2020 - Best LPN Programs in Missouri
The state of Missouri fosters high standards of nursing, working toward the improvement and availability of services for all people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 12% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs by 2026. Individuals can meet this growing demand by meeting the state’s requirements and applying for a Missouri LPN license. Missouri LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $18.45 or annual salary of $38,380, which is roughly $5,650 less per year than national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Missouri? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Missouri are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 41 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Missouri click here.
Details on Missouri LPN Schools & Classes
There are plenty of LPN programs located across the great state of Missouri. Most programs take just 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether a student decides to attend full-time or part-time. Schools may offer both fall and spring start dates, and online programs may allow students to enter the program more frequently. The LPN curriculum typically includes a mix of core courses, specialized nursing courses, and electives. While each school’s program will be slightly different, students can expect to take one or all of the following course titles:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Introductory Chemistry for Health Sciences
- Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing of the Adult
- Venous Access and Intravenous Infusion
Accreditation
A properly accredited school is worth its weight in gold. These accredited schools are held to high academic standards and are regularly re-evaluated. When researching programs, look for accreditation from agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The Missouri State Board of Nursing can also endorse quality LPN programs.
Admission Requirements
Before being accepted into an LPN program in the state, prospective students must meet all entrance requirements. These may include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must have completed all general education/prerequisite courses
- Submit three professional references
- Nursing entrance exam may be required
- Interview with nursing faculty/staff
Tuition and Costs
Many students are apprehensive about paying for their LPN education. These programs require that students cover the costs of tuition, books and supplies, and any other mandatory fees. For those who qualify, financial aid packages are typically readily available through the student’s school of choice. The total cost of LPN program at Ozarks Technical Community College is approximately $6,315. This does not include textbooks, supplies, or room and board.
Missouri LPN Licensing Requirements
Missouri requires individuals wishing to become LPNs in the state to complete an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN. The graduate must also submit the following before sitting for the required exam for licensure:
- Completed and notarized application for licensure
- 2x2 inch headshot (passport-style) photo
- $41 fee—money order, cashier’s check, or check
- Official state-approved nursing program transcript
- Criminal background check
Missouri LPN licenses expire May 31st every even year.
NCLEX Exam Information
Upon graduating from an approved LPN program, students are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination in order to gain official licensure. For more information about this important exam, students can check out our comprehensive NCLEX-PN overview here. Students are also encouraged to take an NCLEX-PN practice test in order to study for the examination.
LPN Reciprocity and eNLC
As a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, Missouri does not require other eNLC nurses to hold a Missouri license to practice in the state. However, LPNs for states outside of the compact area must apply for a license by endorsement to practice in the state of Missouri. The application must be signed in black ink, notarized, and the required fee must be sent along with the following:
- Copy of LPN license from issuing state
- Official transcript from any/all state-approved nursing programs that include current name, date of completion, degree awarded, and school’s stamp or seal
- Verified license from original state of licensure
- Criminal background check
Applicants from foreign countries must submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) after they have evaluated the official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review.
LPN Salary in Missouri By Area
The table below lists career information organized by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Missouri. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 6,080 | $20.33 | $42,280 |
| Kansas City | 4,660 | $19.56 | $40,680 |
| Springfield | 1,320 | $17.43 | $36,260 |
| Columbia | 540 | $18.07 | $37,580 |
| Joplin | 450 | $16.56 | $34,440 |
| Jefferson City | 420 | $16.93 | $35,210 |
| St. Joseph | 350 | $18.11 | $37,680 |
| Cape Girardeau | 300 | $17.29 | $35,970 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Missouri LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Top Ranked Missouri LPN Programs
State Fair Community College - Sedalia and Eldon
State Fair Community College (SFCC) is a public non-profit college located in Sedalia, Missouri. SFCC offers classes in many convenient formats including traditional classroom courses, evening classes, summer schedules, fast-track courses, 10-day interim classes, hybrid classes, and more than 260 online courses, included several complete online degree and certification programs.
