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
East Mississippi Community College is a public institution offering nursing associate and certificate programs. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Mississippi and throughout the country. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate level help participants develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. The skills gained during these programs can be applied directly to entry-level work in nursing and related fields. Before entering the workforce, graduates often choose to enroll in a bachelor's program, many of which accept transfer credits from community colleges.
East Mississippi Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 91
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 70
Number of Certificate Programs: 16
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
- 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
With online and on-campus options, Itawamba Community College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus in Mississippi. An associate degree or certificate qualifies graduates for many positions in the nursing field. Along with entry-level roles, graduates can apply their new knowledge to bachelor's studies.
The school's online nursing programs eliminate costs associated with transportation and relocation. In addition, online learning allows students to continue earning an income while pursuing their education. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
Itawamba Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 81
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 61
Number of Certificate Programs: 19
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
- 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
Learners interested in nursing can pursue a certificate or an associate degree from Holmes Community College, a public school. Associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students for entry-level roles. Many bachelor's programs accept transfer credits, allowing graduates of associate or certificate programs to earn a bachelor's degree in less than four years.
While enrollees located near Goodman can study on campus, others may pursue the school's programs online. Students who need flexible scheduling options, such as working professionals, often choose online programs as well. Admissions counselors can help applicants verify that their prospective program meets the education requirements for their field.
Holmes Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 78
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 78
Number of Certificate Programs: 27
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 21
- 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
A public school, Meridian Community College educates learners based in Mississippi and throughout the country by offering online and on-campus programs. While earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, students gain technical skills necessary for positions in the field. To qualify for higher-paying jobs, many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees who prefer not to relocate to Meridian can study remotely, in an online format. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning can be ideal for busy students with personal and professional responsibilities. Before enrolling, applicants can speak with an admissions counselor to ensure the institution offers a program aligning with their goals.
Meridian Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 28
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 29
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
- 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
Learners can obtain an associate degree or certificate from Northeast Mississippi Community College, a public school located in Booneville. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. An additional benefit of online learning is the scheduling flexibility, which can be important to working professionals and students with family responsibilities. Prospective applicants should review the associate and certificate programs available from the institution before enrolling.
Northeast Mississippi Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 82
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 49
Number of Certificate Programs: 13
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
- 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
East Central Community College, a public school in Mississippi, is a great choice for learners in search of an associate or certificate degree in nursing. Students who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate to obtain technical training. To qualify for higher-paying jobs, many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can study online without relocating to Decatur. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
East Central Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 20
Number of Certificate Programs: 22
- 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
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from Mississippi Delta Community College, a public school delivering online and in-person programs from its campus. Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature technical training to prepare students to succeed in specialized roles. To qualify for higher-paying jobs, many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree.
Offering online programs, in addition to on-campus classes in Moorhead, the school educates enrollees in many states. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. Before enrolling, applicants can speak with an admissions counselor to ensure the institution offers a program aligning with their goals.
Mississippi Delta Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 50
Number of Certificate Programs: 27
- 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
Copiah-Lincoln Community College delivers associate and certificate programs to prepare learners for nursing careers. Based in Wesson, Mississippi, the school delivers many programs in online and on-campus formats. Online learners often work full time while completing their program, scheduling their studies around work.
Nursing-specific coursework and training in associate and certificate programs help participants understand the field and gain practical skills. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. Before entering the workforce, graduates often choose to enroll in a bachelor's program, many of which accept transfer credits from community colleges.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 65
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 26
Number of Certificate Programs: 27
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
- 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
A public institution, Hinds Community College helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. While the school's campus is located in Raymond, Mississippi, students can complete online programs from anywhere. Online learners often work full time while completing their program, scheduling their studies around work.
Nursing-specific coursework and training in associate and certificate programs help participants understand the field and gain practical skills. These programs often lead to entry-level employment in the nursing field. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree, which they may use to qualify for more advanced roles with higher earning potential.
Hinds Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 58
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 14
Number of Certificate Programs: 63
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 11
- 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
With nursing programs at various academic levels, Coahoma Community College provides learners with field-specific career preparation. The Clarksdale-based school delivers courses online and on campus, providing opportunities for students located in Mississippi and elsewhere. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.
While earning a nursing associate degree or certificate, participants complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. Individuals can pursue entry-level nursing positions after graduation. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.
Coahoma Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 64
Number of Certificate Programs: 18
- 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
At Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus. Through coursework and technical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to secure employment and succeed in entry-level roles. These programs also prepare certificate-holders to transfer into bachelor's programs for further education.
Enrollees not based near the Perkinston campus can pursue the school's programs online. Additionally, online nursing programs can benefit busy students by allowing them to complete assignments and view lectures on evenings and weekends. Admissions counselors can help applicants verify that their prospective program meets the education requirements for their field.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 85
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 14
Number of Certificate Programs: 51
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 7
- 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
Learners interested in nursing can pursue a certificate or an associate degree from Pearl River Community College, a public school. After earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, graduates can apply for entry-level positions in the field. Along with entry-level roles, graduates can apply their new knowledge to bachelor's studies.
The school's online options eliminate transportation costs for enrollees not based in Poplarville. Online programs typically offer more flexible scheduling options than on-campus programs, which can benefit busy students and working professionals. The institution's admissions counselors can provide program details and help prospective applicants understand their options.
Pearl River Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 38
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 20
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
- 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
A public institution, Southwest Mississippi Community College delivers nursing programs at various academic levels. The Summit-based school delivers courses online and on campus, providing opportunities for students located in the state and elsewhere. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
In addition to coursework, associate and certificate programs in nursing feature practical training opportunities to prepare participants for work in the field. After earning their degree or certificate, many individuals enter the workforce and apply their training to entry-level nursing positions. To expand their career options, graduates of associate or certificate programs can complete a bachelor's degree before applying for positions in the field.
Southwest Mississippi Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 17
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 9
Number of Certificate Programs: 9
- 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
A public institution, Jones County Junior College provides nursing-specific career preparation through associate and certificate programs. In addition to on-campus programs in Ellisville, Mississippi, the school delivers online classes students can attend remotely. Rather than relocating or commuting to campus, learners can choose to study online.
Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. Graduates can also transfer their credits into a four-year program and obtain a bachelor's degree before seeking employment.
Jones County Junior College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 27
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
- 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
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from Northwest Mississippi Community College, a public school delivering online and in-person programs. To prepare for entry-level roles in nursing, many students pursue an associate degree or certificate in the field. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Offering online programs, in addition to on-campus classes in Senatobia, the school educates enrollees in many states. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. Before selecting a program, applicants should research the education requirements for positions they plan to pursue.
Northwest Mississippi Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 28
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 28
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
- 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
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
