Missouri MSN Programs
Central Methodist University: RN to MSN Program Review
Central Methodist University, 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248
Central Methodist University, based in Fayette, Missouri, is a private university founded in the Methodist tradition. The university was established in 1855 as Central College. Today, Central Methodist University awards associates through masters degrees. The university offers a CCNE-accredited Masters in Nursing degree program with a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization.
The Masters of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leadership (MSN CNL) is offered at several campuses including Columbia, St. Anthony, Rolla and via online study. The MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares nurses to design a care plan for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. The MSN CNL oversees a team of nurses implementing patient care plans and serves as a specialist and clinical resource for their team. Students have up to five years to complete the MSN program and must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA to maintain enrollment in the masters in nursing program.
In addition to the online application, admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include current RN licensure and a personal statement of nursing philosophy, which will also serve as a sample of scholarly writing. Financial aid, including loans, is available. Students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as a first step in the financial aid process.
Cox College: RN to MSN Program Review
Cox College
1423 N Jefferson Ave
Springfield, MO 65802
Based in Springfield, Missouri, Cox College offers healthcare-focused degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Master of Science in Nursing program at Cox College offers three specializations:
Nurse Educator
Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Leader
In addition to offering a masters in nursing program for nurses with a bachelors degree, Cox College offers an RN to MSN program for nurses with an associates degree or diploma.
The RN to MSN program prepares nurses to earn a bachelor of science in nursing while also completing their bachelors degree. Less than 10 MSN elective credits can be used towards both BSN and MSN degrees. Classes in the MSN nursing programs are delivered in an online or hybrid format, permitting working nurses to continue to pursue their careers while they work.
Students may apply for the MSN FNP program in the fall. The MSN CNL and MSN NE tracks accept applications in fall, spring and summer. In addition to submitting an application to Cox College, students must submit a FAFSA application for student aid consideration in addition to supporting documentation. Letters of recommendation, a personal essay, video interview and Health Science exam are required as part of the MSN application process. In order to meet application requirements for the masters in nursing program, students must have an RN license and a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes–Jewish College: RN to MSN Program Review
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College
4483 Duncan Ave
St Louis, MO 63110
Goldfarb School of Nursing is a private college based in St. Louis, Missouri. The college offers an intimate learning atmosphere with the total undergraduate and graduate student enrollment at about 800. The school offers bachelors through doctoral level nursing programs. Students in the RN to MSN program at Goldfarb School of Nursing must choose among five nursing tracks. General admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Some concentrations have additional requirements.
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The Acute Care MSN course is designed for RNs with a bachelors degree. The program prepares nurses to care for patients in critical health situations. Upon completion of the program, nurses are eligible to take the credential exam for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. In addition to base requirements for MSN program, applicants should have an Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and at least two years of work experience in ICU.
- Adult Nurse Practitioner. The MSN ANP prepares nurses for the ANP credentialing exam. The ANP program is offered part-time and students are admitted on a rolling basis.
- Nurse Anesthesia. The Nurse Anesthesia MSN is a full-time program, just over two years long. Applicants to the CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) program should have at least one year of experience in critical care and undergraduate coursework in physics, chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Health Assessment and Statistics
- Nurse Educator. The MSN Nurse Educator program is a two-three year program offered part-time that prepares nurses to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam.
- Nurse Executive. The Nurse Executive MSN prepares nurses to take credentialing exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Organization of Nurse Executives. The program is offered part-time and accepts applications year-round.
Graceland University: RN to MSN Program Review
Graceland University
1401 W Truman Rd
Independence, MO 64050
Graceland University is a liberal arts institution founded in 1895. The liberal arts university has campuses in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri. Graceland University offers extensive options for students seeking online degree programs at the bachelors through doctoral levels. Among the graduate online programs offered, the RN to MSN and Master of Science in Nursing programs offer the opportunity for RNs at various stages in their career and education to pursue an advanced degree.
The Master of Science in Nursing programs offers two specializations. Students can choose a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP) track or Nurse Educator track. Admission prerequisites for the program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and current RN license. Though the program is offered online and most clinical practicum opportunities can be completed in the student’s hometown, nursing students are required to complete at least one residency at Graceland University’s Missouri campus.
Registered Nurses with an associate degree or diploma can save up to 11 semesters of study by enrolling in the accelerated RN to MSN program. Unlike other RN to MSN programs, students will earn both a BSN and MSN degree. The school offers an opportunity to end training at the BSN level if desired, otherwise students continue in the MSN program along with traditional Master of Science in Nursing students.
