Missouri, MO | LPN Nursing Program Information

How to Become an LPN in Missouri

LPN education programs in Missouri usually require at least five prerequisite courses in introductory topics like physiology, biology, and psychology, sometimes more. Once prerequisites are complete, students must apply to a college of nursing, with competitive acceptance based largely upon grades. It takes about a year to complete an LPN education program, which gives students the practical skills necessary to care for patients and lays the foundation for an understanding of broader processes of patient care. The final licensure exam at the end of the program is the National Counsel Licensing Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), which costs $200 to take through national examiners Pearson Vue after the Missouri Board of Nursing has approved as student’s application at a cost of $45. Pass rates vary by program but they even out to around 85 percent of students who become eligible to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse after they take the exam for the first time. If a student doesn’t pass, they can try again 45 days later for the same fees.

Missouri LPN Salary, Hours and Duties

In Missouri, the average yearly salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in a city like St Louis is about $40,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) before extensive benefits. While most Missouri LPNs find employment in hospitals, jobs are also available in retirement homes, doctor’s offices, and other health care institutions. They spend the bulk of their hours directly caring for patients, observing any changes in their health, giving them their medications, keeping medical equipment in order, and helping feed and bathe patients, as well as providing emotional support. There work week usually lasts a typical 40 hours, but their hours may vary significantly from a typical weekday work schedule. After all, many patients need care around the clock, on weekends, holidays and so forth.