Online LPN Programs in Missouri: Reviewing Top Schools

An Insight into Online LPN Classes in Missouri

Because of the hands-on nature of being an LPN, the required education cannot be completed solely online. However, many Missouri schools offer partially online coursework with clinical rotations — a cornerstone of practical nursing education — that requires in-person participation at local healthcare facilities. As a student, you may also need to attend labs and simulations on campus.

The first step to becoming a licensed LPN is graduating from a state-approved program that meets Missouri LPN licensing requirements. From there, you’ll take the NCLEX-PN exam and then apply for licensure. A good way to discern between programs is by looking at the program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate and whether they are approved by the Missouri Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To give you a clear picture of what high-quality online LPN programs in Missouri typically offer, here’s a breakdown of the features of a few of the state’s best online LPN programs.

Providing Answers to Popular Questions from LPN Students

Pursuing an LPN program can be overwhelming, so to clarify some issues, we’ve answered popular questions prospective Missouri students like you have about earning their LPN certificate online. Below you’ll find information on skills learned, financial aid availability, program length, and details about the NCLEX-PN exam.

What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Missouri?

In addition to qualifying graduates to take the NCLEX-PN, LPN programs in Missouri provide students with a solid foundation of practical nursing knowledge and skills for success in their practice as working professionals. Specific skills that practical nursing students are taught include:

• The ability to provide safe, evidence-based care to patients within the scope of practical nursing practice. Specific skills include the proper administration of medications and use of medical equipment, prevention of patient injuries, and proper monitoring of patient health.
• The ability to work effectively under the supervision of doctors, registered nurses, and other leadership and management personnel as well as to direct and delegate the work of nurse assistants, orderlies, and other unlicensed staff.
• Effective use of oral and written communication skills when interacting with patients and their families as well as with medical/healthcare team members.
• Demonstrated interest and participation in the continued development of professional knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes and client-centered care.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Michigan?

Financial aid available to Missouri practical nursing students includes loans, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and VA benefits for active military and veterans. State of Michigan resources includes a Missouri Nursing Student Loan Program that allows LPN students to borrow up to $2,500 at a 0% interest rate. To qualify, students must be Missouri residents and enrolled full-time in a Missouri program approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Preference is given to residents of underserved areas and underrepresented minority groups.

There is also the Missouri League for Nursing that provides scholarships to exceptional Missouri students who demonstrate financial need. Because of its dedication to helping nurses and other healthcare professionals deliver a high standard of care, the Missouri League for Nursing allows members to foster their professional growth through a variety of discounted continuing education opportunities.

Find out about additional funding opportunities you may be eligible for by contacting the financial aid offices at individual schools.

What are the differences between an LPN and an RN in Missouri?

One of the main differences between an LPN and an RN is the level of education obtained. While an LPN in Missouri completes a 12-18 month certification program, RNs must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

A registered nurse typically earns a higher salary than a licensed practical nurse, but that’s because RNs often have more responsibility and a greater number of tasks in a patient’s care. Common tasks for RNs include medical assessments, patient education and counseling, physical exams, and diagnostic testing. They are also responsible for supervising LPNs.

How long do LPN programs in Missouri take to finish?

LPN programs in Missouri offering quick entry into the nursing profession with most programs designed to be completed in about one year. Most consist of three consecutive semesters (including one in the summer) of full-time study. There are some accelerated programs that can be completed in six months, but these require full-time study to meet the demands of the concentrated courseload.

LPN programs in Missouri typically include one to five prerequisite courses that must be completed before starting the LPN curriculum. Remember, also, that many LPN programs in Missouri have waiting lists and, in most cases, students cannot be placed on those lists until all prerequisite coursework is completed.

What can I expect from the NCLEX-PN?

First-time LPN license applicants must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Following the online submission of your LPN license application, you’ll register for the NCLEX-PN through the exam’s administrator, Pearson VUE. Registering as soon as possible is advisable to secure your preferred test date and location. Once confirmed that your license application is complete, Pearson VUE issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) that allows you to schedule and take the exam. Be sure to bring the ATT and proper identification with you on test day. After you have taken the exam, Pearson VUE sends test results directly to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.

Steps for LPN Licensure in Missouri

The first step in becoming a licensed practical nurse is completing a training program that gives you the skills needed to work as an LPN. As you consider various online LPN programs in Missouri, you can verify if a particular program meets this requirement by first checking its accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). You can also consult the list of approved practical nursing programs through the Missouri State Board of Nursing to make sure a program is included.

After completing your LPN program, you must prove you possess the necessary skills by passing the NCLEX-PN. This exam covers four main categories of questions — safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. You can retake the test after 45 days by applying for a repeat examination if you don’t pass it the first time.

Because LPNs often work with vulnerable patient populations, Missouri requires LPN candidates to pass a criminal background check as a measure for ensuring patient safety. This is included as part of the licensure application process, so any prior convictions that would present a conflict with nursing practice can result in disqualification.

LPN licenses in Missouri expire on May 31^st of each even-numbered year, and they must be renewed three days prior. There is no grace period. Renewal instructions are emailed approximately three months before expiration, and the regular fee is $77. To keep track of your renewal dates, register with Nursys e-Notify and opt in to receive automated electronic reminders. If your license lapses, you must complete a reinstatement application, pay extra fees, and undergo additional fingerprint and background checks. Missouri does not require LPNs to complete any continuing education credits.

LPN Salary and Career Prospects in Missouri

Aspiring LPNs in Missouri will be pleased to learn that the expected job growth for LPNs in the state is outpacing the average across the United States. While the U.S. as a whole anticipates a 5.3% job growth for LPNs from 2022 to 2032, those in Missouri will experience a slightly better outlook with a 5.7% growth rate. This translates to approximately 1,040 job openings each year. Additional openings often arise as LPNs retire from the workforce or pursue further education to become registered nurses.

Regarding salary, LPNs in Missouri can earn a solid living, with a median annual wage of $56,030. The top 10% of earners will see about $64,410, while those in the 10th percentile will earn around $43,990. It's important to note that those in metropolitan areas are likely to receive higher pay, such as in the St. Louis area, where the median annual wage is $60,730. Check out the tables below to learn more about salary and job outlook for licensed practical nurses in Missouri.