Online Nursing Schools in MS: Finding Top Programs
No matter where you are in your nursing career journey, many nursing schools in Mississippi have programs that can meet your needs. Explore top-ranked online and hybrid RN degree programs and read key steps you should follow to become a registered nurse in the state — from choosing the right program to applying for jobs and acing interviews.
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Inside Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi
Nurses are at the heart of healthcare, providing critical care, comfort, and support to patients when they need it most. Becoming a registered nurse (RN) means more than simply pursuing a career. It’s a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, build meaningful connections, and be an essential part of a healthcare team. If you’re looking for a role that combines compassion, skill, and lifelong learning, nursing could be right for you.
Choosing the right school impacts your career and long-term growth in the nursing field. Steps to becoming an RN can be flexible, with multiple education options to fit your goals and lifestyle. Whether you pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or advanced degrees like a master’s or a doctorate, each degree option offers unique opportunities to enter and grow in this dynamic field. This guide can help you find the right online or hybrid nursing program in Mississippi, whether you’re just starting on the road to become an RN or you want to move into advanced roles that call for a graduate degree.
Undergraduate Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi’s online and hybrid RN programs offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These flexible programs are designed for aspiring nurses and working professionals; they work well for students who are seeking career advancement while balancing personal commitments. The programs provide comprehensive clinical training and academic support statewide.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
An online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program combines virtual coursework with in-person clinical training. Students learn essential skills like patient care, vital sign monitoring, and basic medical procedures. Flexible schedules work well for busy students and prepare them for certification exams and hands-on healthcare roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Example: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – CNA Program
- Cost: $610
- Length: 100 hours
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
An online Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program blends virtual coursework with in-person clinical practice. Students study nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care techniques. Designed for flexibility, these programs prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and qualify them for entry-level nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Example: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – LPN Program
- Cost: $1,800/semester
- Length: Four semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is the shortest route to becoming an RN. This two-year program prepares students to take the NCLEX licensing exam and trains them for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. The ADN can also be used as a stepping stone toward earning a BSN and undergoing specialized training.
Example: Coahoma Community College – ADN Program
- Cost: $1,650/semester
- Length: Five semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Many employers view a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the degree of choice when hiring new nurses. These four-year programs include two years of general education and two years in the nursing curriculum, with clinical experiences. Courses deepen nursing skills in research, technology, and patient care.
Example: The University of Southern Mississippi – BSN Program
- Cost: $9,618 (in-state)/$11,618 (out-of-state)
- Length: Four years (eight semesters)
- Mode: Online
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN degrees provide a quick route to upgrade to a BSN. They also allow students who earned a bachelor’s degree in other fields to change to the nursing profession. Accelerated BSN programs typically take 18 months to complete and provide theoretical and practical knowledge.
Example: Mississippi College School of Nursing – ABSN Program
- Cost: $10,500/semester
- Length: Four semesters
- Mode: Online
Mississippi Graduate and Post-Graduate Nursing Programs
Graduate nursing programs offer Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. These degrees are designed for registered nurses who are seeking advanced roles. They focus on leadership, specialized clinical practice, and research. MSN and DNP degrees are ideal for nurses pursuing careers as nurse practitioners, educators, administrators, or healthcare policy experts.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree follows an advanced nursing education that takes one to three years to complete, depending on your specialization. This degree prepares students for roles such as nurse practitioners or roles in informatics and/or administration leadership. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another field can take direct-entry MSN programs and finish in 18 to 32 months.
Example: The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing – MSN Program
- Cost: $545/credit (in-state) / $1,599/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: Five semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
The DNP takes approximately two years for full-time students to complete. It includes a practicum and prepares students for nursing leadership, clinical education, and individual practice. A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science is a scholarly research degree that takes up to 10 years to complete and includes a doctoral dissertation.
Example: The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing – DNP Program
- Cost: $545/credit (in-state) / $1,599/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: Two to three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificate programs are designed for nurses who earned an MSN. They take one or two years to complete and concentrate on areas like psychiatric nursing, acute care, nurse practitioner, nursing education, informatics, pediatric or gerontology populations, and emergency nursing. Nursing management studies include courses on leadership, finance, and human resources.
Example: Purdue Global
- Cost: $420/credit
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Online
Bridge Programs in MS
Bridge degree programs, such as LPN to RN and LPN to BSN, help nurses advance their education efficiently. They combine prior experience with new coursework and lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree. These programs are designed for working nurses who are seeking career growth; they offer flexible, accelerated paths to higher credentials and expanded healthcare roles.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Bridge programs are ideal for LPNs who want to become RNs. LPN to ADN programs lead to an associate degree and licensure and take one to two years to complete. LPN to BSN programs take two to four years and are for students who want to assume a greater variety of nursing duties and/or enroll in graduate nursing programs.
