2024 - Best LPN Programs in Missouri

Last Updated/Verified: May 7, 2024

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 9% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs by 2029. Individuals can meet this growing demand by meeting the state’s requirements and applying for a Missouri LPN license. LPNs in Missouri earn approximately $23.80 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $49,500. This is roughly $6,360 per year less than the national average.

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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 35 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 over $11,000. This does not include costs for background checks or uniforms/scrubs.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Missouri LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

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.

2024 MO NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 35
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 929
  • 2022 Average Statewide Missouri NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 90.0%

Top Ranked Missouri LPN Programs

1

State Fair Community College - Sedalia

3201 W 16th St, Sedalia, MO 65301 - (660) 530-5800 - Visit Homepage

State Fair Community College (SFCC) is a public non-profit college located in Sedalia, Missouri. SFCC offers a practical nursing program that can be completed in one year, with the option for students to complete an additional year to earn an associate's degree in registered nursing. The curriculum utilizes state-of-the-art technology and hands-on experiences.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Ozarks Technical Community College - Springfield

1001 East Chestnut Expressway Suite IC205, Springfield, MO 65802 - (417) 447-8932 - Visit Homepage

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 programs such as its practical nursing program, which can be completed in under one calendar year once prerequisites are fulfilled.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Waynesville Career Center

400 GW Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583 - (573) 774-6106 - Visit Homepage

The Waynesville Career Center offers an adults-only practical nursing program that has been in operation since 1973. Students learn through clinical experiences at locations such as the Fort Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, which is located nearby. The program is designed to be completed in just 11 months (August to June).

Overall Score: 99.52 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock

10698 MO-165, Hollister, MO 65672 - (417) 336-6239 - Visit Homepage

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.

Overall Score: 99.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Three Rivers Community College

901C South Bypass, Kennett, MO 63857 - (573) 888-6381 - Visit Homepage

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.

Overall Score: 98.51 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Bolivar Technical College

1135 N. Oakland, Bolivar, MO 65613 - (417) 777-5062 - Visit Homepage

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.

Overall Score: 98.49 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Jefferson College

1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050 - (636) 789-3000 - Visit Homepage

Jefferson College is student-centered comprehensive community college located in Hillsboro, Missouri, with additional campuses located in Arnold and Cedar Hill. Jefferson College offers career-minded students a bi-level nursing program in which students can complete the coursework to become practical nurses (Level I) or go on to become RNs (Level II).

Overall Score: 98.18 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Lex La-Ray Technical Center

2323 High School Dr, Lexington, MO 64067 - (660) 259-2264 - Visit Homepage

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.

Overall Score: 97.82 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Ozarks Technical Community College - Lebanon

22360 Highway MM, Lebanon, MO 65536 - (417) 447-8932 - Visit Homepage

Ozarks Technical Community College - Lebanon, a public institution, stands as a dedicated hub for education. Nestled in Lebanon, it offers a sought-after practical nursing program. Despite its intimate size, the college provides a nurturing environment for hands-on learning, fostering skilled healthcare professionals for the community and beyond.

Overall Score: 97.57 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

North Central Missouri College

3400 Bulldog Ave, Bethany, MO 64424 - (660) 359-2214 - Visit Homepage

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.

Overall Score: 97.56 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Missouri

RankedProgramScore
#11 Texas County Technical College
6915 South Highway 63, Houston, MO 65483
(417) 967-5466
95.83
#12 State Technical College of Missouri
One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051
(573) 897-5000
94.79
#13 St. Charles Community College
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO 63376
(636) 922-8000
93.83
#14 Clinton Technical School
602 S 5th St, Clinton, MO 64735
(660) 885-6101
93.52
#15 Mineral Area College
5270 Flat River Rd, Park Hills, MO 63601
(573) 431-4593
93.12
#16 Franklin Technology Center Adult Education
3950 Newman Rd, Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 659-4400
92.35
#17 Rolla Technical Institute
1304 E 10th St, Rolla, MO 65401
(573) 458-0150
92.03
#18 Cass Career Center
1600 E. Elm Street, Harrisonville, MO 64701
(816) 380-3253
91.51
#19 Crowder College
601 Laclede, Neosho, MO 64850
(417) 451-3223
89.28
#20 Carthage Technical Center
609 S River St, Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7026
89.25
#21 Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley
3200 Broadway, kansas, MO 64111
(816) 604-1000
89.23
#22 St. Louis College of Health Careers
1297 North Highway Drive, Fenton, MO 63026
(888) 594-0854
87.95
#23 Moberly Area Community College - Moberly
101 College Ave., Moberly, MO 65270
(660) 263-4100
87.85
#24 Four Rivers Career Center
1978 Image Drive, Washington, MO 63090
(636) 231-2100
86.19
#25 Hannibal-LaGrange University
2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401
(573) 221-3675
85.71
#26 Pike-Lincoln Technical Center
342 Vo Tech Rd, Eolia, MO 63344
(573) 485-2900
85.67
#27 Applied Tech - MET Center
6347 Plymouth Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133
(314) 746-0788
83.76
#28 Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
1080 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
(573) 334-0826
83.67
#29 South Central Career Center
407 W. Thornburgh, West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6152
81.96
#30 Concorde Career College - Kansas City
3239 Broadway St, Columbia, MO 64111
(816) 531-5223
79.05
#31 Saline County Career Center
900 W Vest St, Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-6958
78.24
#32 Kirksville Area Technical Center
1103 S Cottage Grove, Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 665-2865
73.73
#33 Warrensburg Area Career Center
205 S Ridgeview Dr, Warrensburg, MO 64093
(660) 747-7919
71.00

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Applied Tech - South Tech
12721 West Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127
(314) 989-7500
State Fair Community College - Eldon
113 South Pine, Eldon, MO 65026
(573) 392-8060

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional MO Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Missouri

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.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
St. Louis4,210$26.06$54,200
Kansas City4,070$26.30$54,700
Springfield1,020$22.50$46,790
Columbia610$23.50$48,890
Cape Girardeau300$21.91$45,560
Jefferson City300$22.52$46,840
Joplin300$22.76$47,350
St. Joseph230$23.16$48,170

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)