Online CNA Classes in Mississippi: Top Schools & Program Details

Comparing Online CNA Classes in Mississippi

If you’re thinking about beginning a career in healthcare as a Mississippi resident, you can gain valuable experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while also getting the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. You can even advance to a higher nursing position down the road.

First, however, you’ll need to take a CNA class in Mississippi, and the best programs offer affordability and a complete educational experience that will prepare you to pass your certification test. Although 100% online courses aren’t available, you will instead be taking ones that feature a mix of on-campus or on-the-job courses and online offerings. This is because working as a CNA requires hands-on training that you can only learn through in-person clinicals.

To jump-start your search, check out these three colleges we have highlighted that offer high-quality online CNA classes in Mississippi.

Your Questions, Answered: Common Questions from CNA Students in Mississippi

Prospective students like you may have a lot of questions about online CNA classes in Mississippi, including what guarantees a quality program and what specific kind of work this certificate will earn you. Continue below to learn the answers to these and any other lingering questions for CNA students.

Do I need to go to a CNA program that is accredited?

Yes, because accreditation demonstrates to employers that you’ve been properly prepared foryour job duties with real-world experience and training and shows that you were given the necessary knowledge to pass the certification exam. To obtain a list of approved courses, contact the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This governmental body is responsible for approving certified nursing assistant and nurse aide training programs. Some colleges may also be accredited by groups such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

What does it mean when an online class is synchronous or asynchronous?

These are the two delivery methods for the online portion of a course, and they vary depending on the times and days they are offered. All the options that we feature for CNA programs in Mississippi are hybrid, which means that they are a mix of classes that take place online, on-campus, and in clinical training facilities. If it’s an online class, you will likely have a choice between synchronous courses that take place at set times and dates and asynchronous ones that you log-on to and take at your convenience any time during the day.

What is the exam I need to take in order to be a CNA?

After you’ve completed your program, you will need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam to work as a nursing assistant. The NNAAP is required by the MSDH for any CNA that wants to work in the state.

The exam has a multiple-choice portion where you can choose a written or oral format, as well as a skills demonstration portion. Be sure to check out our page on essential test-taking strategies to level up your study skills.

The written/oral part covers three different categories: physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and the role of the nurse aide. In the skills portion, you will role-play in an authentic caregiving scenario with a fellow examinee to demonstrate five key skills.

Where do I work as a CNA, and what type of care will I be able to give?

Although CNAs most commonly work in elder care facilities such as retirement communities, nursing homes, and assisted living centers, you can also find employment in a variety of other healthcare settings including hospitals, home health agencies, and mental health facilities. You will be working closely with patients to assist them with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. You may sometimes have to lift and move patients, take their vital signs, and help maintain a clean environment. There are also some medical procedures for which you may be legally able to assist, but only under direct nurse supervision.

When do I have to renew by CNA license?

If you are practicing in Mississippi, you will have to renew your CNA certification every 24 months, which may differ from the renewal requirements for other states. To be eligible, you must prove that you have worked for pay as a CNA in a qualifying facility for at least one eight-hour period in the previous 24 months. This is something that your employer can provide as part of the renewal, and employers are happy to do that since it’s important that their CNA teams are all up-to-date on licensing. The certification renewal process is simply completing and submitting a Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form and paying a $26 fee.

Mississippi CNA Pay and Opportunities

If you're considering a career as a CNA in Mississippi, you're in luck! The state's job market for CNAs is booming, with projected growth significantly outpacing the national average. This incredible growth across the state can be attributed to several key factors, including an aging population, a need for quality healthcare in rural areas, and a greater focus on long-term care.

Salaries for CNAs in Mississippi vary greatly depending on location, but the statewide median salary is $29,310. The Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula area offers the highest median salary for CNAs, while Hattiesburg presents lower earning potential. Although the CNA salaries in Mississippi may seem low, it’s important to remember that the state has a lower cost of living. Additionally, these are just estimates of what your salary could be. Your actual salary will depend on your personal situation. View the table below to take a deeper dive into the Mississippi CNA market.