Thomas Reed, RN
June 4, 2025
LPNs function as essential medical personnel in Mississippi because they serve rural regions that face limited healthcare accessibility. LPNs serve as nursing professionals who deliver crucial patient care while receiving supervision from Registered Nurses and physicians. Their responsibilities often include monitoring patient health, administering medication, and supporting daily living activities. The state of Mississippi faces ongoing LPN staffing challenges because its population ages while multiple healthcare provider shortages persist throughout different regions.
Summit, MS - Public 2-Year - smcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwest Mississippi Community College's Practical Nursing program delivers a rigorous 12-month certificate curriculum designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals. Through comprehensive coursework spanning biological, physical, and psychological sciences, students develop critical nursing procedures and patient care techniques. The program's strategic design prepares graduates to function effectively under professional supervision, positioning them for successful licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Students gain hands-on training in supervised clinical environments, learning to provide essential healthcare services while mastering professional development skills. The curriculum's holistic approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and launch meaningful nursing careers in diverse healthcare settings.
Wesson, MS - Public 2-Year - colin.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Copiah-Lincoln Community College delivers a comprehensive one-year Practical Nursing program strategically positioned across three Mississippi campuses: Wesson, Natchez, and Simpson County Center. This rigorous curriculum blends scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical skills, preparing students for professional nursing roles. Prospective students must meet stringent admission requirements, including a high school diploma or GED, meeting minimum ACT score thresholds, and successfully passing the ATI TEAS entrance exam. The program's structured approach ensures graduates are fully equipped to pursue licensure through the NCLEX-PN examination. With a median student loan debt of $6,250, the program offers an affordable pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, emphasizing practical training and professional development.
Decatur, MS - Public 2-Year - eccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
East Central Community College's Practical Nursing program offers an intensive pathway into healthcare, meticulously preparing students for professional nursing roles. Located in Decatur, Mississippi, this comprehensive campus-based program strategically develops students' clinical competencies through a holistic curriculum emphasizing cognitive, psychomotor, and interpersonal skills. The program's distinctive annual fall admission cycle ensures focused cohort training, with applications opening October 1st and a priority deadline of February 1st. Fully accredited by the Mississippi Board of Nursing, students gain robust foundational knowledge to confidently deliver safe, quality patient care under registered nurse supervision. Aspiring nurses will find this program an excellent launching point for their healthcare careers.
Poplarville, MS - Public 2-Year - prcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pearl River Community College's Practical Nursing program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, strategically designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. Spanning 12-18 months across multiple campuses, the certificate program equips students with comprehensive skills in patient care and medical procedures. Students receive rigorous training focused on safe healthcare practices, preparing them to excel in diverse medical environments like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The curriculum emphasizes professional supervision and hands-on learning, with a clear trajectory toward NCLEX-PN exam eligibility. Flexible enrollment options accommodate both full-time and part-time students, making this program an attractive route for those seeking a timely and structured entry into nursing.
Perkinston, MS - Public 2-Year - mgccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Practical Nursing program offers a rigorous educational pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, strategically designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. Spanning multiple semesters, the curriculum combines comprehensive prerequisites with intensive nursing coursework, ensuring students develop critical clinical skills. The program's strength lies in its comprehensive approach, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN® exam through evidence-based learning and hands-on training. Admission requires passing the TEAS entrance exam and successfully completing a criminal background check, demonstrating the program's commitment to high professional standards and student readiness for nursing practice.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Medical Assistant to LPN track provides an innovative educational route for healthcare career advancement. This three-semester program distinguishes itself with a remarkable 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, highlighting its exceptional training quality. Students benefit from a client-centered curriculum emphasizing safety, professional development, and evidence-based practices. The program offers flexible entry options, accommodating diverse student backgrounds and career goals. With comprehensive clinical training and multiple pathway opportunities, graduates are thoroughly prepared to excel in various healthcare settings, making this an outstanding choice for those seeking a focused and efficient nursing education.
Some Mississippi schools have implemented hybrid programs that provide additional scheduling options for nursing education despite the need for clinical practice. A fully online LPN program does not exist because clinical requirements need students to be present in person. Students who enroll in hybrid programs can access online coursework and attend on-campus lab sessions and clinical rotations to better organize their schedules. The hybrid learning options work well for students who need to balance work responsibilities or family duties. The extended duration of certain programs with evening and weekend sessions allows students who cannot attend day classes to find a suitable learning path.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
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| Itawamba Community College |
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| Jones County Junior College |
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| Certifying Board | Mississippi Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an MSBN-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | $60 application fee, $75 criminal background check fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, online application requires SSN and electronic payment |
| Temporary Permit | $25 permit fee once transcript is reviewed, permit issued within 3 business days for new graduates |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test in ~1–2 weeks, licensure issued within 4–6 weeks after passing the exam |
| License Renewal & Continuing Education | Biennial renewal every odd-numbered year (Sept. 1–Dec. 31, expires Dec. 31) with a $100 fee, LPNs out-of-practice >5 years must complete 20 contact hours, late renewals carry additional fees |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs apply online with the $60 application fee, $75 CBC, verification of current unrestricted license, official transcript, and proof of Mississippi residency. |
The state of Mississippi maintains a stable employment market for LPNs while offering wages that align well with the local cost of living. The demand for skilled nursing staff remains high because of population aging and expanded healthcare service availability. The state of Mississippi allows new LPN graduates to find employment positions right after obtaining their licenses. The profession provides both stability and career advancement possibilities which makes it an attractive career option. LPNs provide essential patient care and attention throughout both urban hospital settings and rural clinic environments.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Mississippi | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $51,221 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $24.89 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$57,243 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $51,221 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$46,172 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 10% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,950 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College |
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| Itawamba Community College |
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| Southwest Mississippi Community College |
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LPNs in Mississippi possess various career progression possibilities through additional education combined with specialization. The most typical path for LPN advancement involves entering an LPN-to-RN bridge program that uses prior nursing education to grant RN licensure. The programs grant advanced standing and credit for previous academic work which leads to shorter completion times for associate or bachelor’s nursing degrees. Many educational institutions provide flexible learning options through a combination of online and classroom studies and weekend classes for students who need to balance work and education.
Additional Nursing Programs in Mississippi
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