10 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Missouri – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
NPs in Missouri practice under the auspices of strict collaboration agreements with physicians: In defined Health Shortage Areas, that physician must be located within 50 miles of the NP while everywhere else in the state, that physician must be located within 30 miles of the NP. Furthermore, before signing the collaboration agreement, the nurse practitioner must work on-site with the collaborative physician for at least 30 days. By 2030, CareerOneStop predicts the demand for graduates of accredited nurse practitioner schools in Missouri will increase by nearly 47 percent. Salary projections for NPs in The Show Me State top $113,180 a year. If you’re interested in finding out about the best nurse practitioner programs in Missouri for 2024, the information below has been designed for you.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 10 Best NP programs in Missouri for the year 2024.)1) University of Missouri-Kansas City - Kansas City
University of Missouri Kansas City contributes to the state’s nursing workforce through innovative teaching and a curriculum defined by an expert faculty who hold leadership positions on prominent nursing boards and organizations. Counted among the best nurse practitioner programs in Missouri, the college has consistently been highly ranked by the U.S. News & World Report for its high-quality online graduate programs. Its collaboration with various community and academic partners opens doors to various learning opportunities, be it varied clinical experiences, research, or educational programs. The college offers three paths to become an NP - an MSN, DNP, and a post master’s certificate.
MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
If you are a working nurse searching for online nurse practitioner programs in Missouri, then maybe this MSN program, designed for working nurses can be your best bet. By taking synchronous and asynchronous classes you can easily pursue NP education without keeping your current job on hold. With six specialization options, you can choose a field of interest that aligns with your goals. Regardless of the track, the coursework entails a clinical residency which you must attend to master clinical skills. To graduate, you must complete credits ranging from 44 to 46.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
This BSN to DNP pathway is open to BSN graduates holding an active RN license. Available with specialization options in pediatrics, women’s health, family health, and adult/gerontology primary care, you can choose to get certified in your field of interest. The coursework can be completed either with part-time or full-time enrollment and comprises a total of 74 credits.
POST-MSN to DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Whether you are an APRN or a non-APRN who is prepared at the master’s level, with this MSN to DNP pathway, you can earn the terminal nursing degree your way. So, if you are already certified in another NP specialty and are keen on adding a second specialization to your practice you can do so by enrolling in one of the six NP tracks. Alternatively, you can retain your current NP certification while pursuing the DNP coursework. Also, non-APRNs can add an NP specialization by completing both, the DNP core and specialty-specific courses. Graduation requirements will depend on at point you enter and your previously completed coursework.
*Leading the way for nursing education in Missouri, UMKC happens to be the first NP school to offer a DNP degree to students already certified as APRNs.
Post-MSN Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
These online Post-MSN certificate nurse practitioner programs in Missouri are open to MSN or DNP graduates keen on gaining specialized skills within their population focus. Upon enrollment a customized plan of study is prepared based on your transcripts.
2) University of Missouri-Columbia - Columbia
If you are keen on climbing the career ladder, what better than completing your NP education from the University of Missouri that usually has almost all of its graduates immediately find placements at the time of graduation. Known among the top nurse practitioner schools in Missouri, here the focus remains on excellence in research and teaching. The school’s affordable nurse practitioner programs in Missouri offer the same tuition rate for out-of-state and in-state students so, you can earn a higher degree in nursing without having to break the bank.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
You can become a nurse practitioner in Missouri by enrolling in any one of the four specialty tracks offered by the college. Depending on your chosen area of emphasis, graduation requires you to complete 43 to 47 credits in core MSN, advanced practice, and NP specialty courses. The coursework is primarily delivered online with flexible scheduling options, allowing you to easily fit in this academic timetable into your busy life. Upon completing this program, you can explore employment options in primary and acute care settings, in addition to schools and healthcare organizations.
DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care
As a caregiver do you aspire to transform healthcare? Well then, a DNP degree is what you need to remove health disparities and improve health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. You can enter this DNP through three pathways, one after a BSN, the other post an MSN, and the third pathway is specifically designed for APRNs prepared at the master’s level. Depending on the path you enroll, you land up with a doctorate within a period of two to six years, with the BSN to DNP being the longest and the path for APRNs taking the shortest time. As such, BSN to DNP students require completing 72 credits, whereas post MSN credit requirements can be anywhere close to 38, with the exact number depending on the number of credits you are allowed to transfer.
Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
If you are keen on expanding your nursing practice then this certificate will be a befitting choice as just in one year of study you can complete the 18.5 credit coursework and gain the eligibility to take the certification exam for either the FNP or PMHNP credential. Moreover, with a 100% online coursework and no campus requirements whatsoever, you can easily gain skills in health promotion and disease prevention without having to ever attend school.
