registered nurses to advance their careers with a fully online, flexible curriculum. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's-level program. It offers advanced placement for RNs with associate degrees, focusing on building clinical experience through 37 baccalaureate nursing credits. Emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based practice, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles and further education, with no campus visits needed and innovative field experiences integrated into coursework.
Online RN to BSN programs exist throughout Missouri and represent the main choice for working nurses seeking to continue their education. Students who are nurses with professional and personal responsibilities find the flexible scheduling of these programs to be ideal. The asynchronous delivery method of courses enables students to finish their assignments whenever they want. Some programs provide students with the choice to complete online courses while requiring occasional attendance to face-to-face meetings or clinical work in local facilities. Traditional classroom programs exist for students who prefer traditional learning methods although they represent the minority of educational options. Some Missouri educational institutions offer classes during evening and weekend hours to serve students who work shifts.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Maryville University |
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| Missouri State University |
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| Northwest Missouri State University |
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| Certifying Board | Missouri State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from a Board‑approved program, official transcripts, fingerprint‑based background check, and NCLEX‑RN pass |
| License Renewal Period | RN licenses expire April 30 of odd-numbered years, renew Feb 1–Apr 30 with no grace period |
| Continuing Education | None required for RN renewal |
| License Application Fee | $45 Board application + $200 NCLEX exam fee + $44.80 fingerprint processing |
| Clinical Hours | All didactic and clinical practicum hours verified by official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Reviewed in order received, interim graduate‑nurse authorization valid up to 90 days post-graduation, permanent license issued after NCLEX results and background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | $55 endorsement fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and fingerprint clearance |
The employment opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses in Missouri combine favorable compensation with promising career prospects. The typical annual compensation for registered nurses throughout Missouri reaches between $65,000 and $75,000 yet wages in Kansas City and St. Louis tend to be higher. BSN-educated nurses become eligible for supervisory positions or specialty units that offer greater pay opportunities. The healthcare facilities across Missouri actively seek BSN-trained nurses because these nurses possess enhanced capabilities and leadership qualities. The combination of an aging population with expanding healthcare needs leads to an ongoing increase in the need for skilled nursing professionals. The state of Missouri predicts consistent nursing employment growth mainly in its rural areas that experience persistent staffing shortages. RNs who hold a BSN degree achieve better opportunities to work in community health, case management, and patient education roles. The healthcare system’s transformation to preventive care and chronic disease management enhances the career prospects of nurses who have earned their bachelor’s degree.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Missouri | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $70,500 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $33.90 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$82,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $63,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,700 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Central Missouri |
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| Missouri State University |
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| Northwest Missouri State University |
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The BSN degree from Missouri state enables graduates to pursue multiple career development paths for professional growth. The BSN degree provides nurses with opportunities to move into leadership roles which include charge nurse, unit coordinator, and clinical educator positions. Healthcare organizations throughout Missouri tend to require or prefer nurses with BSN degrees for their promotional opportunities and for working in specialized areas including intensive care and oncology units. A BSN degree creates immediate employment opportunities yet it simultaneously provides groundwork for pursuing graduate studies which lead to nursing practitioner or nurse administrator careers. Advanced certifications in emergency nursing, informatics, and public health require or suggest completion of a BSN degree. BSN-prepared nurses in Missouri must continue their education to keep their professional credentials and enhance their expertise despite the state not requiring ongoing education for RN license renewal. The BSN serves both as an official credential and a professional advancement tool in Missouri’s evolving healthcare environment.
Additional Nursing Programs in Missouri
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