Registered Nurse License in Missouri
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Missouri, you must complete a professional nursing degree from an accredited school and pass the NCLEX-RN. Missouri is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $350, making Missouri one of the more affordable states for nursing licensure.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $350 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurse registration in Missouri
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $55
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $60
- Total Estimated Cost
- $350
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse license in Missouri. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Missouri licensing board.
Registered Nurse Salary in Missouri
Entry Level
$58,510
Median
$79,770
Experienced
$103,140
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse in Missouri.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$55.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse Licensing in Missouri: What to Know
Missouri requires completion of a professional nursing degree from an accredited school. Applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency and pass an examination. CE is required for renewal, and no blanket criminal record prohibitions are noted. Missouri is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The Missouri State Board of Nursing oversees licensing. The Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas drive strong nursing demand, while rural Missouri faces significant shortages. Missouri has some of the lowest initial licensing costs in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Missouri?
- The estimated total cost is $350, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse license in Missouri?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse license in Missouri?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.