The Best Missouri Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements
Individuals aspiring for a career as a nurse practitioner (NP) are advised to pursue advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate in nursing. 
These NP programs in Missouri delve into healthcare concepts and assessment, incorporating fieldwork to equip candidates for responsibilities ranging from overseeing check-ups to ordering lab work and addressing various health issues like infections and viruses. Moreover, NPs play a crucial role in discussing preventive measures with patients. This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary steps to become a nurse practitioner in Missouri, encompassing the selection of NP programs, in-state average salaries, and growth projections for these professionals.
Collaborative Practice Arrangements and Specializations for Missouri Nurses
In-Demand Nursing Specialty Eligibility Requirements in Missouri
In Missouri, nurses have the opportunity to engage in collaborative practice arrangements with physicians. These arrangements define the tasks that registered nurses (RNs) can perform and should align with the nurse’s specialization. For example, a candidate with a focus on pediatrics may opt for a collaborative practice arrangement with a pediatrician. These arrangements necessitate that RNs work in close proximity to their collaborative doctors for the majority of the year. Aspiring NPs in the state can find valuable information about the best nurse practitioner programs in Missouri, along with insights into state credentials, average NP salaries, and career growth projections.
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Steps to Attain NP Positions in Missouri
Residents of Missouri can follow a set of steps to qualify for in-state NP positions:
1. High School Preparation:
The Missouri Nurses Association recommends high school students take courses in English, math, science, and social studies to prepare for higher education nursing programs.
2. Nursing Program Completion:
After high school, candidates must complete nursing programs approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Options include associate, bachelor’s, or hospital programs, typically taking 2-3 years.
3. RN License Application:
Individuals need to apply for RN licenses, submitting transcripts and undergoing a criminal background check. While there is no application fee, candidates must register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), costing $200.
4. NCLEX Preparation and Exam:
RN applicants should register for the NCLEX at least four weeks before completing nursing programs. Test-takers must receive board approval before testing, and completion of NCLEX practice exams is recommended. The exam structure may include up to 265 questions with a time limit of five or six hours.
5. RN License Award:
Successful candidates receive RN licenses, renewable biennially at the end of April, without the need for continuing education hours.
6. National Certification for NP Positions:
Individuals must pursue national certification for NP positions from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center, reflecting their specialization. Certifications may require fieldwork, specific programs, and tests.
7. APRN Recognition:
APRN applicants must complete an advanced nursing degree, pay a $150 fee, and obtain a Document of Recognition for APRN practice. Renewal involves submitting proof of recertification through a national organization, without a renewal fee.
8. Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority:
APRNs can apply for controlled substance prescriptive authority, involving coursework, 300 hours of guided fieldwork, and 1,000 hours of post-degree fieldwork. Renewal requires maintaining RN licenses and APRN recognition.
9. Additional Registrations:
Those qualifying for controlled substance prescriptive authority can request a Federal Drug Enforcement Administration number and a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs registration number.
In-Demand Nursing Specialties and Eligibility Requirements in Missouri
Several nursing specialties are in high demand in Missouri, each with specific eligibility criteria:
1. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC): Requires an RN license, 500 clinical hours during academic programs, 75 continuing education hours for renewal, scores from a standardized test, and a $220-$395 application fee.
2. Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC): Mandates two years of RN experience, 2,000 hours of clinical fieldwork, 30 continuing education hours in gerontology, certification renewal every five years with 75 continuing education hours, a 175-question exam, and a $295 or $395 application fee.
3. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC): Calls for an RN license, 500 hours of specialized fieldwork, 75 continuing education hours for renewal every five years, a $290-$395 application fee, and a 200-question certification exam.
Salary and Career Information for NPs in Missouri
In 2019, the average annual income in the U.S. was $54,099, while NPs in Missouri earned nearly double this amount, with mean annual wages of $106,870. These professionals also outpaced RNs in the state in terms of average salaries.
