Frequently Asked Questions about Our St. Louis Nursing Program
Learn more about the differences between LPN and BSN schools and other FAQs from prospective students here at our Arizona College of Nursing – St. Louis campus.
LPN vs BSN Program: What is the difference?
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. While the time commitment to complete an LPN program is relatively short, LPNs often find their employment opportunities very limited.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a far more comprehensive degree that often takes three to four years to complete. BSN programs cover a more comprehensive range of topics and offer more in-depth training designed to equip graduates with the skills to provide more extensive patient care. A BSN degree also gives graduates the opportunity to work in more specialized nursing roles.
Arizona College of Nursing offers an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in as little as 3 years. This program is designed for individuals committed to the nursing field and looking for a fast and efficient path to a rewarding career. To learn more about the differences between an LPN program and a BSN program, read our blog article for more information.
Other Frequently Asked Questions At Our Missouri Nursing College in St. Louis
The length of nursing school can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program typically takes four years to complete if you start from scratch. However, if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field or have completed some college credit already, you can often use transfer credits to complete an accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in less than four years.
At Arizona College of Nursing, our accelerated BSN program can be completed in as little as 3 years, making it a fast and efficient path to a career in nursing.
Source: https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/
To become a nurse in St. Louis, MO, prospective students must complete a state-approved nursing program. Tuition fees for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) range from $40,000 to over $100,000. Additional Fees in Missouri for the NCLEX-RN Exam are:
- $55 Application
- $200 Examination
In Missouri, the median Registered Nurse salary is $71,460 per year. As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median nursing salary but will likely increase your earnings with experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in MO range from a low of $51,440 per year to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $94,340 per year. Source
Understanding the differences between a LPN Program and a BSN Program in Missouri is important. These factors can impact your nursing career path and your educational roadmap. Our campus leaders and experienced professionals are here to help you every step of your journey. To learn more, read our blog article detailing the differences between an LPN Program and BSN Program.
The Missouri Board requires RNs to have a high school education or GED and a degree or diploma from a state-approved professional nursing program and pass the NCLEX Exam. Source
Our BSN curriculum covers important topics like critical thinking in clinical settings, community health, critical care, gerontology, leadership, surgical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric care.
Before becoming a Registered Nurse, you must meet specific educational requirements and expectations for the State of Missouri. To gain an RN license from the Missouri Board of Nursing, you must hold a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an educational program approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX licensing examination.
While each program contains clinical experience and specialized training, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is far more comprehensive. When considering nursing degrees, Arizona College of Nursing recommends planning for your future goals in your career by pursuing a BSN degree.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate college degree designed to equip students with the training and studies needed for a successful career in nursing. The BSN curriculum includes both general education and advanced nursing studies. To increase your chances of finding a position in your state and city of choice, you should consider earning a bachelor’s in nursing science (BSN).
As of 2020, there were 73,330 RNs employed in Missouri. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Registered Nurse jobs in Missouri will grow by 7% by 2030. RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, creating 203,200 new nursing jobs.
Updated 2022: Data Source Local Job Growth: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=MO
Data Source National Nursing Job Growth: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1
Registered nurses work in many healthcare-related settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2020. The largest employers of registered nurses were as follows:
- Hospitals (61%)
- Ambulatory healthcare services (18%)
- Nursing and residential care facilities (6%)
- Government (5%)
- Educational services; state, local, and private (3%)
Updated 2022. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3