How to Become an RN in Missouri (A Complete 2023 Guide)

For every state, there are different requirements and steps to get an RN license. 

And today, we’re going to focus on Missouri. 

Here, we’ll give you a complete guide on how to become an RN in Missouri. We won’t leave out any detail, so you know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. 

So shall we? 

5 Steps to Becoming an RN in Missouri

To be sure, becoming an RN doesn’t happen overnight. 

You will need to put in the time, effort, and even investment. 

But with a roadmap to help you navigate the journey, it will definitely be easier. 

So here are the 5 steps to becoming an RN in Missouri:

1. Identify your ideal career path
2. Set yourself up for nursing school
3. Choose a nursing program
4. Find your nursing school
5. Get your RN license

Let’s get into the details. 

Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Career Path

Knowing where you want your career to go is the best place to start your nursing journey. It may influence your decisions along the way.

Here are some things you might want to think about when planning your career goals:

• What’s your ideal work environment? Remember, some registered nurses aren’t based in hospitals. There are other work settings, such as a legal office or a school, that you can consider.

• What kind of pace do you enjoy? If you thrive in fast-paced settings, a hospital may be a good fit. A clinic may be better if you want something less rushed.

• Do you have a specialty in mind? Do you see yourself eventually pursuing an advanced role? Perhaps you’re interested in being a Nurse Practitioner or a Clinical Nurse Leader.

We’re not saying that you can’t change your mind, but having a distinct objective allows you to make deliberate decisions. We’ll explore these further in steps 3 and 4.

In the meantime, it’s time to put some work into your future goals. 

Step 2: Set Yourself Up for Nursing School

Yes, you need to attend nursing school to get your license. And there are several ways to increase your chances of getting into a good one.

Let’s look at these. 

Your Academic Background

You’ll be working in a health-centered environment, so the science subjects are always required. However, you’ll also benefit from a range of other topics.

Although nursing schools have specific pre-requisites, these subjects will provide you with a solid foundation:

• 4 years of English
• 3 to 4 years of Math (you must include algebra and geometry)
• 3 to 4 years of Science (Biology and chemistry are required, preferably with labs. Physics and computer sciences aren’t mandated but may offer advantages.)
• 2 to 4 years of Social Studies
• 2 years of Foreign Language

Don’t Forget About Your Extracurriculars

Studying helps, but there’s a wealth of knowledge outside of school, too. Investing in your extracurriculars makes for an impressive college application. Also, it provides real-world experiences that benefit you in the long run.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Consider joining HOSA. This is a student-led organization that promotes career opportunities in the healthcare industry. You can take part in service projects and competitions or attend conferences.

• Volunteer in a hospital. You’ll get a glimpse of the different areas in the hospital setting. It may give you a better idea of whether it’s the right environment for you.

• Shadow nurses. You can reach out to health facilities in your area and see if they’re willing to provide this opportunity. Seeing what a nurse does daily allows you to better appreciate the profession.

• Earn certifications. Find a program that certifies you for first aid and CPR. These are typical requirements for nursing schools.

Step 3: Choose a Nursing Program

Before you start exploring nursing schools, there’s one more decision to make — which degree will you pursue? 

In Missouri, an RN can either get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

Here’s a comparison chart to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

According to the 2021 Missouri Nursing Workforce Report, 53.8% of RNs in Missouri have BSNs, while 31.2% have ADNs. 

Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer about which nursing program to pursue. However, you should balance your long-term goals (remember step 1?) and available resources.

Step 4: Find Your Nursing School

Once you pick a nursing program, that will help you find a nursing school. I mean, you don’t want to enroll somewhere that doesn’t offer your program choice. 

That said, there are other factors you might want to consider to find the perfect nursing school.

Faculty and Class Ratios

Check out whether the class sizes are large or small. The fewer students an instructor handles, the more he’ll be able to provide individual support. 

