One of the most highly recognized professions in health care, registered nurses (RNs)
care for the sick and injured and help people stay well. They are typically concerned
with the "whole person," providing for the physical, mental and emotional needs of
their patients. They observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress;
assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications and assist
in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage nursing care plans;
instruct patients and their families in proper care and help individuals and groups
take steps to improve or maintain their health. They work in hospitals, doctors' offices
and nursing homes and some do research work or instruct nursing students. (Missouri
Occupational Information Coordinating Committee)
No. You must apply to take (and pass) the National Council Licensure Examination for
Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and be issued a nursing license before you can sign "RN"
behind your name. Completing the program makes you eligible to apply the Board of
Nursing to take the test. There is a testing fee, a state license registration fee
and the fee for the required criminal background checks. The amount for each is posted
on the State Board of Nursing website. Successful completion of the nursing program
does not guarantee licensure. Applicants may be denied licensure in Missouri for one
or any combination of causes stated in the Missouri Nursing Practice Act Sect. 335.066,
2 (1-15) RSMo. A copy of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act Sect. 335-066, 2, (1-15)
RSMo is available upon request to the Missouri State University-West Plains nursing
department or may be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing website.
Students enrolled in the nursing program will obtain a two-year Associate of Science
in Nursing degree (ASN). The program consists of courses in liberal arts, science
and nursing. The nursing courses include lecture and laboratory periods with relevant
clinical practicums provided at health care facilities located in southern Missouri
and northern Arkansas.
Missouri State University-West Plains and Missouri State University-Springfield have
teamed up to offer courses leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing on the West
Plains campus via various distance learning methods. After completing the Associate
of Science in Nursing, students can work full time while they take bachelor's degree
courses.
No. We have an LPN-to-RN track which allows a qualified LPN to enter the program during
the middle summer and graduate the following May. See a listing of all nursing programs in Missouri.Enter your content here.
Yes. Two (2) application forms must be completed--one for the University and one for
the nursing program.
SPRING application cycle is May 1st through October 1st (Chosen students start in
Jan).
FALL application cycle runs November 1st through March 1st (Chosen students start
Aug).
The Fall selection process is completed by the end of March and those accepted will
be notified during the first week in April.
The Spring selection process is completed by the end of October and those accepted
will be notified during the first week in November.
There is no waiting list, but we do select alternates who will be notified if a seat
opens up before the semester begins. If you are not admitted to the program you may
reapply to the program the next year.
Yes, you can apply before all prerequisites are completed. We can also extend seats
to students who are not done with prerequisite courses by the application deadline,
but who will be done with prerequisites before the semester starts. Students with ALL prerequisites completed at application deadline take precedence
over students completing prerequisites.
Our Bridge program is fast-paced and intensive. We recommend allotting ~30 hours per
week in order to be successful in the program.
