Best Missouri LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Missouri’s LPN to RN programs provide practical nurses with opportunities to advance their education. Coursework includes complex patient care, leadership, and nursing ethics. Clinical training supports licensure preparation and professional growth as a registered nurse.

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

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Missouri

Choosing the best LPN to RN program in Missouri can be a game-changer for nursing careers. PracticalNursing.org has evaluated the options to identify the top programs across the state. These rankings consider accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, cost, and flexibility to help students make informed decisions. We at practicalnursing.org aim to provide transparent and useful information. The featured programs offer strong curricula and support for working LPNs seeking RN licensure. Whether looking for traditional classroom settings or online coursework, find a program that fits. To understand exactly how these rankings are determined, review the methodology by clicking the link: https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO - Private 4-year - sbuniv.edu

Associate - LPN or Paramedic - ASN Bridge Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southwest Baptist University's ASN bridge program is a three-semester pathway for LPNs and paramedics to earn an RN degree at the Springfield and Salem campuses. The curriculum builds on existing healthcare knowledge, focusing on advanced nursing skills, patient care, and clinical reasoning, with evening classes designed for working students. Prerequisites include anatomy and physiology and microbiology, along with a 2.5 minimum GPA. This Christian, military-friendly program integrates faith into nursing education and offers small class sizes. With a 95% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement, graduates are well-prepared for RN licensure. Financial aid is available for eligible students, making this an accessible route to career advancement.

3-Semester program
95% licensure pass rate
100% job placement rate
2.5 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Financial aid available
Evening classes available
Small class sizes
Christ-centered education
Springfield and Salem campuses

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO - Public 4-Year - missouriwestern.edu

Associate - LPN-BSN Pathway

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Missouri Western State University's LPN-BSN Pathway is a hybrid program that streamlines the route from licensed practical nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It awards credit for prior LPN knowledge through faculty-developed exams, standardized tests, and simulation. The curriculum covers evidence-based practice, adult health, pharmacology, community health, and leadership, culminating in a senior capstone clinical. Students build skills in patient assessment, care coordination, and critical thinking for NCLEX-RN success. Accredited by CCNE, the program has fall and spring starts, requires a 2.7 GPA and prerequisite sciences/math courses, and uses the TEAS entrance exam rather than the ACT or SAT. With online and in-person options, this 120-credit-hour pathway prepares nurses for diverse healthcare roles.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Missouri State Board of Nursing accredited
Entrance exam required
Exams: TEAS
120 total credit hours
Starts fall/spring
2.7 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Capstone required
Prepares for NCLEX
Credit for prior LPN education

Bachelor's - LPN-BSN Pathway

Campus Based - Visit Website

Missouri Western State University provides an on-campus LPN-BSN Pathway for LPNs pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This bridge program grants credit for previous LPN education and experience through exams and skills assessments. Coursework includes adult health, pharmacology, community health, and leadership, ending with a senior capstone clinical. Students attend classes in person, with just one online course, and benefit from CCNE accreditation. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Admission requires a TEAS score of at least 58.7%, a 2.7 GPA, and prerequisites such as anatomy, microbiology, and pathophysiology. The TEAS is required instead of the ACT or SAT. With two start dates per year, this program offers a structured path for working LPNs.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Missouri State Board of Nursing accredited
Entrance exam required
Exams: TEAS
120 total credit hours
2 start dates per year
Starts fall/spring
2.7 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Capstone required
Prepares for NCLEX

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Missouri State University-West Plains

West Plains, MO - Public 2-Year - wp.missouristate.edu

Associate - LPN-to-RN Bridge Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Missouri State University-West Plains offers an LPN-to-RN Bridge Program awarding an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. LPNs receive 15 credit hours for prior experience, completing the 65-credit curriculum in one year. Studies include mental health, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and liberal arts. The program offers hybrid and online tracks; online students visit campus only twice, while hybrid students train with traditional cohorts. Clinicals are preceptor-based, self-scheduled, and occur at approved sites in Missouri and northern Arkansas, totaling 264 hours. With just 30 seats per cohort and starts in spring, summer, or fall, this flexible program suits working nurses.

