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Missouri NP License 2026: Collaborative Practice Protocol, MBON Process, Salary

Ava Health Team
10 min read

In brief

Missouri APRNs require a collaborative practice protocol with a physician. Missouri Board of Nursing processes in 6-10 weeks. Average salary $108,000/year.

Steps at a glance

  1. Complete NP program and national certification

    Graduate from accredited NP program and pass ANCC or AANP certification for your specialty.

  2. Submit Missouri APRN application

    Apply to the Missouri State Board of Nursing for APRN licensure. Fee: $50 initial. Apply online through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration portal.

  3. Establish Collaborative Practice Protocol

    Missouri APRNs must maintain a Collaborative Practice Protocol (CPP) with a physician or podiatrist for prescriptive authority. The CPP defines the APRN's scope and must be renewed every 3 years.

  4. Obtain DEA registration and Missouri controlled substances registration

    Register with DEA. Missouri APRNs with CPP may prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances; Schedule II requires collaborative physician's DEA number in most settings.

In this article
  1. Missouri APRN Practice Authority
  2. Missouri Board of Nursing Application Requirements
  3. Processing Timeline
  4. NP Salary in Missouri (2026)
  5. Top MO Health Systems for APRNs
  6. What We See at Ava Health

Missouri nurse practitioners (APRN) operate under a reduced practice authority model, a Collaborative Practice Protocol (CPP) with a physician is required for prescriptive authority. Average APRN salary in Missouri is $108,000/year in 2026, with Kansas City and St. Louis reaching $115,000-$128,000 for specialty APRNs.

Missouri APRN Practice Authority

Missouri is a reduced practice authority state. APRNs may independently assess, diagnose, and treat. For prescribing (including controlled substances), a Collaborative Practice Protocol with a licensed Missouri physician or podiatrist is required. The CPP must be renewed every 3 years and kept on file at the practice site. Missouri has considered but not yet passed full practice authority legislation.

Missouri Board of Nursing Application Requirements

  • Active Missouri RN license
  • Graduation from accredited NP program (master's or doctorate)
  • National certification from ANCC, AANP, NCC, PNCB, or other Board-approved body
  • APRN application fee: $50
  • Online application through Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Processing Timeline

Missouri APRN applications typically process in 6-10 weeks.

NP Salary in Missouri (2026)

CityAvg Annual Salary
Kansas City$118,000
St. Louis$116,000
Springfield$106,000
Columbia$107,000
Joplin$102,000
Rural Missouri$94,000-$105,000

Top MO Health Systems for APRNs

  • BJC HealthCare / Washington University Medicine, St. Louis; academic flagship; Barnes-Jewish Hospital; top specialty APRN pay in MO
  • SSM Health, St. Louis metro and statewide; Catholic system; aggressive NP hiring
  • University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia; state academic medical center; strong new-grad APRN programs
  • Saint Luke's Health System, Kansas City; strong APRN integration across cardiology and primary care
  • Cox Health, Springfield; Ozarks regional health system; strong rural APRN recruiting

What We See at Ava Health

Missouri's rural Ozark region has persistent FNP shortages with NHSC loan repayment eligibility. Kansas City's growing healthcare market (with proximity to Kansas, which has full practice authority) creates competitive cross-border dynamics. Washington University / BJC in St. Louis is a national magnet for specialty NPs in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.

Related: NP License Illinois 2026, NP License Tennessee 2026, RN Salary Missouri 2026.

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