Nursing License Requirements in Missouri 2026
The Missouri Board of Nursing licenses both LPNs and RNs in the state. Both require graduation from a Board-approved nursing program and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so nurses who declare Missouri as their primary state of residence receive a multistate license valid in other NLC member states.
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Missouri’s Board of Nursing oversees licensure for LPNs and RNs statewide. Both credential types require a Board-approved program and a passing NCLEX score, but the application steps and specific requirements differ. The Board publishes NCLEX pass rates for every approved program, and any school that repeatedly falls below 80% risks losing its full approval status.
Select your license type to jump to the relevant section:
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Missouri
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Missouri
- Registered Nurse (RN) Requirements in Missouri
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Requirements in Missouri
On This Page:
- Missouri and the Nurse Licensure Compact
- LPN Requirements in Missouri
- RN License Requirements in Missouri
- Nursing Salaries and Job Outlook in Missouri
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Missouri and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. When you apply for licensure in Missouri and declare Missouri as your primary state of residence, the Board issues a multistate license that allows you to practice in other compact member states without applying for a separate license in each.
If your primary state of residence is another compact state, such as Iowa or Kansas, apply in that state rather than Missouri. The compact license follows the nurse’s home state, not their work location.
LPN Requirements in Missouri
Education
LPNs must graduate from a Board-approved practical nursing program. The Board maintains a current list at pr.mo.gov and publishes NCLEX-PN pass rates by school. Programs with a sustained rate below 80% risk losing full approval status. For a deeper look at the role, see our guide to becoming an LPN in Missouri.
The LPN Application Process
LPN candidates can begin the application process up to three months before graduation. The application, available on the Board’s website, requires notarization, a passport-style photograph, and responses to screening questions about legal and health history. Any “yes” answers require supporting documentation. Candidates disclosing a history of drug use or treatment may also submit reference letters alongside the required documents.
A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required. Register through Missouri’s MACHS system at machs.mo.gov and complete fingerprinting at a designated site. Fees are paid at registration. Verify current amounts on the Board’s fee schedule at pr.mo.gov before you apply, as these are subject to change.
NCLEX-PN registration is handled separately through Pearson VUE. Exam fees are paid directly to Pearson VUE. A candidate bulletin with full instructions is available through Pearson or through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing at ncsbn.org.
New LPN graduates may practice under a graduate nurse status until receiving the results of the first NCLEX attempt or 90 days after graduation, whichever occurs first. Practicing beyond that window before passing puts your eligibility at risk, per the Board’s guidelines.
LPNs who want IV therapy certification in Missouri must apply for it separately after licensure. The process requires a Board-approved IV course, an eight-hour practicum, and submission of the required form to the Board within 60 days of completing the program.
Out-of-State LPN Applicants
LPNs licensed in other states apply for Missouri licensure by endorsement using a separate application packet. The process requires a background check, an official transcript, a copy of the existing license, and official license verification through Nursys. A temporary permit may be issued while the application is under review, allowing you to begin orientation and start work earlier.
IV certification from another state doesn’t automatically transfer to Missouri, even for nurses previously licensed in a compact state. The Board will review out-of-state IV coursework and determine whether it meets Missouri’s requirements in full or in part.
RN License Requirements in Missouri
Missouri approves RN programs at both the associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree levels. The state also has one approved diploma program. LPNs who want to complete RN requirements can enroll in LPN bridge programs. Contact the Missouri Board of Nursing at 573-751-0681 for current approved program information. A full list of all approved programs is available at pr.mo.gov.
The RN Application Process
RN candidates can begin the application process up to three months before graduation. The application requires notarization, a passport-style photograph, and a signature from a program administrator confirming the photo matches the applicant.
The fingerprint-based background check follows the same MACHS process as the LPN track. Register at machs.mo.gov, enter the code 0001, and complete fingerprinting at a designated site. Fees apply at registration. Check the Board’s current fee schedule before registering.
NCLEX-RN registration through Pearson VUE should be completed at least four weeks before graduation, though it can be initiated as early as three months out. After graduation, your nursing program must send an official transcript to the Board before you’re cleared to test.
