Online Nursing Schools in MS: Finding Top Programs
No matter where you are in your nursing career journey, many nursing schools in Mississippi have programs that can meet your needs. Explore top-ranked online and hybrid RN degree programs and read key steps you should follow to become a registered nurse in the state — from choosing the right program to applying for jobs and acing interviews.
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Inside Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi
Nurses are at the heart of healthcare, providing critical care, comfort, and support to patients when they need it most. Becoming a registered nurse (RN) means more than simply pursuing a career. It’s a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, build meaningful connections, and be an essential part of a healthcare team. If you’re looking for a role that combines compassion, skill, and lifelong learning, nursing could be right for you.
Choosing the right school impacts your career and long-term growth in the nursing field. Steps to becoming an RN can be flexible, with multiple education options to fit your goals and lifestyle. Whether you pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or advanced degrees like a master’s or a doctorate, each degree option offers unique opportunities to enter and grow in this dynamic field. This guide can help you find the right online or hybrid nursing program in Mississippi, whether you’re just starting on the road to become an RN or you want to move into advanced roles that call for a graduate degree.
Undergraduate Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi’s online and hybrid RN programs offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These flexible programs are designed for aspiring nurses and working professionals; they work well for students who are seeking career advancement while balancing personal commitments. The programs provide comprehensive clinical training and academic support statewide.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
An online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program combines virtual coursework with in-person clinical training. Students learn essential skills like patient care, vital sign monitoring, and basic medical procedures. Flexible schedules work well for busy students and prepare them for certification exams and hands-on healthcare roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Example: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – CNA Program
- Cost: $610
- Length: 100 hours
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
An online Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program blends virtual coursework with in-person clinical practice. Students study nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care techniques. Designed for flexibility, these programs prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and qualify them for entry-level nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Example: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – LPN Program
- Cost: $1,800/semester
- Length: Four semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is the shortest route to becoming an RN. This two-year program prepares students to take the NCLEX licensing exam and trains them for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. The ADN can also be used as a stepping stone toward earning a BSN and undergoing specialized training.
Example: Coahoma Community College – ADN Program
- Cost: $1,650/semester
- Length: Five semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Many employers view a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the degree of choice when hiring new nurses. These four-year programs include two years of general education and two years in the nursing curriculum, with clinical experiences. Courses deepen nursing skills in research, technology, and patient care.
Example: The University of Southern Mississippi – BSN Program
- Cost: $9,618 (in-state)/$11,618 (out-of-state)
- Length: Four years (eight semesters)
- Mode: Online
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN degrees provide a quick route to upgrade to a BSN. They also allow students who earned a bachelor’s degree in other fields to change to the nursing profession. Accelerated BSN programs typically take 18 months to complete and provide theoretical and practical knowledge.
Example: Mississippi College School of Nursing – ABSN Program
- Cost: $10,500/semester
- Length: Four semesters
- Mode: Online
Mississippi Graduate and Post-Graduate Nursing Programs
Graduate nursing programs offer Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. These degrees are designed for registered nurses who are seeking advanced roles. They focus on leadership, specialized clinical practice, and research. MSN and DNP degrees are ideal for nurses pursuing careers as nurse practitioners, educators, administrators, or healthcare policy experts.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree follows an advanced nursing education that takes one to three years to complete, depending on your specialization. This degree prepares students for roles such as nurse practitioners or roles in informatics and/or administration leadership. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another field can take direct-entry MSN programs and finish in 18 to 32 months.
Example: The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing – MSN Program
- Cost: $545/credit (in-state) / $1,599/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: Five semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
The DNP takes approximately two years for full-time students to complete. It includes a practicum and prepares students for nursing leadership, clinical education, and individual practice. A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science is a scholarly research degree that takes up to 10 years to complete and includes a doctoral dissertation.
Example: The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing – DNP Program
- Cost: $545/credit (in-state) / $1,599/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: Two to three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificate programs are designed for nurses who earned an MSN. They take one or two years to complete and concentrate on areas like psychiatric nursing, acute care, nurse practitioner, nursing education, informatics, pediatric or gerontology populations, and emergency nursing. Nursing management studies include courses on leadership, finance, and human resources.
Example: Purdue Global
- Cost: $420/credit
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Online
Bridge Programs in MS
Bridge degree programs, such as LPN to RN and LPN to BSN, help nurses advance their education efficiently. They combine prior experience with new coursework and lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree. These programs are designed for working nurses who are seeking career growth; they offer flexible, accelerated paths to higher credentials and expanded healthcare roles.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Bridge programs are ideal for LPNs who want to become RNs. LPN to ADN programs lead to an associate degree and licensure and take one to two years to complete. LPN to BSN programs take two to four years and are for students who want to assume a greater variety of nursing duties and/or enroll in graduate nursing programs.
Example: William Carey University
- Cost: $505/credit
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses who already have an ADN and want to earn a BSN in less than four years. These bridge programs usually take one to two years to complete, depending on how many credits from your RN program will transfer. Earning a BSN can expand your scope of practice and increase your salary.
Example: William Carey University – RN to BSN Program
- Cost: $505/credit
- Length: One year
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
RN to MSN programs allow RN students to earn a BSN and an MSN simultaneously. These programs typically take two to three years to complete, and applicants must have several years of nursing experience. These programs are ideal for nurses who are planning to enter advanced fields in management, research, quality of care, and more.
Example: The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing – RN to MSN Program
- Cost: $545/credit (in-state) / $1,599/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: Five semesters
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
A BSN to DNP program enables registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The transition from a BSN to a DNP is a crucial step for students who want to influence healthcare at the most impactful level. This program combines advanced clinical training, leadership, and healthcare policy. It prepares nurses for top-tier roles as nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, or educators, with both online and in-person components.
