The Top Nursing Schools in Mississippi
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Editor & Writer
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You've decided to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) — a career that's projected to grow 16% in Mississippi between 2020 and 2030, according to Projections Central. The next step is choosing an LPN program that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.
Learn more about the top LPN programs in Mississippi, how to become an LPN in the state, and the salary and job outlook for this career.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Mississippi
You have a lot to consider when applying to LPN programs in Mississippi. First, ensure your nursing school is accredited, so the Mississippi Board of Nursing will accept your transcripts and issue you a license. All of the LPN programs ranked here are accredited.
Next, compare the program's NCLEX-PN pass rate with the acceptance and graduation rates. If the pass rate is low, but the graduation rate is high, this program may not adequately prepare you to take the exam. If the acceptance rate is high, but the graduation rate is low, the program may be too hard and many students drop out.
Create a plan to pay for books, supplies, transportation, tuition, and fees, whether it’s through loans, financial aid, working while in school, or a combination of these.
If you plan to work and attend school part time, make sure your program offers a part-time, hybrid, or fully online option. Find out where you’ll complete your clinicals, whether in the same facility as the rest of your cohort or in your local area. Determine if your school offers clinical placement assistance for online students.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Mississippi
Missisppi’s nursing workforce will grow 16% from 2020-2030, higher than the national job growth of 9% for LPNs, according to Projections Central. Mississippi is expected to have 930 LPN job openings each year. The average annual salary for LPNs in Mississippi is about $10,000 less than the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Location | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 8660 | $45,020 |
| United States | 632,020 | $54,620 |
Salaries for Nurses in Mississippi
The average salaries for nurses in Mississippi corresponds to their scope of practice. Since LPNs have a smaller scope of practice than registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NP), they make less than RNs and NPs.
How to Become an LPN in Mississippi
Becoming an LPN in Mississippi requires similar steps to becoming an LPN in other states. First, you’ll complete an LPN program, which requires 40-50 credits or 1-2 years in school. Then, you’ll need to:
- Fill out an application with the Mississippi Board of Nursing
- Submit your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Verify your graduation from an accredited LPN program
- Submit your transcripts from your LPN program
- Pass a criminal background check
You’ll pay $335 to become an LPN in Mississippi. Registration for the NCLEX-PN costs $200, and $60 to submit your license application. The criminal background check costs $75.
The Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi
Find out more about the best LPN programs in Mississippi and see which one is right for you.
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Meridian Community College
Meridian, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The practical nursing program at Meridian Community College meets the educational requirements for a practical nursing license in the state of Mississippi. Applicants to the program must have a composite ACT score of 16, minimum ACCUPLACER exam scores, or a grade C or above in five courses in human growth and development, anatomy and physiology, and nutrition. The program requires all applicants to submit official transcripts, attend an information session, and take a standardized admission assessment test.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $193 (in state); $273 (out of state)
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 46 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.35% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: The Mississippi Community College Board Office of Workforce, Career, and Technical Education; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
East Mississippi Community College offers a 12-month practical nursing certificate that meets licensing requirements in Mississippi. The curriculum prepares students for careers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home care. Admission requirements include a minimum composite ACT score of 16 with a subscore of 16 in reading, a grade of “C” or higher in anatomy and physiology I & II and prerequisite science classes, and a 2.0 cumulative GPA for all previous college coursework. Applicants must submit an official high school or GED transcript.
Program Snapshot
- Cost: $2,750 per semester
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 51 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass: 94.59% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: Mississippi Community College Board
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Wesson, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The certificate of practical nursing at Copiah-Dash Lincoln Community College covers the basic knowledge and skills for entry-level practical nursing positions. The curriculum prepares students to meet the requirements of the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Applicants must submit official high school or GED transcripts, provide composite ACT scores of at least 16 with a minimum of 12 in math and reading, and take the ATI TEAS exam. Once admitted, applicants must attend an orientation and participate in drug testing and a criminal background check.
Program Snapshot
- Cost: $1,400 per semester
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 44 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass: 94.59% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: The Mississippi Community College Board; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The practical nursing certificate offered by Jones County Community College prepares graduates to apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses. The program admits applicants who have a minimum ACT composite score of 16, with subscores of 14 in English, math, and reading, and an ATI TEAS score of 50 or higher. Applicants must be at least 18 years old prior to completion of the certificate.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $175
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 44 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass: 94.59% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: The Mississippi Community College Board
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Summit, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Earning a certificate of practical nursing at Southwest Mississippi Community College can lead to careers as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. These positions provide general nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. The curriculum prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination, required for licensure by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Admission to the certificate program is competitive, requiring a composite ACT score of at least 18 and a minimum subscore of 17 in reading and math.
Program Snapshot
- Cost: $1,490 per semester
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 47 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass: 94.59% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: The Mississippi Community College Board; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Holmes Community College
Goodman, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Holmes Community College offers full-time, part-time, hybrid, and evening certificate programs in practical nursing. The full-time day track takes three semesters to complete and the part-time, hybrid, and evening options require five consecutive semesters. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and provide official transcripts from all previously attended schools. Requirements for minimum ACT scores differ for each program option. The program requires all practical nursing applicants to complete a criminal background check and drug and alcohol screens.
Program Snapshot
- Cost: $1,350 per semester
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass: 94.59% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: The Mississippi Community College Board; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Booneville, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The practical nursing program at Northeast Mississippi Community College provides students with basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological, and sociological sciences. The program helps prepare them for careers in general nursing under the direction of registered nurses, licensed physicians, or dentists. Applicants must have an ACT score of 17 or higher and complete anatomy and physiology I & II with a grade of C or above. Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Snapshot
- Cost: $1,825 per semester
- Program Length: Three semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 50 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass: 94.59% (2021)
- Program Accreditation: State Board for Community and Junior Colleges
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Everything Else You Need to Know About LPNs in Mississippi
What is the average salary for LPNs in Mississippi?
Licensed practical nurses make an average of $45,020 per year in Mississippi, which comes out to about $22 per hour.
How long does it take to become a LPN in Mississippi?
You'll take 1-2 years to become a licensed practical nurse in Mississippi. LPN programs require 40-50 credits to graduate.
What degree do you need to become an LPN in Mississippi?
You need to complete a licensed practical nurse program and pass the NCLEX-PN to become an LPN in Mississippi.
Is Mississippi a nursing compact state?
Yes, Mississippi participates in the nursing license compact (NLC). This means you can earn your registered nurse (RN) license in Mississippi and be eligible to practice in any state participating in the NLC, including neighboring states: Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana.