Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Missouri

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City prepares students as nurse generalists, focusing on critical thinking, responsibility, and accountability. It offers two tracks: Pre-Licensure BSN for those new to nursing and Accelerated BSN for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree, both requiring a university application and a supplemental clinical application. This campus-based program addresses healthcare needs across all development stages and may require ACT or SAT entrance exams for bachelor's level admission, though specifics are not provided in the data.

• 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.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a fast-track program for those with a previous bachelor's degree, completed in under two years with 1,050 clinical hours—the most in the region. It emphasizes school-life balance through daytime classes and state-of-the-art facilities, requiring prerequisites like a bachelor's degree, specific science courses, and 30 hours of patient interaction. Admissions consider GPA, essays, and experience, with in-state tuition for Kansas residents and discounts for Midwesterners; ACT or SAT exams may be required for bachelor's level entry, but details are unspecified.

• 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.

The RN-BSN program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a fully online, accredited option for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers, enhancing leadership skills and professional development without campus visits. It requires an unencumbered RN license and a 2.5 GPA for admission, offering affordable in-state tuition and high student satisfaction through technology-enhanced learning and engaged faculty. As a bachelor's level program, it may necessitate entrance exams like ACT or SAT, though this is not explicitly stated in the provided information.

• 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

The Associate of Science in Nursing at Cox College is a two-year program with over 540 clinical hours and a 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate. It offers flexible campus options in Springfield and Monett, including night and weekend classes, accredited by ACEN. No entrance exam is required for this associate level program, making it accessible for working professionals, with financial aid and scholarships available to aid in career advancement.

• Two-year program duration.
• 540 clinical hours included.
• 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
• Flexible campus and schedule options.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Hands-on simulation center training.
• Spring and fall cohort starts.
• Financial aid and scholarships available.
• High job growth projection.
• Small class sizes for personalized attention.

Cox College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with a 93% first-time pass rate, exceeding national averages. It offers five enrollment tracks, including options for high school students and RNs, with 1,035 clinical hours and a focus on pharmacology, health assessment, and leadership. This campus-based program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for bachelor's level admission, leading to strong job prospects with a median wage of $65,000 in Missouri.

• 1,035 clinical hours
• 93% first-time pass rate
• Median wage $65,000 in MO
• 12% job growth projected
• Five enrollment tracks available
• Hands-on skills labs
• Simulations and clinical experiences
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Campus-based program
• High school to BSN options

The BSN - Accelerated Track at Cox College is a 16-month program for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree, combining 31 general education and 63 nursing credits to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. It emphasizes professional nursing concepts, health assessment, and medical-surgical nursing, starting in the spring semester. An entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program, making it ideal for career changers seeking a fast-paced path to nursing.

• 16-month completion time
• 120 total credit hours
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Spring semester start
• Prior degree credit awarded
• Campus-based program
• 31 general education credits
• 63 nursing course credits
• Cohort group progression
• Includes summer session

Cox College's BSN - Entry Track is a traditional 120-credit hour program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on critical thinking, health assessment, and community health nursing. Admission requires prior college acceptance and specific prerequisites. An ACT or SAT entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's level program, with financial aid options available to support a comprehensive nursing education.

• 120 credit hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN®
• Campus-based program
• Requires college admission first
• Includes health assessment
• Covers community health nursing
• Financial aid available
• Critical thinking focus
• Diverse nursing courses
• Prerequisite courses required

The University of Missouri-Columbia's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers traditional, accelerated, and RN to BSN tracks, integrating liberal arts with professional training for diverse healthcare roles. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care, with a high employment rate post-graduation. Admission may require an ACT or SAT exam, depending on the track, as it is a bachelor's level program. The traditional option spans four years, while the accelerated path is a 17-month intensive course for those with prior degrees, and the RN to BSN is fully online for working nurses.

• Traditional four-year BSN option.
• Accelerated 17-month BSN for degree holders.
• Fully online RN to BSN program.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Interprofessional collaboration training.
• Integration of liberal arts and sciences.
• Skills in patient-centered care.
• Opportunities for advanced education.
• High employment rate post-graduation.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Missouri-Columbia is a 17-month campus-based program for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in another field. It focuses on compassionate, person-centered care, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement, preparing graduates for roles as providers and coordinators in healthcare. Admission may require an ACT or SAT exam, as it is a bachelor's level program, and it includes training in interprofessional collaboration and opportunities for advanced education.

• 17-month duration.
• Campus-based learning.
• For bachelor's degree holders.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
• Focus on quality improvement.
• Interprofessional collaboration training.
• Compassionate care curriculum.
• Prepares for advanced education.
• Equips for healthcare leadership.

Saint Louis University's Traditional Four-Year B.S.N. program provides a comprehensive education with state-of-the-art simulation labs, diverse clinical experiences, and study abroad opportunities. It emphasizes a liberal arts foundation and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires a minimum high school GPA of 3.20, with an ACT or SAT entrance exam typically needed for bachelor's programs. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention, and tuition is approximately $54,760 per year, with financial aid available. Accredited by CCNE, graduates are ready for entry-level nursing roles or further studies.

• 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 B.S.N. program is a 12-month intensive track for those with a bachelor's degree in another field, featuring hands-on clinical experiences and state-of-the-art facilities. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Admission requires prerequisites in sciences and humanities and a minimum GPA of 3.20; an entrance exam like ACT or SAT may be needed for bachelor's programs. Tuition is about $54,760 per year, with scholarships available. The program starts annually in May and is accredited by CCNE.

• 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

Saint Louis University's Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program is a 21-month campus-based track for non-nurses, focusing on clinical nurse leadership with 750 clinical hours starting in the first semester. It boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and is accredited by CCNE. Admission requires a 3.00 GPA, resume, personal statement, and prerequisite coursework; no specific entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's program. Tuition is $1,330 per credit, and the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and high-touch learning.

• 21-month program duration
• 750 clinical hours
• Campus-based learning
• $1,330 per credit tuition
• 3.00 GPA requirement
• 100% NCLEX pass rate
• Accredited by CCNE
• Clinicals start first semester
• Fall or Spring start options
• Designed for non-nurses

Southwest Baptist University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a hybrid program with a Christ-centered curriculum, emphasizing servant leadership and holistic patient care. It requires a 2.8 GPA and prerequisite courses, but no ACT or SAT is specified for entrance. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and job placement, featuring state-of-the-art simulation labs and innovative technology training. Accredited by ACEN, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings, addressing nursing shortages effectively.

• 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate
• Hybrid course format
• Christ-centered curriculum
• State-of-the-art simulation lab
• 2.8+ GPA requirement
• Accredited by ACEN
• Innovative technology training
• Liberal arts foundation
• Multiple healthcare practice areas
• Early acceptance program available