MoWest named top nursing school in Missouri

Sept. 8, 2025-The nursing program at Missouri Western State University has been ranked the top nursing school in Missouri by RegisteredNursing.org.

"The Department of Nursing takes great pride and care in preparing our students well, and it's wonderful to see that work recognized in this way," said Dr. Heather Kendall, department chair. "I thank the faculty and staff in our department and across campus for their dedication to our students' success, and the students for working so hard to make this recognition possible."

"All of us on campus, our many healthcare partners around the region, and countless patients who have been cared for by our nursing graduates have long known about the excellence of MoWest's nursing program," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president. "It's gratifying to see that excellence recognized by a trusted independent resource. I commend Dr. Kendall and her faculty and staff colleagues for this outstanding recognition. I also thank the thousands of nursing students and alumni over the years whose remarkable contributions to the profession reflect so well on their alma mater."

The website's methodology relies heavily on NCLEX-RN pass rates, saying the national licensing exam provides one of the best ways to determine a nursing program's ability to prepare students for the workforce. They call MoWest's pass rates "remarkable" - 98.8% of graduating nursing students who took the exam in 2023 passed the exam on their first try, and a perfect 100% in 2024. In fact, four of the last six nursing cohorts have had a 100% pass rate.

"Missouri Western State University's BSN program offers an exceptional nursing education pathway with impressive credentials," according to the website. "Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum integrating general education and specialized nursing courses, supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences in St. Joseph and Kansas City. With small class sizes ensuring personalized learning, experienced faculty, and CCNE accreditation, this program provides robust training for aspiring nurses."

The rankings also describe MoWest nursing as military-friendly and focusing on practical skills.

Missouri Western's Bachelor of Science in Nursing programaccepts up to 60 students each semester. The program has a graduation rate of 80%, and a job placement rate of more than 95%.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.