Missouri, home of the Gateway Arch, has so much to offer. Take a free tour of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, home to nearly 40,000 works of art. If you like badminton, stroll outside to see what the largest shuttlecocks in the world may be. There are the beautiful botanical gardens and many other museums to visit. Missouri has so much to offer!
If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!
In this article, we will cover:
- Licensing information
- Steps for renewing a Missouri nursing license
- Continuing education requirements
- Job & salary outlook for nurses in Missouri
- Top hospitals in Missouri
- Nursing organizations & associations in Missouri
- Basic steps for licensing and certification
- Contact information
Licensing information
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Missouri whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Missouri from another state. For more information visit the Missouri licensing page.
Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NLCEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $0 (for first-time application)
- Criminal background check fee: $41.75
Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fee: $105 (RN); $101 (LPN); $150 (APRN)
- Criminal background check fee: $41.75
License renewal fees:
- Applicaiton fees: $60 (RN); $52 (LPN)
Missouri is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.
*Fees are subject to change.
Steps for renewing a Missouri nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Verification page to confirm your license.
- Go to the Missouri Board of Nursing to enter your renewal application
Visit the Renewal Information page for specific requirements. Missouri is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in Missouri unless you are declaring Missouri as your Primary State of Residency.
Continuing education requirements
RN: None
LPN: None
APRN: None
Job & salary outlook for nurses in Missouri
Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The annual mean wage is $65,900.
We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Missouri is the right state for you.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Missouri ]
Top hospitals in Missouri
If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Missouri will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital – Saint Louis, MO: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties and 14 procedures and conditions. Some of these include:
- Diabetes & Endocrinology (#7 in the nation)
- Cancer (#13 in the nation)
- Gynecology (#14 in the nation)
- Neurology & Neurosurgery (#17 in the nation)
- St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City – Kansas City, MO: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is nationally ranked in 1 adult specialty and rated high performing in 6 adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. Some of these include:
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#25 in the nation)
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Geriatrics
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis – Saint Louis, MO: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is nationally ranked in 1 adult specialty and rated high performing in 6 adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. Some of these include:
- Diabetes & Endocrinology (#43 in the nation)
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.
Nursing organizations & associations in Missouri
Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Missouri:
Missouri Nurses Association – “The purpose of Missouri Nurses Association enterprise shall be to act and speak for the nursing profession and Missouri’s professional nurses and to promote and enhance safe and accountable professional nursing practice.”
Missouri Nursing Students’ Association – “MONSA is an organization that engages nursing students and fosters their development as future leaders of the nursing profession.”
Missouri Association of Nursing Home Administrators – “The entire mission is the commitment to providing a professional organization of and for long-term care Administrators who are dedicated to providing a quality of care for the elderly and disabled of our state.”
Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.
Basic steps for licensing and certification
Step 1: Education
Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.
Step 2: Licensing
When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.
The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:
1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity
Step 3: Experience
This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.
Step 4: Certification
The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.
[ Looking for more support? Get free, personalized career guidance from experienced RNs. ]
Contact information
Missouri Board of Nursing
Phone: (573) 751-0681
Fax: (573) 751-0075
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
Mailing address:
PO Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
Physical address:
3605 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109
