RN Programs in St. Joseph, Missouri
Get your RN degree in St. Joseph, Missouri - online & campus-based options available.
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Becoming a Registered Nurse in St. Joseph, Missouri
Are you considering a fulfilling career in healthcare? Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in St. Joseph, Missouri, could be the perfect path for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting your journey to becoming an RN, from prerequisites and program curricula to local training programs and employment opportunities.
Why Become an RN in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph, Missouri, known for its rich history and vibrant community, is a fantastic place to start your nursing career. Nestled along the Missouri River, St. Joseph offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. You can learn more about the city on its official website.
The average salary for an RN in Missouri is around $67,790 per year, and the demand for RNs is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Prerequisites for RN Programs
To enroll in an RN program in St. Joseph, Missouri, you’ll typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A minimum age of 18
- Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry)
- A satisfactory score on entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
- A background check and immunizations
Typical Program Curriculum
RN programs are designed to provide a comprehensive education in nursing. You can expect to take courses such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
Additionally, these programs include clinical training in various healthcare settings to give you hands-on experience.
RN Training Programs in St. Joseph, Missouri
Here are three local schools in St. Joseph that offer RN programs:
- Missouri Western State University
- Address: 4525 Downs Dr, St Joseph, MO 64507
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Description: Missouri Western State University offers a comprehensive BSN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice.
- Website: Missouri Western State University BSN Program
- Hillyard Technical Center
- Address: 3434 Faraon St, St Joseph, MO 64506
- Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Description: Hillyard Technical Center provides an ADN program that equips students with the skills needed for entry-level nursing positions. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience.
- Website: Hillyard Technical Center ADN Program
- North Central Missouri College (NCMC)
- Address: 1301 Main St, Trenton, MO 64683 (approximately 60 miles from St. Joseph)
- Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Description: NCMC offers an ADN program that includes coursework in nursing theory and practical clinical training. The program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing roles.
- Website: NCMC ADN Program
RN Employment Opportunities in St. Joseph
St. Joseph is home to several major healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment:
- Mosaic Life Care
- Address: 5325 Faraon St, St Joseph, MO 64506
- Description: Mosaic Life Care is a comprehensive healthcare system offering a wide range of services. It is a significant employer of RNs in the region.
- Website: Mosaic Life Care Careers
- St. Joseph VA Clinic
- Address: 3302 S Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64503
- Description: The St. Joseph VA Clinic provides healthcare services to veterans and employs RNs in various capacities.
- Website: St. Joseph VA Clinic Careers
- St. Joseph Medical Center
- Address: 1000 Carondelet Dr, Kansas City, MO 64114 (approximately 55 miles from St. Joseph)
- Description: While not located directly in St. Joseph, this facility is a significant employer for RNs in the broader region.
- Website: St. Joseph Medical Center Careers
RN Certification Requirements
To become a licensed RN in Missouri, you must:
- Graduate from an accredited nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Apply for licensure through the Missouri State Board of Nursing
- Complete any additional state-specific requirements, such as continuing education
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of RN programs in St. Joseph, Missouri, can vary. On average, tuition for ADN programs ranges from $6,000 to $10,000, while BSN programs can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. Financial aid options include:
- Federal and state grants
- Scholarships
- Student loans
- Work-study programs
Many schools also offer specific scholarships for nursing students.
Licensure Reciprocity
Missouri is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs licensed in other NLC states to practice in Missouri without obtaining additional licensure. For more information on licensure reciprocity, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Registered Nurse in St. Joseph, Missouri, is an exciting and rewarding journey. With a variety of RN programs and employment opportunities available, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a local school today to learn more about their nursing programs and start your path toward becoming an RN.
Good luck, and I look forward to seeing you thrive in your nursing career!
Registered Nurse Degree Info
Which schools offer St. Joseph RN Programs?
RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.
How do I become an licensed RN?
Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.
Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?
No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).
Are There Free Nursing Schools in St. Joseph?
The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Missouri. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Missouri. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.
Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Missouri.
RN Job Description
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.