Example: William Carey University
- Cost: $505/credit
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses who already have an ADN and want to earn a BSN in less than four years. These bridge programs usually take one to two years to complete, depending on how many credits from your RN program will transfer. Earning a BSN can expand your scope of practice and increase your salary.
Example: William Carey University – RN to BSN Program
- Cost: $505/credit
- Length: One year
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
RN to MSN programs allow RN students to earn a BSN and an MSN simultaneously. These programs typically take two to three years to complete, and applicants must have several years of nursing experience. These programs are ideal for nurses who are planning to enter advanced fields in management, research, quality of care, and more.
Example: The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing – RN to MSN Program
- Cost: $545/credit (in-state) / $1,599/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: Five semesters
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
A BSN to DNP program enables registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The transition from a BSN to a DNP is a crucial step for students who want to influence healthcare at the most impactful level. This program combines advanced clinical training, leadership, and healthcare policy. It prepares nurses for top-tier roles as nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, or educators, with both online and in-person components.
Example: The University of Southern Mississippi – BSN to DNP Program
- Cost: $9,618 (in-state) / $11,618 (out-of-state)
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
A Direct-entry MSN program is designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who are seeking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). A Direct-entry MSN program for non-nursing majors is designed for career changers and other students who have a bachelor’s degree but no prior nursing experience. This program provides a straight path toward becoming a professional nurse while earning an advanced degree at the same time. It offers accelerated nursing coursework and clinical training and prepares graduates for RN licensure and advanced nursing roles. However, it’s important to understand that all direct-entry MSN programs, whether they feature online study or not, require on-campus attendance for certain classes and labs.
Example: Herzing University Direct-Entry MSN Program
- Cost: $775/credit
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online
Licensing for Registered Nurses in Mississippi
Registered nurses in Mississippi must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. They must also apply for licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing and pass a background check. Continuing education is required for license renewal to ensure ongoing competency in clinical practice and patient care.
1 – An Accredited Degree in Nursing
In your search for a nursing school, it’s crucial to ensure that your program and school of choice is accredited. For nursing students in particular, the type of accreditation matters; going to a nursing school that is not accredited or has the wrong accreditation could jeopardize your future as a professional.
Regional accreditation is given to qualifying colleges and universities by organizations that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Schools and universities in Mississippi should have regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). They should also have state accreditation from the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation (MCCA).
Along with regional organizations, some organizations give national accreditation to colleges and universities. National accreditation is not as widely accepted as regional accreditation, so the credits from nationally accredited universities don’t always transfer to other colleges.
As a nursing student, you want to make sure that your school’s nursing program holds program-specific accreditation along with regional and/or national accreditation. As an aspiring nurse, you must attend a nursing school that is accredited by one of the two nursing accreditation organizations to be eligible to earn a master’s degree in the field, to transfer credits to another university, and to apply for most jobs in the field. Your program should be accredited and recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2 – Take & Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After you complete an accredited ADN or BSN program, you can take advantage of NCLEX mentoring or advising offered by your school. Use practice tests to strengthen your understanding of key concepts. During your final semester, you must apply at the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s Gateway system, submit official transcripts, and pay a $100 fee. Then, you should register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), pay a $200 exam fee, and review their free test strategies. After approval, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) with scheduling instructions that are valid for 90 days.
3 – Apply for Mississippi Licensure
To apply for RN licensure in Mississippi, you should ensure that your nursing diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree meets the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBON) standards. You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, and pay a $100 application fee and a $75 background check fee. Mississippi is a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so it allows multi-state licensure.
4 – Maintain and Renew Your Licensure
Licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew your license, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years (online or in-person at any accredited school) and pay a $100 renewal fee between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 in even-numbered years.
5 – Pursue Specialization (Optional)
After you become a licensed RN in Mississippi, you can enhance your career by pursuing specialty certifications in areas like pediatrics, critical care, or oncology. Certifications often require additional coursework, clinical experience, and passing an exam through national certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Specialty certifications can improve job prospects, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities, and many employers offer support for certification programs.
Nursing Career & Salary Info in Mississippi
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $58,130 | $74,470 | $104,040 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $63,090 | $74,970 | $111,920 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $57,450 | $64,960 | $92,910 |
| Jackson, MS | $61,570 | $78,800 | $114,650 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Top Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Mississippi
- The UMMC RN-BSN program offers a fast and flexible online curriculum designed for busy nurses, allowing career advancement without interrupting work or family life.
- Students benefit from every-semester admission, providing multiple enrollment opportunities to fit their schedules and professional goals.
- The program delivers clinical experiences with one-on-one preceptor mentorship by BSN nurses with extensive practice, enhancing practical skills through real patient care rather than large group simulations.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $16,232 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mississippi College
- Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN program offers flexible completion options, allowing students to finish in as few as five semesters or through an extended eight-semester plan tailored to individual needs.
- The program combines online nursing theory delivered via a dynamic e-learning platform with high-fidelity simulation centers and clinical practice at top healthcare facilities in the Milwaukee area, supporting experiential learning in realistic environments.
- Graduates join an extensive professional community of Marquette Nurses, enhancing networking opportunities and career support through a shared commitment to impactful patient care and healthcare improvement.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $16,232 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MSProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,670 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Southern Mississippi
- The USM School of Professional Nursing Practice offers an early admission process for high school seniors called Dean’s Scholars, allowing students to secure BSN program admission upon meeting prerequisites and eligibility.
- The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) pathway is available for second-degree students, enabling a faster route to earn a BSN degree at the Gulf Park campus.
- The RN-BSN program option is offered completely online, providing flexible completion for working registered nurses seeking a BSN.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,670 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,503 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Alcorn State University
- Alcorn State University's Nursing program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) option designed for completion in five semesters, including 750 direct patient care hours, preparing graduates for national certification and advanced clinical practice.
- The School of Nursing provides strong faculty advising and hands-on clinical training through the ASU Family Clinic, which serves both the university community and local residents, enhancing practical experience and community engagement.
- Alcorn's RN to BSN program is recognized as one of Mississippi's top programs due to its innovative curriculum, outstanding clinical training, and dedicated student support, facilitating high-quality nurse preparation and career readiness.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,503 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Delta State University
- Delta State University's Nursing program offers certifications in ACLS, PALS, NRP, and Tuberculosis Training, enhancing clinical skills and employability for students.
- The program features a state-of-the-art Simulation Lab with mannequins and equipment, providing hands-on client care experiences and faculty feedback to ensure clinical readiness.
- Delta State supports flexible enrollment with full-time and part-time options, as well as year-round application acceptance, accommodating diverse student needs.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MSProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,535 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mississippi University for Women
- The Nursing program at The W boasts a 97.5% first-time NCLEX licensure exam pass rate with 90% of licensed graduates employed as registered nurses within six to twelve months, demonstrating strong graduate success and job placement.
- Licensed Practical Nurses can advance rapidly through an innovative, fast-paced 3-semester LPN-to-RN advanced placement option, allowing career progression without repeating already completed coursework.
- The RN-to-BSN program features a flat-rate tuition of $10,000 covering all fees and course costs, with no out-of-state tuition, making advanced nursing education affordable and accessible.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,535 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,034 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected William Carey University
- William Carey University's Nursing program offers an accelerated full-time BSN pathway that can be completed in just four terms, allowing students to enter the workforce rapidly.
- The 2nd Degree Hybrid BSN program provides the flexibility of all theory coursework online and offers alternate clinical sites and schedules, catering to students balancing work and life commitments.
- Students receive free textbooks for both the Pre-Licensure and 2nd Degree Hybrid BSN programs, reducing educational costs and financial barriers to nursing education.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,034 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Booneville, MSProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,378 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northeast Mississippi Community College
- The Northeast Mississippi Community College Nursing program offers a 12-month practical nursing education track that combines classroom and clinical experience, enabling students to complete their training efficiently and enter the workforce promptly.
- The program supports transfer pathways to four-year nursing degrees by providing the first two years of coursework for Mississippi university nursing majors, facilitating smooth continuation to advanced nursing education.
- Students benefit from a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice and comprehensive nursing theories, such as the Nursing Process and psychosocial development frameworks, which ensure preparedness for real-world nursing challenges and licensure exams.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,378 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,483 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Itawamba Community College
- Itawamba Community College’s Nursing program offers an accelerated LPN-RN Option 2 pathway that grants credit for the first year of nursing courses, reducing time to degree completion for qualified students.
- The program maintains strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing students with extensive hands-on clinical learning experiences to enhance job readiness.
- Rigorous admission criteria including prerequisite courses and a minimum ACT score ensure a competitive cohort, supported by comprehensive academic guidance to maximize student success and licensure eligibility.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,483 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Wesson, MSProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,411 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Copiah-Lincoln Community College
- Columbus State’s Nursing program offers a blended option combining online theory with hands-on clinical and lab experiences, providing flexibility and practical training tailored for motivated, independent learners.
- The program accepts LPNs, Paramedics, and Military Medics for advanced standing, granting credit based on prior coursework to accelerate their path to becoming Registered Nurses.
- Applicants must complete a Nursing Information Session and meet clear academic criteria, ensuring well-prepared students and supporting a strong foundation for success in clinical practice and licensure preparation.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,411 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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