Becoming an LPN 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. The BLS reports an average annual salary for LPNs in Missouri at $41,180, making it both a rewarding and lucrative career choice.
2018 Best LPN Programs in Missouri
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 44 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, evenings 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.
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 and confident and ready for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.
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.
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.
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.
State Technical College of Missouri
Learn more by visiting the State Technical College of Missouri nursing website.
North Central Missouri College - Bethany
North Central Missouri College in Bethany offers a high ranked Practical Nursing program. NCMC Practical Nursing programs 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, lab, and clinical.NCMC’s PN program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing
North Central Missouri College - Maryville Outreach
North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is located in Trenton, Missouri. 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.
Kirksville Area Technical Center
Kirksville Area Technical Center (KATC) is located in Kirksville, Missouri, offering adult education, literacy programs, and career training to the community. KATC helps students achieve their potential to become productive citizens, enabling them to demonstrate personal and job-specific competencies and by exposing them to technologies and innovative learning programs.
Three Rivers Community College - Kennett
The purpose of Three Rivers Community College's nursing program is to prepare students to achieve a one-year certificate, to apply for licensure by examination as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and to use the nursing process in providing safe and effective nursing care for clients in structured primary and secondary care settings.
Mineral Area College - Park Hills
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.
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.
Hannibal La-Grange University
Visit the Hannibal La-Grange University nursing website to learn more.
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.
Nevada Regional Technical Center
Visit the Nevada Regional Technical Center nursing website to learn more.
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 strives to meet the needs of both the student and the community, promoting intellectual, social, and personal growth.
Warrensburg Area Career Center
Learn more by visiting the Warrensburg Area Career Center nursing website.
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 education needs for career growth and personal satisfaction.
Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center
Follow the link to learn more about the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center nursing program.
Continued List of All Programs in Missouri
| Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Moberly Area Community College - Mexico 2900 Doreli Lane, Mexico, MO 65265 (573) 582-0817 | 93.31 | Request Information |
| #22 | Four Rivers Career Center 1978 Image Drive, Washington, MO 63090 (636) 231-2100 | 92.95 | Request Information |
| #23 | Carthage Technical Center 609 S River St, Carthage, MO 64836 (417) 359-7026 | 92.87 | Request Information |
| #24 | Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center 1080 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 (573) 334-0826 | 92.32 | Request Information |
| #25 | Sikeston R-6 1002 Virginia St, Sikeston, MO 63801 (573) 472-2581 | 92.30 | Request Information |
| #26 | Franklin Technology Center 3950 Newman Rd, Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 659-4400 | 92.03 | Request Information |
| #27 | Applied Tech - South County 12721 West Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 (314) 989-7500 | 91.85 | Request Information |
| #28 | Clinton Technical School 602 S 5th St, Clinton, MO 64735 (660) 885-6101 | 91.79 | Request Information |
| #29 | South Central Career Center 407 W. Thornburgh, West Plains, MO 65775 (417) 256-6152 | 89.03 | Request Information |
| #30 | Rolla Technical Institute 1304 E 10th St, Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-0150 | 87.79 | Request Information |
| #31 | Waynesville Career Center 400 GW Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583 (573) 774-6106 | 87.79 | Request Information |
| #32 | Pike-Lincoln Technical Center 342 Vo Tech Rd, Eolia, MO 63344 (573) 485-2900 | 87.18 | Request Information |
| #33 | Saline County Career Center 900 W Vest St, Marshall, MO 65340 (660) 886-6958 | 87.09 | Request Information |
| #34 | Hillyard Technical Center 3434 Faraon, Saint Joseph, MO 64506 (816) 671-4170 | 85.89 | Request Information |
| #35 | Applied Tech - MET Center 6347 Plymouth Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133 (314) 746-0788 | 85.61 | Request Information |
| #36 | Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley 3200 Broadway, kansas, MO 64111 (816) 604-1000 | 83.90 | Request Information |
| #37 | Columbia Public Schools 1818 W. Worley Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 214-3400 | 83.52 | Request Information |
| #38 | Northland Career Center 1801 Branch St, Platte City, MO 64079 (816) 858-5505 | 81.65 | Request Information |
| #39 | Concorde Career College - Kansas City 3239 Broadway St, Columbia, MO 64111 (816) 531-5223 | 81.34 | Request Information |
| #40 | Ozarks Technical Community College - Lebanon 22360 Highway MM, Lebanon, MO 65536 (417) 447-8932 | 81.14 | Request Information |
| #41 | St. Louis College of Health Careers 1297 North Highway Drive, Fenton, MO 63026 (888) 594-0854 | 80.97 | Request Information |
| #42 | St. Charles Community College 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO 63376 (636) 922-8000 | 76.36 | Request Information |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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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