Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
Mississippi’s healthcare system depends heavily on the essential role of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The healthcare services of nurses receive assistance from CNAs who provide direct care to patients in hospitals together with long-term care facilities and private homes. The daily needs of patient care include bathing along with dressing, feeding, and mobility assistance which helps patients maintain comfort and safety. Vital signs monitoring forms part of the CNA role which requires them to report health changes to nurses.
Perkinston, MS - Public 2-Year - mgccc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant program delivers a strategic hybrid training model designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive 100-hour curriculum combining robust online theoretical instruction with essential hands-on clinical experiences. The state-approved, non-credit program offers an affordable $700 pathway to certification, enabling graduates to quickly enter diverse healthcare settings like nursing homes, home health agencies, and community clinics. With rigorous preparation for the national certification exam, participants gain practical skills and credentials needed to launch a dynamic healthcare career efficiently and economically.
Raymond, MS - Public 2-Year - hindscc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hinds Community College delivers a rigorous 100-hour Nursing Assistant program strategically designed to launch healthcare careers. Situated at the Nursing Allied Health Center, the curriculum emphasizes comprehensive practical training across multiple domains including medical terminology, patient care techniques, and vital sign monitoring. Students benefit from flexible semester start dates and direct preparation for certification examinations. The program stands out for its hands-on approach, enabling graduates to quickly transition into professional roles within hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health services. Military-friendly status further enhances accessibility for diverse student populations seeking efficient healthcare career pathways.
Wesson, MS - Public 2-Year - colin.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Copiah-Lincoln Community College's CNA program delivers a robust training experience focused on cultivating professional healthcare skills. Students engage in intensive practical learning, mastering critical patient care techniques through supervised clinical experiences. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient interaction, covering essential skills like mobility assistance, vital sign monitoring, and personal hygiene support. Graduates are thoroughly prepared to successfully complete the state certification exam and launch careers in diverse healthcare environments including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. The program's strategic approach ensures students develop both technical proficiency and compassionate patient care abilities.
Clarksdale, MS - Public 2-Year - coahomacc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nestled in the Mississippi Delta, Coahoma Community College's Nursing Assistant program offers an intensive 10-week certificate track that transforms aspiring healthcare professionals. Participants immerse themselves in comprehensive practical training, developing critical clinical skills through hands-on learning environments. The curriculum strategically prepares students for immediate workforce entry, emphasizing patient care techniques, medical documentation, and professional healthcare protocols. As a historically Black college, Coahoma provides a supportive educational ecosystem that bridges academic rigor with real-world healthcare competencies. The program's structured approach ensures graduates are fully equipped to excel in nursing assistant roles across diverse medical settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities.
Mississippi prohibits CNA certification through fully online programs because clinical experience must be performed in person, yet several institutions provide hybrid training programs. Students can complete their online classroom work while performing their clinical training at healthcare facilities. The adaptable training models work well for students who need to manage their work responsibilities and family duties. The hybrid programs provide clinical training during evening or weekend hours to support students’ scheduling needs. All students need to perform their required clinical hours under direct supervision at healthcare facilities. The online curriculum provides instruction about infection control, basic anatomy, and patient rights yet hands-on training takes place during in-person sessions.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
|
|
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College |
|
|
| Coahoma Community College |
|
|
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Enroll in an MSDH-approved nurse aide training program (NATP) and satisfy program entry requirements (background check, fingerprinting, immunizations, photo ID/SSN) |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Mississippi Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Headmaster/TMU |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a 75-hour NATP, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice |
| Fees | Written exam $32, skills exam $69, optional oral exam $32, renewal fee $26, no state registry fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the NNAAP written/oral test and a five-skill practical evaluation within 24 months of training completion, up to three attempts permitted |
| Registry Activation Time | Certification is recorded on the Nurse Aide Registry within a few weeks of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew every two years by completing at least eight hours of paid CNA work in the prior 24 months and paying the $26 renewal fee |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via reciprocity with a $26 processing fee and are exempt from retesting |
The starting wages for entry-level healthcare staff in Mississippi match the market rates for Certified Nursing Assistants. The starting salary for CNA positions reaches approximately $30,000 each year though salaries differ between job locations, employers, and work experience. Employees who work in hospitals along with metropolitan areas tend to receive higher pay than those working in rural areas who receive stable employment with lower compensation. The majority of CNAs work full-time shifts at their places of employment and receive overtime pay and additional compensation for working evenings and weekends. The job benefits at this position include health insurance coverage along with paid vacation time. The demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mississippi continues to rise because the state population ages while requiring more extended care services.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Mississippi | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $29,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $14.32 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$35,200 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $29,800 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$24,800 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
|
|
| Coahoma Community College |
|
|
| Hinds Community College |
|
|
The CNA certification serves as an entry point for pursuing various healthcare professions. Most CNA professionals in Mississippi choose to move into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) positions after building their work experience. Several community colleges operate bridge programs that enable CNAs to advance their skills before pursuing more advanced nursing positions. Healthcare employers support growing apprenticeship programs which lead CNA students to become LPNs through structured training pathways. The progression of CNA professionals leads to elevated salaries together with additional duties and multiple career opportunities. People who want professional development beyond CNA roles can use this experience to build their skills for nursing careers as well as healthcare administration or specialized care fields. The CNA role in Mississippi functions as both an independent career and an entry point for future nursing success.
Additional Nursing Programs in Mississippi
LEARN MORE
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
