The Top Nursing Programs in Missouri for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Missouri prepare you for specialty roles in which you provide care to the state’s most vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with mental health conditions.

Explore this guide on what to look for in a nursing school, the top nursing programs in Missouri for NPs, and how to get started in this advanced and rewarding nursing career.

Nurse practitioner programs in Missouri prepare students for careers as primary health care providers (similar to the role of a physician). Before enrolling in NP school, applicants must choose a specialty (i.e., family practice, pediatric care, women’s health, geriatric health, acute care, or mental health).

The road to becoming an NP in Missouri can take up to 6-8 years and includes:

While program length may be longer or shorter depending on degree program and specialty, NP programs take about 2-4 years to complete.

Choosing an accredited nursing program in Missouri is important because it increases the likelihood graduates will be adequately prepared for an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role. Nursing school accreditation proves a nursing program meets specific educational standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Accredited NP schools in Missouri undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of meeting specialty role competencies and passing the NP state board exam. Accreditation also makes candidates eligible for financial aid and gives them the ability to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.

All Missouri NP programs in our rankings are accredited.