Ozarks Technical Community College - Springfield
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) is located in Springfield, Missouri, with additional locations in Richwood Valley, Table Rock, Lebanon, and Waynesville. OTC promotes student learning through accessible, high-quality, affordable workforce training, and technical and general education responsive to the community's educational needs.
North Central Missouri College -Trenton
North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is located in Trenton, Missouri. NCMC assists its students in attaining their goals through open-admission, reasonable costs, and professional curriculum and services, helping students achieve associate's degrees, career certifications, and workforce development by providing quality college-level academic, general education, and career instruction.
Cass Career Center
Cass Career Center, located in Harrisonville, Missouri, offers flexible career and technical programs designed to prepare students for employment. Cass Career Center instructors are professionals and experts from their fields, sharing real-world information and hands-on instruction that can be applied in future work situations.
North Central Missouri College - Bethany
North Central Missouri College in Bethany offers a high ranked Practical Nursing program. NCMC's Practical Nursing offering is an 11-month program running from running August – July in the Trenton and Maryville campuses, while the Bethany site runs from January – December. Students attend class, labs, and clinicals.
Moberly Area Community College - Moberly
The 12-month certificate program in Practical Nursing at Moberly Area Community College provides a combination of subject matter and clinical experiences to prepare the student to work in a variety of structured health care environments. A graduate from the MACC PN program will function as a client caregiver under the direction of the Professional Registered Nurse and/or a Licensed Physician.
North Central Missouri College - Maryville Outreach
North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is located in Trenton, Missouri with a Maryville Outreach location. NCMC strives to assist students in attaining goals through their open admission, reasonable costs, and progressive curriculum and services delivered by a highly trained industry-experienced faculty, utilizing state-of-the art technology and facilities.
Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock
The Practical Nursing program at Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock prepares students for the role of a practical nurse. The program does this by teaching students accountability and communication skills. The program also emphasizes the appreciation of cultural diversity and health care concepts related to patient care.
Bolivar Technical College
The Practical Nursing program at Bolivar Technical College is designed to develop attitudes, skills and theoretical basis for competent entry-level practice as a Practical Nurse. Graduates of Bolivar's LPN program are confident and ready for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.
Franklin Technology Center
Joplin's Franklin Technology Center (FTC) runs a practical nursing program with 1232 clock hours. This Monday-Thursday program provides quality instruction in concepts such as Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology & IV Therapy, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, and much more.
State Technical College of Missouri
State Technical College of Missouri, located in Linn, offers a hands-on practical nursing program designed to familiarize students with the responsibilities of providing compassionate care to patients. This two-year program mixes core nursing courses with labs and clinicals to give students a broad educational foundation. Graduates go on to find employment in hospitals, clinics, and more.
Carthage Technical Center
Carthage Technical Center believes that practical nursing programs have a responsibility to provide students with excellent nursing educators who will assist the student learner to strive for excellence in his/her academic and clinical achievements. The program strives to foster an understanding of the ethical responsibility to sincerely care for the individual.
Jefferson College
Jefferson College is student-centered comprehensive community college located in Hillsboro, Missouri, with additional campuses located in Arnold and Cedar Hill. Jefferson College is committed to providing accessible, quality experiences that strive to meet the needs of both the student and the community, promoting intellectual, social, and personal growth.
Mineral Area College
Mineral Area College is located in Park Hills, Missouri, with additional locations is Ironton, Farmington, Fredericktown, Perryville, Potosi, and Winona. Mineral Area College offers a wide variety of degree and certification programs, as well as continuing education courses and non-credit courses for personal satisfaction or workplace advancement.
Texas County Technical College
Texas County Technical College (TCTC), located in Houston, Missouri, is dedicated to student education and personal development. TCTC is committed to providing superior technical training through both classroom instruction and hands-on training by a dedicated faculty, providing the foundation for career growth and personal satisfaction.
Lex La-Ray Technical Center
Lex La-Ray Technical Center, located in Lexington, Missouri, is dedicated to educating students and providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed. Lex La-Ray helps students build job skills by offering balanced programs, consisting of part classroom instruction and part hands-on training.
Waynesville Career Center
Follow the link to learn more about the Waynesville Career Center nursing program.
Ozarks Technical Community College - Lebanon
Visit the Ozarks Technical Community College - Lebanon nursing website to learn more.
Clinton Technical School
Clinton Technical School (CTS) is located in Clinton, Missouri. CTS provides students with the necessary nursing skills to thrive within the workplace, utilizing customized training to develop self-discipline and a strong work ethic.
Pike-Lincoln Technical Center
Learn more by visiting the Pike-Lincoln Technical Center nursing website.
Continued List of All Programs in Missouri
| Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Hillyard Technical Center 3434 Faraon, Saint Joseph, MO 64506 (816) 671-4170 | 91.49 | Request Information |
| #22 | Moberly Area Community College - Mexico 2900 Doreli Lane, Mexico, MO 65265 (573) 582-0817 | 91.35 | Request Information |
| #23 | St. Charles Community College 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO 63376 (636) 922-8000 | 91.15 | Request Information |
| #24 | Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center 1080 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 (573) 334-0826 | 91.00 | Request Information |
| #25 | Warrensburg Area Career Center 205 S Ridgeview Dr, Warrensburg, MO 64093 (660) 747-7919 | 89.80 | Request Information |
| #26 | Sikeston R-6 1002 Virginia St, Sikeston, MO 63801 (573) 472-2581 | 89.75 | Request Information |
| #27 | Applied Tech - South County 12721 West Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 (314) 989-7500 | 89.42 | Request Information |
| #28 | Four Rivers Career Center 1978 Image Drive, Washington, MO 63090 (636) 231-2100 | 89.40 | Request Information |
| #29 | South Central Career Center 407 W. Thornburgh, West Plains, MO 65775 (417) 256-6152 | 89.18 | Request Information |
| #30 | Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley 3200 Broadway, kansas, MO 64111 (816) 604-1000 | 88.21 | Request Information |
| #31 | Rolla Technical Institute 1304 E 10th St, Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-0150 | 87.05 | Request Information |
| #32 | Kirksville Area Technical Center 1103 S Cottage Grove, Kirksville, MO 63501 (660) 665-2865 | 86.93 | Request Information |
| #33 | Concorde Career College - Kansas City 3239 Broadway St, Columbia, MO 64111 (816) 531-5223 | 84.48 | Request Information |
| #34 | St. Louis College of Health Careers 1297 North Highway Drive, Fenton, MO 63026 (888) 594-0854 | 83.01 | Request Information |
| #35 | Applied Tech - MET Center 6347 Plymouth Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133 (314) 746-0788 | 82.96 | Request Information |
| #36 | Hannibal-LaGrange University 4650 McMasters Ave., Hannibal, MO 63401 (573) 221-1258 | 82.47 | Request Information |
| #37 | Saline County Career Center 900 W Vest St, Marshall, MO 65340 (660) 886-6958 | 82.26 | Request Information |
| #38 | Moberly Area Community College - Columbia 1818 W. Worley Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 214-3400 | 82.15 | Request Information |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| Crowder College , , MO | |
| State Fair Community College - Boonville 701 Third St., Boonville, MO 65233 (660) 882-3090 | Request Information |
| State Fair Community College - Eldon 113 South Pine, Eldon, MO 65026 (573) 392-8060 | Request Information |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional MO Nursing Resources
- Missouri State Board of Nursing 3605 Missouri Blvd. P.O. Box 656 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656 Phone: (573) 751-0681
- Missouri Nurses Association 3340 American Ave., Suite F Jefferson City, MO 65109 Phone: (573) 636-4623
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