St. Louis Nursing School

The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). Official accreditation notification to CCNE for St. Louis is submitted prior to first Semester 5 class start. All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.

Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school in Missouri is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurse (RNs) and physicians.

To learn more read our blog article detailing the differences between an LPN Program and BSN Program.

Registered Nurses in the St. Louis area of Missouri have a RN salary of $82,560 per year.

As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience. To view our St. Louis nursing market outlook page, and to learn more about nursing jobs near you, click here.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Missouri have a nursing salary that ranges from a low rate of $58,510 per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $103,140 per year.

Updated 05/2025. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=63146

A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures. RNs also oversee and coordinate care provided by nursing assistants and other healthcare staff.

Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. Our BSN program in St. louis is designed to provide the comprehensive education and clinical experience to help advance your career.

You can read more about our nursing college admissions requirements here. For detailed information about the nursing prerequisites for our BSN program in St. Louis, please contact our admissions office. They can provide you with the specific details and answer any questions you may have about our application process.

Arizona College of Nursing in St. Louis has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. Our student support resources include a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, NCLEX-RN exam prep class, and more.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about how we support you throughout your nursing education. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming an RN.

Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – St. Louis is not a 100% online nursing program in Missouri. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in person.

Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN St. Louis and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.

After completing your BSN degree and fulfilling Missouri’s licensing requirements, many nursing career paths may become available to you in the St. Louis area.

The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. These roles span hospitals, community settings, specialized units, and leadership positions.

Hospital-Based Roles in Missouri

Registered Nurse (RN) – The foundation of nursing practice, working in various healthcare settings.

Emergency Room Nurse – Providing urgent care in fast-paced emergency department settings.

ICU Nurse / Critical Care Nurse – Caring for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring.

Labor and Delivery Nurse – Supporting mothers and newborns through the childbirth process.

OR Nurse / Perioperative Nurse – Assisting in surgical procedures and providing pre/post-operative care.

Specialized Care Roles in Missouri

Pediatric Nurse – Focusing on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents.

Hospice Nurse/Palliative Care Nurse – Providing compassionate end-of-life and comfort care.

Home Health Nurse – Delivering care to patients in their homes, often following hospital discharge.

Forensic Nurse – Working at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.

Nurse Manager & Administration Roles in Missouri

Charge Nurse – Overseeing nursing operations for a unit during a specific shift.

Nurse Manager – Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities. Learn more about becoming a Nurse Manager.

Utilization Review Nurse – Evaluating the necessity and efficiency of healthcare services.

Community & Public Health Roles in Missouri

Public Health Nurse – Addressing community health needs through education and preventative care.

School Nurse – Providing healthcare services in educational settings.

Occupational Health Nurse – Focusing on workplace health and safety.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%). Data last updated April 18, 2025. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3

Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. Additional steps including passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining state licensure are required before pursuing these career opportunities.

The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse licensure after you complete a BSN or ADN nursing program, while the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurse licensure after completing an LPN or LVN program. Both exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and are required for nursing licensure in the United States. For RNs in St. Louis, licensure allows for greater autonomy, higher-level clinical responsibilities, and more opportunities for career advancement compared to LPN licensure. Licensed practical nurses typically work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.

The NCLEX exam is the licensing examination that you must pass to become a registered nurse and practice legally. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve met the minimum competency standards required for entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX exam is a standardized test used across all states to ensure consistent nursing practice standards. Successfully completing it allows you to apply for your nursing license and begin your professional nursing career in Missouri.