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RN Nursing Programs in Missouri - MO

How to Become an RN in Missouri

There are two common education programs that lead to licensure as a Registered Nurse in Missouri: an ADN or a BSN. An Associate Degree, Nursing, or ADN, is a two year degree, while a BSN is a four year degree. Both degrees require around 10 prerequisite courses in general studies, like intro psychology and physiology before application. Once accepted, students take core courses in nursing care, which are rounded out by sociology, psychology, statistics, physiology, and anatomy classes among others. This goes for an ADN and a Bachelor of Science, Nursing. However, an ADN focuses a bit more on practical training, as there is less time allotted for courses covering in-depth theory and electives. Indeed, BSNs offer advanced training in both nursing practice and theory in the final two years, as well as targeted research-specific courses in areas like pharmacology and public health, and courses in health care management and more. These extra courses prepare students for management and specialized positions in the health care field and more.

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The final test for RN licensure is the NCLEX-RN, regardless of degree. Once graduated from an RN education program, students apply to the Missouri Board of Nursing at a cost of $45 and then pay $200 to examiners Pearson Vue to take the test upon approval of their application. Although it varies by program, more than four out of every five first-time test taker receives a passing grade and receive their license to work as a Registered Nurse in Missouri. Those who don’t pass the test must wait 45 days and then they are eligible to take it again.

RN Jobs in Missouri: Salary, Hours and Duties

Registered Nurses in urban areas of Missouri like St Louis make roughly $65,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) on average, with rural RNs making a bit less to reflect the lower cost of living. They sometimes work irregular hours, such as nights, weekends, and holidays, based on the fact that patients need attention at all hours of the day. Around two-thirds of Missouri RNs work in hospitals, where, in conjunction with doctors and nursing assistants, they create and modify patient care strategies for each individual case. Those who work outside of the hospital in such settings as a physician’s office, retirement home, or other health care institution might not see as many patients as RNs in a hospital, but they still must use critical thinking skills to balance the needs and problems of numerous patients at all times.