It’s worth noting that the national average salary for NPs exceeds Missouri’s average, and the U.S. average for RNs is higher than Missouri’s RN average pay. However, specific areas in Missouri, such as Kansas City, boast mean annual wages comparable to national expectations. NPs can enhance their earning potential by specializing in areas with higher average pay, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a significant growth of 29.7% in NP positions in Missouri, surpassing the national growth projection of 28.2%. To capitalize on these opportunities, individuals are encouraged to initiate their journey by enrolling in nurse practitioner schools in Missouri.
| Registered Nurse | Nurse Practitioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Mean Salary | $65,900 | $106,870 |
| U.S. Median Salary | $75,330 | $117,670 |
| Missouri Job Growth | 16.2% | 29.7% |
| U.S. Job Growth | 12.1% | 28.2% |
| Location | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville – Springdale – Rogers, Arkansas – Missouri | $117,700 | 350 |
| Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas | $110,650 | 2,910 |
| St. Louis, Missouri – Illinois | $105,360 | 2,790 |
| St. Joseph, Missouri – Kansas | $124,010 | 150 |
| Joplin, Missouri | $105,720 | 150 |
The Best Missouri Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and School Info
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Maryville University was founded in 1872 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart. With an enrollment exceeding 10,000 students from nearly 60 countries, including approximately 6,000 online learners, Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The institution offers a 47-credit online Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program, covering policy, leadership, and pharmacotherapeutics through asynchronous courses. Clinical experiences totaling 745 hours are an integral part of the curriculum, preparing graduates to provide holistic care to patients of all ages. Maryville University also provides an online doctorate with a family nurse practitioner specialization.
– Campus: St. Louis, Missouri
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $813/credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license and 12 months of relevant experience; recommendations; resume or CV; essay
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
Cox College
Established in 1907 as Burge Deaconess Training School for Nurses with only three learners, Cox College, situated in Springfield, Missouri, now enrolls around 900 students. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cox College’s Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program consists of 42 credits, covering nurse practitioner roles, ethical field concerns, and pharmacology through eight- and 16-week classes. The curriculum also includes 660 hours of clinical experience, offering care to children, women, adults, and the elderly. Graduates are eligible to sit for family nurse practitioner certification examinations.
– Campus: Springfield, Missouri
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing
– Tuition: $600/credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA preferred; RN license; CV; two recommendation letters; essay
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences
Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences, located in Kansas City, has been training qualified nurses since the 1800s. The student body includes high school students, higher education learners, and professionals seeking career advancement. The College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program at the College spans 49 credits, encompassing courses in informatics, policy, and healthcare research. The program mandates 600 clinical hours and two days of on-campus attendance. Candidates may transfer up to 12 credits into the program and must earn a minimum grade of “B” in all MSN-FNP classes.
– Campus: Kansas City, Missouri
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $603/credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; nursing license
– Minimum Time Commitment: Six semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Family Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
University of Missouri – Kansas City
UMKC, established in 1933 with an initial enrollment of 260 learners, has grown to serve over 16,000 students, including representation from more than 85 countries. A public institution, UMKC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with a family nurse practitioner track. Learners complete 47 credits covering health assessment, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning, along with clinical institutes that mandate on-campus visits. The program may prepare learners for certification exams through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
– Campus: Kansas City, Missouri
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $600/credit for resident and graduate metro students; $900/credit for Midwest exchange; $1,142 for nonresident students
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; minimum 3.2 GPA; nursing license; interview; prerequisite coursework in statistics and health assessment
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
University of Central Missouri
Founded in 1871, UCM in Warrensburg, Missouri, serves over 12,000 learners, with 97% of alumni working or entering other programs within six months of graduation. The university holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The university’s Master of Science in Nursing program offers a concentration in family nurse practitioner concepts. Degree candidates complete 44 credits, taking classes in leadership, policy, and pharmacology. The program culminates in a capstone experience consisting of clinical hours. Candidates may study on a part- or full-time basis, and all learners must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course to continue the program without interruption.
– Campus: Warrensburg, Missouri
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $365.90/credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in Nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license and 12 months of experience
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
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