1-Year program
65 total credit hours
2 start dates per year
Starts spring/summer/fall
264 clinical hours
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
15 credit hours granted for LPN experience
30 seats per cohort
Preceptor-based clinical rotations
Clinical sites in MO and northern AR

Missouri Valley College

Marshall, MO - Private 4-year - moval.edu

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Missouri Valley College's online LPN to BSN track helps licensed practical nurses advance their careers. The liberal arts–based curriculum focuses on critical thinking, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Clinical rotations in local hospitals and community settings offer hands-on experience, and graduates are ready for the NCLEX-RN. The 100% online program enrolls small cohorts of 15 for personalized attention. Applicants need an active Missouri LPN license, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and a TEAS score of 58.7% or higher—no ACT or SAT is required. LPNs receive 18 transfer credits, and Missouri residency is required. Scholarships and an October 1st application deadline are additional highlights.

Entrance exam required
Exams: TEAS
2.8 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX
Scholarships available
Missouri residency required
Online cohort size of 15
18 transfer credits from LPN
100% online format

Moberly Area Community College

Moberly, MO - Public 2-Year - macc.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Moberly Area Community College's LPN to ADN Bridge Program is a 12-month hybrid pathway for licensed practical nurses aiming to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students combine online coursework with hands-on lab sessions and clinical rotations across four campus locations, using high-fidelity simulation equipment to refine clinical judgment. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers in hospital staffing, private duty, clinic nursing, long-term care, home health, and more. Articulation agreements with four-year universities facilitate seamless progression to a BSN. The program holds ACEN candidacy accreditation, ensuring educational quality and alignment with industry standards.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
12-Month program
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Hybrid online and hands-on labs
Articulation agreements for BSN programs
Career options: staff, private duty, clinics
Four campus locations available
State-of-the-art simulation equipment

*Original data from: National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS program (2025).

Missouri LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Missouri LPNs who plan to bridge to RN should prepare for selective admission. While each school sets its own standards, common requirements include:

Active, unencumbered LPN license in Missouri or a multistate LPN license through the Nurse Licensure Compact, plus current employment may be preferred or required by some programs for advanced placement.
Graduation from an approved practical nursing program with official transcripts.
Minimum GPA in prerequisite coursework, often including human anatomy and physiology I and II with labs, microbiology, English composition, general psychology, lifespan development, and college algebra or statistics completed within a designated time frame.
Standardized entry testing such as TEAS or HESI, and possible skills validation or advanced standing exams in pharmacology and fundamentals.
Current BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification, required immunizations and titers, TB screening, urine drug screen, and physical exam meeting clinical affiliate requirements.
Criminal background checks and clinical eligibility screenings in accordance with Missouri law and clinical site policies.
Professional references, resume, and an interview or essay as required by the program.

Many Missouri programs grant advanced standing or transition credit to working LPNs after successful completion of bridge or transition courses, which can shorten the time to degree compared with a traditional RN track.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

Missouri LPN to RN bridge curricula build on practical nursing experience and emphasize competencies required of registered nurses. Expect coursework in:

Adult health nursing across the lifespan, including medical surgical specialties.
Mental health and psychiatric nursing.
Maternal newborn and pediatric nursing.
Nursing assessment, evidence based practice, pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology for RNs.
Nursing leadership, care coordination, quality and safety, and population health.
High fidelity simulation and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long term care, community health, and ambulatory settings.

Accreditation and state approval are essential in Missouri. To be eligible for RN licensure by examination, you must graduate from a program approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. In addition, many Missouri employers and graduate programs expect institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and programmatic accreditation, typically ACEN for associate degree programs and ACEN or CCNE for baccalaureate programs. Accreditation supports credit transfer, financial aid eligibility, and employer confidence in your education.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

In Missouri, LPN to RN options are available at community and technical colleges that offer LPN to ADN bridges, as well as public and private universities that offer LPN to BSN pathways. Programs commonly provide advanced placement for LPNs after a transition course and skills validation.

Typical classes include transition to professional nursing, comprehensive health assessment for RNs, advanced adult health, complex care, maternal child and pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community and population health, leadership and management, and evidence based practice. Clinical learning includes direct patient care and simulation, with increasing complexity and responsibility to prepare for the RN scope of practice and the NCLEX RN exam.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in Missouri work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community and public health agencies, long term care and rehabilitation centers, home health and hospice, schools, and specialty practices. Urban areas such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia host large health systems and academic medical centers, while rural regions offer opportunities in critical access hospitals and community facilities.

Compared with LPNs, RNs in Missouri practice with a broader scope, including comprehensive assessment, development and revision of nursing plans of care, independent nursing judgment, patient education, and leadership and delegation within teams. This expanded scope often correlates with more diverse roles, increased autonomy, and higher earning potential relative to LPN roles. Work schedules vary by setting, with hospitals offering 8 or 12 hour shifts and many ambulatory or community roles providing more traditional weekday hours.

