[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mississippi nursing schools offer affordable academic programs online that prepare graduates for certification. The anticipated demand for nurses coupled with financial incentives, such as loan forgiveness and state grants, make Mississippi a great place for nursing students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores how to become a nurse in Mississippi, the salary and job outlook, and the best nursing programs available in the state. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Mississippi.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore the best nursing schools in Mississippi and discover the programs that can provide options for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Mississippi, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When deciding on a program, applicants should consider various factors based on their professional and academic goals. Prospective students need to research features, such as tuition, program length, and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid resources for nurses.[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Make sure the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing institution is accredited[/hen-ui-link] and review its National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) scores and graduation rates. These numbers can demonstrate program strength.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a selection of affordable academic programs, above-average [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]NCLEX pass rates[/hen-ui-link], and low cost of living, Mississippi is a great state for students to become either an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Mississippi also benefit from the state’s membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As one of 36[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]NLC states[/hen-ui-link], Mississippi has agreed to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NLC makes it easier for Mississippi RNs to work in another state with minimal paperwork. Nurses with an NLC license also do not have to pay license renewal fees, and they can provide [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]telehealth nursing[/hen-ui-link] care to patients across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At $61,250, the average annual RN salary in Mississippi is lower compared to all but two other states, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Mississippi fare better, earning $109,550.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While nurses in the state earn less than the majority of the country, Mississippi’s residents benefit from the lowest cost of living of all 50 states. Earnings can go much farther than in areas with a higher cost of living.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like most other states, Mississippi also expects an increase in the demand for nurses. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=andAreaNameSelect%5B0%5D=1andName=andNameSelect%5B0%5D=664anditems_per_page=100andorder=PercentChangeandsort=asc” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Labor[/hen-ui-link], Mississippi ranks 34th in demand, with a projected 6% employment growth from 2018-2028. However, projections may change due to COVID-19, as nurses leave the field or retire due to exhaustion fueled by the pandemic.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying cities in Mississippi are located in the more densely populated areas, such as the state’s capital of Jackson. Nurses employed here earn the highest average salary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cities south and east of the capital round out the best-paying locations. With the northern part of the state being less populated, central cities down toward the Gulf of Mexico provide the best salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Jackson[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,100[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Gulfport — Biloxi — Pascagoula[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$65,150[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hattiesburg[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$54,090[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN or an APRN in Mississippi, prospective nurses should complete a program approved by the state’s Institutions of Higher Learning. After fulfilling certain academic requirements, those who completed an undergraduate program must pass the NCLEX-RN to apply for licensure. Nurses earning a graduate degree apply for state licensure in their chosen [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-specialties-guide/”]nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain their license and continue practicing as a nurse in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Mississippi Medical Assistant Programs and Training Options” href=”/state/mississippi/medical-assistant-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Tennessee Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”/state/mississippi/lpn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Mississippi MSN Degree Programs and Online Options” href=”/state/mississippi/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Mississippi[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much does it cost to get your nursing license in Mississippi?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of getting a nursing license in Mississippi varies by license. RNs pay a $100 application fee, $75 criminal background check fee, and a $200 NCLEX fee. The total cost for licensure comes to $375. A $100 renewal fee is also required every two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs also pay a $100 application fee and a $75 criminal background check fee. The cost for their certification exam varies by specialty. They must also pay a $100 renewal fee every two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to get an RN license in Mississippi?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in Mississippi, nurses must earn either an ADN or a BSN. Those who choose to earn their associate degree can expect to earn their RN license within two years, assuming they attend their ADN program as a full-time student.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who decide to earn their bachelor’s degree can expect to complete their program in four years if attending on a full-time basis.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for nurses in Mississippi?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 88.5% of nurses in 2020 passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. The national average of RN test-takers who passed on their first attempt was 86.6%, putting Mississippi’s pass rate above the national average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How many times can you take the NCLEX-RN exam in Mississippi?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many states allow nurses to take the exam an unlimited number of times, Mississippi gives nursing candidates six attempts to pass the NCLEX exam within two years of graduation with at least 45 days in between retakes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]