LPN to RN Online Programs in MS: Reviewing Top Schools
If you want to take your career from a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to a Registered Nurse (RN) you can with online bridge programs in Mississippi. Learn about the kinds of programs available (including their various formats), and how much you can expect to pay for your program in this guide. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions, spotlight high-quality schools, and detail expected salary and career growth opportunities throughout the state.
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Inside Online LPN to RN Degrees in Mississippi
There are different types of online programs, especially when it comes to a hands-on career like nursing. Many LPN to RN programs are considered hybrid, meaning they have both online and in-person components. For example, you may be able to take most of your coursework online, then travel to campus for occasional in-person events and training, like orientation, practicums, and simulations. You may also be required to participate in an in-person skills assessment.
If you’re not interested in or able to travel to campus even occasionally, you could benefit from a fully online LPN to RN program in Mississippi. From classes to simulations, all components in these programs are available through your school’s learning management system. You won’t miss out on hands-on training, since you’ll still be required to participate in clinicals at a partner healthcare facility near you.
Mississippi Delta Community College
Mississippi Delta Community College’s Accelerated Track for LPNs allows busy practical nurses to complete their associate degree in just one year, giving them the opportunity to quickly move forward in their careers. To be admitted, you’ll need an unencumbered LPN license in Mississippi, a high school diploma or GED, an ACT score of at least 18, and a passing score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. You should also have at least a C grade in prerequisite classes that include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, microbiology, English composition, and general psychology.
Once admitted, you’ll learn nursing processes RNs use to meet the physical, psychosocial, cultural, and safety needs of patients. You’ll also be trained in how to communicate effectively when speaking to patients, their family members, or colleagues. After you complete your courses, you’ll participate in an externship that will give you your first taste of what it’s like to be a registered nurse in the field. Though the nursing courses themselves aren’t available online, most prerequisite courses, some electives, and the required psychology and communications classes can be taken online.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $10,645
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum ACT score of 18
- TEAS entrance exam
- CPR certified
- Completed and passed prerequisite courses
- Background check performed by the college’s office
- Pre-admission drug screen
Curriculum:
- Nursing I-IV
- Nursing Review I & II
- Human Growth & Development
- Public Speaking
- Medical Terms
- Pre-health Professions
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Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
The LPN-to-RN Transitional Program at MGCCC is designed to help LPNs advance their careers and become registered nurses by earning their associate degree in nursing (ADN). This 66-credit program offers a streamlined pathway, recognizing the experience and skills you’ve already gained as an LPN. It combines online classroom instruction with in-person, hands-on clinical practice, providing the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in the RN role. You’ll learn advanced nursing techniques, critical thinking skills, and leadership strategies to prepare for a broader scope of practice. The program is flexible, with both full-time and part-time options, helping balance work and school. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and earn your RN licensure, opening more career opportunities and increasing your earning potential.
Duration: One to two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $180/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Prerequisites in Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, Psychology
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Current, active, unencumbered LPN license
- Two full-time years of documented work experience from the last two years as a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Two letters of recommendation from people familiar with you in a professional capacity
- Criminal Background Check (fingerprinting) from a MGCCC Campus Police office
- ACT composite score of 18 or above
- Note: Hybrid applicants must achieve a composite score of 65 or above on the ATI TEAS 7 exam (the composite score for the LPN-to-RN non-hybrid weekday option is 60 or above)
Curriculum:
- Adult Health
- Mental/Behavioral Health
- Public Speaking
- Advanced Concepts of Nursing Practice
- Nursing Comprehensive Seminar
- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
FAQs About LPN to RN Online Programs in Mississippi
Asking is a great way to get more information, so we’ve curated the most asked questions by LPNs looking to become RNs and provided the answers below. Find out about LPN-RN program length, program admissions requirements, tuition costs, and more below.
How long are LPN-RN bridge programs?
LPN to RN bridge programs in Mississippi usually take one to two years to complete but vary according to several factors. If you attend a school that provides an associate degree at the end of the program, it will take you less time to finish your degree than it will if your bridge program culminates in a bachelor’s degree. Also, enrolling as a part-time student can add at least a year to the amount of time you spend in school.
What are the admissions requirements for LPN to RN programs in Mississippi?
LPN to RN programs in Mississippi will first look for an unencumbered LPN license for prospective students. Schools will also ask you to demonstrate proof that you’ve earned at least a certain grade point average in nursing prerequisite classes, which can include mathematics, anatomy and physiology, and biology (not all programs have prerequisite requirements). Schools may also require specific TEAS and ACT exam scores.
What is the cost for LPN to RN programs?
The cost of Mississippi LPN to RN programs depends on the school. For example, Mississippi Delta Community College charges $1,645 per semester, while Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College charges $1,650 per semester. Every school is a little different, and the number of credits in your program will determine how much you pay.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Mississippi?
Above all, you want to find an LPN to RN bridge program in Mississippi that is accredited, so you know you’re getting a quality education. That means finding a program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or a similar entity. You’ll also want to look at a school’s NCLEX pass rate. Northeast Mississippi Community College showcases its NCLEX pass rate on the program website to demonstrate that LPNs are taught what they need to know to obtain their registered nursing license. Is there a certain type of clinical experience you’re interested in? Be sure to inquire about that. If the amount of time you can spend on campus is a concern, look for whether schools offer completely online or hybrid programs.
What will I learn in LPN to RN programs in Mississippi?
In an LPN to RN program, you’ll learn the skills you need to become a registered nurse. You’ll be exposed to the professional, ethical, and legal standards expected of RNs and become familiar with the challenges registered nurses face when treating patients from different populations and backgrounds. LPN to RN online bridge programs in Mississippi also cover the role that technology, nursing regulations, and access to resources play in the delivery of quality care.
Ranking the Best Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Mississippi
When choosing an online LPN to RN program, we understand that you need to know if you’ll be at a school that fits your unique needs and interests. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the most popular programs available in Mississippi, vetted for quality. For details about our rankings, see the methodology above.
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.
Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
About Our Data: EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegePerkinston, MS | Public | $ | 1 | LPNs looking to become licensed RNs should consider the associate degree in nursing from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. This degree is offered in a hybrid format with blended learning courses. That means students complete their nursing lectures online and labs and clinicals in-person. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, ranging from anatomy to mental health nursing. Upon graduating, students are prepared for the NCLEX exam and to become licensed RNs in Mississippi. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, LPN to RN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %59% |
Mississippi LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
Now that you know how to transition from LPN to RN, let’s take a closer look at your career opportunities after graduation. Mississippi has a projected growth rate of 6.4% for RNs, which is higher than the national average of 5.6%. This rate is also slightly above the state growth average of 5.5% for LPNs. Additionally, RNs have more job openings than LPNs; each year, there are 1,860 open RN positions compared to 740 for LPNs.
Beyond more opportunities, Mississippi RNs also earn higher salaries than LPNs. The median salary for RNs is $69,370, while the median pay for LPNs is $48,260. Some nurses in high-demand specializations can earn over six figures; RNs in the 90th percentile earn $100,160, while LPNs in the 90th percentile make $60,170. Check out the following information table to get a clearer idea of your future career as an RN.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Mississippi | $37,540 | $48,260 | $60,170 |
| Registered Nurses | Mississippi | $54,580 | $69,370 | $100,160 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Mississippi | 8,930 | 9,420 | 490 | 5.50% | 740 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