Grantham University: RN to MSN Program Review
Grantham University
7200 NW 86th St
Kansas City, MO 64153
Grantham University was founded in 1951 by Don Grantham. Grantham, a veteran of World War II, was committed to providing opportunities for other veterans seeking to pursue higher education with the GI Bill. The university was originally called Grantham Radio License School.
The online MSN program provides training in four specialized areas:
Nursing Informatics
Case Management
Nursing Education
Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership
In addition, students with an Associate Degree in Nursing or Associate of Science in Nursing can apply to the 21 credit RN to MSN bridge program, an accelerated program. The RN to MSN programs prepares students to earn a BSN and MSN degree. Students with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, a degree usually earned for technical or vocational schools, are not eligible to apply for the bridge training program.
As a prerequisite to moving from the BSN to MSN portion of the RN to MSN bridge, nursing students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.9 may submit an application the MSN program.
Each of the four MSN tracks is 36 credits and delivered online. Entrance requirements for the MSN program include a BSN and current RN license. Aspiring nurses who have earned their qualification outside of the United States may take the NCLEX-RN exam to earn a US-based RN license.
Maryville University of St. Louis: RN to MSN Program Review
Maryville University of St. Louis
650 Maryville University Dr
St Louis, MO 6314
Maryville University of St. Louis is a private liberal arts university based approximately 20 miles outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1872, the university is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the St. Louis area.
Maryville University offers several CCNE-accredited nursing masters program. The nursing masters programs range from 36-45 credits. An RN to MSN program is also available for nurses without a BSN.
Students seeking online education can pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner courses which take 28 and 24 months to complete respectively. In addition to the online MSN programs, campus-based MSN programs with an emphasis in Nursing education or Adult Primary Healthcare are also available.
Admission requirements for the program including a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. To apply to the nurse practitioner programs, applicants should have at least one year of experience as a nurse. Other entrance requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation and a 500 word essay. The RN to MSN bridge program accepts nurses who have completed an associate degree in nursing or diploma program with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Missouri State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Missouri State University
901 S National Ave
Springfield, MO 65897
Springfield-based Missouri State University was founded in 1905 as a normal school, a college focused on teacher training. Today the university boasts a diverse student body representative of all 50 states and over 80 countries.
The university sets minimum entrance requirements for graduate admission to any academic program. In general a student should have a bachelor’s degree, GPA of 2.75 or higher and a GRE score of 290 (875 if the previous version) if the degree is from a university not accredited by an approved accreditation agency.
The university offers both a traditional and accelerated masters program. As a prerequisite to being accepted into the nursing program, students must be accepted by Missouri State University’s graduate college. Additional admission requirements include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and a personal essay. Students who do not meet all requirements may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Students in the MSN program have the opportunity to customize their degree in ways not common to other masters in nursing programs. Students have the option of but are not required to choose an MSN specialization in Nurse Education. They may also choose a thesis or non-thesis track.
The accelerated RN to MSN program allows students to work towards their master’s degree while completing their BSN. Students interested in this option should first enroll in the BSN-C program.
Missouri Southern State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Missouri Southern State University
3950 Newman Rd
Joplin, MO 64801
Originally a community college, Missouri Southern State University was founded in 1937 and is based in Joplin, Missouri. The college was established as Joplin Junior College and was part of the local school system. More recently, the university was known as Missouri Southern State College, and has various nicknames including MoSo, MSSU and Missouri Southern.
Missouri Southern State University is one institution among several in a partnership of Missouri-based universities that offer online graduate degree programs. The Master of Science in nursing program is offered as a partnership between the University of Missouri Kansas City and Missouri Southern State University.
The nursing masters program can be completed on a full or part time basis. Students enrolled in the program will take classes at Missouri Southern State University as well as the partner institution. The RN to MSN program is 42 credit hours. Classes are delivered online and students can complete clinical requirements in their area. The Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner qualification.
For consideration for admission to the MSN program, students should have a Missouri nursing license, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a GPA of 3.2 or higher in their last 60 credits of their BSN program. Other admission requirements include a Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification (BCLS) and prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment.
Research College of Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review
Research College of Nursing
2525 E Meyer Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64132
Research College of nursing is a small private college dedicated to nursing education in Kansas City, Missouri. The college can trace its founding to the 1905 establishment of the German Hospital Training School for Nurses, which is affiliated with the German Hospital.