LPN to RN Program Length

Full time LPN to ADN: commonly 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites and transition requirements are met.
Part time LPN to ADN: commonly 18 to 24 months or more, depending on course sequencing and clinical availability.
Evening or weekend tracks: selected Missouri programs offer nontraditional schedules for working LPNs, often extending completion time by one or two semesters compared with daytime formats.
LPN to BSN: typically 2 to 3 years of upper division coursework after prerequisites, with full time and part time plans of study available.

Timelines vary by the amount of transfer credit awarded, whether general education is complete, and clinical placement availability.

2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Missouri

For LPNs in Missouri, time is often as critical as education. The quickest LPN to RN programs let working nurses upgrade skills without putting careers on hold. Across the Show-Me State, from St. Louis to Kansas City and Springfield, shorter pathways reduce classroom hours while keeping clinical training strong. We see faster completion as a booster for local healthcare. Nurses can move from practical nursing to associate or bachelor's degrees sooner. That means higher pay, broader duties, and better patient care. Even a few months saved matters. For busy professionals, shortest routes make the RN goal achievable. Choosing a speedy program helps meet workforce demands across Missouri while rewarding dedicated nurses.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
State Technical College of Missouri Nursing-Associate of Applied Science (AAS)	3-Semester program Prepares for NCLEX-RN Covers mental health and women's health nursing Two days per week clinical practice Open to recent PNT graduates and LPNs Small class sizes Clinical sites in Jefferson City area Full approval by Missouri State Board of Nursing	Graduation Rate: 84% Retention Rate: 90% Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 :1
Southwest Baptist University LPN or Paramedic - ASN Bridge Program	3-Semester program 95% licensure pass rate 100% job placement rate 2.5 GPA minimum Prerequisite courses required Financial aid available Evening classes available Small class sizes	Graduation Rate: 55% Retention Rate: 65% Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 :1
Moberly Area Community College LPN to ADN Bridge Program	Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited 12-Month program Prepares for NCLEX-RN Hybrid online and hands-on labs Articulation agreements for BSN programs Career options: staff, private duty, clinics Four campus locations available State-of-the-art simulation equipment	Graduation Rate: 44% Retention Rate: 63% Student to Faculty Ratio: 22 :1

*IPEDS 2025 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition for Missouri LPN to RN bridge programs varies by institution and residency status:

LPN to ADN at community or technical colleges: commonly ranges from approximately the high four figures to the mid teens in total in state tuition for the nursing component, with additional costs for fees and prerequisites.
LPN to BSN at public universities: commonly ranges from the high teens to mid five figures in total in state tuition for upper division nursing coursework, with private institutions typically higher.

Additional expenses to plan for include university fees, textbooks and digital resources, uniforms and equipment, immunizations and health checks, background check and drug screen, standardized testing, liability insurance, and NCLEX and state application fees at graduation.

Housing costs in Missouri depend on location and institution type. Community colleges may have limited or no on campus housing, leading many students to rent off campus. Public universities typically offer residence halls and meal plans. Rents and living costs are generally higher in major metros than in smaller cities and rural areas, so confirm options near your campus and clinical sites.

2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Missouri

In Missouri, advancing from LPN to RN is a smart move for your career. But the cost of education can be a barrier. That's why we put together this table of schools and programs. It shows program highlights and tuition ranges for easy comparison. Finding an affordable program is essential. High tuition can lead to years of debt. By choosing affordable options, nurses can focus on their studies and future. This table helps you weigh choices without breaking the bank. We encourage you to explore what each school offers. With the right plan, the RN path is within reach. Make a cost-conscious decision today.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
St. Charles Community College LPN Bridge program	ACEN accredited Entrance exam required Exams: HESI $7,722 total program tuition $228 per credit 100% licensure pass rate 100% job placement rate Work experience required	$4,700 - $7,000 (Undergrad In-State) $6,100 - $9,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City LPN to ADN Bridge Program	Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited Entrance exam required Exams: TEAS $121 per credit 1-Year program Complete in one-year program Apply by 2026-03-31 Starts summer	$5,700 - $8,500 (Undergrad In-State) $7,700 - $11,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Southwest Baptist University LPN or Paramedic - ASN Bridge Program	3-Semester program 95% licensure pass rate 100% job placement rate 2.5 GPA minimum Prerequisite courses required Financial aid available Evening classes available Small class sizes	$24,500 - $36,700 (Undergraduate)

*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Missouri schools offer a range of delivery formats:

In person: traditional classroom, lab, simulation, and clinicals scheduled on campus and at local clinical sites.
Hybrid: lecture content delivered online with required on campus skills labs, simulation, testing, and in person clinical rotations across Missouri healthcare facilities.
Online enhanced: some theory courses may be fully online, but all prelicensure nursing programs require hands on clinical experiences with approved faculty supervision. Out of state programs that place students for clinicals in Missouri must comply with Missouri approval requirements.

