Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi
Mississippi is often an attractive state to those who are looking for an affordable cost of living with viable options for nursing programs. However, aside from the availability of nursing school options in the state, there is also ample opportunity for students looking to practice as nurses. According to the most recent data, you can expect as much as a 14% increase in nursing jobs within the next decade. If you’re hoping to capitalize on this historic growth in the nursing field, learn about the different types of nursing programs available in the state in the sections below.
Jump to:
- Mississippi RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Mississippi
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Mississippi
Best RN Programs in Mississippi
Selecting the best nursing school in Mississippi can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in Mississippi by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 23 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Mississippi University for Women
Score: 99.36
Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi is home to excellent nursing degree programs, including associate and bachelor's degree routes. Nursing students learn to integrate clinical excellence with advanced practical concepts to advance the nursing profession. Students also get the benefits of a dedicated Nursing Learning Resource Center and the guidance of experienced faculty.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
- Phone: (877) 462-8439
University of Southern Mississippi
Score: 98.77
The University of Southern Mississippi in thriving Hattiesburg is home to well regarded nursing degree programs. Would-be nurses learn about their impact on health policy development and are empowered to improve health care systems.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (601) 266-1000
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Score: 98.65
The ADN program at Southwest Mississippi Community College prepares graduates to perform as competent, caring entry-level registered nurses. The program spreads coursework over 4 challenging full-time semesters, with courses including Introduction to Health and Illness Concepts, Microbiology, and more. Didactic coursework is enhanced by labs and hands-on experiences. An LPN to RN pathway is also available.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (601) 276-2000
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Score: 98.63
Northwest Mississippi Community College offers an ADN program pathway specifically for LPNs. The program aims to seamlessly transition practical nurses into registered nursing practice. The school maintains partnerships with community and healthcare facilities, and utilizes technical simulation and skills laboratories to give students an advantage in the field.
Program Details
- Programs: LPN to ADN
- Phone: (662) 562-3200
Delta State University
Score: 98.39
Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi uses experienced and notable faculty to shape students into model nurses, using the principles of primary health care in developing patient assessment and intervention frameworks.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (662) 846-3000
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Score: 98.39
Copiah-Lincoln Community College is home to an Associate in Applied Science nursing degree pathway. This 72-hour program prepares students to function as caregivers within the discipline of nursing. The student-centered curriculum weaves general education and nursing courses together to provide a high-quality learning experience.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (601) 643-5101
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Score: 98.34
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a leader in assisting nursing students to develop their role in the practical aspects of nursing through its ADN and LPN to RN programs. The ADN option consists of one semester of prerequisites and four semesters of nursing courses. Enrolled students take classes including Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Maternal Child Health, and more.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (228) 896-2536
Jones County Junior College
Score: 98.08
In bustling Ellisville, Jones County Junior College strives to help nursing students establish priorities of care and desired patient outcome in order to excel in clinical environments both before and after graduation.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (601) 477-4000
William Carey University
Score: 97.90
William Carey University's Hattiesburg, Mississippi campus is home to multiple quality RN degree pathways. The traditional, pre-licensure BSN program can be completed in 18 months and requires 120 total credit hours. Students use research and evidence-based learning to develop and test advancing science specific to nursing theory and practice.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (601) 318-6051
Itawamba Community College
Score: 97.25
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (662) 862-8000
Mississippi Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
Mississippi provides several outstanding pathways for those beginning their nursing careers, including options like an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Explore the details below to see which path aligns best with your goals.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
An ADN is the fastest route for aspiring nurses to enter the profession, with programs that can be completed in about two years. Another option is the RN diploma, usually available through specialized nursing schools and hospital-based programs, typically taking 1-2 years. The main distinction is that an ADN includes additional general college coursework, whereas the RN diploma centers solely on essential nursing skills. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to advance, the LPN to RN bridge program offers a path to earn either an ADN or a BSN.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Mississippi include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Mississippi.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
For some nurses, a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the perfect choice. Typically, students who go with this option have little to no nursing experience and no previous nursing education. However, if you do have nursing experience, a nursing license, and an ADN, you can enroll in an RN to BSN which get you to graduation in a much shorter amount of time. The same goes for an Accelerated BSN program — if you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, your timeline to graduation will be much shorter.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Mississippi typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
If you already hold an ADN or nursing diploma and are looking to progress to a bachelor's degree, Mississippi offers RN to BSN programs designed for just that. These flexible programs, available both full-time and part-time, let nurses continue working while they study. Courses can be taken on-campus or online, though clinical hours must be completed in person.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Mississippi Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs offer an even faster route than RN to BSN pathways. These intensive programs are tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, allowing them to transition into nursing in as little as a year. For the right candidate, it's an ideal fast-track option!
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
Mississippi students aiming for advanced nursing roles will need to pursue a graduate nursing degree—options include a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Generally, a BSN is required to enter these programs, but once you're enrolled, the professional opportunities make the journey worthwhile.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Mississippi:
- Mississippi Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Mississippi MSN Program
- Mississippi RN to MSN Programs
- Mississippi Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Mississippi DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in Mississippi
After graduation, nurses planning to practice in Mississippi must obtain licensure. To become a licensed RN in Mississippi, candidates must submit a formal application to the Mississippi Board of Nursing and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Mississippi
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Mississippi Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
Accreditation is a crucial factor when choosing an RN program. If a program lacks accreditation, it means that the state board has not approved its curriculum, and graduates may be ineligible for licensure. In the U.S., nursing program accreditation is overseen by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Continued List of All RN Programs in Mississippi
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | Mississippi Delta Community College Moorhead, MS 38761 | Phone: (662) 246-6322 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 97.15 | msdelta.edu |
| 12. | University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS 39216 | Phone: (601) 984-1000 | Programs: BSN | 97.08 | umc.edu |
| 13. | Meridian Community College Meridian, MS 39307 | Phone: (601) 483-8241 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 96.93 | meridiancc.edu |
| 14. | East Mississippi Community College Scooba, MS 39358 | Phone: (662) 476-8442 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 96.68 | eastms.edu |
| 15. | Holmes Community College Goodman, MS 39079 | Phone: (662) 472-2312 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 96.39 | holmescc.edu |
| 16. | Belhaven University Jackson, MS 39202 | Phone: (601) 968-5940 | Programs: BSN | 96.19 | belhaven.edu |
| 17. | Alcorn State University Lorman, MS 39096 | Phone: (601) 877-6100 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 96.05 | alcorn.edu |
| 18. | Northeast Mississippi Community College Booneville, MS 38829 | Phone: (662) 728-7751 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 95.73 | nemcc.edu |
| 19. | Pearl River Community College Poplarville, MS 39470 | Phone: (601) 554-5555 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 95.59 | prcc.edu |
| 20. | Hinds Community College Jackson, MS 39154 | Phone: (601) 857-5261 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 94.66 | hindscc.edu |
| 21. | Mississippi College Clinton, MS 39058 | Phone: (601) 925-3000 | Programs: BSN | 94.19 | mc.edu |
| 22. | East Central Community College Decatur, MS 39327 | Phone: (601) 635-2111 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 94.16 | eccc.edu |
| 23. | Coahoma Community College Clarksdale, MS 38614 | Phone: (662) 621-4210 | Programs: LPN to ADN | 86.17 | coahomacc.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.