The college offers six specializations in the MSN program, all of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Family Nurse Practitioner- Students will learn to serve families in a variety of settings including schools, clinics and rural communities. The hybrid online nursing masters program is 45 credits.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner-The 43 credit MSN program is available on a full or part time basis. Students are prepared to take the ANP exam for certification upon completing the track.
Clinical Nurse Leader- Nursing students in the MSN CNL track are prepared for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam and through a 40 credit training program.
Nurse Educator-The Nurse Educator track is 36 credits and delivered primarily online. The course prepares students to work as a staff trainer or in a university setting.
Executive Practice and Healthcare Leadership-This track for aspiring leaders in the healthcare setting is offered completely online. The MSN EPHL program is 35 credits.
RN to MSN-Students complete most of their coursework online and choose from the MSN CNL, Nurse Educator or EPHL tracks. The program is for RNs with an associate degree or diploma seeking an MSN. Unlike most RN to MSN programs, students are admitted at the graduate level.
In addition to the MSN program application, students should submit all previous transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a resume to be considered for the nursing masters program.
Southeast Missouri State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Southeast Missouri State University
1 University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Southeast Missouri State University is a public university based in Cape Girardeau, Massachusetts. The university was founded in 1873, and its nursing programs were established in 1958. Southeast Missouri State University is one of few institutions to offer a campus-based nursing masters program in the area. The CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing program ay Southeast Missouri State University offers two tracks, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator.
To apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should hold a Missouri RN license and life support certification. A BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing is required. Applicants should have earned a minimum GPA of 3.25 in their previous program to apply. Other application requirements include prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment earned with a grade B or higher. For students who don’t meet all requirements, provisional admission is granted in certain cases.
Though the nursing masters program is not offered completely online, students will benefit from taking many of their MSN courses in a hybrid or online format. To apply to the nursing masters program, students must also apply and being accepted to the graduate college at Southeast Missouri State University.
St. Louis University: RN to MSN Program Review
St. Louis University
221 N Grand Blvd
St Louis, MO 63103
St. Louis University lays claim to being one of the oldest universities established west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1818, the university is a private Catholic institution in the Jesuit tradition. St. Louis University offers several CCNE-accredited masters in nursing programs.
The MSN program is offered in two formats, an Accelerated Generalist Masters of Science in Nursing and a traditional MSN program. The former program is designed for people with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing seeking to become a registered nurse. The program is 21 months and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam in addition to an MSN Clinical Nurse Leader specialization.
Admission requirements to the accelerated MSN program include a minimum 3.2 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses in microbiology, inferential statistics and human anatomy and physiology.
The traditional Master of Science in Nursing program offers five Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialization options.
Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP (also offered in Acute Care)
Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
Family NP
The MSN program is offered online. Applicants interested in the RN to MSN program should have a nursing license in the state in which clinical practicum hours will be completed, a BSN and a minimum 3.2 GPA. In addition to the application requirements, students should have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment.
Truman Medical Centers: RN to MA Program Review
Truman Medical Centers
2301 Holmes St
Kansas City, MO 64108
Truman Medical Centers began offering nursing education programs in 1950 and has offered masters in nursing programs since 1978. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is affiliated with Truman Medical Centers which offers a MA in biology program for aspiring Nurse Anesthetists.
The MA in Biology program is based on CRNA curriculum structure as well as biology coursework that is essential for practicing anesthetists. In the beginning stages of the program, students will have the opportunity to take courses with medical, dentistry and other students in healthcare-related programs. The CRNA program requires 36 months of study and includes clinical practicum opportunities, which allow students to get varied experiences.
Admission requirements for the program require students to be a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or related degree from a recognized school. As a prerequisite, students should have completed an Organic Chemistry course. It is also recommended that students have a Biochemistry course. Ideally, applicants to the nurse anesthesia masters program will have at least one year of experience in a critical care setting, preferably ICU. The CRNA program at Truman Medical Centers is a rigorous program that requires all students to earn a “B-” average in each class to earn the MSN qualification. The CRNA masters program at Truman Medical Centers is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia programs.
University of Central Missouri: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Central Missouri
614 S College St
Warrensburg, MO 64093
The University of Central Missouri is based in Warrensburg, Missouri and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The former Central Missouri State University was founded in 1871. The public university serves over 11,000 students on a 1,500 acre campus.
