ADN Programs Springfield, MO

Registered nurses use their specialized education, technical skills, and clinical judgment to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. They coordinate the activities of the health care team, supervise other health care workers, counsel patients and their families, and ensure patients’ mental and emotional stability during their stay at the health care facility. The Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares adults for the role of the registered nurse in approximately two years. It is the shortest path to registered nurses, but changes in the educational requirements for RNs in hospitals and other health care facilities are driving many prospective nurses to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. If you’re short on time and money, you can prepare for the National Council Licensure Exam through the ADN program and complete the BSN through a Bridge RN program online. Online programs provide the flexibility of balancing continuing education with work and family commitments.

Registered nurses typically work in home health, intensive care units, public health, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. Apart from patient care, they may also focus on health promotion, prevention of disease, and patient counseling. The Missouri State Board of Nursing determines candidates’ ability to write the licensure exam and will require a criminal background check and drug screen.

Cox College

Adults can enroll in the Associate of Science in Nursing at Cox College and begin their journey in nursing. The program is offered on a full-time only basis so students will graduate in two years and be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Graduates will be prepared to use their knowledge of nursing to provide direct care for individuals, families, and groups in structured health care settings, demonstrate professionalism in practice, understand the legal and ethical standards that govern practice, communicate effectively with clients, family members and the health care team, use research findings in practice, be committed on continuing education, and collaborate effectively with the health care team to improve patient outcomes. New students are admitted in the Fall and Spring semesters. Applications must be submitted by September 1 for Fall entry and March 1 for Spring entry. Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the program after completing math proficiency, submitting transcripts for verification, completing the prerequisite courses, and take the optional Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam. General Education courses may be transferred. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on science courses. Only the highest-ranking candidates will be selected from the applicant pool.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 70

Duration: 2 years

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, English Composition, Intermediate Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology

Curriculum plan – Introduction to Nursing Skills, Clinical Applications I, Clinical Applications II, Clinical Applications III, Concepts of Professional Practice, Clinical Applications IV, Pharmacology Basis of Nursing Practice, Perspectives on Aging and the Older Adult

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application to Cox College before the application deadline
  • Request all official transcripts to be sent directly from the schools attended to Cox College – must include official high school transcript or GED and from all colleges attended
  • Complete the FAFSA application – Cox College cost 013877
  • Take an entrance – for undergraduate applicants who do not meet the admission requirements. This includes a high school cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and composite ACT of 18 or SAT combines score of 860 or higher
  • Submit a completed application to the Nursing program
  • Take the HESI A2 exam – schedule the exam after submitting the program application
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Intermediate Algebra, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Chemistry. Science courses must be completed with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Attend an interview with the ASN Nursing Department Chair
  • Complete a background check and drug screen

Program Cost

Tuition for nursing students is $435 per credit hour. The cost for the criminal background check and drug screen is $175. Additional costs include application fee, student fees, textbooks, insurance, CPR certification, nursing supplies, and state board exam and licensure.

Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University’s Associate of Science in Nursing degree requires two years of study and prepares students to take the board exam to become a Registered Nurse. The curriculum provides basic foundational nursing theory and skills as preparation to become a registered nurse generalist. Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics may apply for the Bridge programs if they possess a valid Missouri license. Graduates will be able to use the nursing process to care for individuals, families, and groups of all ages and in structured health care settings, practice within the legal, ethical, and professional guidelines of nursing, communicate effectively with clients, family members and the health care team, evidence-based practice to improve outcomes, competently pursue further studies in nursing, and work collaboratively with the rest of the health care team.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 2 years

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Chemistry for Allied Health

Curriculum plan – Foundations of Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan, Pharmacology for Nursing I, Computer Information Management, General Psychology, Patient-Centered Care, Pharmacology for Nursing II, English Composition, Human Growth and Development, Advanced Patient-Centered Care, Pharmacology for Nursing III, Old Testament History, Nursing Role Integration, NCLEX Preparation, New Testament History, Nutrition

Admission criteria:

  • Be admitted to Southwest Baptist University – admission does not guarantee admission to the nursing program
  • Provide copies of a driver license, CPR card, and official transcripts of all college and nursing courses completed
  • A copy of active Missouri LPN license or Missouri Paramedic license if applying for advanced placement
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – College Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Principles of Biology, and Intermediate Algebra
  • Submit ACT scores for evaluation – may provide an exemption from some required courses
  • Attend an interview with the Chair of the Nursing Program
  • Complete an acceptable background check and drug screen
  • Submit a completed application to the Nursing Program by the stipulated deadline

Program Cost

Tuition will cost $23,600 per year plus $900 for the program and miscellaneous fees. Additional costs include a criminal background check, drug screen, textbooks, CPR certification, admission exam, and licensure exam.

