Overview: CRNA Programs in Missouri
Missouri has 2 accredited CRNA programs -- UMKC (DNP, $78,000) and Webster University (DNAP, $102,000). The average Missouri CRNA now earns $271,780 a year -- about 9% above the national mean of $248,320 (BLS, May 2025), a sharp jump from older figures. Paired with a low cost of living, Missouri offers one of the stronger return-on-investment pictures in the Midwest.
The geographic distribution of Missouri's two programs is a practical advantage. Kansas City and St. Louis anchor opposite ends of Interstate 70, and together they contain the vast majority of the state's tertiary care hospitals, Level 1 trauma centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Students at UMKC rotate through clinical sites across the Kansas City metropolitan area, including facilities affiliated with the University of Kansas Health System, Saint Luke's Health System, and Truman Medical Centers. Webster University students gain clinical exposure in the St. Louis corridor, working at sites connected to BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy. Both cities offer the case volume and acuity needed to produce competent, board-ready CRNAs.
Beyond the two metro areas, Missouri has a sizable rural healthcare landscape stretching from the Ozarks to the northern plains. Rural hospitals throughout the state face persistent shortages of anesthesia providers, which translates directly into strong job prospects for new graduates willing to practice outside the major cities. Springfield, Columbia, Joplin, and Cape Girardeau all have regional medical centers that employ CRNAs. The combination of affordable education, reasonable living costs, competitive salaries, and robust demand makes Missouri a practical choice for nurses planning a career in anesthesia.
Key Advantages of Missouri Programs
- Affordable tuition: Both programs fall below the national average, with UMKC at $78,000 and Webster at $102,000
- Two major metro areas: Kansas City and St. Louis provide diverse clinical training environments with high case volume
- Low cost of living: Missouri's cost of living is 10-15% below the national average, stretching student budgets further
- Strong salary-to-cost ratio: $271,780 average salary (about 9% above the national mean, BLS May 2025) paired with affordable housing and low state tax burden
- Both degree types available: Choose between a DNP (UMKC) or DNAP (Webster) based on career goals
- Rural demand: Significant CRNA shortages in Ozarks, northern Missouri, and Bootheel regions create immediate job opportunities
- Central U.S. location: Graduates can easily relocate to neighboring states (Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma) if desired
- Major clinical partners: BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy, Saint Luke's, and University of Kansas Health System
Program Considerations
- Limited program options: Only 4 accredited programs means fewer seats and less flexibility in choosing a school
- Moderate acceptance rates: 19-21% acceptance means applicants still need strong credentials, though rates are less restrictive than coastal states
- State income tax: Missouri levies a graduated income tax up to 4.95%, which reduces take-home pay compared to no-income-tax neighbors like Kansas (for some brackets) and Tennessee
- Weather variability: Hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storms can affect clinical commutes
- Practice environment: While Missouri allows significant CRNA autonomy, some facilities still use care team models with anesthesiologist oversight
- Interstate competition: SIUE in Edwardsville, IL (just across the river from St. Louis) also draws Missouri applicants, adding regional competition
All Missouri CRNA Programs
Below are both accredited nurse anesthesia programs in Missouri. UMKC awards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), while Webster University awards a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). Both are 36-month full-time programs combining didactic coursework, simulation training, and clinical rotations.
CRNA Career Outlook in Missouri
CRNA Salary in Missouri (2025 Data)
CRNAs in Missouri earn a mean $271,780 per year (about $131/hour), about 9% above the national mean of $248,320 (BLS, May 2025) -- a sharp jump from older data. Pay spans a wide band: the 10th percentile earns about $177,900 and the 90th percentile about $362,800. Rural and outstate employers frequently supplement base compensation with signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and student loan repayment to attract providers.
Entry-level CRNAs in Missouri typically start between $175,000 and $195,000, depending on location and facility type. Experienced providers with 5 or more years in specialized practice areas such as cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, or chronic pain management can earn $230,000 to $260,000 annually. Locum tenens assignments in rural Missouri hospitals often command premium daily rates ranging from $1,500 to $2,200 per day, though these positions lack the benefits and stability of permanent employment.
