Best LPN Programs in Missouri 2026

Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Missouri with information on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Missouri.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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2026 Best LPN Programs in Missouri

If you're looking to start a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Missouri, finding the right program is key. At practicalnursing.org, we've done the hard work for you by ranking the best LPN programs across the state. Our list highlights schools that offer great education, support for students, and good paths to getting your license. We focus on what really matters to help you make a smart choice for your future in nursing. Check out our full rankings to see which programs stand out. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/

Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal, MO - Private 4-year - hlg.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Hannibal-LaGrange University's 12-month Practical Nursing certificate program provides focused career preparation through personalized education with a low faculty-to-student ratio. This campus-based Southern Baptist-affiliated program emphasizes hands-on clinical training for roles in long-term care, hospitals, and clinics under RN or physician supervision. Financial aid accessibility supports diverse student enrollment, and the streamlined application process facilitates entry into this comprehensive nursing pathway without requiring entrance exams.

12-month certificate program.
Low faculty-to-student ratio.
Personalized education.
Financial aid available.
Campus-based program.

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

Fenton, MO - Private 4-year - slchc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Louis College of Health Careers in Fenton offers a campus-based Practical Nursing Diploma program that spans four semesters, providing comprehensive training in patient care essentials like vital signs, injections, and dressing changes. Students gain hands-on experience through labs and practicums, preparing them for the NCLEX exam and diverse roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. The program emphasizes financial aid availability and meets academic standards for admission, with no concentration specified. As a military-friendly institution, it supports a rewarding healthcare career path without requiring entrance exams for this diploma-level program.

Campus-based program
Prepares for NCLEX exam
Hands-on lab experience
Four-semester curriculum
Financial aid available
Diverse career opportunities
Includes practicum hours
Covers patient care basics
Located in Fenton, MO
Accredited healthcare education

Concorde Career College-Kansas City

Kansas City, MO - Private 4-year - concorde.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Concorde Career College-Kansas City offers a Practical Nursing Diploma Program in a hybrid format, completed in 13-20 months with 66.0 credit hours and 695 clinical hours. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, emphasizing foundational nursing skills, patient care techniques, and healthcare communication across diverse settings. Full-time and part-time options provide flexibility, and financial aid is available for qualifying students. Approved by the Missouri State Board, it focuses on comprehensive training without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for those pursuing a practical nursing career.

13-20 month program length
66.0 credit hours
695 clinical hours
Full-time and part-time options
NCLEX-PN exam preparation
Diverse healthcare settings training
Missouri State Board approved

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, MO - Public 2-Year - jeffco.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Level I/PN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jefferson College's Level I/PN Practical Nursing program offers a competitive, selective admission pathway for aspiring nurses. The program features comprehensive classroom and clinical training, with day and evening options to accommodate various schedules. Students develop essential patient care skills using clinical simulation technology and must complete mandatory clinical requirements. An entrance exam is required for admission, reflecting the program's rigorous academic standards that prepare graduates for entry-level nursing roles in a supportive learning environment.

Competitive nursing program
Day and evening options
Clinical simulation technology
Mandatory entrance exam
Selective admission process

State Technical College of Missouri

Linn, MO - Public 2-Year - statetechmo.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Technology

Campus Based - Visit Website

State Technical College of Missouri's Practical Nursing Technology program delivers intensive, hands-on clinical training in Jefferson City, preparing students for immediate roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. With small class sizes and real-world lab environments, the curriculum emphasizes practical skills and clinical experiences, leading to NCLEX-PN exam eligibility for licensure as an LPN. Approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, it also offers a pathway to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, ensuring graduates are employment-ready while upholding non-discrimination policies.

