How to Become an RN in Missouri: 5 Steps
Curious about how to become an RN in Missouri and turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career? The state offers aspiring nurses perks, including accessible education, a growing demand for healthcare professionals, and an affordable cost of living. From urban cities like St. Louis and Kansas City to close-knit rural communities, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your valuable skills to practice in the Show Me State.
Ready to learn how to become an RN in Missouri? This detailed guide outlines the five essential steps — from education and licensing to stepping into your first real-world nursing job.
How to Become an RN in Missouri: Interesting Facts
- High demand for RNs: Missouri is addressing the growing demand for nurses by providing grants and expanding educational programs for aspiring nurses.
- Robust healthcare systems: Missouri is home to hospitals like Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Children’s Mercy Kansas City Hospital, which are recognized nationally for their outstanding specialty services and procedures.
- Wallet-friendly living: Missouri has the sixth-lowest cost of living in the U.S., with housing prices 37% below the national average.
- Government programs: Missouri offers incentives like loan repayment and scholarships for healthcare professionals willing to work in the state — including rural areas, which is home to 30.8% of the population.
- Outdoor adventures: Missouri offers endless outdoor escapes, including the scenic trails in the Ozark Mountains, the tranquil shores of Lake of the Ozarks, or the underground beauty of Meramec Caverns.
What Does an RN in Missouri Do?
As you explore how to become an RN in Missouri, you’ll find that the nursing field offers diverse career paths. From hospital floors to community care settings, your specialty will determine what your day-to-day life looks like. Here are a few options for career paths to consider:
- Gastroenterology RN: Care for patients with digestive system issues, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcers.
- Labor and delivery RN: Work alongside obstetric teams to deliver babies safely, manage complications, and provide compassionate care to laboring mothers.
- Pre-op RN: Prepare patients for surgery by reviewing medical histories, verifying consent, and administering pre-surgical medications.
- Critical care RN: Provide care for critically ill or unstable patients in intensive care units (ICUs), monitoring life-support equipment and responding quickly to changes in condition.
- Wound care RN: Treat acute and chronic wounds, including surgical incisions and pressure ulcers, using advanced dressings and infection control practices.
No matter your specialty, certain core responsibilities are essential to every RN role. These include administering medications, performing head-to-toe assessments, creating individualized care plans, and advocating for patients’ needs, preferences, and values.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Missouri?
The process of learning how to become an RN in Missouri includes completing a nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — and passing the NCLEX-RN. The total time commitment ranges from two to four years, depending on the path you take:
- ADN programs take about 2 years to complete, offering a fast-track entry into the workforce.
- BSN programs take around 4 years to complete, providing in-depth training with greater potential for career growth.
If you already have a degree in another field, you can enroll in an accelerated RN program, which typically takes 12–18 months to complete. Alternatively, if you have prior medical training, such as being a paramedic or licensed practical nurse (LPN), a bridge program allows you to build on your skills and earn your ADN or BSN in less time than starting from scratch.
How to Become an RN in Missouri: 5 Steps
To become a nurse in Missouri, you’ll need a mix of education, clinical hours, and certification. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the journey.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Your first step toward becoming an RN in Missouri is completing an accredited ADN or BSN nursing program. To enroll in one, you’ll typically need to finish prerequisite courses — such as microbiology and chemistry — and pass a nursing entrance exam like the HESI or TEAS. Once accepted, you’ll complete structured coursework and hands-on clinical training that’s designed to prepare you to become a skilled, knowledgeable RN.
Want to earn a BSN degree in Missouri? Here are the top-ranking programs to check out:
- Saint Louis University – Valentine
- Webster University
- Southeast Missouri State University
Interested in earning an ADN? Consider these Missouri community colleges that offer such programs:
- State Fair Community College
- St. Charles Community College
- North Central Missouri College – Trenton
- Southeast Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Jefferson College
Tip: When choosing a nursing program, look for one with high NCLEX pass rates and strong clinical partnerships in your area. These can give you better hands-on experience and improve your chances of landing a job after graduation.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Your next step is taking the NCLEX-RN — the standardized exam all aspiring RNs take after graduating from nursing school. It’s designed to test your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready to provide quality care to patients in real-world healthcare settings.
