Explore Best Online Nursing Schools in Mississippi
No matter where you’re at in your nursing career journey, nursing schools in Mississippi have a program that meets your needs. Explore top-ranked online and campus options in this guide.
Late in 2021, nursing shortages caused one hospital to repay loans from Mississippi nursing schools of up to $20,000 if applicants signed a two-year contract. Mississippi is in obvious need of new nurses on the front lines of patient care in hospitals and medical clinics from Corinth to Gulfport.
Choosing the right school impacts your career and long-term growth in the nursing field. This guide will help you find a quality online or on-campus nursing program in Mississippi, whether you’re just beginning on the road to becoming an RN or want to move into advanced roles that call for a grad degree. Read on to discover the best nursing schools in Mississippi and see how they can help you take the first or next step in your RN career.
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Public
Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi
Public
Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Private
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi
Private
Holmes Community College
Goodman, Mississippi
Public
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, Mississippi
Public
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Mississippi
Nursing schools in Mississippi offer degrees for those just entering the profession through those pursuing nursing doctoral degrees. You’ll also find in-person, online, and hybrid programs. Pre-licensing nursing programs in Mississippi prepare students for the NCLEX licensing examination while bridge programs prepare nurses for advanced roles in the profession. The most common degree options are described below.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Mississippi
ADN Programs
An 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 steppingstone to a BSN and specialized training.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Many employers view the BSN as the degree of choice in 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.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN degrees provide a quick route to upgrading to a BSN. They also allow students holding bachelor’s degrees in other fields to change to the nursing profession. Accelerated BSN programs typically take 18 months and provide theoretical and practical knowledge.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Mississippi for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Bridge programs are ideal for LPNs wanting to become RNs. LVN to ADN programs lead to an associate degree and licensure and take one to two years. The LVN to BSN programs take two to four years and are for students wanting to assume a greater variety of nursing duties and/or enroll in graduate nursing programs.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs are for working nurses who already have ADNs and want to get BSNs without spending four years. These bridge programs take one to two years, depending on the transfer credits from your RN program. Getting a BSN expands your scope of practice and increases your salary.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN programs allow RN students to earn their BSNs and MSNs simultaneously. They typically take two to three years, and applicants must have several years of nursing experience. These programs are ideal for nurses planning to enter advanced fields in management, research, quality of care, and more.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Mississippi
MSN Programs
The MSN is an advanced nursing education that takes one to three years, depending on your specialization. They prepare students for roles as nurse practitioners or in informatics and administration leadership. Those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields can take direct-entry MSN programs and finish in 18-32 months.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
The DNP takes about two years full time, 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 and includes a doctoral dissertation.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Designed for nurses with MSNs, post-graduate certificates take one or two years and concentrate in areas like psychiatric nursing, acute care, nurse practitioner, nursing education, informatics, pediatric or gerontology populations, and emergency nursing. Nursing management studies include leadership, finance, and human resources.
Examples of Mississippi Nursing Schools with This Program
A Look at Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi
Online nursing programs in Mississippi meet the needs of busy individuals who juggle work and family obligations while going to school. Programs may feature lectures and examinations fully online with clinicals in person, require scheduled online sessions, allow for asynchronous learning, or have a hybrid approach. Some also have on-site orientation or online prerequisite courses before the actual program begins.
Remember that online does not necessarily mean easy. Online learning usually requires significant discipline. Additionally, some programs are accelerated and require even more focus. Setting aside consistent time dedicated to your studies is important for success.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Mississippi
With the many financial aid opportunities available, Mississippi nursing students do not need to end up in debt after getting their degrees. From low-interest (subsidized) Federal loans to grants, work-study programs, and scholarships, you can use a combination of sources to fund your degree. Check out the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for tuition and other resources specifically for Mississippi students.
Your first step in applying for all aid should be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The Federal government’s Department of Student Aid breaks down available sources of support. Note that most nursing schools offer their own set of scholarships and grants, so be sure to check with the financial aid office at your prospective colleges as well.
Visit our nursing scholarship guide, guide to graduating from nursing school debt-free, and main financial aid guide to find additional sources of aid along with helpful advice.
How to Become an RN in Mississippi
To practice nursing in Mississippi, you must complete your nursing degree from an accredited nursing school and pass the NCLEX. Mississippi is an Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact state, so an RN from another state can receive licensure provided they have never held a Mississippi license. Their first step is completing an endorsement application
An overview of the steps required for first-time RNs in Mississippi is outlined below. To fully understand first-time and renewal licensing requirements, visit the Mississippi Board of Nursing
Complete Your Degree and Prepare for the NCLEX
Complete an accredited ADN or BSN program and utilize any NCLEX mentoring or advising available through your school. See if practice tests are available to sharpen your understanding of the theory and skills on the NCLEX. During your final semester, apply through the Mississippi Board of Nursing to take the exam.
Register to Take the NCLEX
Nursing graduates can begin the procedure by creating an account through the Gateway at the Board of Nursing. The RN application fee is $100, and applicants must provide the Mississippi Board of Nursing with official transcripts. Then, register for the NCLEX through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and pay the $200 fee. Note that the NCSBN also offers free information on test strategies and tutorials.
Schedule and Sit for NCLEX RN Exam
After your NECLEX application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. You’ll have 90 days to schedule your exam and will be notified of specific deadlines in the ATT and given your appointment time. You can deny the appointment and schedule another one if you have a conflict with the one given you.
Complete All Mississippi RN Requirements
The Mississippi Board of Nursing’s checklist of items required for licensing provides a rundown of the licensing process and requirements beyond the NCLEX. For example, all applicants must undergo background checks that can be scheduled before taking the NCLEX. Use this checklist to make sure you meet all of Mississippi’s requirements.
Renew Your License
Licenses must be renewed every two years. Registered Mississippi nurses can apply for license renewal in even-numbered years, September 1st through December 31st. The Board of Nursing requires 20 contact hours of continuing education credits every three years, and they can be completed in person or online at any accredited school.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Mississippi
Mississippi offers promising opportunities for Registered Nurses (RNs), with competitive salaries and steady job growth across the state. The median RN salary is $69,370, with top earners reaching $100,160 annually. Among Mississippi’s metro areas, Jackson leads with a median salary of $78,850, while Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula offers similarly strong earnings, with top salaries surpassing $105,000. In Hattiesburg, RNs enjoy a more modest median salary of $62,450, though top earners still approach $99,000. These figures underscore the demand for skilled RNs in both urban and regional healthcare settings.
The state’s RN workforce is projected to grow by 6.4% through 2030, adding 1,930 new jobs to reach a total of 31,910 positions. With an average of 1,860 annual openings due to job growth and turnover, Mississippi offers steady opportunities for nurses entering the field or seeking advancement. Whether you’re drawn to large hospitals or community-focused care facilities, Mississippi provides a stable and rewarding environment for RNs. Check out the data below for more details.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $54,580 | $69,370 | $100,160 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $61,560 | $73,590 | $105,100 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $55,100 | $62,450 | $99,090 |
| Jackson, MS | $57,540 | $78,850 | $103,740 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
