Become a Nurse in Missouri – Licensure & Requirements

Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Missouri Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/28/2020

Nursing Licenses in MissouriMaster’s Required?
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Yes
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Yes
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Yes
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Yes
Registered Nurse (RN)
No
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
No

Missouri Nursing Salaries

MO Nurse CareerState-Wide Annual Mean WageKansas City, MO-KS Annual Mean WageSt. Louis, MO-IL Annual Mean WageSpringfield Annual Mean Wage
Licensed Practical Nurse
$42,580
$45,900
$46,140
$40,610
Registered Nurse
$65,130
$67,340
$67,870
$56,870
Nurse Practitioner
$102,470
$110,010
$103,370
$84,290
Nurse Anesthetist
$159,080
$136,780
$166,750
Not Available
Nurse Midwife
Not Available
$108,130
$80,880
Not Available

Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Missouri in January 2020.

There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Missouri. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in Missouri, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Missouri nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current.If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Missouri, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

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Compact State Status

Missouri is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.

Prescriptive Authority in Missouri

According to the Rules of Department of Commerce and Insurance – State Board of Nursing General Rules, advanced practice registered nurses may apply for prescriptive authority for Schedule III-V controlled substances in collaboration with a physician, with Schedule III controlled substances being limited to a 5 day supply with no refill. Only medications containing Hydrocodone from Schedule II may be ordered under the delegated authority of a physician.

A total 1000 hours of clinical practice and 300 hours of preceptorial experience in the prescription of controlled substances, medicines, and therapeutic devices are required, as well as 3 credit hours of graduate advanced pharmacology and 45 additional pharmacology CEUs within the last 5 years.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Missouri

APRNs in Missouri include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist.

Education: Master’s Degree in Nursing Specialty Area

Examination: Varies for Different Certifications

Fees:

  • $150 Application Fee
  • $41.75 Criminal Background Check

Certification Required: National Certification as a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist

Additional Information: Active Registered Nurse License from a Compact State Is Required for Application

Renewal: It is the APRN’s responsibility to send a copy of certification cards/letters to the board each time a national certification is renewed or a new certification is obtained. There are no additional fees to pay outside of the registered nurse (RN) license renewal. APRNs who are not nationally certified must submit notarized documentation to the board of 800 hours of clinical practice and 60 hours of continuing education within the APRN specialty every two years.

Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Registered Nurse (RN) in Missouri

Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

  • $200 Examination Fee
  • $41.75 Criminal Background Check

Endorsement: Individuals with equivalent licensure in another state who can provide proof of employment as a registered nurse within the past 5 years may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to a $55 application fee. Registered nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Missouri, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Missouri.

Renewal: Renewal is $60 and is required by April 30 of each odd numbered year.

Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri

Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

  • $200 Examination Fee
  • $41.75 Criminal Background Check

Endorsement: Individuals with equivalent licensure in another state who can provide proof of employment as a practical nurse within the past 5 years may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to a $51 application fee and $44.80 criminal background check. Licensed practical nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Missouri, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Missouri.

Renewal: Renewal is May 31 of each even numbered year and costs $52.

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

Information on the above nursing careers in Missouri was retrieved from Missouri Board of Nursing, as of January 2020.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED