Department of Nursing

Fearlessly Forward in Care. Boldly Supportive in Practice.

At Southeast Missouri State University, the Department of Nursing has been preparing professionals to serve the region and beyond since 1958, combining a strong legacy with a forward-thinking approach. Home to the first MSN program in the southern half of Missouri, SEMO continues to lead through innovation. What truly sets SEMO apart is our boldly supportive faculty—experienced educators who bring fresh, real-world expertise from diverse healthcare backgrounds and guide students through hands-on learning with the highest standards, backed by CCNE accreditation. Fearlessly forward, deeply connected and fully committed to preparing nurses for tomorrow’s challenges, SEMO is where future-ready nursing careers begin.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Prepare for a job that cares for your community by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

Nursing (BSN) Online: RN to BSN

Nursing students perform a patient evaluation at Southeast Missouri State University.

Master of Science in Nursing

Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Learn more about how a Nursing (MSN) degree from Southeast Missouri State University can prepare you to be a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Nursing (MSN)

Nursing students working in Saint Francis Hospital Sim rooms.

Nursing Program Handbooks

Learn more about policies, procedures, and other information specific to the Department of Nursing.

BSN Handbook RN-to-BSN Handbook MSN Handbook

Nursing by the numbers

97%

First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate

For the first two quarters of 2025, our BSN graduates achieved a remarkable 96.67% first-time NCLEX pass rate — a testament to our rigorous preparation and dedicated faculty.
96%

FNP Program First-Time Pass Rate

Over the past five years, our Family Nurse Practitioner program has maintained a 96% first-time pass rate and an outstanding 100% overall pass rate, proving our graduates are fully prepared to excel in advanced practice.
100%

BSN and MSN-FNP Employment Rate

In 2025 every graduate from our BSN and FNP programs is employed in the field, reflecting the exceptional reputation of our programs and the readiness of our students to meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment.
100%

Online RN-BSN Pass Rate

In 2025 our Online RN-BSN program had a pass rate of 100%. Designed for working nurses, our flexible format lets you earn your degree without putting your life on hold. Learn anywhere, anytime, while building the skills to take your career to the next level.

Find Your Fearless, Where Grit Meets Grind

Brodrick, a first year student in the nursing program, took a fearless leap, changing career paths to follow his calling to care for others when it matters most.
When Brodrick took this leap, he knew he needed the right support. For him, that meant finding a university with an accredited nursing program that was both affordable and focused on career readiness.
From our classrooms to world-class hospitals, SEMO nurses are rooted in relationships. Our strong clinical partnerships open doors to experiences, and often careers, right here in our region.
Broderick’s experiences as a nursing major in SEMO’s simulation labs and clinical partnerships have made him feel more prepared than ever to step into his nursing career.
With one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the region, our graduates are ready to get to work. Because fearless nurses start here.
In nursing, heart matters as much as skill. For Broderick and so many others, nursing clicked when they realized it’s not just a career, it’s a calling to care.

Non-Native Speaking Student Policy

If your native language is not English, and you wish to declare nursing as a major, welcome! You are required the take the TOEFL iBT. Read our full policy to learn more.

Non-English Speaking Student Policy

Take the Next Step

Southeast Missouri State University's Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has full approval of the Missouri State Board of Nursing.