Ozarks Technical Community College

The OTC Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares students to work with the interdisciplinary health team to care for patients in various health care settings. Graduates will use critical thinking to promote the health of individuals, families, and communities. They will be prepared to fill the role of a care provider and care manager within the discipline of nursing. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Nursing Education and has full approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. It is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses to complete the requirements for licensure as a Registered Nurse in just 36 weeks. Persons who successfully complete the requirements will be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. The program is offered as a hybrid cohort where the classes are delivered mostly online with clinical sessions on campus and surrounding health care facilities. Interested persons should attend a nursing advising session to learn more about the application process.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 64

Duration: 36 weeks

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Intro to Chemistry, Contemporary Mathematics or higher, Microbiology, Allied Health Nutrition, Introduction to Psychology, Composition, American Govt and Politics

Curriculum plan – Transition to Professional Nursing, Advanced Nursing Through the Lifespan I, Advanced Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing, Advanced Nursing Through the Lifespan II, Advanced Maternal/ Newborn Nursing, Advanced Nursing Through the Lifespan III, Advanced Pediatric Nursing, Community Health and Management, Professional Nursing Integration

Admission criteria:

  • Must be an LPN to apply to the program
  • Complete the process for admission to OTC
  • Attend a program information session – recommended not required
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
  • Submit official transcripts from all accredited schools attended
  • Submit the application to the Nursing program with a fee of $15
  • Submit a current resume with the ASN application
  • Complete the HESI LPN-ADN entrance exam with a score of 800 or above
  • Submit a current Missouri LPN licensed to the Allied Health Department

Program Cost

The total estimated cost for the program is $15,550. It includes tuition, program fees, student fees, registration, and textbooks.

Bolivar Technical College

The Professional Nursing (RN) Program specifically applies to persons who are interested in a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum will include theory and practical experiences in the school’s lab and community health facilities to prepare students for success on the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Candidates must pass the exam to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Training will cover pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, leadership and management, and other nursing courses in line with the principles of nursing education. At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to promote health and adapt to trends in health, use critical thinking as part of the nursing process, use evidence-based practice in their role as a registered nurse, conduct physical assessments and interview patients, integrate the theoretical aspect of the course in daily practice, and collaborate with the health care team in the interest of the patient. Licensed practical nurses can apply for advanced placement through the RN bridge program.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Total contact hours: 1,530

Duration: 2 years

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Nutrition, Introduction to Psychology, Chemistry, English

Curriculum plan – Nursing Informatics, Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology II, Principles of Human Nutrition, The Art of Human Communication, Composition, Microbiology, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Mental Health Nursing, General Education Elective of Choice, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Maternal Child Nursing, Management and Leadership

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to Bolivar Technical College
  • Pay the application fee of $50
  • Submit proof of high school graduation. Official transcripts must be forwarded to Bolivar Technical College directly from the issuing institution
  • Take the Wonderlic verbal skills test and Wonderlic quantitative skills test. Applicants are limited to three attempts to pass
  • Obtain satisfactory on the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry background screening and criminal background check
  • Provide a copy of photo ID and social security card
  • Submit post-secondary transcripts indicating completion of the prerequisite courses – applies to Bridge students only
  • Obtain a passing score on the nursing entrance exam
  • Secure a satisfactory background screen through Validity Screening Solutions
  • Provide proof of immunizations – TB testing, Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, and other requested immunizations
  • Maintain CPR certification throughout the program

Program Cost

The cost of tuition for core nursing courses is $435. General education tuition costs $245 per credit. Supplies will cost approximately $500. Other costs include textbooks, simulation and skills center fee, science lab fee, drug screening, clinical fee, fingerprinting fee, achievement and diagnostic testing, and NCLEX fee.

Texas County Technical College

Licensed practical nurses who want more autonomy as a nurse may apply for the accelerated LPN to RN program and prepare for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The program provides a short and efficient way for LPNs to become a Registered Nurse. Students will complete the requirements for licensure as an RN in just one year. The curriculum removes the excess general education courses giving students the ability to focus on the core nursing courses. The required general education coursework is built into the program. Students can choose to complete these requirements before the program begins, which gives them the freedom to focus on more intense courses. The first semester classes will focus on transitioning into the RN role, nursing informatics and HIPAA, and building hands-on experience in a simulation lab. The second semester focuses on body systems, diseases, disorders, and treatment plans, and NCLEX prep. The final semester includes coursework in management, implementing evidence-based practice, and the role of the Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 61

Total contact hours: 1,275

Duration: 1 year

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Principles of Nutrition

Curriculum plan – Microbiology, Nursing Informatics, Transition from Practical to Professional Nursing, Professional Nursing: Maternal/Neonatal, Professional Nursing: Adult Medical Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Adult Medical Surgical II, Management and Leadership

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to Texas County Technical College
  • Pay the application fee of $50
  • Submit proof of high school graduation. Official transcripts must be forwarded to Texas County Technical College directly from the issuing institution
  • Take the Wonderlic verbal skills test and Wonderlic quantitative skills test. Applicants are limited to three attempts to pass
  • Obtain satisfactory on the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry background screening and criminal background check
  • Provide a copy of photo ID and social security card
  • Submit post-secondary transcripts indicating completion of the prerequisite courses
  • Obtain a passing score on the nursing entrance exam
  • Secure a satisfactory background screen through Validity Screening Solutions
  • Provide proof of immunizations – TB testing, Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, and other requested immunizations
  • Maintain CPR certification throughout the program
  • Must have an undisciplined LPN license from the state of Missouri or hold an undisciplined Nursing Compact State license and be IV certified

Program Cost

The cost of tuition for core nursing courses is $429. General education tuition costs $247 per credit. Supplies will cost approximately $500. Other costs include textbooks, simulation and skills center fee, science lab fee, drug screening, clinical fee, fingerprinting fee, achievement and diagnostic testing, and NCLEX fee.

Crowder College

The Crowder College Nursing program aims to produce graduates who will demonstrate entry-level competencies as a registered nurse. The course content will also provide a foundation for continued learning to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and beyond. The multiple option pathway provides an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to enter in an advanced standing and complete the requirements in 2 semesters. Applicants to the LPN bridge program must have a valid LPN license, be IV certified, and have a minimum grade C in Anatomy and Physiology II and II and Chemistry for Health. Graduates of the Missouri State Board of Nursing approved program will be eligible to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse – the Missouri Board of Nursing will determine a candidate’s final eligibility to take the exam. The program is also accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The nursing program is a limited admission program. Only 110 students are accepted each year and include both Level I and Level II candidates.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67

Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, College Orientation, Approved Mathematics Course, Gen Psychology or Sociology

Curriculum plan – Health Concepts IA, Professional Concepts, Health Concepts IB, Pharmacology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Health Concepts IIA, Pharmacology II, Health Concepts IIB, Professional Concepts II, Microbiology, Health Concepts IIIA, Pharmacology III, Health Concepts IIIB, Professional Concepts III, Fundamentals of Speech, Health Concepts IV, Pharmacology IV, Nursing Capstone, English Composition

Admission criteria:

  • Be approved for admission to Crowder College
  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee of $40
  • Must be at least 19 years at the program’s completion
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Obtain a minimum GPA of 2.75 on the ASN general education courses
  • Have a minimum ACT composite score of 19
  • Obtain a satisfactory criminal background check report
  • Must have a CNA, CMA/RMA, EMT certificate or Paramedic license
  • Applicants for the LPN bridge program must have an active Missouri license and IV certification before starting the program

Program Cost

The cost of tuition is $110 per credit for in-district students. Additional fees will apply. Students must budget for textbooks, nursing supplies, uniforms, drug screening, criminal background check, and NCLEX fee.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.