Hands-on clinical training
Small classroom settings
NCLEX-PN exam eligibility
Pathway to AAS in Nursing
Missouri State Board approved
Non-discrimination policy
Real-world lab environments
Immediate employment readiness
Licensed Practical Nurse preparation
Clinical experiences in Jefferson City

*IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

Missouri LPN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Missouri, prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED. Most programs require an applicant to be at least 17 years old and submit proof of immunizations and a negative tuberculosis test. Additional prerequisites may include passing an entrance exam such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), a background check, and a drug screening. Some schools may require interviews, letters of reference, or prior healthcare experience as part of the admissions process.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LPN programs in Missouri are designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge required for entry-level practical nursing roles. Core curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child nursing, and clinical rotations in real healthcare environments. Instruction also covers communication skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, and care across various patient populations.

Accreditation is critical because it ensures the program meets state and national standards of nursing education. In Missouri, LPN programs must be approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Accreditation confirms eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required to become a licensed LPN in the state.

LPN Schools and Classes

Missouri offers a variety of LPN programs at community colleges, career and technical centers, and vocational schools. Many of these institutions provide hands-on education supported by experienced nursing faculty and local clinical site partnerships. Students can expect to enroll in both general education and healthcare-specific coursework. Classes typically include human biology, nursing skills, adult health, mental health nursing, and IV therapy. Clinical experiences are embedded throughout the program and offer practical skills development in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for licensed practical nurses in Missouri remains strong due to the state’s aging population and healthcare needs in both urban and rural areas. LPNs can find employment in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home healthcare services, physician offices, and outpatient clinics. Work/life balance can vary by setting, with some roles offering flexible schedules including nights and weekends. According to projections from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, healthcare support occupations, including LPNs, will see steady growth in demand through 2030.

LPN Program Length

Most full-time LPN programs in Missouri can be completed in approximately 11 to 12 months. Part-time programs, often designed for working adults, may extend to 18 to 24 months. Evening and weekend formats are also available at several schools, offering schedule flexibility with a similar extended duration. Completion times vary by institution, course load, and clinical availability.

2026 Shortest LPN Programs in Missouri

Looking at the shortest LPN programs in Missouri, you can find options that lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. These fast programs are great for people who want to start working in nursing quickly. In Missouri, including areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, schools offer these quickest paths to help you enter the healthcare field sooner. The table shows details like program highlights, graduation rate, and retention rate, so you can pick a program that fits your needs and helps you succeed in your career.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
Moberly Area Community College Practical Nursing	12-month certificate program. Offered at three campuses. Includes intravenous therapy content. Certification by Missouri State Board. Prepares for work under RNs/MDs. Combines theory and clinical experience. Focus on practical nursing skills. Designed for fast-track nursing careers.	Graduation Rate: 39% Retention Rate: 67% Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Mineral Area College Practical Nursing	Three-semester curriculum Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam No application fee Offers fast-track option Campus-based program Located in Park Hills, MO Hands-on learning focus Eligibility for nursing licensure	Graduation Rate: 42% Retention Rate: 68% Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Ozarks Technical Community College Nursing—Practical Nursing Certificate	Hybrid program delivery. 49 credit hours required. Four semesters to complete. Costs range $10,789-$13,699. Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam. Hands-on clinical experience. Fully approved by MO Board. Separate application process.	Graduation Rate: 32% Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2023 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Tuition and Costs

Tuition for LPN programs in Missouri generally ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 depending on the school, residency status, and program length. Additional expenses include textbooks, lab supplies, uniforms, liability insurance, certification exam fees, and clinical equipment. Students attending school away from home should also budget for housing, which averages $500 to $900 per month depending on the city and living arrangements. Financial aid and scholarship options are available at many institutions.

