In Missouri, the nursing profession is regulated by the Board of Nursing, a branch of the Division of Professional Registration. Missouri is fairly typical in terms of its Registered Nurse licensing requirements – like most states, you must take and pass the NCLEX after completing an approved program of study, unless you already hold a license from another state. Missouri does have several unique aspects to its nurse licensing laws, though, including a statewide nurse registry and specified tax requirements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary to getting and keeping your Missouri registered nursing license.

Obtaining a License

The steps, briefly:

• Successfully complete a program of study at a Board-approved nursing school. You have a few options here – Missouri allows registered nurses to hold either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree, or alternately, a diploma from an in-state, specified nursing school. A good guide to in-state programs can be found here.
• Submit an application to the Board of Nursing no later than three months prior to graduation from your program. The application requirements are a bit more detailed than other states – along with the packet, applicants must also submit to a criminal background check, provide a 2 by 2 inch photograph, and pay a 45 dollar fee. You can find the application and relevant links here. As soon as you graduate, don’t forget to have your school forward your academic transcript to the Board!
• Register for the NCLEX exam. This can be done anytime between 3 months and 4 weeks prior to your graduation date.
• Take and pass the NCLEX. This is the “big one” so to speak – the test required in all 50 states to become a Registered Nurse (there is also a version for licensed practical nurses).
• Once you pass, and your application is reviewed, you’re in! Expect to hear about exam passage no later than two weeks after taking it.

If you already hold a license in another state, and wish to practice in Missouri, there are two options. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, along with 23 others. In essence, if you originally received a license from another compact state, Missouri will grant you a multistate practitioner license after you submit the proper application and make Missouri your primary residence. While the application is the same for those from non-compact states, the license will be different, and will only allow you to practice in Missouri. The application and supporting information can be found here.

Maintaining a License

Missouri has no continuing education requirements for its nurses. However, licenses do expire automatically if not renewed on April 30 of every odd-numbered year. The renewal process is simple, and the renewal application, with other details, can be found here. Make sure your paid up on state taxes! As per MO Tax Compliance Law 324.010, any Missouri resident and nurse who has not paid proper income taxes for the preceding three years is subject to discipline, which can include having your license suspended or revoked entirely. Missouri also has a program called the Healthcare Workforce Registry and Exchange, which tracks nursing records and employment. Interestingly, this program is entirely voluntary, and used solely for the state to obtain information on its professional healthcare workers.

Discipline in the profession is also handled by the Board of Nursing. Specific disciplinary laws can be found here. The Board has four ways of dispensing discipline: censure, probation, suspension, or revocation. As in most states, Board action is typically triggered by a complaint from either a member of the public or a nurse’s employer.

Paying for your Nursing Education

Missouri has a very successful program providing guaranteed loans and loan forgiveness to nursing students who agree to work in underserved Missouri communities. To be eligible, you must be resident of Missouri – you can learn more about the program here.