LPN Programs in Mississippi

Details on Mississippi LPN Schools & Classes

LPN programs can be found at many of Mississippi’s community colleges and trade schools. Most programs can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study (typically including the summer semester), or around two years for part-time attendees. Some schools even offer evening or weekend courses to accommodate busy working students.

The LPN curriculum prepares students for entry-level nursing duties. Students take core courses, specialized nursing courses, and electives. Class titles may include:

• Nursing Fundamentals
• Medical/Surgical Nursing Concepts
• IV Therapy and Pharmacology
• Maternal-Child Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing

Accreditation

Choosing an exemplary LPN program is of great importance. One way to narrow down the field is to look for properly accredited programs. Accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and other regional accrediting organizations endorse the best programs. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your program of choice is endorsed by the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Before applying for an LPN program, students must ensure that they meet all admission requirements. While these may differ slightly from school to school, they generally include:

• Submit validation of high school graduation via official high school transcript, GED equivalency transcript, or college transcript
• Submit program application
• Official SAT/ACT/Accuplacer scores may be required
• TEAS-V test scores at proficient level or higher

Tuition and Costs

So many things will impact the cost of an LPN program, including location, type of school chosen, and much more. Students are expected to cover the cost of tuition, fees, textbooks and supplies, and other mandatory expenses. For example, tuition and fees at Hinds Community College in Raymond cost roughly $4,000. Books and supplies will run an additional $600 or so. Room and board expenses are not included in this estimate. For students worried about affording LPN school, most offer financial aid and scholarship packages to well-qualified applicants.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Mississippi LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Mississippi LPN Licensing Requirements

Mississippi requires individuals interested in becoming and LPN in the state to complete an intensive, state-approved nursing program that meets both education and hands-on training requirements. After the course is complete, the graduate must schedule, sit for, and pass the state-required testing—the NCLEX.

In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:

• Official transcript from state-approved school showing graduation date and degree earned.
• NCLEX registration—authorization to test for the NCLEX.
• Criminal background check.

NCLEX Exam Information

Before licensure as a practical nurse can be achieved, students must take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination upon completion of their LPN program. More information on this exam can be found via our NCLEX-PN overview here. Students are also highly encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test, designed specifically to help future LPNs study for the real test.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Mississippi participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows the licensed nurse to determine his or her primary state of residence, but allows them to work in other NLC states without requiring addition licensing. LPNs for other states outside of the compact area can still apply for a license by endorsement by providing a notarized application and the following:

• Proof of valid license in another state equivalent to the state of Mississippi.
• Verification of licensure.
• Headshot (passport style) photograph—signed and dated.
• Official transcript from state approved nursing program.
• Notarized Authorization to Release information.

Foreign-educated LPNs will not only have to meet the requirement above, he or she will also have to sit and pass the NCLEX if it was not already a requirement for licensing. Other requirements include a full course-by-course review of official transcripts by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and proof of a valid social security number.

LPN Salary in Mississippi

The table below lists career information obtained from the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Mississippi. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)