2026 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Missouri

Finding affordable education is key for anyone looking to start a career in nursing in Missouri. With programs available across the state, from St. Louis to Kansas City, these options help students get the training they need without a huge financial burden. The tuition range varies, but many are designed to be cost-effective, making it easier to focus on learning. This is important because low-cost programs open doors for more people, ensuring that future nurses can enter the workforce ready to make a difference in their communities.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
St. Charles Community College Practical Nursing Certificate	Entry-level nursing certificate Fully Missouri State Board approved 33 total nursing credits Multiple healthcare placement options Competitive program admissions Clinical judgment focused curriculum Low total program cost High job placement rates	$4,300 - $6,500 (Undergrad In-State) $5,700 - $8,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
State Fair Community College Professional Certificate in Practical Nursing	55.5 Credit Hour Program Multiple Campus Locations Fully State Board Approved Seamless RN Transition Option Hybrid Learning Available Top-Ranked Nursing Program Competitive Tuition Rates State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs	$4,500 - $6,800 (Undergrad In-State) $5,800 - $8,700 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Ozarks Technical Community College Nursing—Practical Nursing Certificate	Hybrid program delivery. 49 credit hours required. Four semesters to complete. Costs range $10,789-$13,699. Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam. Hands-on clinical experience. Fully approved by MO Board. Separate application process.	$4,500 - $6,700 (Undergrad In-State) $5,500 - $8,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)

*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

Can I Take LPN Classes Online?

LPN classes in Missouri cannot be completed fully online due to the required hands-on clinical training and lab components mandated by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. While some theoretical courses may be offered in a hybrid format, students must complete in-person clinical hours to meet licensing and educational standards. Direct patient care experience is essential in developing competency in practical nursing.

LPN Licensure Requirements in Missouri

NCLEX-PN Exam Information

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri, graduates from a state-approved practical nursing program must pass the NCLEX-PN examination. This national licensing exam evaluates a candidate’s competency to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level LPN. The Missouri Board of Nursing requires applicants to submit an online application, fingerprints for a criminal background check, and official transcripts directly from the nursing program before they can register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing provides examination instructions and resources, including procedures for both first-time and repeat test-takers. State-specific guidance can be found on the Missouri State Board of Nursing website.

LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Missouri offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who are licensed in another U.S. state or jurisdiction. Applicants must hold a current active license that is in good standing, complete an endorsement application, submit verification of licensure, fingerprinting, and a criminal background check. Additionally, applicants must meet a recent practice requirement by demonstrating 500 hours of nursing practice in the preceding 24 months, completing a nursing program within the last 24 months, or completing a board-approved refresher course.

Missouri is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs with multistate licenses to practice in other compact states without needing to obtain additional licenses. This benefits nurses looking to practice across state borders or move between states included in the agreement. LPNs whose primary state of residence is Missouri can apply for a multistate license through the Missouri Board.

Licensure Requirements

The Missouri State Board of Nursing regulates the licensure process for LPNs. To qualify for initial licensure, applicants must:

Graduate from a Missouri Board-approved practical nursing program or a program in another state that meets Missouri’s standards
Submit an application for licensure along with the required fee
Complete criminal background check and fingerprinting
Pass the NCLEX-PN exam

Internationally educated applicants must have their credentials evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and may need to complete additional requirements.

License Renewal

In Missouri, LPN licenses expire on May 31 of each odd-numbered year. The Missouri Board of Nursing does not require continuing education hours for renewal. However, licensees must submit a completed renewal application and pay the corresponding fee before the expiration date to maintain an active license status.

It is the responsibility of the LPN to ensure their contact information is current with the Board to receive timely renewal notifications. Failure to renew on time can result in a lapsed license, requiring reinstatement procedures.

Missouri LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs

The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri is $58,900, which falls below the national average of $62,340. This wage difference is often influenced by Missouri's lower overall cost of living, a factor that generally correlates with more moderate salary levels across all professions. State-specific labor market dynamics, such as the demand for LPNs within the long-term care sector versus acute hospital settings and regional healthcare funding, also contribute to the variance from the national salary benchmark.

Average LPN State Salary in Missouri

$58,900

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024

Average LPN National Salary

$62,340 per year

2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Missouri LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree

LPN Diploma/Certificate

Program Length:

Typically 11-12 months.

Credential Awarded:

Certificate of Completion or Diploma in Practical Nursing.

NCLEX-PN Eligibility:

Yes. Successful completion makes graduates eligible to take the exam.