3) University of Missouri-St. Louis - St. Louis
University of Missouri St Louis has played a pivotal role in the state’s healthcare system by producing evidence-based nurse leaders who are prepared to lead in a complex healthcare environment. Over the years of its existence, this Missouri nurse practitioner school has built solid partnerships with some of the region's prominent health care providers. As an NP student here, you will be offered several opportunities to hone professional skills in various acute care, primary care, and community care settings. If you are ready to take the leap onto the next big step into your nursing career, the school prepares you with a doctorate and postgraduate certificate program which are offered with a wide range of specialization options.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: 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- Primary Care, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care
This practice-focused DNP program is offered as a BSN to DNP pathway and comes with six specialization options. The post BSN track that spans across three to four years requires completing 70 credits and 1000 clinical hours. Regardless of the specialty you choose, you will graduate with skills in health policy, organizational leadership & management, and clinical expertise, in addition to the specialized knowledge required to provide advanced nursing care within your population focus.
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care
By just completing 12 to 18 credits and 300 to 600 clinical hours you can gain the eligibility to take the certification exam in your chosen area of emphasis. On an average, most students complete this program within one or two years of part-time study. To qualify for this program, you must have either an MSN or DNP with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
4) Maryville University-Saint Louis - St. Louis
Out of all the online nurse practitioner programs in Missouri, Maryville University stands out for its 100% online education that comes with cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly online learning platform. For this reason, the college has earned the distinction of being recognized by Apple as a nursing school that consistently uses superior technology to enhance the overall online educational experience. With an emphasis on producing leaders of tomorrow, this NP school simplifies your journey, be it with the paperwork required for admission or flexibility in scheduling, availing financial aid, or having credits to transfer, you receive solid support at every step.
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
If you are keen on advancing your nursing career, completing this MSN in conjunction with any one of the five specializations can be a good option. Not only will you gain skills that are much in demand, but you can also greatly broaden career avenues and expect to earn much higher salaries. To graduate, depending on the track you enroll, you require completing around 43 credits and 580-745 hours of clinical practice which can be taken within your community.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
What if you can complete a doctorate straight after a BSN, that too without having to visit the campus? If this is what you have been looking for, then with this BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner program in Missouri you can achieve the highest level of clinical expertise by taking a 100% online coursework. Offered with five specialty options, the curriculum is designed to equip you with advanced skills in health promotion, pathophysiology, biostatistics, research, and nursing leadership, in addition to coursework specific to your area of emphasis. The program starts thrice a year in spring, summer, and fall. To graduate, you require completing credits ranging from 68 to 77 credits.
Post-Master's Certificate Concentrations: 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
These post-master’s certificate nurse practitioner programs in Missouri have been designed to educate you in advanced nursing skills to provide holistic care within your chosen population foci. Graduation requirements are customized and planned after a gap analysis. Upon completion of this program, you can take the certification exam and become a nurse practitioner in Missouri.
5) Saint Louis University - Saint Louis
Unlike Saint Louis University, not many nurse practitioner schools in Missouri offer innovative training where you can optimize your nursing education by adding optional courses. Here, in addition to your NP coursework, you can choose to take additional courses that focus on the theoretical and practical skills required to become a nurse educator. Also, you can add on a certificate from the National League for Nursing Nurse Educator by taking an additional three-credit course. This additional training can come handy, should you plan to teach NP students in the future.
MSN Concentrations: Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These MSN nurse practitioner programs in Missouri are offered in the online format with only two campus visits required. Also, with part-time and full-time schedule options, working nurses will find it rather feasible to fit in this new academic schedule into their lives. Depending on your interest, you can specialize in either adult/gerontology acute care, family health, pediatric primary care, or psychiatric mental health care. A BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.25 along with an active RN license makes you an ideal candidate for this program. Depending on the track you take, credit requirements range between 36 to 42 credits.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Meant for RNs with a BSN degree, this BSN to DNP is a practice-focused doctorate that prepares you to become a clinical leader and an agent of change. The program is offered with four specialization options and requires completion of 67 to 72 credits, depending on the track you enroll.
Post-Master's Certificate Concentrations: Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This post-master’s certificate is open to MSN graduates who are already certified as advanced practice nurses. With this certificate, you can expand on your nursing practice by completing a minimum of 15 credits, after which you will be eligible to take the certification exam in your chosen specialty.
6) Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau
If you are currently shortlisting Missouri nurse practitioner programs that offer result-oriented NP education, then Southeast Missouri State University’s FNP program must be high on your list as the college’s FNP graduates have consistently performed exceedingly well on the FNP certification exam. As an FNP graduate, you will be prepared with the knowledge and skills to offer evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan, especially the underserved and rural areas of the state. Conscious about the quality of its NP students, the college admits students on a highly selective basis, enrolling only 12 into the FNP track each fall.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
This MSN program is offered in a hybrid format, with some campus visits, precisely not more than once per week. The 43-credit curriculum comprises core MSN, APRN core, and FNP-specific courses. You learn about informatics, quality & safety, diagnostics & reasoning for primary care, and evidence-based practice. The coursework also entails taking courses in advanced pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and health policy & advocacy in advanced nursing roles. Besides, the FNP-specific courses prepare you for the primary care of individuals and patients, ranging from infants to the elderly. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the FNP certification exam and work in any type of primary care settings.
