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Missouri Nursing License

Missouri Nursing License

Today the nursing segment continues to face shortages and there is growing need for qualified nurses. They are in high demand in the state of Missouri.

If you want to specialize in nursing and obtain your Missouri nursing license, then you should learn more about the licensing procedure. The requirements below will supply you with essential and relevant information.

How do I get a Missouri nursing license?

There are many ways of becoming a licensed nurse in Missouri. The way you choose will mainly depend on the type of nurse you want to become. Most people choose to become either an LPN or a RN.

Whatever type of nurse you aspire to become, you will still need to meet some requirements and pass some steps.

Step 1: Get nursing education and a nursing degree

Your career as a professional nurse starts with earning the right degree. Graduating from high school, one should choose an approved nursing program to attend and complete.

There are a number of professional nursing programs, which offer Bachelor’s Degree (BSN) or Associate Degree (ADN) in nursing. There are also more than 50 online programs to choose from. These programs take from 2 to 4 years to complete. Sometimes, such programs engage students in internships to gain more experience.

The professional nursing programs include fundamental courses, such as:

  • Human Anatomy
  • Health Assessment
  • Pharmacology (drug classifications, managing medication)
  • Nutrition
  • Chemistry
  • Nursing care/practice

Step 2: Submit application

When you are about to complete the nursing program, you can apply for the nursing license. You may submit the application to the Missouri Board of Nursing. You should pay $45 for application.

If you are looking for contact information, here it is:

Missouri Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Boulevard
PO Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
TEL: 573-751-0681
FAX: 573-751-0075

Step 3: Background check

You must also register for a criminal background check. The background check fee is $44.80.

You should also have your fingerprints taken to present a proof of a non-criminal past. Otherwise, your application might be incomplete or even denied.

Step 4: Passing the NCLEX

The National Council Licensure Examination is designed to test the competency of nursing graduates in the US. It demonstrates one’s ability to practice nursing safely.

You can register for the examination online here.  You should pay $200 to take the exam.

The examination consists of maximum 265 multiple-choice, multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank questions. The questions include these categories:

  • Management of Care
  • Safety and Infection Control
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance
  • Psychosocial Integrity
  • Physiological Integrity
  • Basic Care and Comfort
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Physiological Adaptation

Note that a nursing graduate can work as a graduate nurse within 90 days before taking the exam.

How do I renew my Missouri nursing license?

In the state of Missouri, you must renew your nursing license every two years. You are required to renew the nursing license by April 30 of each odd numbered year. The renewal fee is $60.

It is important to know that Missouri does not require completing continuing education for license renewal.

You can find more information on the official website of the Missouri Board of Nursing.

Is Missouri a compact state for nursing?

Being a compact state for nursing means that you can practice nursing in other member states without having to obtain a new one on condition that you have a license in your NLC member home state.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) has 34 members. The state of Missouri is also a member. When moving to Missouri, you will need to apply by endorsement to use your license in Missouri.

How long does it take to get a Missouri nursing license?

Once your nursing license application has been approved, you will receive it in two weeks.

The whole licensing procedure, however, takes longer. It includes completing a 2-4-year nursing program. Then you will need to take your time and prepare for the exam. Not to mention the fact, that background check and application process might also take some time.

Is English-proficiency exam needed to get my nursing license in the state of Missouri?

You will only need to take an English exam if you have foreign nursing education. The following English tests are internationally recognized. So, you can take any one of them to assess your English knowledge and prove, that you will be able to practice nursing without having linguistic difficulties.

  • TOEFL (passing score is 540, 76 for internet exam)
  • IELTS (passing score is 725)
  • TOEIC (passing score is 6.5)

If you are a US citizen, who has graduated from an English nursing program, then you will not need to take and pass these exams.

Seda S

Seda S

Seda has four years of professional experience as a multilingual content writer. She employs SEO principles and rules to come up with original and SEO-friendly articles. Seda also has editing, proofreading, researching, and translating skills, which help to produce better content. She has written a number of articles for a wide range of websites that look for unique and genuine content. She has written targeted content for consumer portions, and she is specialized in writing guest posts, digital marketing, wellness, beauty, and other articles. Furthermore, she has prepared guides and helping materials for websites, which help people seeking licensure in all areas. Seda has also used brand new writing techniques and style based on the article while contributing to readability, accuracy, and tonality.

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