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Top Missouri RN to BSN Programs

Due to significant structural healthcare reforms combined with an aging population, employers at hospitals are increasingly requiring RNs to hold BSN degrees. By the end of 2020, the Institute of Medicine has called for 8 in 10 nurses practicing in the country to hold BSN degrees. The trend has prompted progressive-minded RNs to head back to college to earn their BSN degrees so that they can stay competitive in the field. To meet the demand for more BSN-educated RNs, colleges and universities have made it possible for RNs to earn their BSN degrees entirely online through 1-2 year RN to BSN bridge programs, while they continue to work full-time. With so many programs out there, however, finding the best one in the state can be a complicated and time-consuming task. To help you with this process, we've produced a list of Missouri's top RN to BSN programs.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Missouri

Deciding which RN to BSN program you'll enroll in is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. While you search through Missouri's top programs, consider the following factors:

  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs
  • Program acceptance rate
  • Program accreditations and/or awards
  • Tuition and fees
  • Class sizes
  • Age of the institution
  • Time the program has been continually operating for
  • Internship opportunities
  • Instructor experience
  • Cost of living in the area

Testing and Certification

To acquire a nursing license ADN graduates must first pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Therefore, RN to BSN students aren't required to take the exam for a second time after completing their program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Missouri

1. Southeast Missouri State University

Originally established in 1873, Southeast Missouri State University is a public university that's situated in the city of Cape Girardeau. SMSU offers a 32 credit hour RN to BSN program that students can complete entirely online with the exception of a number of clinical field experiences. Examples of the program's coursework include Holistic Assessment, Education Assessment, and Community Health, just to name a few. Courses can be taken in four, eight, or sixteen-week formats. The university also boasts employment opportunities at a wide variety of Missouri hospitals for graduates of its program. New class cohorts begin year-round.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Southeast Hospital
  • Saint Francis Medical Center
  • Landmark Hospital Cape Girardeau

Tuition:

Students who enroll in SMSU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $9,600 plus additional fees.

2. Missouri Western State University

Founded in 1915, Missouri Western State University is a publicly funded university located in Saint Joseph. MWSU's 31 credit hour RN to BSN program is offered to students in an online format. Following completion of the online didactic portion of the program, students are expected to complete a Senior Clinical Capstone course where they'll undergo clinical practice at a local healthcare facility. Some courses that students can expect to take during the program include Research Applications, Quantitative Analysis for Healthcare Professions, and Nursing Altercations in the Community. Most students complete the program within two years.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph Medical Center
  • Children's Mercy St. Joseph
  • Joseph VA Clinic

Tuition:

In-state students who enroll in MWSU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $9,821 in tuition plus fees, while out-of-state students can expect to pay about $16,988 plus fees.

3. Missouri State University

Founded in 1905 in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University is a public university that offers students a 30 unit, fully-online RN to BSN program that full-time students can complete in as little as twelve months. Courses are delivered in an 8-week format, with new class cohorts being admitted three times per year. Community care, management, and health assessment are all heavily emphasized in the program.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Mercy Hospital Springfield
  • Cox Medical Center
  • Select Specialty Hospital - Springfield

Tuition:

Students who enroll in MSU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $10,500 plus fees.

4. University of Missouri - St. Louis

Founded in 1818 in St. Louis, the University of Missouri - St. Louis represents the oldest university west of the Mississippi River and the second-oldest Jesuit university in the country. UM - St. Louis's online RN to BSN program has been designed so that working nurses can complete it in just five terms. During the program's duration, students will explore topics like Ethics and Values in Population Health, Leadership and Management for Professional Nurses, and Health Policy for the Professional.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Barnes Jewish Hospital
  • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
  • Alexius Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in UM - St. Louis's RN to BSN program can expect to pay a total cost of around $13,554.

5. Hannibal - LaGrange University

Hannibal - LaGrange University, founded in 1858, is a private Christian college located in the city of Hannibal. HLU offers its students an online, 36 credit hour RN to BSN program where 100 percent of its coursework can be completed anywhere at any time as long as there's an internet connection. The program's coursework, which consists of courses like Bioethics, Nursing Informatics, and Geriatric Nursing, is delivered to students in an 8-week format. New class cohorts are admitted five times a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Hannibal Regional Hospital
  • Blessing Hospital
  • Levering Regional Health Care Center

Tuition:

Students who enroll in HLU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $10,800 plus additional fees.