Fully online pathways without in person clinicals are not available for prelicensure RN education. Expect to attend scheduled labs and clinical rotations within Missouri regardless of how theory courses are delivered.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Missouri

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

After completing an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse in Missouri. The process generally includes:

Submit an application for RN licensure by examination to the Missouri Board of Nursingand pay the required fee.
Arrange for your nursing program to send an official transcript directly to the Board showing degree conferral.
Complete a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check as directed by the Board.
Register for the exam through the official NCLEX-RNsite to receive your Authorization to Test after the Board declares you eligible.
Schedule and take the exam. Upon passing and once all materials are received, the Board issues your RN license.

Graduates who need testing accommodations should submit documentation with their licensure application so the Board can approve accommodations before the Authorization to Test is issued.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Missouri offers licensure by endorsement for RNs who hold an active, unencumbered RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement applicants must submit an application, verification of original licensure and education, a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and pay applicable fees. A temporary permit may be available for eligible endorsement applicants while the Board completes the full review.

Missouri is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate RN license, you may practice in Missouri under multistate privilege without obtaining a separate Missouri license. If you relocate and declare Missouri as your primary state of residence, you must apply for a Missouri multistate RN license by endorsement; once issued, it becomes your multistate license. Missouri does not maintain separate reciprocity agreements outside the NLC framework.

Licensure Requirements

The Missouri Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. Key requirements for initial RN licensure by examination include:

Graduation from an approved RN program (including LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs) that meets Missouri standards.
Submission of a completed application and fees to the Board.
Official transcript sent directly from the nursing education program to the Board.
Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check.
Successful passage of the NCLEX-RN.

Applicants educated outside Missouri or outside the United States may be asked for additional documentation to demonstrate program equivalency and, if applicable, English language proficiency. All applicants must meet the Board’s professional fitness and legal requirements before a license can be issued.

License Renewal

Missouri RN licenses are renewed on a biennial cycle and expire on April 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewal opens prior to the expiration date through the Board’s online system. Practicing on an expired license is prohibited; late or lapsed licenses require additional steps and fees to reinstate.

The Missouri Board of Nursing does not mandate continuing education hours for RN license renewal unless specified by an order of the Board. Keep your contact information current with the Board and complete the online renewal and required attestation by the renewal deadline to maintain active status.

Average LPN State Salary in Missouri

$58,900

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Missouri

$81,950

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 12 months or three semesters.

Credential Awarded:

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

This pathway concentrates on providing the foundational clinical skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level RN positions. The curriculum is designed to build upon the existing knowledge of LPNs, preparing them for the expanded scope of practice of a registered nurse.

Average In-State Tuition in Missouri:

While varying by institution, community colleges generally offer more affordable tuition rates, with programs costing between $10,000 and $20,000.

Best For:

LPNs seeking the quickest route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce with increased responsibilities and salary potential.

School Types:

Community colleges and technical colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Missouri.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Generally two to three years, building on the LPN's prior education and experience.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

These programs offer a more comprehensive education that includes leadership, research, and public health nursing concepts, in addition to advanced clinical skills. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and prepare graduates for a wider range of nursing roles.

Average In-State Tuition in Missouri:

Tuition can vary significantly between public and private universities. As a general estimate, total program costs can be higher than ADN programs.

Best For:

LPNs aiming for leadership or specialized roles, and those who plan to pursue graduate-level nursing education in the future.

School Types:

Universities and four-year colleges, with some offering hybrid or online formats.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

Faster Completion: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to an RN role.
Lower Cost: Community college tuition is generally more affordable than university tuition.
Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates can immediately access more job opportunities and higher salaries compared to LPNs.
Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid base for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing positions.
Higher Earning Potential: Over the long term, BSN-prepared nurses may have access to higher-paying roles.
Foundation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for master's or doctoral nursing programs.
Comprehensive Skill Set: The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice.

List of LPN to RN Programs in Missouri

Ready to take the next step from LPN to RN? In Missouri, many schools offer bridge programs designed to build on existing nursing skills. The following table highlights these programs, showing each school's location, key program features, and a direct link to the official program page. Use this list to compare schools and find the best match for career goals. We update this information regularly to keep it accurate.

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