Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

Upon receipt of the bachelor of science in nursing degree, students may be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensure as a registered nurse. A license to practice is granted by the Missouri State Board of Nursing to persons who meet the policies and regulations contained within the Nursing Practice Act, chapters 335.011 to 335.096.

In compliance with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, nursing program applicants should be aware that the Missouri State Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for specific reasons related to moral turpitude, intemperate use of alcohol or drugs or conviction of a crime. Any student who anticipates a problem in this area should contact the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

For more information about nursing licensure and related examinations and forms, visit the Missouri Board of Nursing.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licensure (APRN)

Students obtaining an advanced degree as an APRN must complete a certification exam and specific documentation as outlined by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Documentation and completion of the certification exam through an accrediting agency must be submitted before graduates may obtain A DOCUMENT OF RECOGNITION TO PRACTICE from the State of Missouri as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

Certifying Bodies

The American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), 

 (AANP), the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) all provide certification exams specific populations of focus and advanced practice and clinical nurse specialist roles.

For residents living outside of Missouri, please refer to your State Nurse Practice Act for licensure details.