Here’s how to apply for the NCLEX in Missouri:
- Create a MOPRO account, which is the Missouri Division of Professional Registration’s licensing system.
- Fill in the application for initial RN licensure and mail it to the Board of Nursing together with any supporting documents. There is no application fee for first-time applicants.
- Complete a fingerprint background check through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS).
- Provide proof of legal residency with documents like a U.S. passport or permanent resident card.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE, the official testing service. You’ll need to create an account and pay the $200 exam fee.
- Wait for authorization to test from Pearson VUE. This will provide you with instructions on scheduling your exam.
- Take the NCLEX, which is a computerized adaptive exam ranging from 85 to 150 questions. You will have up to 5 hours to complete it.
Keep in mind that graduates of nursing programs in Missouri may practice as graduate nurses for up to 90 days or until they get their first licensure exam results, whichever comes sooner.
Tip: Start reviewing NCLEX preparation materials well in advance of your exam date. Using practice questions and taking mock exams will help you get comfortable with the test format and identify areas you need to review further. Worst case scenario? You can retake the NCLEX after a mandatory 45-day waiting period.
Step 3: Wait for Your Missouri RN License
You’ve passed the NCLEX — what’s next in your journey of how to become an RN in Missouri? The MBON will now evaluate your exam results, background check, and submitted application. If all requirements are met, you’ll be granted your official RN license. Here’s what you can expect from this final step:
- License status: You can monitor your application and license status through the MOPRO portal.
- Verification: Once issued, your license can be verified online via the Missouri’s Board of Nursing official license search platform.
- Working: Once your license appears in the system, you’re eligible to begin practicing as an RN in Missouri.
You have two licensing options in Missouri: a state-only license or a compact license under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If working in other states or travel nursing opportunities are on your radar, the compact license gives you more flexibility.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Now that you know how to become an RN in Missouri, let’s take a look at the career opportunities in the state. Whether you prefer to work in an acute care facility, specialty center, or long-term care institution, there are opportunities to match your needs.
Some nurses prefer to begin their careers at major hospitals, as these environments offer valuable opportunities to develop essential clinical and interpersonal skills. Plus, you’ll gain exposure to a variety of units and specialties, helping you discover what areas you enjoy most. If this sounds like the path for you, explore RN jobs in Missouri at the state’s hospitals and medical centers, such as the following:
- BJC Healthcare
- Boone Health
- Children’s Mercy Hospital
- CoxHealth
- HCA Healthcare – Belton Regional Medical Center
- Phelps Health
- Saint Francis Healthcare System
- SSM Health
- St. Luke’s Health System – Kansas City
More interested in the science of medicine than in bedside care? Consider career opportunities at the state’s renowned research institutions, such as the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. If public health is your passion, jobs with the State of Missouri or the Missouri Department of Health may be a great fit.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Becoming an RN is an exciting new beginning. However, to stay eligible to work, you’ll need to meet Missouri’s licensing renewal requirements. Here’s how it works:
- Your license must be renewed every 2 years, by April 30 of odd-numbered years.
- You won’t have a grace period — you’re required to renew at least 3 business days before the expiration date to avoid your license becoming lapsed.
- You’ll need to submit a renewal application before the deadline and pay the $85 renewal fee.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Missouri?
You’ve figured out how to become a registered nurse in Missouri — what’s next? Chances are, you’re curious about how much you’ll actually make. The average salary for RNs is the state $81,950 annually, but that number can vary depending on where you work and your experience level.
Want to boost your earnings or land a job faster? Try focusing your search on Missouri’s most populous cities, where both demand and paychecks tend to be larger:
Helpful Resources for Missouri Nurses
Want to learn more about how to become an RN in Missouri and build a career you love? These resources will guide you every step of the way:
- Center for Missouri Nurses
- Missouri League for Nursing
- Missouri Nurse Practice Act
- Missouri Nurses Association
- Missouri Nursing Students’ Association
Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?
Now that you know how to become a nurse in Missouri, let’s find the job that fits your life. Get personalized job alerts from IntelyCare and discover roles tailored just for you, right in your area.
