LPN Training Programs in Missouri (MO)

Training Programs to Become an LPN in Missouri

The field of nursing has experienced rapid growth over the last decade, due in part to the advancement of medical technology and more care options and opportunities being available. In the state of Missouri, the number of LPNs employed in the healthcare industry account for 23% of all nurses employed in the state.

Becoming an LPN in Missouri is a challenge, but the rewards are worth the time and effort it takes to conquer the challenges. It is important to keep in mind becoming an LPN is demanding both emotionally and physically. It takes a person with a caring attitude and the necessary discipline to balance the needs of the patient, their families and the policies and procedures of the healthcare facility while maintaining medical quality and bureaucratic integrity.

Education Requirements for LPNs in Missouri

LPN schools and programs in Missouri must be accredited by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. LPN students who wish to become licensed are required to attend a program at an accredited school, pass the NCLEX-PN exam and earn a CPR card. Most LPN programs in Missouri take 12 to 18 months to complete. The length of the program depends on the courses included in the program. There are certain courses mandated by the State Board of Nursing, and some schools include additional classes that will allow for a more rounded program.

LPN programs include class work and hands on, clinical training. Class work includes classes such as nursing fundamentals, anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology and introduction to pharmacology. Other classes include communications, medical terminology, contemporary health issues and medical administrative procedures. Students will also participate in clinical training at a local healthcare facility.

The License Application

LPN candidates may apply to the Nursing Board to take the state mandated NCLEX-PN examination during the final three months of the program. The application can be downloaded from the Missouri State Board of Nursing website. The application includes screening questions regarding criminal activity and drug use or treatment. Such questions answered with a yes, will need explanatory documentation.

The applicant must also include a 2 inch by 2 inch photograph with the application, and the application package including all documents has to be notarized. The applicant will also have to undergo a fingerprint based criminal history check.

The LPN candidate has 90 days to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The 90 day clock begins the day of graduation and the student may work as a graduate nurse for those 90 days with the understanding the exam must be taken and passed in order to continue working beyond the 90 days. If a graduate nurse does not take the NCLEX-PN exam within those 90 days, the candidate could lose the opportunity to go through the exam process.

The state of Missouri is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact. The Nursing Compact allows nurses to have one multistate license. This gives nurses the ability to practice in their home state as well as other states belonging to the Compact without accruing additional licensing fees. This offers the nursing profession greater nursing mobility of nurses to better accommodate the nursing profession.

The NCLEX-PN application is submitted to the Missouri Licensing Board and reviewed for completeness. The Licensing Board will notify the applicant of the application approval and the applicant schedules an examination date with Pearson VUE, the examination processor. The exam will be taken at the most convenient location for the applicant.
The exam is 5 hours long and includes two optional breaks. The exam is computer based and contains 205 questions. Results are available from the Missouri Board of Nursing within 30 days.

The licensing board will notify each applicant in writing with the results of the exam. Applicants who are employed will have their exam scores sent to the employer.
If an applicant does not pass the exam, they can petition to retake the exam by scheduling a retake and paying the exam fee. The applicant must wait at least 90 days before the exam can be retaken.

LPNs are required to renew their license every two years. All LPN licenses expire on 31 May on even numbered years. Renewal notices are sent to the address on file with the State Nursing Board. License renewals can be completed by mail or in person. In person renewals are not quicker than a renewal by mail. Both methods take approximately to complete, and the renewed license will be returned via postal mail in both cases.

Salaries and the Future of Practical Nursing

LPN salaries in Missouri begin between $21,000 and $25,000 and currently tops out at $53,000. The top salary is based on years of experience, shift worked and the area of healthcare the LPN works. The average LPN salary based on the entire state is $47,000 per year.

The Missouri LPN job outlook is accelerating with opportunities for LPN’s. Nursing is expanding at a quick pace, and the employment outlook is healthy and will remain steady through the year 2020, according to the United States Board of Labor. Nursing will expand an average of 22% over the next 7 years. LPN’s will find employment in hospitals, short and long term care facilities, occupational healthcare facilities, private doctor’s offices, educational and government facilities.

LPN Training Classes in Missouri

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Training Programs to Become an LPN in Missouri

LPN Training Classes in Missouri

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