4 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Missouri – 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Interested in enrolling in one of the BSN to DNP programs in Missouri? On average, nurses with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees in the Show Me State make $121,270 a year. And whether you’re interested in high-level management, teaching tomorrow’s brightest new nurses, or pursuing a highly competitive clinical specialty at a hospital in St. Louis, Kansas City, or elsewhere, your BSN to DNP degree will give you the knowledge, skills, and credibility to land the job of your dreams. Start the next phase in your career today by perusing this list of the 4 best BSN to DNP programs in Missouri for 2024.


WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 4 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Missouri (Online & Campus).)

1. University of Missouri-Kansas City - Kansas City


Specialties Offered: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)/Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP)


Program Details: If you are looking at enrolling in one of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Missouri, then the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s BSN-to-DNP program can be a great option. With five advanced practice tracks, you can complete your doctorate in your preferred field of interest. No matter what you choose, you’ll gain a solid skillset in evidence-based practices, health promotion & disease prevention.

The school offers five advanced practice tracks, including the CRNA, WHNP, FNP, AGPCNP, PNP, and ACPNP. Regardless of the BSN to DNP track you choose, you can enroll either full-time or part-time. Graduation requires the completion of 74 credits and around 1200 clinical hours.

This BSN to DNP program makes you a clinical expert by training you in key competencies of cultural diversity, healthcare systems leadership, healthcare policy & advocacy, nursing research, healthcare economics & quality, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and diagnostic reasoning. Regardless of the BSN to DNP track you choose, you’ll complete the program through the hybrid format.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for this BSN-to-DNP program in Missouri, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Also, you must have an RN licensure that is valid and unencumbered in your state of practice. In addition, the school requires you to complete pre-requisite courses in statistics and health assessment.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Missouri-Kansas City BSN-to-DNP Students

• The University of Missouri-Kansas City nursing school not only offers affordable tuition costs but also provides several financial opportunities to further help cut tuition costs. You’ll be able to apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study jobs, depending on your eligibility criteria.
• The University of Missouri-Kansas City nursing school’s affiliation with the University Health Truman Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia can open up unique learning opportunities that can prepare you for interprofessional healthcare environments.
• The University of Missouri-Kansas City nursing school ranks among the best online graduate programs in the U.S. News & World Report’s list.
• The University of Missouri-Kansas City nursing school is veteran friendly and also ranks among the best online programs for veterans in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.


2. University of Missouri-St. Louis - St. Louis


Specialties Offered: Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care


Program Details: If you are considering obtaining your doctoral education in MI, then applying to the University of Missouri-St. Louis’s BSN to DNP program makes the utmost sense. Counted among the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Missouri, the practice-based doctoral training that you receive at this nursing school prepares you to improve health outcomes at the individual, community, and global levels.

Here, whether you desire to gain the highest level of clinical skills in adult gerontology health care, family health, pediatric care, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health, you’ll complete a curriculum that includes core courses and independent research projects. All the BSN to DNP tracks are offered full-time as well as part-time. While on a full-time basis, you’ll graduate within three years, if you choose the part-time track, you can complete the program within four years.

The BSN to DNP coursework comprises around 70 credits. Some of the courses that are common to all the BSN to DNP tracks include, research, interventions & evidence-based practice, healthcare policy & economics, healthcare systems, healthcare informatics, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. Also, you’ll be taught clinical diagnostics, and program evaluation & quality. Towards the end of the program, you’ll complete a DNP capstone and eight credit hours of residency.

Admission Requirements: This BSN-to-DNP program in Missouri reviews applications holistically, so ensure to highlight all aspects of your application. The BSN to DNP program is open to BSN-prepared registered nurses who have earned a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit a copy of your current license, a resume, and all your official transcripts. In addition, the school requires you to have completed a course in general statistics.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Missouri-St. Louis BSN-to-DNP Students

• The University of Missouri-St. Louis’s BSN to DNP program ranks among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• The University of Missouri-St. Louis’s BSN to DNP program provides you with diverse clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings across the state.
• The University of Missouri-St. Louis nursing school’s strong support services, ranging from academic advising, tutoring, and career services, help you in achieving your academic as well as professional goals. Moreover, the school’s faculty is highly accomplished and leaves no stone unturned in ensuring you leave the college with the most advanced clinical skills.


3. Maryville University of St. Louis - Saint Louis


Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, then Maryville University of St. Louis offers one of the sought-after online BSN-to-DNP programs in Missouri that trains you through an accelerated online format. By designing a curriculum that is based on the knowledge of nursing, health policy, and organizational management, the school prepares you with a well-rounded perspective of leadership to be able to impact healthcare more effectively.

The Maryville University of St. Louis offers five advanced practice tracks that prepare you for in-demand roles of a family NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, adult gerontology acute care NP, pediatric NP, and psychiatric mental health NP, depending on the BSN to DNP track you choose.

The BSN to DNP comprises 76-credit coursework, taking three to four years to complete. Also included are 1020 hours of clinical training. The DNP core courses teach you topics such as leadership & management, healthcare informatics, population health, and health ethics. Also, you’ll gain a strong foundation in topics such as research methods, healthcare policy, and advanced clinical skills within your chosen area of practice.

Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Missouri, you must have a BSN with an active and unencumbered RN license. Besides, your GPA must not be less than 3.0. Also, the school requires you to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a professional resume. Additionally, you are required to complete undergraduate courses in statistics and research methods.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Maryville University of St. Louis BSN-to-DNP Students

• Maryville University of St. Louis’s BSN to DNP program is one of the few online BSN-to-DNP programs in Missouri that do not require any campus visits. The 100% online coursework even allows you to complete the clinical within your geographical location.
• Maryville University nursing school ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s list of top schools based on the superior quality of education it offers.
• Maryville University nursing school offers affordable tuition costs. Moreover, with several scholarships and financial aid opportunities, you’ll be able to further offset the cost of your BSN to DNP program.


4. Missouri State University - Springfield


Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)


Program Details: If you are passionate about primary care and want to make a difference in the health of underserved populations, then Missouri State University can help you fulfill your aspirations. The nursing school prepares you with the terminal nursing degree through its BSN to DNP program. Leading to certification as a family nurse practitioner, you’ll complete your training through a blend of on-campus and online classes.

The BSN to DNP program is offered on a full-time basis, taking four years to complete. Graduation requires the completion of 79 credits in MSN core courses, DNP core courses, and courses in the FNP specialty. Some of the topics covered include nursing science, population health, advanced physical assessment & clinical reasoning, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and applications of advanced pathophysiology. Also, you’ll learn about advanced research methods, finance management & entrepreneurship, health policy, and healthcare informatics. Upon completion of this BSN-to-DNP program in Missouri, you’ll be prepared to take the FNP certification exam.

Admission Requirements: The application requirements include an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, your RN licensure must be valid in the state you intend to practice. To complete the application process, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Missouri State University BSN-to-DNP Students

• Missouri State University’s BSN to DNP program is one of the lowest-cost programs in the nation. Additionally, with several financial aid opportunities and scholarships, you can further reduce tuition costs.
• Missouri State University BSN-to-DNP-FNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the national certification exam, having 100% of graduates passing the exam on the first attempt.
• At Missouri State University nursing school, you’ll enjoy the convenience of completing your clinical rotation at MSU Care, which is the university’s on-campus primary care clinic.

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