Best Online LPN Programs in Mississippi
Considering a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse? Explore the best online LPN programs in Mississippi, discover the requirements for licensure, and more.
Are you looking for a career path that allows you to make a real impact in peoples’ lives? Have you been toying with the idea of entering the healthcare field but aren’t sure where to begin? If so, a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be the ideal opportunity for you. An LPN provides basic care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN by taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, administering medications, and monitoring patients’ condition.
If that sounds like a role you’d enjoy, you’re in luck! Mississippi boasts a growth rate for LPNs that’s significantly higher than the national average. But how can you develop the skills you need to thrive in this critical healthcare role? The first step is to complete an accredited LPN program. You have diverse options available to you, including many online LPN programs in Mississippi that maximize flexibility and convenience.
So, how do these online programs work and which option is right for you? In this guide, we’ll explore popular online LPN programs in Mississippi, take a closer look at the process of earning your licensure, and review the employment landscape. Keep reading to learn all about your future LPN program in the Magnolia State.
Profiling Popular LPN Programs Online in Mississippi
As you begin to research quality educational options, you’ll find many online LPN programs available to you. We’re here to help you narrow down your options. Below we’ve highlighted several of the most popular online LPN programs in Mississippi that boast a well-rounded curricula, reasonable tuition, and quality accreditation to help you make the best choice.
Hinds Community College
If you’re looking for flexible online LPN programs in Mississippi, look no further: With traditional, part-time, weekend, and evening options, Hinds Community College’s Practical Nursing program offers a pathway for aspiring LPNs to develop the skills to provide exceptional nursing care. While the program is offered on campus in Jackson, Rankin, or Vicksburg, some of the required courses are available online.
Ideal for students looking to launch a career as an acute care nurse, licensed practical nurse, or licensed vocational nurse, the program provides basic knowledge of biological, physical, behavioral, psychological, and sociological sciences. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the field and gain the support of knowledgeable mentors who can help guide you throughout the program and your career. Most importantly, you’ll graduate prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) exam.
- Tuition: $1,775 per semester for Mississippi residents, $3,300 per semester for non-residents
- Financial Aid Options: In addition to accepting federal financial aid, Hinds Community College also offers several scholarships to minimize your out-of-pocket financial investment.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Mississippi Community College Board.
Holmes Community College
Many online LPN programs in Mississippi promise a quick process from entry to graduation, and this option at Holmes Community College is no exception. You can complete the Practical Nursing Program in as few as three semesters and be prepared to thrive in entry-level nursing roles. The program is available in full-time, evening/weekend, and hybrid options to maximize flexibility and ensure you’re able to fit a high-quality nursing education into your busy schedule. The comprehensive curriculum offers an orientation to nursing care across the lifespan and provides clinical experience across several disciplines. Plus, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills to sit for the NCLEX-PN, a critical step to becoming a licensed LPN. It’s important to note that you must earn a minimum score of 80% in each course before progressing in the program.
- Full-Time Tuition: $1,350 per semester
- Financial Aid Options: In addition to accepting federal financial aid, Holmes Community College also offers financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and work-study options to make the program more affordable and accessible.
- Accreditation: Holmes Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Over four semesters, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Practical Nursing program prepares individuals to take a patient-focused and culturally sensitive approach to patient care through a curriculum centered on eight key concepts: client-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, informatics, client education, and professionalism. For the most recent years of data provided (2019-2021), 100% of LPN students at MGCCC passed the NCLEX-PN.
- Tuition: $1,650 per semester
- Financial Aid Options: More than 70% of the college’s students receive some form of financial aid. In addition to federal student aid, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College also offers scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and tuition waivers to make the Practical Nursing program more affordable.
- Accreditation: The Practical Nursing program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is accredited by the Mississippi Community College Board and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
A Closer Look at LPN Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
Earning your practical nursing certificate isn’t the only step to becoming an LPN in Mississippi. From passing licensure exams to completing background checks, you’ll need to jump through a couple more hoops before you can care for patients. Let’s take a look at the common steps to becoming an LPN in Mississippi.
Background Check
To become an LPN, you’ll need to pass a background check that will be conducted by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. They verify your experience, education, licensure, and criminal history. If you’ve never completed a background check, here are a few tips to help the process go smoothly:
- Gather your license information, records of employment history, and any other documents that may be helpful to reference as you’re filling out information.
- Choose references that you can trust. Some background checks may ask you to provide references, so it’s important to have their contact information ready.
- Prepare to explain any discrepancies or issues that may arise from the background check.