The nursing masters programs at the University of Central Missouri focus on treating individuals and families in the rural setting. Students in the nursing masters program choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator track. Though the program is delivered in an online format, students in the Family Nurse Practitioner track must complete clinical practicum experiences in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area. Students in the Nurse Educator track do not have to meet this requirement. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Students may complete the RN to MSN program through full or part time study.
Admission requirements to the program include a bachelors degree with an emphasis in nursing from a program accredited by either the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Applicants to the masters in nursing program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a current nursing license. In addition, students interested in the MSN FNP track should have at least one year of career experience as a nurse. This requirement may be satisfied by working while completing core courses.
University of Missouri: RN to MS Program Review
University of Missouri
319 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
The University of Missouri is a large public university based in Columbia, Missouri. Mizzou is a popular nickname for the institution. The University of Missouri was founded in 1839. Along with the St. Louis University, the University of Missouri claims to be the first university west of the Mississippi.
The University of Missouri offers a Master of Science degree program with a nursing major. The MS (Master of Science) degree programs at The University of Missouri have been in operation since 1968. The nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The two tracks of the masters of science program, Leadership in nursing and health-care systems and Nurse Educator, are offered online. Applicants should note that students enrolled in the online nursing masters program are required to attend campus orientation as well as clinical practicum experiences.
Students are assessed in the master’s course via a final paper referred to as the Master’s Exam, designed to test their knowledge of their given area of study. Admission requirements to the program include licensure as a Registered Nurse and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher can waive the GRE requirement. Prerequisite courses include a graduate statistics course completed with a “C” or higher.
University of Missouri-Kansas City: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Missouri Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Rd
Kansas City, MO 64110
The University of Missouri Kansas City is part of the University of Missouri system. This branch was established in 1933 as the University of Kansas City. The diverse student body at the University of Missouri Kansas City comes from all 50 states and over 70 countries.
The University of Missouri Kansas City offers an accredited online RN to MSN programs in three concentration areas – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Nurse Educator (NE) and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The MSN programs range from 41-45 credits. Though the nursing masters program is offered online, students in the MSN NNP and NE are required to make campus visits for health assessment and orientation. Students in the PMHNP program need to complete to two residencies at the University of Missouri Kansas City campus.
Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include a BSN from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students should have a 3.2 or higher GPA in the last 60 credits of their program. Though it’s recommended to complete the required prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment before applying to the program, they can be taken after being accepted.
Students in the RN to MSN program should have an active nursing license, and may be required to complete an interview as part of the admission process.
University of Missouri-St Louis: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Missouri St. Louis
1 University Blvd
St Louis, MO 63121
The University of Missouri St. Louis is the newest addition to the University of Missouri system. The campus serves over 16,000 students and was established in 1963. Located in the most populous city in Missouri, The University of Missouri St. Louis is also the largest university in the area.
The masters in nursing programs at the University of Missouri St. Louis are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The university offers two nursing tracks, Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. Nurse Practitioner students further specialize their program by choosing to study Adult, Pediatric, Family or Women’s Health Management. The MSN NP (Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner) course is a minimum of 43 credits. The MSN NE (Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator) course is a minimum of 41 credits.
Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment, and current RN license. It is recommended that students have accumulated at least two years of career experience prior to starting the clinical component of the program.
Students who complete the MSN program are eligible to apply for certification in their given specialization.
Webster University: RN to MSN Program Review
Webster University
815 Olive St #20
St Louis, MO 63101
Webster University is a private university based just a few miles outside of St. Louis in Webster Groves. The college was founded in 1919. The university was founded as a women’s college by the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic organization. The university has several campuses throughout the world, the first opening in Kansas City, Missouri and one of the most recent international locations in Ghana.
In addition to a general Masters of Science in Nursing program, the university offers a Nurse Anesthesia program. Since Nurse Anesthesia requires experience working with intensive care patients during surgery, the course is usually grouped separately from other MSN programs. The CRNA program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Admission requirements to the CRNA program include at least one year of experience in acute care setting, though at least two years is preferred. The CRNA program is offered at the St. Louis campus.
The Master of Science in Nursing is a part-time program for nurses with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. The RN to MSN program is offered at the St. Louis and Kansas City Webster University campuses. The nursing masters course was designed with working professionals in mind. Admission requirements include a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body, with at least a 3.0 GPA.
