
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 an 11% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs by 2028. Individuals can meet this growing demand by meeting the state’s requirements and applying for a Missouri LPN license. LPNs in Missouri earn approximately $20.47 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $42,580. This is roughly $4,470 per year less than the 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 39 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 10 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 just under $11,000. This does not include costs for background check or uniform/scrubs.
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 NLC
As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, Missouri does not require other nurses from other NLC states 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 | 6,030 | $22.18 | $46,140 |
Kansas City | 4,750 | $22.07 | $45,900 |
Springfield | 1,170 | $19.52 | $40,610 |
Jefferson City | 490 | $18.44 | $38,350 |
Cape Girardeau | 460 | $19.13 | $39,790 |
Columbia | 400 | $20.23 | $42,080 |
Joplin | 360 | $19.67 | $40,910 |
St. Joseph | 350 | $19.51 | $40,570 |
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

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 Adult Education

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.
Continued List of All Programs in Missouri
Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
---|---|---|---|
#11 |
State Technical College of Missouri
One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051
| 97.24 | Visit Website |
#12 |
Carthage Technical Center
609 S River St, Carthage, MO 64836
| 96.74 | Visit Website |
#13 |
Jefferson College
1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050
| 96.52 | Visit Website |
#14 |
Mineral Area College
5270 Flat River Rd, Park Hills, MO 63601
| 96.38 | Visit Website |
#15 |
Texas County Technical College
6915 South Highway 63, Houston, MO 65483
| 94.68 | Visit Website |
#16 |
Lex La-Ray Technical Center
2323 High School Dr, Lexington, MO 64067
| 94.12 | Visit Website |
#17 |
Waynesville Career Center
400 GW Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583
| 93.92 | Visit Website |
#18 |
Ozarks Technical Community College - Lebanon
22360 Highway MM, Lebanon, MO 65536
| 92.73 | Visit Website |
#19 |
Clinton Technical School
602 S 5th St, Clinton, MO 64735
| 92.22 | Visit Website |
#20 |
Pike-Lincoln Technical Center
342 Vo Tech Rd, Eolia, MO 63344
| 92.01 | Visit Website |
#21 |
Moberly Area Community College - Mexico
2900 Doreli Lane, Mexico, MO 65265
| 91.35 | Visit Website |
#22 |
St. Charles Community College
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO 63376
| 91.15 | Visit Website |
#23 |
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
1080 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
| 91.00 | Visit Website |
#24 |
Warrensburg Area Career Center
205 S Ridgeview Dr, Warrensburg, MO 64093
| 89.80 | Visit Website |
#25 |
Sikeston Career and Technology Center
1002 Virginia St, Sikeston, MO 63801
| 89.75 | Visit Website |
#26 |
Applied Tech - South Tech
12721 West Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127
| 89.42 | Visit Website |
#27 |
Four Rivers Career Center
1978 Image Drive, Washington, MO 63090
| 89.40 | Visit Website |
#28 |
South Central Career Center
407 W. Thornburgh, West Plains, MO 65775
| 89.18 | Visit Website |
#29 |
Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley
3200 Broadway, kansas, MO 64111
| 88.21 | Visit Website |
#30 |
Rolla Technical Institute
1304 E 10th St, Rolla, MO 65401
| 87.05 | Visit Website |
#31 |
Kirksville Area Technical Center
1103 S Cottage Grove, Kirksville, MO 63501
| 86.93 | Visit Website |
#32 |
Concorde Career College - Kansas City
3239 Broadway St, Columbia, MO 64111
| 84.48 | Visit Website |
#33 |
St. Louis College of Health Careers
1297 North Highway Drive, Fenton, MO 63026
| 83.01 | Visit Website |
#34 |
Applied Tech - MET Center
6347 Plymouth Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133
| 82.96 | Visit Website |
#35 |
Hannibal-LaGrange University
2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401
| 82.47 | Visit Website |
#36 |
Saline County Career Center
900 W Vest St, Marshall, MO 65340
| 82.26 | Visit Website |
#37 |
Moberly Area Community College - Columbia
1818 W. Worley Street, Columbia, MO 65203
| 82.15 | Visit Website |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
Program | Details |
---|---|
Crowder College
601 Laclede, Neosho, MO 64850
| Visit Website |
State Fair Community College - Eldon
113 South Pine, Eldon, MO 65026
| Visit Website |
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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