It also pays to look into the faculty’s background. Schools with instructors covering a broad array of nursing specialties are more likely to provide a well-rounded education.

Financial Support

Sure, ADNs are more affordable than BSNs. However, both will still cost a big investment. So it will help significantly if a school has financial aid programs.

NCLEX Pass Rates

Each school has its own NCLEX pass rate. Although passing the licensure exam isn’t entirely dependent on the school, its pass rate indicates how well it prepares its students for the test.

Post-Graduation Placement Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says opportunities for RNs are likely to increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030. That translates to an average of 194,500 openings per year.

A school with a placement program can help get the right students in the right roles.

Step 5: Get Your RN License

All those planning and studying comes down to this  — getting your RN license in Missouri. 

Here are the steps: 

1. Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson Vue. You can do this up to 3 months before your graduation. There is an exam fee worth $200.

2. Submit a filled-out, signed, and notarized application Form 375-0239 to the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Board does not accept electronic applications. 

3. Submit evidence of US citizenship or legal presence (US birth cert, US passport, permanent resident card, etc)

4. Submit your official final transcript showing your degree and graduation date. It can be electronically sent to nursing@pr.mo.gov through select channels (National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, Credential Solutions, etc.).

5. Submit a criminal background check. There is a fee of $41.75 to the fingerprint vendor. 

6. Once your application and documents have been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. This contains details on scheduling your exam, what IDs to bring, and candidate rules.

7. Take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

8. Wait for the Board to issue your RN license. They’ll release it within 3 business days of your exam schedule.

And there you have it!

You are now a licensed RN in Missouri!

Licensure by Endorsement

If you’ve been practicing as an RN in a non-compact state and would like to work in Missouri, you can get your license through endorsement.

To do that, you should first enroll in Nursys e-Notify. The Missouri Board of Nursing notifies you through this system if you qualify for a temporary permit or if they’ve issued your license.

The rest of the process is similar to those getting their license by examination. However, remember the following:

• There is a $105 application fee
• You must have your nursing license verified through Nursys

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some questions still? Then let’s go over the frequently asked questions about RNs in Missouri. 

Is Missouri a compact state?

Yes, Missouri is part of the NLC. RNs from other compact states can practice here without getting a Missouri license. 

However, you need to have a multistate license. If you don’t, you can apply for one in your permanent state of residence.

What roles do RNs typically hold in Missouri?

Almost three-quarters (72.1%) of all RNs in Missouri are staff nurses. The other most-popular roles are:

• Nurse Manager — 7.6%
• Case Manager — 7.1%
• Other (Health-Related) — 6.7%

Nurse executives, nurse faculty, and nursing consultants are roles that have less than 2% each out of the RN population in Missouri.

Where do most RNs in Missouri work?

Hospitals remain to be the most common work setting for RNs. Over half (60.4%) work here.

A sizable portion of the population answered “Other” in Missouri’s Nursing Workforce Report for 2021. These include government agencies, private duty, camps, dental or chiropractor offices, or legal offices.

Other popular work settings include physician’s offices or facilities providing ambulatory or primary care (6.0%), long-term care (5.0%), and home health (3.5%).

How much do RNs earn in Missouri?

On average, RNs in Missouri earn $67,790 per year. That’s 18% lower than the national average of $82,750.

Helpful Resources for Missouri RNs

• Missouri Board of Nursing Website (Official)
• Missouri RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by Missouri BON
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by Missouri BON

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Missouri

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Missouri BON:

Visit the Missouri BON website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in Missouri

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the Missouri BON:

Visit the Missouri BON website for updates.

Conclusion

So that was your complete guide on how to become an RN in Missouri. 

Sure, it takes time and commitment to become an RN in Missouri, but this guide can help you navigate the beginning to the end. 

Remember, it all begins with how you see your nursing career. Every other step in the process should lead you back to it.

Once you have your license, it’s time to find a healthcare facility and show them your capabilities. 

Good luck!