Nursing in Mississippi

Nursing education in Mississippi is centered mainly around a handful of key cities, with most nursing schools concentrated in urban areas like Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Tupelo. The state has about 30 nursing schools, but they are not evenly spread, with a noticeable gap in more remote parts of Mississippi.

Current NCLEX pass rates for Mississippi nursing programs average about 87.4 percent and are gradually improving. However, pass rates can vary significantly across schools, from roughly 83.8 to 93 percent. Part of this variation relates to differences in program resources and support, with some for-profit programs showing lower outcomes compared to public and community college programs.

Mississippi belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means if you hold a nursing license from Mississippi, you can practice in other compact states without getting a new license. This reciprocity includes neighboring states like Alabama and Tennessee, which can provide greater flexibility if you plan to work near state borders or move regionally.

The nursing job market in Mississippi shows ongoing demand but with uneven conditions. Registered nurse employment stands near 29,000 jobs statewide, with average RN salaries around $75,500. Licensed practical nurses earn about $49,000 yearly. Salary ranges are wide due to urban versus rural locations and specialty roles. For example, nurse practitioners can make over $117,000, while nurse anesthetists earn more than $200,000 annually, especially in metropolitan centers like Jackson. Despite these numbers, Mississippi's cost of living is below the national average, which helps income stretch further, though rural nurses may encounter limited advanced practice opportunities.

Regarding education costs, LPN programs typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, often offered through community colleges with lower tuition. ADN programs generally cost between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the institution. BSN programs run higher, from about $15,000 to over $25,000, especially at private colleges. Community colleges remain a more affordable option but may have fewer seats or waitlists due to demand. When combined with living expenses, students should budget accordingly, especially if schooling requires relocating to metro areas.

Major health systems in the state, such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Baptist Memorial Health Care, are prominent employers shaping nursing job prospects. These centers tend to recruit graduates from local programs with strong clinical training.