Education and Training
LPNs are required to complete an accredited training program to ensure they have the skills to provide the highest quality care. Many community colleges and universities in Mississippi offer LPN programs that can be completed in as little as one year. Typical coursework covers nursing fundamentals and may dive into specific specialties. Here are a few strategies for finding the right LPN program in Mississippi:
- Research a variety of schools to find a few that match your budget and career goals.
- Attend info sessions for your top schools and programs.
- Connect with alums to hear about their experience.
Professional Nursing Examination
The final step to obtaining your LPN licensure is passing the NCLEX-PN. The online, standardized test assesses your competency in several key focus areas. You must earn a certain score on the examination in order to obtain your nursing license, which means preparation is key. Here are a few tips for preparing for the NCLEX-PN:
- Enroll in an NCLEX-PN review course.
- Utilize all the free resources available online.
- Take practice tests to assess where you might need to study more.
- Take care of your mental health and minimize stress.
Renewal of Licensure & Continuing Education
Obtaining your license isn’t a one-and-done deal. In Mississippi, LPNs are required to renew their license every two years. Additionally, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education to be able to renew your license. The continuing education requirement ensures you’re staying current with best practices for safe and effective patient care. You should choose courses and trainings that:
- Help fill skills gaps and elevate the level of care you can give your patients
- Align with your goals and career aspirations
- Are offered by reputable and accredited organizations and programs
- Fit your schedule and budget
Career and Earning Potential for Mississippi LPNs
In recent years, the nursing shortage in Mississippi has intensified, meaning demand for skilled, educated nurses has increased greatly. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the job growth rate for LPNs in Mississippi (16%) is significantly higher than the national average of 9.3%. Despite this rapid growth, there are less than 1,000 average annual openings for LPN roles in Mississippi. However, it’s important to remember that these are just estimates, and the state of Mississippi currently employs nearly 10,000 LPNs. Because many LPNs use the role as a steppingstone to more advanced nursing jobs, you can expect regular career opportunities to become available.
While salary data can vary by location, role, company, and years of experience, you can expect to earn somewhere between $34,000 and approximately $60,000 as an LPN in Mississippi. LPN’s employed in the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula region have the highest earning potential, while those in Hattiesburg are typically on the lower end of the salary spectrum. To help you gain a better idea of your salary potential and the employment landscape for LPNs in Mississippi, take a closer look at the data below.
| Area | Employment (2020) | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings (’20-’30) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 9,520 | 1,520 | 16.0% | 930 |
| US | 688,100 | 751,900 | 9.3% | 60,700 |
Source: Projections Central
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $36,260 | $45,730 | $55,790 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $38,520 | $47,700 | $59,460 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $34,370 | $42,770 | $48,460 |
| Jackson, MS | $37,300 | $46,740 | $55,620 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Mississippi LPN Students and Professionals
- Mississippi Board of Nursing: The Mississippi Board of Nursing is the regulatory body for nursing standards and practice in Mississippi. The organization’s website provides extensive resources to help nurses stay up to date on laws and regulations, licensure, and compliance. The board also operates the Office of Nursing Workforce, which helps support nursing education and practice.
- Mississippi Hospital Association: The Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA) provides representation and service to hospitals and healthcare networks in the state. The association advocates for over 100 hospitals and 50,000 employees and helps address concerns, perspectives, and needs. The MHA also provides education opportunities and shares information on current trends in healthcare.
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning: The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning is a public university system made up of eight universities that aim to enhance the quality of life of Mississippians. The organization helps establish nursing standards for programs and provides a list of approved nursing programs in Mississippi. The organization’s website also posts employment opportunities to help you find your next nursing role.
- Mississippi LPN Association (MSLPNA): Since its founding in 1970, the Mississippi LPN Association has been working to enhance the growth of the LPN profession, support best practices, and create opportunities for the 14,000 LPNs in the state. The organization works in collaboration with the Mississippi Board of Nursing to provide courses for current and aspiring LPNs.
- Mississippi Nurses’ Association: As a professional organization for nurses within the state, the Mississippi Nursing Association represents, advocates, and lobbies for nursing professionals of all specialties and levels. The association is also known for providing continuing education opportunities through its events. All members of the association have access to the latest nursing news and continuing education events and receive discounts on American Nurses Credentialing Center initial certification and renewals.
- Mississippi Nurses Foundation: As a charitable organization, the Mississippi Nurses Foundation aims to raise, accept, and disperse donations to help enhance professional nursing and healthcare within the state. The organization has several programs available including scholarships, grants, and a Nurses in Need initiative that provides financial assistance to members who are experiencing hardships such as loss of employment, physical injury, disaster, travel cost, childcare, supplies, and more.