Job Market and Demand
Missouri has a healthy CRNA job market driven by several structural factors:
- Two-metro advantage: Kansas City and St. Louis together support dozens of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty clinics that employ CRNAs
- Rural healthcare gaps: Much of southern, northern, and southeastern Missouri is designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, creating persistent demand for anesthesia providers in critical access hospitals
- Aging population: Missouri's median age is rising, leading to increased surgical volume for joint replacements, cardiac procedures, and other age-related interventions
- Ambulatory surgery expansion: New outpatient surgery centers across the Kansas City and St. Louis suburbs are adding CRNA positions as they scale operations
- Anesthesiologist shortages: The national shortage of anesthesiologists is acute in the Midwest, pushing more facilities to rely on CRNAs as primary anesthesia providers
- Retirement turnover: A significant portion of Missouri's current CRNA workforce is nearing retirement, opening positions for new graduates across the state
- National growth: 9% projected growth for nurse anesthetists from 2024-2034, with ~2,700 openings per year nationally; the wider APRN group is projected at 35% (BLS)
- Workforce size: Approximately 1,550 CRNAs employed statewide (BLS, May 2025)
Top Employers and Practice Settings
- BJC HealthCare (St. Louis): One of the largest nonprofit healthcare organizations in the country, operating Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and 14 other hospitals across the region
- SSM Health (St. Louis): Catholic health system with hospitals in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin; SSM Health St. Mary's and DePaul hospitals are major CRNA employers
- Mercy (Springfield/St. Louis): Major Catholic health system headquartered in Chesterfield, MO, operating hospitals across Missouri including Mercy Springfield, one of the state's largest
- Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City): Flagship academic medical center on the Country Club Plaza, plus satellite hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout the KC metro
- University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City): Academic medical center spanning the Missouri-Kansas border, serving as a primary clinical training site for UMKC students
- CoxHealth (Springfield): Two-hospital system in the Ozarks with a Level 1 trauma center, employing CRNAs in trauma, orthopedics, cardiac, and obstetric anesthesia
- University of Missouri Health Care (Columbia): Academic medical center at Mizzou, the region's only Level 1 trauma center in central Missouri
- Anesthesia management companies: NorthStar Anesthesia, TeamHealth, and US Anesthesia Partners maintain contracts with Missouri facilities
Missouri RN License Requirements
Before applying to either CRNA program in Missouri, candidates must hold an active, unencumbered registered nurse license. Missouri RN licensure is overseen by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, a division of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Below are the key requirements and steps.
Requirements
- Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program (ACEN or CCNE accredited)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
- Submit a completed application to the Missouri State Board of Nursing
- Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting through the Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI
- Provide official transcripts sent directly from the nursing program
- For endorsement (out-of-state RNs): verify current licensure through NURSYS or the issuing state board
- Meet continuing education requirements for license renewal (no mandatory CE hours, but employers and certifications may require them)
Timeline and Costs
- Application fee: $55 for initial licensure by examination; $55 for endorsement
- Fingerprinting: Criminal background check required; results typically processed within 2-4 weeks
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks after all materials are received; may be faster for endorsement applicants with clean records
- License renewal: Every 2 years; $60 renewal fee
- Temporary permit: Available for endorsement applicants while the permanent license is processed
- Compact state: Missouri is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows multistate practice privileges for eligible RNs
Missouri State Board of Nursing Contact
Missouri State Board of Nursing
Division of Professional Registration
Phone: (573) 751-0681
Website: pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. RNs with a multistate license from another compact state may practice in Missouri without obtaining a separate Missouri license. Check the NLC website for current compact member states.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Missouri CRNA program tuition ranges from $78,000 to $102,000, making both options more affordable than the national average. Most students still rely on a combination of federal loans, scholarships, and employer assistance to manage costs. The following resources can reduce the financial burden.
Missouri-Specific Programs
- Missouri State Loan Repayment Program: Administered by the Missouri Primary Care and Rural Health Association, this program provides loan repayment assistance to healthcare providers who commit to working in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. Several rural Missouri counties qualify, making this relevant for CRNA graduates willing to practice outside the metro areas.
- Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program: State-administered need-based aid for Missouri residents attending approved institutions. While primarily targeted at undergraduate students, some graduate-level aid may be available depending on program and enrollment status. Check the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for current eligibility criteria.
- Employer tuition assistance: Major Missouri hospital systems including BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy, Saint Luke's, and CoxHealth offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Some require a post-graduation service commitment of 2-3 years in exchange for partial or full tuition support.
- Missouri League for Nursing scholarships: Awards scholarships to Missouri nursing students at various educational levels, including doctoral candidates. Application requirements and amounts vary by year.
National Programs
- HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT): The Health Resources and Services Administration funds traineeships at accredited nurse anesthesia programs to increase the CRNA workforce, particularly in underserved areas. Participating programs distribute these funds directly to enrolled students.
- AANA Foundation scholarships: The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation distributes approximately $297,000 annually across roughly 100 scholarships. All AANA student members enrolled in accredited programs are eligible. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per recipient.
- Military educational benefits: Active-duty service members and veterans can apply GI Bill benefits, Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Military Tuition Assistance toward CRNA program costs. Both Missouri programs accept VA education benefits.
