Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Preparing the Next Generation of Nurses

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

about the nursing program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Missouri Southern State University prepares students for careers as registered nurses through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and evidence-based nursing practice. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Designed for students seeking a nursing degree in Missouri, the BSN program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and nursing licensure in Missouri. With strong demand for qualified nurses, the program provides a pathway to a rewarding and in-demand healthcare career.

Already a registered nurse? Our flexible online RN-to-BSN pathway lets you advance your nursing education with one of the top nursing programs in Missouri without leaving your current practice.

Why MSSU Among Nursing Schools

100% NCLEX pass rate (3 years running)

Hands-on learning through clinical rotations

RN-to-BSN option available

Is the Nursing Program Right for You?

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at MSSU is designed for students who want to build a rewarding career in healthcare and make a difference in the lives of others.

This program may be a good fit if you:

Want to become a registered nurse and work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, or other healthcare settings.
Are interested in nursing specialties such as pediatrics, critical care, and other areas of patient care.
Prefer hands-on learning through clinical experiences and real-world healthcare environments.
Plan to pursue advanced nursing roles, including nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse administrator, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse educator.

What You'll Learn in the Program

Through the BSN program, you'll develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based nursing care.
Apply clinical skills to assess, plan, and support patient health outcomes.
Care for patients across diverse populations and healthcare environments.
Collaborate effectively with healthcare teams to improve patient care.
Use healthcare technology and informatics to support clinical decision-making.
Demonstrate professional nursing standards and ethical practice.
Adapt to changing healthcare environments and patient needs.
Think critically and respond effectively in complex clinical situations.
Communicate clearly with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Integrate research and evidence-based practices into nursing care.

Careers with a Nursing Degree

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can open the door to a wide range of healthcare careers. As demand for qualified nurses continues to grow, graduates are prepared to provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and other healthcare settings.

Graduates of MSSU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program often work in:

Hospital and acute care nursing
Pediatrics, maternity, and neonatal nursing
Emergency and critical care nursing
Public health and community nursing
Nursing leadership and administration
Advanced practice nursing pathways, including nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse educator roles

Curriculum & Courses

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program includes foundational coursework, nursing-specific instruction, laboratory experiences, and clinical practice opportunities. Students complete required credit hours through a structured sequence designed to prepare them for professional nursing practice.

Explore the full curriculum and course requirements in the Nursing Catalog.

Nursing Catalog

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On-campus
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Study Option: Full-time
Time to Degree: Most students complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years of full-time study.
Clinical Experience: Students complete classroom instruction, laboratory coursework, and supervised clinical practice in healthcare settings throughout the program.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Request Information

Invest in Your Future

Tuition

Learn More

Fund Your Future

Financial Aid

Learn More

Coming Summer 2026

Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center

MSSU's HSIC will give nursing students hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and simulation spaces that mirror real hospital settings. From advanced simulation hospitals to virtual reality training and collaborative research labs, students will gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in today’s healthcare field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Programs You Might Like

RN to BSN – Advance your nursing career by building on your RN license with additional coursework in leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health to expand career opportunities and earning potential.
Healthcare Administration – Learn how healthcare systems operate, with a focus on leadership, management, policy, and organizational decision-making in healthcare settings.
Allied Health – Explore hands-on clinical career pathways in respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, emergency medical services, and dental hygiene, with training focused on patient care and clinical practice.
Psychology (BS) – Study human behavior, mental processes, and emotional health with applications in patient care, healthcare support roles, and understanding individual development.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing