How To Become a Nurse in Mississippi 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for caring for patients in healthcare settings. These roles are in demand across the country, including in Mississippi.

All states require RNs to have a license, but the licensure requirements vary between states. If you're wondering how to become a nurse, keep reading. We'll discuss the requirements in Mississippi.

What Does an RN Do?

RNs provide and coordinate patient care within healthcare settings. Job duties may include:

• assessing and observing patients
• updating patient medical charts
• administering medication and treatments
• supporting patients through procedures and medical events
• working with a medical care team to create a care plan
• educating patients on their care plan

Certified registered nurse primarily work in hospitals but can also work in places like clinics, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities. Specific tasks will depend on where they work, as well as what departments they work in.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Mississippi?

The amount of time it takes to earn your RN license in Mississippi depends on what type of degree you earn and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate degrees usually take two to three years to complete, and some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online for those with previous education. If you pass your NCLEX on your first try, as many students do, you could become a nurse in just a couple of years.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Mississippi

To become an RN in Mississippi, you need to secure RN licensure, which requires meeting the educational requirements for nurses and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. We've highlighted the key steps to licensure below.

Step 1: Complete a Nursing Program

The first step to becoming an RN in Mississippi is to complete a degree program through a nursing school approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MSBN). There are several options for nursing programs, depending on your current level of education.

If you don't already have a degree, you can pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degrees are faster, but a bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate study or leadership roles.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can look at second bachelor's programs in nursing, which are often accelerated. You can also look at entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) options.

The program you choose should provide foundational nursing education in patient care, medical ethics, and public health. You'll also participate in hands-on clinical experiences.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers. All states require applicants to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their nursing license.

The exam will test you on client needs, fundamental processes in nursing, and clinical judgment. It takes about six weeks to receive your official results, and you can retake the test if you don't pass the first time.

Step 3: Obtain and Maintain Licensure

When you're ready to apply for your nursing license, you can start the process on the MSBN website. You'll need to submit proof of your nursing education, pay an application fee, and submit to a criminal background check.

To maintain your licensure, you'll need to renew your nursing license every two years. To qualify for renewal, you'll need to complete 20 hours of continuing education during this two-year period.

Step 4: Consider Furthering Your Nursing Education and Career

After you've earned your RN license, you may decide to further your education. For example, if you earned an ADN, you can complete your bachelor's through an RN to BSN program.

If you're interested in becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), like a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, you'll need to complete a graduate program. Both master's degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) options are available.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Mississippi

Numerous colleges and universities in Mississippi offer approved and accredited nursing programs, as well as online nursing programs for career advancement. We've featured some of the top programs for RN licensure below.

1. Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women is a public institution in Columbus, MS, that, despite its name, is coeducational. It offers both an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and a BSN program that leads to RN licensure in Mississippi.

The BSN program offers an advanced standing pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and graduate nursing degrees are available at the W as well. The BSN has had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX- RN for the last three years, and the ASN has a three-year pass rate average of 98.20%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,492 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Delta State University

At Delta State University, students will find a BSN program that prepares them for licensure to pursue nursing careers in various settings. Courses cover topics like health assessment, patient care, and nursing leadership.

Delta State, a public university, is located in Cleveland, MS. Its BSN program has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the last three years, and it also offers an RN to BSN and graduate nursing programs online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,605 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

3. Belhaven University

Belhaven University offers a BSN degree that has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the last three years. Belhaven is a private Christian school in Jackson, MS.

This program strives to create graduates who are servant leaders who value integrity and justice in all aspects of their lives. An online RN to BSN program is also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,070 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

4. University of Southern Mississippi

The BSN program at the University of Southern Mississippi offers three track options: a traditional track, an online RN to BSN, and an accelerated BSN (ABSN) for students who already have a bachelor's degree.

USM, located in Hattiesburg, MS, is a public research university. Its traditional and ABSN programs have an average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 99.77% over the last three years, with all students passing last year. It also offers graduate nursing degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,998 per year (in-state); $11,998 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

5. Southwest Mississippi Community College

Southwest Mississippi Community College is a public community college in Summit, MS. It offers both a traditional ADN and an LPN to RN program.

Both programs offer a hybrid format, with a mix of in-person and online classes. The ADN has a 99.53% pass rate average on the NCLEX-RN over the last three years, with a 100% pass rate last year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,080 per year (in-state); $6,780 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and ACEN

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Mississippi

The job outlook for registered nursing jobs in Mississippi is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects nursing jobs to increase nationwide by 6% by 2033, and Mississippi itself should also see growth of 6%.

The median annual salary for RNs in Mississippi is $74,470. However, those in more populated areas, like Jackson, MS, or the Memphis, TN, metro, earn a median salary closer to $80,000 per year.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Mississippi

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about how to become an RN in Mississippi.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Mississippi?

The cost of a nursing degree in Mississippi depends on multiple factors � your school, your degree, in-state vs. out-of-state status, and financial aid eligibility are just a few. Public universities typically charge in-state students less than $10,000 per year, while community colleges often charge less than $5,000 per year.

Those tuition rates can drop much lower if you use financial aid. To find out what you're eligible for, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are many online colleges that accept FAFSA in Mississippi.

Along with tuition, you'll have other costs to cover, like textbooks and supplies. You'll likely also need a laptop, where there can be a huge price and quality difference between something cheap and the best laptop for nursing students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Prerequisite coursework for nursing degrees can vary. Most schools require you to have completed courses in biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Some schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online

You'll likely also need to have a minimum GPA from either high school or your prerequisite courses. Many schools also require entrance exams like the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS).

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

If you haven't earned a degree yet, the fastest way to become a nurse in Mississippi is through an ADN program.

If you're wanting to earn a bachelor's degree, many schools offer RN to BSN programs for those who have an ADN and their license. These programs are usually flexible and allow you to complete your BSN while still working as an RN.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

For many students, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These degrees are usually designed with flexibility in mind.

Because of this, many schools offer these programs online and allow you to complete your clinicals at the healthcare facility where you work. These programs usually take one to two years to complete.

Find a Nursing Degree

Start your journey toward your RN career by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their nursing programs.