LPN Programs in Mississippi

By EveryNurse Staff on January 14, 2023

Offering a promising job outlook, the position of a licensed practical nurse is an attractive opportunity for high school graduates to enter a healthcare field with plenty of employment opportunities. However, completion of an LPN program in Mississippi is required before an individual can administer care to patients in hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, and nursing homes across the state. It is through classroom instruction and clinical experience that a student learns how to deliver basic nursing care.

Schools With LPN Programs in Mississippi

In Poplarville, Mississippi, students in the LPN program at Pearl River Community College work towards gaining classroom and laboratory instruction that prepares a graduate to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. The 12-month program focuses on developing basic nursing skills and an understanding of topics such as nutrition, human growth through the lifespan, pharmacology, maternal and child nursing, and medical-surgical nursing. The program requires students to complete 44 semester hours in order to graduate.

The Practical Nursing (LPN) program at East Central Community College admits a new class of students in August. Selection comes from a pool of applicants who have met the minimum requirements for admission, such as having an ACT composite score of 16 and a cumulative score 51% or higher on the pre-entrance exam. Applicants are also evaluated on their academic course work and GPA. The 50-credit curriculum includes courses in Nursing Fundamentals; Adult Health Nursing Concepts; and IV Therapy and Pharmacology. The deadline to submit an application to the program is May 1.

Southwest Mississippi Community College offers classroom instruction and clinical experiences for the aspiring LPN who lives in the Summit, Mississippi region. In addition to gaining a basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological, and sociological science related to nursing, students also gain clinical experiences through real-life interaction in medical and healthcare settings. At the end of the 12-month program, graduates are awarded a Certificate of Practical Nursing, and become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

The Practical Nursing program at Itawamba Community College (ICC) is accredited by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. Classes are held at the Fulton Campus, where students work towards earning a certificate upon completion of the 12-month program. Students are trained in how to administer effective patient care by using the basic science and nursing skills learned from the program; they are expected to complete a total of 51 semester hours, which includes pre-requisites. A sample of courses offered through the ICC LPN program includes Body Structure and Function; IV Therapy Concepts; and Fundamentals in Nursing.

Top-ranking students are admitted into the 45-credit Practical Nursing program at Holmes Community College after meeting the minimum admission requirements. An applicant must possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate; have a minimum composite score of 16 on the ACT; and earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on any college credit courses. In addition to taking classes during a fall and spring semester, students also encounter a summer term of coursework that includes Specialty Areas in Nursing, and Nursing Transition.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers an LPN education at an array of campus locations throughout the state. Fall entry into the Practical Nursing (PN) program is offered on Jackson County, Jefferson Davis, and Perkinston campuses, and at George County Center. Summer entry is only offered at George County Center with a PN exit option. The LPN program, which is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), is comprised of one semester of pre-requisites and three semesters of nursing course work. In the end, graduates walk away with a diploma, and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination.

In Jackson, Mississippi, Virginia College offers an LPN program where graduates enter the healthcare workforce with a diploma in Practical Nursing. Students build their nursing skills and knowledge with the help of small class sizes and access to the latest equipment in the industry. Students with full-time enrollment typically complete the program in 50 weeks.

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Mississippi LPN Checklist

Research, and then apply to a state-approved LPN program, which typically takes one year to complete after the fulfillment of specific pre-requisites.
After getting a diploma in practical nursing, pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) exam in Mississippi.
Gain licensure as an LPN by submitting an application to the Mississippi Board of Nursing, and paying the initial ~$100 fee.
Renew LPN license every two years.
There are no continuing education requirements expected of LPNs that work in the state of Mississippi.

Mississippi Salary & Job Outlook

As one of the fastest-growing roles within the healthcare industry, the licensed practical nurse typically assumes entry-level positions within hospitals, physician offices, and nursing homes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for licensed practical nurses finding work in the state of Mississippi is reported as $35,230. For LPNs looking to earn a higher salary, opportunities do arise which allow employees to enhance their income by taking on a role at their job that requires supervisory skills and experience.