How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Missouri

Missouri map

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Missouri must complete an LPN training program accredited by the State Board of Nursing.

Some universities and colleges all over the state offer these courses, and they are available in a certificate, diploma, and associate degree format.

Most LPN training programs approved by the state take between one and two years.

However, some programs offer fast-track learning, which can be completed in about nine months.

If you want to become a licensed practical nurse in Missouri, read on to find out more about nursing schools in this state.

1. North Central Missouri College

North Central Missouri College Logo

The North Central Missouri College (NCMC) has a favorable learning environment for its students.

The institution offers comprehensive training, especially for nursing students.

This helps them to recognize the patients’ psychological and physiological needs.

The PN programs in Maryville and Trenton take 11 months to complete.

The program runs from August to July.

The PN program in Bethany also takes 11 months to complete and runs from January to December.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing fully accredits the PN program at North Central Missouri College.

After completing it successfully, students can go for the Associate degree program.

They can also work as practical nurses in various healthcare settings such as nursing homes and clinics.

Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam after completing this program.

The total cost per credit hour at North Central Missouri College is $212

2. Jefferson College

Jefferson College Logo

Jefferson College is a community college situated in Hillsboro, Missouri, with other Cedar Hill and Arnold campuses.

The college offers a highly regarded nursing program.

There is a Level I/PN and Level II/RN program.

Every nursing student begins Level I/PN, and some will complete as licensed practical nurses after the first year.

Students wishing to become registered nurses will remain to finish the Level II/RN course.

The bi-level program allows students to progress to a registered nurse degree if they meet all the requirements.

The Missouri State Board approves both nursing program levels of nursing.

The cost for three semesters (fall, spring, and summer) is $2,702.00, including lab, tech, activity, and hybrid fees.

3. Moberly Area Community College

Moberly Area Community College Logo

Moberly Area Community College offers practical nursing programs at three places.

The Mexico campus, the Moberly campus, and the Columbia Area Career Center which is located in Columbia, MO.

This one-year practical nursing certificate program provides a mixture of the subject topic as well as clinical experiences.

This helps to prepare students to work in various structured health care settings.

A practical nursing graduate from this school can work as a caregiver under the supervision of a licensed physician or a professional registered nurse.

The Missouri State Board approves this nursing program.

Successful students are eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam.

The total cost per credit hour is $100.00 for MACC District Residents, $181.00 for other Missouri residents, $240.00 for other U.S. residents, and $255.00 for international students.

4. Three Rivers Community College- Hayti

Three Rivers Community College- Hayti Logo

Three Rivers Community College offers a 12-month licensed practical nurse certificate at their Sikeston and Poplar Bluff locations.

The program prepares the students for a one-year certificate as a licensed practical nurse to successfully get a licensed practical nurse licensure.

In addition, the program instills skills, knowledge, and professional principles that help them provide efficient nursing care in various healthcare settings.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing accredits the practical nurse program at Three Rivers College.

Students are qualified for the NCLEX-PN exam after completing this program,

The cost per credit hour is $102 for three rivers district residents and $143 for out-of-district residents.

5. St. Charles Community College

St. Charles Community College Logo

The practical nursing program at St. Charles Community College (SCC) educates students on how to give care to patients.

The program involves classroom work, laboratory work, and on-site training in geriatric, hospitals, and other health care settings.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing accredits the program.

After completing the program, students are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.

The total cost per credit hour is $221 for in-district and out-of-district residents and $331 for out-of-state residents.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Missouri – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Missouri

School NameAddress
North Central Missouri College1301 Main St, Trenton, MO 64683
Jefferson College1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Moberly Area Community College101 College Ave, Moberly, MO 65270
Three Rivers Community College- Hayti147 State Hwy T, Portageville, MO 63873
St. Charles Community College4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO 63376

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Missouri

A licensed practical nurse’s average salary in Missouri as of June 28, 2022, is $48,229.

Typically, the range comes between $43,792 to $53,647.

However, this amount can differ extensively depending on the city as well as various factors, such as education, certifications, added skills, and the time spent in the profession.

Annual Salary Range:
$43K
$48K
$53K

Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Missouri

City NameSalary
Kansas City$49,630
St. Louis$49,828
Springfield$47,814
Independence$49,577
Columbia$49,275
St. Joseph$49,192
Lee's Summit$49,442
St. Charles$49,558
St. Peters$49,450
Florissant$49,747
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Missouri

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL340$52,790$25.38$60,300$42,010
Columbia, MO600$56,520$27.17$68,810$46,450
Jefferson City, MO330$51,650$24.83$58,630$41,380
Joplin, MO360$53,170$25.56$61,080$41,060
Kansas City, MO-KS3,790$59,750$28.73$70,800$48,710
St. Joseph, MO-KS240$54,130$26.02$60,400$44,370
St. Louis, MO-IL4,670$59,360$28.54$71,650$49,010
Springfield, MO1,010$51,790$24.9$60,190$40,570
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of services do LPNs provide?

Licensed Practical nurses give care under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse.

Services provided by LPN include administering medication as directed, bedside client care, observing, measuring, and recording the status and vital signs of the client, among others.

Can my nursing license be transferred to Missouri?

With assistance from the Missouri Board of Nursing, you can quickly and easily get your license to work in Missouri State.

They require proof that you have worked for over two years as a nurse without problems or complaints with the licensing boards.

How do I get a nursing license in Missouri?

You can get a Nursing License in Missouri by applying on Missouri’s Board of Nursing official website and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

What are the requirements of NCLEX in Missouri?

Missouri requires nurses to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

This is a test that nurses must pass to become either an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or an (RN Registered Nurse) in Missouri.

What should I consider when choosing an LPN program?

State approval, NCLEX pass rate, size and location of the school, tuition cost, program accreditation, teacher-to-student ratio, financial aid, and online course availability.

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