top of page

Navigating the Nursing Profession in Missouri

Updated: Oct 6, 2022



Let us help you land on your dream job here in Missouri! Read on this article to know more about the licensing process in Missouri, and more!

 

Through this article, you will be able to know the following:

  • Fees for the licensing

  • Licensing renewal process (step-by-step)

  • Requirements for Continuing Education in Nursing

  • Licensing and certification

  • Job and Salary Expectations of Nurses in Missouri

  • Popular hospitals in Missouri

  • Nursing associations in Missouri

  • Contact details


 

Fees for the Licensing

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.



Missouri allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses because it is one of the nursing compact states in the country.

*Fees may change without any notice.


 

Licensing Renewal Process

  1. Check when your license expires by visiting the Missouri Board of Nursing website. Missouri has a Verification page for you to verify your license.

  2. Apply for your renewal process by going to the Missouri Board of Nursing. You may check on the Renewal Information page for more specific information. Be reminded that if your Primary State of Residency is not Missouri, you can not apply for a licensure in Missouri because it is a compact state. You must declare that Missouri is your Primary State of Residency to be able to do so.

 

Requirements for Continuing Education in Nursing

  • There are no requirements for Continuing Education of Nurses in Missouri.

 

Licensing and Certification

Step 1: Education

To earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you must attend an accredited institution that offers ADN for 18-24 months. You can also take a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree in an accredited institution. Roughly you will spend 4-5 years to earn this degree. For those who already have ADN, there are certain programs that lead you to BSN and it will only take you 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN program that will take one year for you to earn the degree. The said programs will let you save a bunch of money and time and you can easily take chances to be on your dream job.

Step 2: Licensing

Six weeks before your graduation, you can start the process of your application for the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam is composed of 75-265 items and you will be given a limit of 5 hours to finish all of it. Failing the exam does not necessarily mean that you do not have the chance anymore. After your first try, you just have to wait for 45 days and you can apply again.

The scope of NCLEX includes questions about: (1) health promotion and maintenance; (2) safe and effective care environment; (3) physiology and integrity; and (4) psychology and integrity.

Step 3: Experience

This time, you must learn how to take the opportunities in gaining first-hand experiences in dealing with patients, with colleagues and superiors, and with the different situations that you might face. These invaluable experiences will make you more attractive to bigger employers in the future.

Step 4: Certification

Your last step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. There are different requirements for earning a certification, depending on your preferences so it is important to check with the governing provider for information. You can attend several trainings, seminars or workshops in varied institutions for this purpose.

____________________________________________________________

Job and Salary Expectations of Nurses in Missouri

Shortage of healthcare professionals, specifically nurses, has been a perennial issue in the country. This makes nurses highly in demand during this period of time. This profession will increase by about 9% from 2020 to 2030. The average annual salary is currently $67,790.

Let us help you check out average wages of nurses to help determine if Missouri is the right place for you.

 

Popular 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

  • Missouri Baptist Medical Center – (Saint Louis, MO):

    • ✔regionally ranked #3 in Missouri and #2 in St. Louis

    • ✔rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 12 procedures and conditions

    • ✔general medical and surgical facility

    • ✔Some specialties of the hospital include Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Colon Cancer Surgery, Kidney Failure, Stroke, Knee Replacement, and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery.

  • St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield – (Chesterfield, MO):

    • ✔regionally ranked #5 in Missouri and #4 in St. Louis

    • ✔rated high performing in 14 adult procedures and conditions

    • ✔general medical and surgical facility

    • ✔Some specialties of the hospital include Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Colon Cancer Surgery, Gynecology, Kidney Failure, Back Surgery, Orthopedics, and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery.

*The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awards Magnet Status to Hospitals that apply and meet certain criteria. This award is also considered as the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care.


Nursing Associations in Missouri

Becoming a member of a nursing association opens a lot of opportunities to your career growth. It gives you the advantages of varied job offers and networking, and a bunch of information and experiences shared between you and your fellow nurses. Through these organizations, learning and professional growth never stop. Listed below are just a few of the nursing organizations that you can find and join once you are in Missouri.

Missouri Nursing Students’ Association “This group of nurses teaches nursing students to become nursing professional leaders in the future.”

Missouri Association of Nursing Home Administrators “This association is dedicated to providing high standard care for the elderly and disabled people in the state.”

Missouri Nurses Association “The association’s goal is to act and speak for the nurses and give emphasis on the improvement of safe and accountable professionality.”

For more information about the nursing associations, you may visit the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

 

Contact Details

Missouri Board of Nursing

Phone: (573) 751-0681

Fax: (573) 751-0075

Email: nursing@pr.mo.gov

Mailing address:

PO Box 656

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656

Physical address:

3605 Missouri Boulevard

Jefferson City, MO 65109


4 views0 comments
bottom of page