How to Become a Registered Nurse in Mississippi

Mississippi map

There is no shortage of renowned nursing schools in the state of Mississippi and residents also have access to a wide range of top-notch healthcare facilities.

Before a person from Mississippi can begin a career as a registered nurse, he/she must choose the right program first.

By choosing one of the following colleges or universities, a student from Mississippi is making the best possible choice for their future.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in Mississippi

Delta State University

Delta State University Logo

While this university is based in Cleveland, it is a common choice for Mississippi students because of its affordability.

The annual traditional rate of $6,112 is offered to all students, whether they reside within the state or not.

The NCLEX pass rate of 97% is also a major plus for students that are looking to make their way through the program as quickly as possible.

The low cost does not have any impact on the program’s quality and registered nursing courses can be completed within 12 months.

Part-time programs are also available.

An online RN-BSN program is offered to any student that wishes to continue their education.

Mississippi College

Mississippi College Logo

As one of the state’s oldest colleges, Mississippi College has made an impressive name for itself in the world of nursing.

The NCLEX pass rate of nearly 90% and the affordable yearly tuition of $16,114 make this school a common option for in-state residents.

Traditional, online and accelerated programs, so that students can choose the duration that works best for their needs.

If current RN wishes to complete the RN-BSN program, they are charged a special rate for their credit hours.

Mississippi College is happy to provide affordable options for prospective registered nurses and current RNs who are looking to further their education.

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women Logo

As the nation’s first public college that is dedicated entirely to women, there is a wide range of students who will find this type of format to be more appealing.

Men are now allowed to apply as well, though.

The NCLEX pass rate is impressive, clocking in just shy of a full 100 percent.

Annual tuition rates are also very low, as students will spend an average of $5,781 to attend.

Students who are looking for smaller class sizes will tend to choose Mississippi University for Women, as each class has less than 20 students.

This is the type of personalized attention that other universities are simply unable to offer.

Prospective students can choose from traditional, accelerated and online courses, allowing them to tailor their coursework to their current schedules.

The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi Logo

The campus is spread between Gulf Park and Hattiesburg, giving students the chance to choose the location that works best for them.

The NCLX pass rate of 97% and the annual tuition rate of $7,334 are major pluses, too.

High school students that are looking to get an early jump on their studies can gain early admission, allowing them to complete their coursework more quickly.

Once the registered nursing program is complete, master’s and doctorate programs can be chosen.

This is perfect for any student that is looking to build upon their RN once it is complete.

Nursing leadership and family nurse practitioner programs are often chosen.

Traditional and online courses are offered so students can chart a course that works best for them.

University of Mississippi Medical Center

University of Mississippi Medical Center Logo

Located in Jackson, University of Mississippi Medical Center boasts an in-state tuition rate of $5,792.

The NCLEX pass rate of over 97% is also very impressive.

Traditional, online and accelerated programs are on hand.

For these reasons and many more, University of Mississippi Medical Center is considered to be one of the state’s leader in teaching health sciences.

Undergrads have no shortage of options to choose from, as there are over a dozen programs to select.

The online RN-BSN bridge program is a common choice, providing students with the chance to remain employed while they work toward their degree.

Registered Nurse Schools in Mississippi – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Mississippi

School NameAddress
Delta State University0001, 1003 W Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38733
Mississippi College200 S Capitol St, Clinton, MS 39056
Mississippi University for Women1100 College St, Columbus, MS 39701
The University of Southern Mississippi118 College Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
University of Mississippi Medical Center2500 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216

Salary

Mississippi registered nursing salaries will depend on the city.

For example, Jackson’s registered nurses will make an average of $74,524, while Gulfport residents can expect to earn $72,947 on average.

Southaven nurses can expect to earn a bit more, as they average $76,673 annually.

Biloxi nurses earn $73,527 and Hattiesburg’s RNs earn about the same as a Gulfport RN.

This is the general range Mississippi nurses can expect to fall within.

Annual Salary Range:
$51K
$57K
$66K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Mississippi

City NameSalary
Jackson$59,440
Gulfport$58,390
Biloxi$58,860
Hattiesburg$58,030
Greenville$59,040
Meridian$58,870
Tupelo$56,020
Southaven$61,450
Vicksburg$58,840
Pascagoula$58,390
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Mississippi

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS3,920$71,340$34.3$91,810$51,200
Hattiesburg, MS2,060$68,750$33.05$83,330$49,050
Jackson, MS8,700$69,750$33.53$84,130$50,940
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Fees Can a Mississippi RN Expect To Pay?

A registered nurse in Mississippi can expect to pay $100 for their examination, $100 for reinstatement, and $100 for a renewal.

$75 is also required for fingerprinting and processing fees.

Can a Graduate Nurse Identify As an RN?

No.

These sorts of legal credentials have title protection that has been afforded by Mississippi law.

Can Recent Graduates Receive Temporary Licensing?

Nurse Practice Law allows the board to issue these licenses to recent graduates.

The fee will not exceed $25 and the permits are issued for a 90-day period.

Is There a Maximum Number of Hours That Can Be Worked Per Week?

Mississippi does not have any rules in place when it comes to the number of hours that can be worked each week.

Each nurse must safely evaluate the number of hours that they can work each week.

How Many Days/Hours of Work Are Required For Active Licensing?

There is no specific number to adhere to in this regard but nurses that have not practiced within the past five years will be required to take refresher courses.

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