Program Focus:

Intensive, hands-on clinical skills and foundational nursing knowledge required for direct patient care.

Average In-State Tuition in Missouri:

Approximately $10,000 - $18,000 for the entire program (tuition and fees).

Best For:

Individuals seeking the quickest and most direct path to enter the nursing workforce as an LPN.

School Types:

Community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational/career centers.

LPN Associate Degree

Program Length:

Typically 18-24 months (2 academic years).

Credential Awarded:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Practical Nursing.

NCLEX-PN Eligibility:

Yes. Successful completion makes graduates eligible to take the exam.

Program Focus:

Combines the core LPN clinical curriculum with required general education courses like English, math, and sciences.

Average In-State Tuition in Missouri:

Approximately $15,000 - $25,000 for the entire program (tuition and fees).

Best For:

Students who plan to continue their education to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the future.

School Types:

Primarily community colleges.

Choose Diploma/Certificate If:

Speed to Employment: It is the fastest path to becoming a licensed nurse, allowing you to enter the workforce in about one year.
Lower Overall Cost: With fewer credit hours, the total program tuition and associated fees are generally lower than an associate degree.
Focused Curriculum: The program concentrates exclusively on the nursing skills and knowledge needed for the LPN role, avoiding general education requirements.
High Accessibility: These programs are widely available at numerous technical schools and community colleges across Missouri.

Choose Associate Degree If:

Smoother Transition to RN: The included general education credits are often designed to transfer directly into an LPN-to-RN bridge program, saving time and money later.
Stronger Academic Foundation: Provides a broader educational base, which can improve critical thinking and communication skills valued by employers.
Enhanced Career Mobility: The degree credential can be more attractive to employers and may open doors to LPN roles with greater responsibility or leadership potential.
Broader Financial Aid Options: As a formal degree program, it may qualify for a wider range of scholarships and federal financial aid opportunities compared to some shorter certificate programs.

📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Missouri

Career	Salary	Program Length	Exam	Clinical Hours	Tuition
LPN	$47,700 - $62,100	11-12 months	NCLEX-PN	500+ hours	$10,000 - $25,000
MA	$34,900 - $46,600	8-12 months	CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA)	160-220 hours	$8,000 - $17,000
CNA	$31,500 - $38,100	4-12 weeks	State-approved two-part competency exam (written/skills)	100 hours	$500 - $1,500
DA	$37,800 - $52,000	9-11 months	DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) for national certification	250-400 hours	$12,000 - $18,000
Pharm Tech	$32,400 - $41,400	6-12 months	PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT)	120-200 hours	$3,000 - $11,000
Phlebotomist	$34,500 - $46,300	4-16 weeks	PBT (ASCP), CPT (NHA), or RPT (AMT)	40-120 hours	$800 - $3,000
OTA	$59,300 - $78,700	2 years (Associate's Degree)	NBCOT COTA Exam	640+ hours	$20,000 - $45,000

List of LPN Programs in Missouri

If you're looking to start a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a helpful list of schools across the state offering LPN programs. Each entry includes the city and state, key program highlights, and direct links to learn more about each school's specific program details. This information can help you compare options and find the right fit for your nursing education goals.

Jump to City:

Bridgeton, MO

Saint Louis Community College

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Affordable tuition.
- Clinical opportunities with top healthcare providers.
- IV therapy integrated.
- Special admission requirements.
- Patient simulation labs.
- 38-46 credit hours.

Cape Girardeau, MO

Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Hands-on training
- High school diploma required
- Career-focused education
- Located in Missouri

Cottleville, MO

St. Charles Community College

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Entry-level nursing certificate
- Fully Missouri State Board approved
- 33 total nursing credits
- Multiple healthcare placement options
- Competitive program admissions
- Clinical judgment focused curriculum
- Low total program cost
- High job placement rates

Fenton, MO

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
- Hands-on lab experience
- Four-semester curriculum
- Financial aid available
- Diverse career opportunities
- Includes practicum hours
- Covers patient care basics