RN graduates may practice under a graduate nurse status until receiving the results of the first NCLEX attempt or 90 days after graduation, whichever occurs first.
The Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) is the state’s professional organization for RNs. Membership is voluntary but provides access to continuing education and legislative updates relevant to Missouri nursing practice at missourinurses.org.
Out-of-State RN Applicants
RNs licensed in another U.S. state or jurisdiction apply for Missouri licensure by endorsement. The Board requires a background check and official license verification.
International nurses must have a course-by-course credential evaluation from a Board-approved agency. Required documents include a birth certificate or an acceptable alternative document, a marriage certificate, if applicable, and a U.S. Social Security number. English proficiency can be demonstrated through the TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC exam. Once the Board determines eligibility, it will send instructions for NCLEX registration.
Nursing Salaries and Job Outlook in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Missouri earned a median annual salary of $81,780 as of May 2025. LPNs/LVNs in Missouri earned a median annual salary of $61,530 over the same period.
Missouri’s nursing workforce is projected to grow through 2032. Projections Central estimates 9.9% employment growth for RNs in Missouri between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 5,110 job openings per year. LPN/LVN employment is projected to grow 5.7% over the same period, averaging 1,090 openings per year.
| Occupation | Missouri Median Wage (May 2025) | Job Growth (2022–2032) | Avg Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $81,780 | +9.9% | 5,110 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $61,530 | +5.7% | 1,090 |
Missouri Nursing Scholarship Resources
The state offers forgivable student loans to qualifying LPN and RN students attending Board-approved programs through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Recipients must work at a qualifying Missouri institution after graduation for the loan to be forgiven. Current details are at health.mo.gov.
The Missouri State Association for Licensed Practical Nurses provides scholarship awards for LPN students. Details are available at mosalpn.org. The Missouri Nurses Foundation awards students pursuing BSN education through the Missouri Nurses Association at missourinurses.org.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri accept nursing licenses from other states?
Yes. Both LPNs and RNs licensed in other states can apply for Missouri licensure by endorsement. The process requires a background check, official transcripts, and license verification through Nursys. Missouri is also a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses with a multistate compact license issued by another NLC member can practice in Missouri without applying for a separate Missouri license.
How long can a new nursing graduate practice before passing the NCLEX?
Missouri allows new LPN and RN graduates to work under graduate nurse status until they receive the results of their first NCLEX attempt or 90 days after graduation, whichever occurs first. Practicing beyond that window before passing the NCLEX can put your eligibility at risk, according to the Board’s guidelines.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact, and does it apply to Missouri nurses?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among member states that allows nurses to hold a single multistate license valid in all compact states. Missouri is a member. Nurses who declare Missouri as their primary state of residence receive a multistate license upon application. Nurses who live in another compact state should apply in that state, not Missouri.
Do Missouri LPNs need a separate certification for IV therapy?
Yes. IV certification isn’t automatically included in standard LPN licensure in Missouri. LPNs must complete a Board-approved IV course and an eight-hour practicum, then submit the required form to the Board within 60 days of completing the program. IV certification from another state doesn’t automatically transfer, though the Board will evaluate it on an individual basis.
What education paths lead to RN licensure in Missouri?
Missouri approves RN programs at the associate’s degree (ADN), bachelor’s degree (BSN), and diploma levels. LPNs who want to meet RN requirements can enroll in a bridge program. The Board maintains a current list. All ADN, BSN, and diploma graduates sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri Board of Nursing is the licensing authority — The Board licenses both LPNs and RNs and sets all education, application, and examination requirements.
- NCLEX is required for all new applicants — LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN. RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Both are registered through Pearson VUE.
- Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — Nurses who declare Missouri as their primary state of residence receive a multistate license valid in other NLC member states.
- Graduate nurse status has a hard deadline — New graduates may practice until they receive the results of their first NCLEX attempt or 90 days after graduation, whichever occurs first.
- Out-of-state nurses apply by endorsement — Both LPNs and RNs with valid licenses in other states can apply for Missouri licensure by endorsement through the Board.
Find approved LPN and RN programs in Missouri, compare locations and delivery formats, and access application information for your area.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.