Best LPN Programs in Mississippi [2023 Guide]
Working in facilities from hospitals to long-term care, licensed practical nurses are an in-demand career choice in Mississippi. Partially due to an aging baby boomer population, the need for LPNs will continue to grow; between 2014 and 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see this number increase 16 percent across the nation, equating to 117,300 new LPN jobs. Across Mississippi, both community colleges and vocational schools have added new programs to meet this growing need.
In this guide, learn about the LPN career, find resources to help you along your career path, and search for the top programs in Mississippi.
Top 15 LPN Programs in Mississippi
East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,300
- Out-of-state$6,300
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,832
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Itawamba Community College
- Fulton, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,900
- Out-of-state$5,100
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,768
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Holmes Community College
- Goodman, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,600
- Out-of-state$5,180
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,529
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Meridian Community College
- Meridian, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,024
- Out-of-state$4,004
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,402
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Booneville, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,310
- Out-of-state$6,290
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,606
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
East Central Community College
- Decatur, MS
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,660
- Out-of-state$4,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,419
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Mississippi Delta Community College
- Moorhead, MS
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,060
- Out-of-state$5,260
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,516
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
- Wesson, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,800
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,113
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Hinds Community College
- Raymond, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,200
- Out-of-state$6,250
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,827
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Coahoma Community College
- Clarksdale, MS
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,850
- Out-of-state$2,850
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,808
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Perkinston, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,100
- Out-of-state$6,200
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,954
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Pearl River Community College
- Poplarville, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,250
- Out-of-state$5,648
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,157
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Southwest Mississippi Community College
- Summit, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,580
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,128
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Jones County Junior College
- Ellisville, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,750
- Out-of-state$5,750
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,536
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Senatobia, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,000
- Out-of-state$3,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,537
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Finding an LPN Program in Mississippi
From the Gulfport area to the Tennessee state line, community colleges and vocational institutions offering LPN programs exist across Mississippi. When choosing a program, finding info on a prospective school’s accreditation, acceptance rate and test scores can help with the final decision making process. Use the below search tool to discover programs based on criteria like school size or cost, and choose schools to see in a side-by-side comparison.
Licensure Requirements for Mississippi LPNs
Although Mississippi is less stringent than other states when it comes to mandates and rules about LPN licensure, the state still has a number of steps that must be completed before a candidate can receive their license and begin work.
Basic Eligibility
Before considering a career as an LPN, prospective candidates must first ensure they meet these basic requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Are at least 17 years of age
- Are competent in the English language related to nursing
Education and Training Requirements
Unlike other areas, the Mississippi Board of Nursing does not approve practical nursing programs within the state. This job is left up to the Mississippi Board for Community Colleges, meaning students should consult their list of approved educational institutions before committing to a program. After completing a program endorsed by the MBCC, graduates must submit a license by examination application and a $60 fee to the board and have their official transcripts sent directly by the school.
The next step is to register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) via the closest Pearson Vue testing center and wait for an Authorization to Test notification. If the candidate successfully passes the NCLEX, they can expect to receive their online license verification within five to seven business days.
If an LPN lets their license lapse, they will need to fill out an application and pay a $100 reinstatement fee.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
Aside from the basic eligibility standards and educational requirements, students must complete two other steps to be fully licensed. These include:
- Passing a criminal background check
- Obtaining a CPR card
Renewal
Mississippi does not currently mandate continuing education credits be completed during each two-year renewal period. In order to receive a renewed license, current LPNs must fill out an application either online or on paper and pay a $50 renewal fee.
Salary for LPNs in Mississippi
Whether just starting out or well into their careers, LPNs can expect to see their salaries rise as their experience in the field grows. The following tables outline different wage categories and highlight the best areas of the state for higher salary potential.
Mississippi LPN Employment Trends
While the state as a whole is expected to see an 18.6 percent increase in new LPN roles, some cities may experience higher or lower rates of growth. The following tables are designed to help candidates who are willing to relocate find the best cities for employment as an LPN.
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | 2,050 |
| Jackson | 2,020 |
| Southeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | 1,210 |
| Northwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | 1,160 |
| Southwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | 780 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | 730 |
| Hattiesburg | 610 |
| Pascagoula | 250 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Mississippi
2012
10,860
2022 Average
12,890
Annual Openings
470
Source: Projections Central