- Federal student loans: Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers as of July 1, 2026; Direct Unsubsidized Loans (8.07% interest, 2026-27) with annual/aggregate caps are now the federal option for new CRNA students. Complete the FAFSA each academic year to determine eligibility.
Loan Forgiveness Options
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: The National Health Service Corps offers up to $50,000 in loan repayment for CRNAs who commit to working in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Multiple rural Missouri communities qualify as HPSAs.
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Provides up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt repayment (60% for 2 years of service, additional 25% for a third year) for nurses working at eligible Critical Shortage Facilities.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): CRNAs employed by qualifying nonprofit hospitals (BJC, SSM Health, Mercy, and many others in Missouri are nonprofit) or government facilities can have remaining federal loan balances forgiven after 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
- Missouri Primary Care and Rural Health loan repayment: State-funded program for healthcare providers serving in underserved rural areas. Amounts and eligibility requirements change annually; check with the Missouri PCRHD for current details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CRNA programs cost in Missouri?
Missouri CRNA programs range from $78,000 at the University of Missouri - Kansas City to $102,000 at Webster University, with an average around $90,000. Both figures fall below the national average for nurse anesthesia programs, which typically runs $120,000 to $150,000 at private institutions. UMKC benefits from public university pricing and in-state tuition rates, while Webster University's DNAP program, though pricier, still represents reasonable value given its St. Louis clinical network. When budgeting, factor in living expenses on top of tuition. Kansas City and St. Louis are both affordable compared to coastal cities, with average monthly rents running $900 to $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment depending on the neighborhood. See how these figures compare nationally in our CRNA school cost guide.
What is the average CRNA salary in Missouri?
The average CRNA salary in Missouri is $271,780 per year (about $131/hour), about 9% above the national average of $248,320 (BLS, May 2025) -- a sharp jump from older data. Missouri's low cost of living stretches that salary further than the same figure would go in states like California, New York, or Massachusetts. Pay spans a wide band: the 10th percentile earns about $177,900 and the 90th percentile about $362,800. New graduates typically start toward the lower end of that band, while CRNAs with 5 or more years of experience in specialized areas sit toward the top, and rural facilities frequently add signing bonuses of $10,000 to $30,000 to attract providers to underserved communities.
Which Missouri CRNA program is more affordable?
The University of Missouri - Kansas City is the more affordable option at $78,000 total program cost, roughly $24,000 less than Webster University's $102,000 DNAP. UMKC is a public institution, which means Missouri residents benefit from in-state tuition rates. Kansas City also has a slightly lower cost of living than St. Louis in terms of housing and commuting expenses. That said, program selection should consider more than price alone. Webster University's DNAP degree offers a focused clinical anesthesia curriculum, while UMKC's DNP has broader nursing leadership components. Both programs maintain strong NCE pass rates and solid clinical site partnerships, so either can serve as a strong foundation for a CRNA career.
How competitive are Missouri CRNA programs?
Missouri CRNA programs are moderately competitive, with an average acceptance rate of approximately 20%. UMKC accepts about 19% of applicants, and Webster accepts about 21%. These rates are notably higher than programs in states like California (13%), New York (10%), and Illinois (15%), making Missouri a somewhat more accessible option for qualified applicants. Successful candidates typically hold a BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, at least 1 to 2 years of adult critical care (ICU) experience, current CCRN certification (strongly preferred), solid GRE scores (if required), and compelling letters of recommendation from ICU supervisors or CRNA mentors. Shadowing experience with practicing CRNAs is highly recommended before applying.
Is Missouri a good state for CRNAs?
Missouri is a strong state for CRNA practice, particularly when evaluated on salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. The $271,780 average salary (about 9% above the national mean, BLS May 2025) goes far in a state where median home prices in Kansas City and St. Louis are well below $300,000 and a comfortable middle-class lifestyle is achievable on a single CRNA income. The job market is healthy in both metro areas and rural communities, with a steady stream of openings at hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and critical access hospitals. Missouri's central location also provides easy access to job markets in neighboring states. The primary trade-offs are that Missouri salaries are lower in absolute terms than states like California or New York, and the state has fewer program options, which limits seat availability for aspiring CRNAs.
What degree types do Missouri CRNA programs offer?
Missouri offers both major doctoral pathways for nurse anesthesia. UMKC awards the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is the more common degree nationally and includes coursework in evidence-based practice, healthcare systems leadership, and quality improvement alongside core anesthesia training. Webster University awards the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), a practice-focused doctorate that concentrates more narrowly on clinical anesthesia expertise and advanced pharmacology. Both degrees qualify graduates to sit for the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Neither degree provides a competitive advantage in the job market; employers evaluate clinical competence, certification status, and experience rather than degree title.
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