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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Missouri
Missouri community colleges and career centers run LPN programs statewide — State Fair CC, Metropolitan CC (Kansas City), and St. Louis Community College serve the major metros. Programs run 12 months at tuition ranging $4,000–$8,000. Clinical placements cover both major metro hospital systems and rural Missouri healthcare facilities.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Fair Community College | Sedalia | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Metropolitan Community College | Kansas City | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| Three Rivers College | Poplar Bluff | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Missouri
No Missouri LPN program is fully online — the State Board of Nursing requires clinical training at approved facilities. Some community colleges offer hybrid coursework options, particularly in the Kansas City and St. Louis metros where working-adult demand is highest.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Missouri residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Missouri LPN Program
Missouri programs use competitive admissions with standard prerequisites — TEAS or HESI, background check, health screening, and BLS certification. NLC compact membership makes Missouri licensure particularly valuable given the state's central geography and border access to Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Missouri
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Missouri
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Missouri earn an average of $58,900 per year ($28.32/hour). This places Missouri below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Missouri typically range from $43,800 for entry-level positions to $73,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Missouri
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $62,400 |
| St. Louis | $61,800 |
| Springfield | $56,200 |
| Columbia | $58,400 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Missouri is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,400 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Missouri
The majority of LPNs in Missouri work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Missouri is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Missouri
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Missouri
Missouri LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Missouri LPNs are regulated by the Missouri State Board of Nursing under Chapter 335 RSMo. Missouri is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Missouri LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge at multiple STL campuses |
| Research College of Nursing (Rockhurst) | Hybrid | 18–24 months | LPN-to-BSN bridge in Kansas City |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Missouri Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: pr.mo.gov/nursing
- Phone: (573) 751-0681
- Address: 3605 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →