Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in MO

Missouri’s Online RN to BSN Programs Uncovered

Chances are, you’re a working registered nurse, and you’re likely looking for a broader selection of leadership roles or an increase in your base salary. Most online RN to BSN bridge programs are built with these enhanced opportunities and a working nurse’s schedule in mind, which typically means that these courses will offer asynchronous coursework that can be completed at your convenience.

Given the wide range of options available to you — from fast track programs that can be completed in as little as a year to programs that require little to no prerequisites — you’re likely overwhelmed by the research alone. Below are a few standout options, many of which that can be customized so that they will not interfere with your work schedule.

Student Help Center: Common RN to BSN Questions Answered

Going back to school is a big investment, so it’s normal to have questions before you move forward with your application. Below, we’ve answered prospective students’ most frequently asked questions about the basics of an online RN to BSN program in Missouri. Keep reading to learn what to expect.

What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Missouri?

One of the most important things to look for in an online RN to BSN program in Missouri is programmatic accreditation from one of the following independent organizations: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); or the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). This accreditation guarantees the quality of a program and ensures that you will be eligible for federal financial aid and certain job opportunities. Beyond that, look for an affordable program that offers the flexibility you need to accommodate your busy schedule and learning style.

Is there financial aid available to Missouri RN to BSN students?

Yes, many RN to BSN programs offer financial aid. To see what federal and state loans and grants you qualify to receive, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also research and apply to private and school-specific scholarships for RN to BSN students and/or undergraduate students. For example, Southeast Missouri State University offers several scholarships for nursing students and provides resources to find more. The University of Central Missouri offers the Mule Grant for associate degree students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree. And don’t forget to seek out more general (yet also state-specific) resources; the Missouri League for Nursing, for example, offers a number of funding opportunities.

What are the benefits of securing a degree from an RN to BSN program in Missouri?

RN to BSN programs are often referred to as bridge programs because they’re a link between the skills and knowledge you gained to begin working as a nurse and those you need to take your career to the next level. These programs can introduce you to the latest research and best practices in nursing, which can help you provide better care and ultimately become more competitive professionally. Holding a BSN qualifies you for more advanced positions, leadership roles, and employment at more elite institutions.

Further, there’s even a mortality benefit of earning a BSN. An increase in BSN-prepared nurses was associated with 24% greater odds of survival among patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest. Hospitals staffed with 80% BSN-prepared nurses compared to hospitals staffed with only 30% BSN-prepared nurses had 24.6% lower odds of inpatient mortality.

How long is an RN to BSN program in Missouri?

In general, an online RN to BSN program in Missouri takes one to two years to complete. The exact length depends on factors like the prerequisite courses you’ve completed and whether you enroll full or part time. The program at the University of Missouri can be completed in as few as 14 months if you are a full-time student, whereas at Southeast Missouri State University, you can expect to graduate in one to two years depending on the number of courses you take each semester. If you decide to enroll in a graduate school track, the program may take longer.

How much do RN to BSN programs in Missouri cost?

The exact cost of an online RN to BSN program in Missouri will vary by school, but you can expect that they all offer funding options to help offset the cost. On average, you can expect to pay between $250 and $400 per credit, although some schools charge significantly more. The University of Missouri-Kansas City charges all online students a flat in-state tuition fee regardless of their residence, however tuition is steep at $707 per credit hour. Most programs require students to complete roughly 30 credit hours in total. As a student in Missouri, you’ll also want to look for ways to offset your RN to BSN program costs.

RN vs. BSN Salary and Career Path in Missouri

There are many salary and career benefits to heading back to school and enrolling in an RN to BSN program. The American Association of Colleges of Nurses offers evidence that your advanced education will enhance your practice, and employers will know that you’ve dedicated time to learning leading-edge techniques and research that can help you better care for your patients. You’ll also set yourself up for new leadership opportunities and a higher earning potential.

Further, you’ll graduate with more clinical experience than your ADN-prepared peers. The clinical hours you complete will help you learn how to work with and lead other healthcare personnel, gaining confidence in your abilities as a nurse, and further developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in Missouri is $77,590. While you can become an RN with an associate degree, a growing number of healthcare facilities prefer to hire — and are willing to pay for — candidates that hold a BSN. A BSN also makes you eligible for advanced nursing positions and prepares you to earn your master’s degree, both of which can lead to even higher salaries.

The American Nursing Association notes that, depending on where you live, you could earn upwards of $90K as a BSN nurse. In fact, ZipRecruiter statistics show an average salary of $95,923 for BSN-educated nurses in Missouri.

Ranking Missouri’s Online RN to BSN Training Options

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top online RN to BSN programs in Missouri. This ranking uses criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). EduMed data scientists then assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, including:

• Number of online programs in the subject area
• Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
• Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
• Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in six years
• Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
• Student/faculty ratio

The results are tallied in the ranking below, so continue on to learn which schools made their way onto our list.