7) Missouri State University - Springfield
MSU’s well-known nurse practitioner programs in Missouri have produced advanced practice nurses who are committed to improving the health outcomes of rural and vulnerable populations. If you find your calling in serving the underserved patients, then you can consider enrolling in either the MSN or BSN to DNP path, depending on your career goals. Here, not only will you practice clinical skills at its state-of-art simulation lab, but you also gain real-world experience by providing community service to the uninsured and low-income groups at the college’s on-campus Care Clinic.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
By advancing your nursing career with this nurse practitioner program in Missouri, you will be able to provide advanced primary care to patients of all age groups. To qualify for this program, you must have completed your BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and hold an active RN license in Missouri. To graduate, you must complete around 56 credits which constitute 22 credits in core MSN courses and the remaining in NP-specific courses.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
Do you aspire to take your nursing career to the highest possible level? Well, with this BSN to DNP program you can achieve the terminal degree, seamlessly by completing a total of 79 credits in graduate core and FNP-specific courses. While most students who opt for full-time study complete the program in nine semesters, part-timers can pace it to suit their individual scheduling needs. As part of your training here, you will complete a quality improvement project where you assess and evaluate data to improve health outcomes.
8) Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College - St. Louis
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College is one of the reputed nurse practitioner schools in Missouri that offers students a supportive learning environment where they flourish both, professionally and personally. Not only that, even outside the campus, the school’s many renowned clinical partners provide NP students with pre-arranged diverse learning opportunities in a variety of primary care and acute care settings. Also, you can acquire additional skills in invasive procedures by taking up an optional course that allows you to perform invasive procedures in a simulated environment. The college’s well-rounded training leads to almost all of its NP graduates being successfully placed within six months of graduation.
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
As an advanced practice nurse who cares for adult and old age patients, you will enjoy a promising job growth as the nation increasingly needs care for its baby boomers. With this MSN-Nurse Practitioner program in Missouri, you can choose to specialize in either the primary or acute care of adults and the geriatric population. You can enter this program either after a BSN which takes you 27 months to graduate or complete it in 12 months if you enter as an MSN graduate. Regardless of whether you specialize in acute or primary care, the credits required to graduate are around 45, including the 560 hours of clinical practice.
Post-Master's Certificates Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
If you keen on expanding or changing your role as an NP, then you can consider enrolling in either the adult-gerontology acute care or primary care track. MSN graduates can enter this program and complete credit requirements based on a gap analysis.
9) Cox College - Springfield
Would like to complete your NP education from a nursing school that has had a longstanding history of producing competent evidence-based nurses? If so, you must consider Cox College, a nursing school established in the early 1900s and today, playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap of quality primary care in Missouri. Here, you will be taught by expert faculty who bring in their real-world experiences to the classroom. As an NP graduate, you will effectively be able to offer patient-centric care to a culturally diverse patient population. Cox currently offers two MSN-Nurse Practitioner programs in Missouri.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Typically designed for working nurses, this MSN can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, with part-time being strongly recommended. Depending on where you find your calling, you can choose from any one of the two areas of emphasis - family health or psychiatric mental health. To be eligible for admission, you must be a BSN graduate holding an active RN license. To graduate, you require completing around 42 credits in MSN core and specialty-specific courses. Also, if you have already completed your masters and wish to gain specialized skills, you can opt for the post-master’s certificate which requires completing 15 to 22 credits. Regardless of the path or specialization you enroll, upon completing the coursework you qualify for the certification exam within your chosen population foci.
10) Graceland University - Independence
If you are shortlisting nurse practitioner programs in Missouri that have garnered praise for their distance learning format, then you may want to learn about the NP programs offered by Graceland University. Ranked by the U.S. News & World Report for its online nursing programs, the college’s NP education is guided by Christian beliefs of service and social equity. Depending on your educational background and career goals, you can enroll in either the MSN or post-graduate certificate offered with three specialization options.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
You can enroll in this program after completing a BSN degree from an accredited program. Additionally, you must carry an unencumbered RN license in the U.S. With three areas of interest in family health, adult-gerontology acute care, and psychiatric mental health, you can choose a track that aligns with your goals. As such, you must complete around 47 credits, with the exact number depending on your chosen track. Also, included in the coursework are 600 hours of clinical practice which can be completed in your community.
MSN Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
With this certificate, you can build up on your masters and gain specialized skills to certify as an NP within your area of emphasis. To qualify for this program, you must have completed an MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Depending on the track you choose, graduation credits range from 25 to 39.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Total Number of Accredited NP Programs in Missouri?
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports that currently there are Thirty accredited nurse practitioner programs in Missouri.| Program Type | # |
| BSN to MSN | 12 |
| BSN to DNP | 6 |
| MSN to DNP | 3 |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 9 |
| Total | 30 |
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