Example: The University of Southern Mississippi – BSN to DNP Program
- Cost: $9,618 (in-state) / $11,618 (out-of-state)
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
A Direct-entry MSN program is designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who are seeking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). A Direct-entry MSN program for non-nursing majors is designed for career changers and other students who have a bachelor’s degree but no prior nursing experience. This program provides a straight path toward becoming a professional nurse while earning an advanced degree at the same time. It offers accelerated nursing coursework and clinical training and prepares graduates for RN licensure and advanced nursing roles. However, it’s important to understand that all direct-entry MSN programs, whether they feature online study or not, require on-campus attendance for certain classes and labs.
Example: Herzing University Direct-Entry MSN Program
- Cost: $775/credit
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online
Licensing for Registered Nurses in Mississippi
Registered nurses in Mississippi must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. They must also apply for licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing and pass a background check. Continuing education is required for license renewal to ensure ongoing competency in clinical practice and patient care.
1 – An Accredited Degree in Nursing
In your search for a nursing school, it’s crucial to ensure that your program and school of choice is accredited. For nursing students in particular, the type of accreditation matters; going to a nursing school that is not accredited or has the wrong accreditation could jeopardize your future as a professional.
Regional accreditation is given to qualifying colleges and universities by organizations that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Schools and universities in Mississippi should have regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). They should also have state accreditation from the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation (MCCA).
Along with regional organizations, some organizations give national accreditation to colleges and universities. National accreditation is not as widely accepted as regional accreditation, so the credits from nationally accredited universities don’t always transfer to other colleges.
As a nursing student, you want to make sure that your school’s nursing program holds program-specific accreditation along with regional and/or national accreditation. As an aspiring nurse, you must attend a nursing school that is accredited by one of the two nursing accreditation organizations to be eligible to earn a master’s degree in the field, to transfer credits to another university, and to apply for most jobs in the field. Your program should be accredited and recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2 – Take & Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After you complete an accredited ADN or BSN program, you can take advantage of NCLEX mentoring or advising offered by your school. Use practice tests to strengthen your understanding of key concepts. During your final semester, you must apply at the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s Gateway system, submit official transcripts, and pay a $100 fee. Then, you should register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), pay a $200 exam fee, and review their free test strategies. After approval, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) with scheduling instructions that are valid for 90 days.
3 – Apply for Mississippi Licensure
To apply for RN licensure in Mississippi, you should ensure that your nursing diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree meets the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBON) standards. You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, and pay a $100 application fee and a $75 background check fee. Mississippi is a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so it allows multi-state licensure.
4 – Maintain and Renew Your Licensure
Licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew your license, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years (online or in-person at any accredited school) and pay a $100 renewal fee between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 in even-numbered years.
5 – Pursue Specialization (Optional)
After you become a licensed RN in Mississippi, you can enhance your career by pursuing specialty certifications in areas like pediatrics, critical care, or oncology. Certifications often require additional coursework, clinical experience, and passing an exam through national certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Specialty certifications can improve job prospects, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities, and many employers offer support for certification programs.
Nursing Career & Salary Info in Mississippi
Mississippi offers promising opportunities for Registered Nurses (RNs), with competitive salaries and steady job growth across the state. The median RN salary is $69,370, with top earners reaching $100,160 annually. Among Mississippi’s metro areas, Jackson leads with a median salary of $78,850, while Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula offers similarly strong earnings, with top salaries surpassing $105,000. In Hattiesburg, RNs enjoy a more modest median salary of $62,450, though top earners still approach $99,000. These figures underscore the demand for skilled RNs in both urban and regional healthcare settings.
The state’s RN workforce is projected to grow by 6.4% through 2030, adding 1,930 new jobs to reach a total of 31,910 positions. With an average of 1,860 annual openings due to job growth and turnover, Mississippi offers steady opportunities for nurses entering the field or seeking advancement. Whether you’re drawn to large hospitals or community-focused care facilities, Mississippi provides a stable and rewarding environment for RNs. Check out the data below for more details.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $54,580 | $69,370 | $100,160 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $61,560 | $73,590 | $105,100 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $55,100 | $62,450 | $99,090 |
| Jackson, MS | $57,540 | $78,850 | $103,740 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Top Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Why We Selected University of Southern Mississippi:
- The program offers a second-degree nursing pathway for career changers.
- The nursing curriculum includes hands-on clinical experiences in state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- The RN-BSN program is designed to be completed online in as little as two semesters.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,094
- Average Institutional Aid$6,947
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course70%
- % of Students Receiving an Award48%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi
Why We Selected Delta State University:
- Delta State University's nursing program offers a 100% NCLEX pass rate for recent graduates.
- The program provides specialized certifications like ACLS, PALS, and NRP, enhancing career readiness.
- Students benefit from hands-on clinical practice in a simulation lab with expert faculty guidance.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,190
- Average Institutional Aid$4,698
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course61%
- % of Students Receiving an Award39%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Why We Selected Mississippi College:
- McNeese's nursing program boasts a 98% NCLEX passage rate, exceeding national averages.
- The RN-to-BSN program is offered entirely online, providing flexibility for working nurses.
- McNeese offers various scholarships to nursing students based on faculty recommendations and GPA.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$18,900
- Average Institutional Aid$14,811
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course42%
- % of Students Receiving an Award56%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi
Why We Selected Belhaven University:
- Belhaven University offers competitive tuition rates and generous scholarships to reduce financial burdens.
- The program integrates a Christian worldview with nursing education, emphasizing servant leadership and ethical practice.
- Belhaven provides state-of-the-art facilities and a Nursing Skills Lab for hands-on learning experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$27,450
- Average Institutional Aid$10,887
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course47%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, 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 one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
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 school 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, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
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 2024
