7 Best Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi

Becoming a certified registered nurse is difficult, especially with day-to-day struggles while maintaining work, family, and other obligations; getting your degree can take time and effort.

Online nursing programs online nursing degree programs are designed to make this process easier and more manageable.

Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi has some of the best online nursing programs in the U.S., producing students who pass the NCLEX exam 90% or higher on their first try.

The best online colleges and universities in Mississippi that provide fully online nursing programs, including online RN to BSN programs, are highlighted below.

Keep in mind that some have on-site orientation and practicums.

1. Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University (ASU) has an RN-to-BSN program that can be completed online in two semesters, where nurses will learn evidence-based practices and applications in the healthcare field.

ASU has six online graduate programs, each of which may take 25 to 36 credit hours to complete. A nurse educator pathway takes 37 credit hours.

Most students finish their program in six semesters, with all graduate programs requiring a thesis and independent studies.

Bear in mind that there may be labs and clinicals on-site.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) provides Alcorn with its accreditation.

2. Belhaven University

Belhaven University, a small private Christian university, trains its students to be servant leaders.

To enroll in the online RN-BSN program, applicants must have completed an associate degree and already be registered nurses.

The program takes around a year to complete. During that year, nurses must take 12 courses and gain clinical experience organized through local institutions and hospitals.

Belhaven's nursing program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

3. Delta State University

Delta State University's Robert E. Smith School of Nursing has several online degrees in nursing ranging from RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and other post-master's certificates.

The RN-to-BSN program accepts applications year-round, but the program begins in the fall. The program has clinical experiences that are completed in person.

The MSN programs allow nurses to focus on one of many concentrations, including a nurse educator program that can be completed in 40.5 credit hours and 390 clinical hours.

The family nurse practitioner track takes 48 credit hours and 780 clinical hours.

There are two program options for a DNP that take 65 credit hours and three years to complete. The post-master's DNP program lasts about a year and a half with 31 credit hours to complete.

The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

4. Mississippi College

A Christian university, Mississippi College, offers a 30-credit hour, 12-month RN-to-BSN program.

Mississippi College School of Nursing's online programs offer multiple start dates each year, with programs having a short wait time between the application and class start dates.

You must have an active, unrestricted RN license and pass a background clearance to apply for this program.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education furnishes MC's School of Nursing accreditation.

5. Mississippi University for Women

A co-ed university, Mississippi University for Women, offers several online options for nurses wanting to expand their knowledge.

Students can complete a nine-month RN-to-BSN program on a full-time track, which is completed in three semesters, or on a part-time track, which can be completed in five.

The university also offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) that takes 42 credit hours along with an internship or research project.

The online DNP program can be complete either full or part time, and it is 38 credit hours.

The BSN-to-DNP program takes about 33 months to complete. Nurses need a BSN and two years of experience to be admitted into this program.

These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

6. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers several online degree options, with an RN-to-BSN program that can be completed in 30 hours.

The RN-to-MSN program has six tracks that can be completed online, including mental health and healthcare administration, providing flexibility and a low tuition cost.

The DNP program not only has MSN-to-DNP option but also a BSN-to-DPN option with two tracks: adult-gerontology and family nurse practitioner.

To apply for the program, a prospective student must be a current nurse in good standing with the state.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Ole Miss programs help students excel in their nursing careers.

7. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi has several online programs for nurses. The RN-to-BSN program can be completed online in two semesters.

Southern Miss delivers two BSN-to-DNP programs with three pathways online:

• BSN to DPN: three year program that requires 71 credit hours
• MSN to DPN: five semester (including summers) program that requires 44 credit hours
• post-graduate to DPN: four semester program that requires 26 credit hours

The BSN to psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner takes over three years. The MSN option is 46 credit hours that can be completed in five semesters, including summers.

The post-graduate option takes 28 credits that are also completed in five semesters.

You can obtain a nursing education graduate certificate in 18 credit hours, while the nursing leadership graduate certificate program takes 13 hours.

These programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Online Nursing Programs in the U.S.

If Mississippi does not have the online nursing program you are looking for, you could also enroll in one of the following.

National University

National University's offers many online nursing programs, including BSN, MSN, RN, and LVN programs. It also offers several DNP program tracks, including Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).

Medical coding and psychiatric mental health certificate programs can be obtained online at the National University.

It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Programs are available for pre-licensure BS degrees, RN to BSN, and healthcare administration.

A psychiatric mental health program is among the professional tracks available for an MSN degree. Furthermore, there are numerous learning and leadership tracks.

While there is no DNP program, WGU offers post-master's certification in online nursing.

These program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global nursing programs are designed with the working adult in mind. The staff offers personalized assistance on coursework, job searching, and more.

Purdue also gives work and military experience as credit credit toward your degree.

The following nursing programs are available at Purdue:

• RN to BSN
• MSN
• dual MSN degrees
• MSN to DNP
• postgraduate certificates

The programs vary in length because students can take the courses at their own pace.

There are two undergraduate degree options, one of which is an accelerated RN-to-MSN option that can be completed in 12 months.

The standard RN-to-MSN transition is completed in about 18 months, while the traditional RN-to-BSN program also takes about a year.

Purdue's dual degree options allow nurses to gain an MSN in a concentrated field and an additional accredited master's degree in business, public health, or health care administration in as little as two and a half years.

The DNP program is not available in every state, territory, or internationally. Be sure to check online if it is offered in your area.

Purdue Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Mississippi

There are a few types of online nursing programs in Mississippi. An extensive online collection of programs for RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is available, including both traditional and self-paced RN to BSN programs.

The many BSN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs offer other specific tracks to advance your nursing career.

Enrolling in a doctoral or post-master's certificate program can lead to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse(APRN).

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

Educational requirements for nurses vary depending on the type of degree and specialty in the field.

The entry-level degree requires a high school or equivalent education and admission into an accredited associate degree program.

The BSN level requires a bachelor's degree, passing the National Council of Licensure (NCLEX-PN) examination, and passing the state boards.

MSN degrees involves focusing on multiple paths or areas of expertise.

Lastly, a DNP usually includes a capstone as part of its program.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Mississippi

To become a licensed nurse in Mississippi, you must have an ADN or BSN from an accredited nursing program.

Next, you'll need to pass the jurisprudence exam and the NCLEX-RN exam.

Last, you must complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) every three years.

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

If you're interested in bettering your nursing career, be sure to check out one of these online nursing programs in Mississippi as well as some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online across the country.