MSN Programs in Missouri

By EveryNurse Staff on January 16, 2023

One of the ways that a nurse can qualify for a higher level of responsibility within the workplace is to pursue an advanced level of education. Applying to an MSN program in Missouri is a common approach for nurses looking to move up in the ranks at a regional hospital, clinic, medical center, community health agency, or school of nursing. This is the type of degree that a nurse needs in order to work as an advanced practice nurse, educator, manager, or administrator.

Schools With MSN Programs in Missouri

Consistently ranking in the top three percent of nursing schools in the U.S., St. Louis University is home to an MSN program for nurses seeking either a full or part-time curriculum. Depending on a chosen specialty, students are expected to complete between 38 and 45 credit hours of course work. All program specialties and options are offered completely online, and include concentrations in Adult/Gerontological (Acute or Primary) Care Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner; Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Nurses with an interest in pursuing a job within the field of education will find a suitable MSN program at Missouri State University, which provides a CCNE accredited curriculum. One of the things that students encounter during the program are two practicum courses, which allows Nurse Educator students to work directly with others in both an academic and community setting.

The Department of Nursing at Southeast Missouri State University provides accredited graduate-level studies for nurses with an interest in obtaining an MSN degree. In addition to completing a set of core classes, students will also encounter courses related to his or her chosen specialty – Nurse Educator or Family Nurse Practitioner. Both of the University’s MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The School of Nursing & Health Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an accredited Master of Science degree program for the following tracks: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP – 43 credit hours), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP – 45 credit hours), and Nurse Educator (NE – 41 credit hours). Depending on their chosen specialty, nurses are expected to pay occasional visits to the Kansas City campus during the course of his or her program: PMHNP (two onsite visits (residencies) during the program); NNP (two days in March and two days in October); and NE (two days in April or May during Health Assessment).

In St. Louis, Webster University provides advanced studies on a part-time basis for registered nurses with a BSN who are currently employed and looking for a way to balance both work and school. Students will take courses with a concentration on nursing leadership or education, but will also touch upon nursing theory, research, policy and politics, as well as quality and safety. The MSN program at Webster is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and is available at the St. Louis and Kansas City campuses.

Additional schools that offer online instruction for an MSN program includes the following accredited programs:

Graceland University – The school’s online MSN program is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and offers two tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. In addition to practicums, students must also complete at least two 2-5 day focus sessions at the Independence, Missouri campus.

University of Central Missouri – Through the College of Health, Science and Technology of the University, students may take online courses to earn an MSN in Rural Family Nursing with a choice of two different emphases: Nurse Education or Family Nurse Practitioner.

Grantham University – Students may take online classes to earn an MSN degree with a concentration in Education, Informatics, or Case Management.

Central Methodist University – For nurses with an interest in assuming more of a leadership role within the industry, the University is home to an MSN program that trains future Clinical Nurse Leaders. The CCNE accredited curriculum is offered entirely online.

Missouri MSN Checklist

Become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Missouri.
Earn an MSN degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
No later than three months before graduation, submit a completed, signed and notarized application to the Missouri Board of Nursing, and pay the $45 fee.
Complete criminal background checks.
Immediately after graduation, a nurse must request that his or her school forwards an official final transcript to the Board.
Register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); the state of Missouri requires a nurse to complete the registration online – submitted anywhere from 3 months to 4 weeks prior to a nurse’s graduation date.

Level Up Your Career

Missouri MSN Salary & Job Outlook

The skills and knowledge that a registered nurse acquires while pursuing graduate-level studies prepare him or her to qualify for the types of jobs that pay more money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salaries for the following MSN-degree related careers in Missouri reflect this upswing related to having an advanced degree in nursing: medical and health service managers($88,500), nursing instructors and teachers ($64,380), nurse anesthetists ($164,150) andnurse practitioners ($86,680).