Best Mississippi Online RN to BSN Nursing Schools

RN to BSN in Mississippi

The best Mississippi online RN to BSN nursing schools have programs for nurses in Mississippi to advance their careers while still working. The national media never tires of talking about what’s wrong with Mississippi, which is regularly cited for high poverty, poor education, and inadequate health care. But less means ignoring the people who are working to make a difference in the lives of Mississippi’s people – social workers, teachers, and of course nurses. Nurses in Mississippi have a lot of challenges, especially in rural areas, and Mississippi is one of the states most severely affected by the national nursing shortage.

But the top nursing schools in Mississippi are working to combat that problem, not only recruiting new nurses to close the gap but making sure working RNs have the best possible education. Mississippi has a slew of strong public and private nursing schools dedicated to meeting the needs of Mississippi nurses so they can meet the needs of Mississippians. That’s why TopRNtoBSN is ranking the top nursing schools in Mississippi for online RN to BSN programs.

How We Ranked the Best Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi

TopRNtoBSN features only accredited, reputable universities and colleges, so our ranking begins with a thorough search of nursing schools in Mississippi offering BSN degrees and higher. From there, we found the schools offering online RN to BSN programs and ranked them according to three factors: Tuition, Student Satisfaction, and Graduate Salary. Data comes from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche.

1. University of Southern Mississippi

Attending college at nursing programs in Mississippi offers students an opportunity to focus on a medical career. The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg offers a nursing program to help students learn valuable skills related to nursing and medical care. The online degree program allows students to obtain their undergraduate or graduate-level degrees when they are available and have time to focus on a class. It is useful for nurses who work in medicine who plan to advance to a higher level of education.

The University of Southern Mississippi differs from other programs by offering an online RS-BSN degree program. It also offers students opportunities to study nursing at every level. Students can obtain a bachelor of science in nursing, or BSN, as well as a master’s level degree and a doctor of nurse practice degree. The nursing programs at the university are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or CCNE, and it meets the standards set by the commission.

Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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2. University of Mississippi Medical Center

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in Jackson offers Mississippi nursing programs based on the career goals of a student. The online RN-BSN program allows students to work on their undergraduate degrees without attending college at the university. It is an accredited program that allows students to develop the foundational skills they need to advance in a nursing career. The school offers degree programs at every level of education to help students obtain their career objectives.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is a CCNE accredited nursing program for students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The university stands apart from other programs by housing four medical hospitals. It is the only university in the state with a Level 1 trauma center or a Level 4 neonatal intensive care nursery. Since the school has four medical hospitals with a focus on specific patient care and goals, it stands apart for students who want to work directly in a medical hospital.

Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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3. Mississippi College

When you are looking for the top nursing schools in Mississippi, you may consider Mississippi College in Clinton for your undergraduate nursing degree. The school offers students the training to handle the challenges of working in a rigorous work environment and prepares students for their future in nursing. The college offers an online RN-BSN degree as well as an on-campus undergraduate program with hands-on experience through lab work and simulations. Students gain a well-rounded education in nursing practice.

Mississippi College is a Christian Institution that differs from other programs by setting high standards for students in nursing. The degree program is accredited by CCNE and requires students to take a general approach to nurse. The general practice degree program ensures that students have the skills to handle nursing in diverse and complex settings. Students are aware that nurses may work in different environments and the school strives to simplify the process by giving students experience in different surroundings.

Degrees: BSN, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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4. Delta State University

Delta State University’s School of Nursing offers a focused approach to long-term goals. The Cleveland school offers a variety of programs based on student goals and experience. Students can obtain an RN to BSN degree or opt for a bachelor’s degree without relevant nursing experience. It also allows students to advance into graduate studies with the master’s degree program and the doctor of nursing practice degree. The programs allow students to obtain their BSN through the online RN-BSN program or take classes at the university for more advanced studies.

The way Delta State University stands apart from other programs is its well-rounded approach to nursing education. The school requires students to learn life science, behavioral science, and liberal arts as part of their education. The focus on a well-rounded degree allows students to apply their skills in a variety of settings when they move into their careers. The degree programs are accredited by CCNE.

Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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5. Mississippi University for Women

The Mississippi University for Women in Columbus offers degree programs for nursing at every level. Students can obtain an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree through the university. It also offers doctoral-level degree programs to assist with student goals and plans for their career. The online RN-BSN program allows students with an associate’s degree to advance in their studies when it fits their schedule. Since nurses may have odd hours when they start in their career, the online degree allows students to continue with their education while also maintaining their career goals.

The Mississippi University for Women stands apart from other programs by offering specialized degree programs in nursing. The Mississippi nursing programs help students gain experience in specific nursing practices based on their career goals. It allows students to obtain their goals by learning the skills related to a chosen field of study. The university also allows students to obtain an accredited undergraduate degree online when they are working in nursing with an associate’s degree to advance in their career.

Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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6. William Carey University

The William Carey University in Hattiesburg may catch your attention when you are looking for the top nursing schools in Mississippi. The university provides extensive and intensive course material at every level of nursing education. Students are able to obtain their undergraduate degrees and advanced degrees in nursing based on their long-term goals for a career. The accredited program prepares students for a rigorous career in nursing with hands-on experience and leadership training.

William Cary University stands apart from other programs by offering advanced studies in nursing. Students have options to obtain a PhD after completing their undergraduate and master’s level degree programs. The DNP to PhD helps students accomplish long-term goals when working in the medical field. The school also offers an online RN-BSN program for students to focus on their studies from their home or when they are not available to attend traditional classes. The school is CCNE accredited and meets the high standards set for the accreditation process.

Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP to PhD, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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7. Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University’s School of Nursing in Lorman, Mississippi provides students with the education and skills they need to handle their work in the medical field. The program offers two categories for a degree: undergraduate and graduate degrees. The undergraduate program offers associate and bachelor-level education. The school also offers an online RN-BSN degree for students who are already working in nursing and want to obtain a bachelor’s degree to advance their careers.

The way Alcorn State University stands out from other programs is its accreditation. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN. The accreditation sets clear standards for the school and helps students move into more advanced studies when they are ready to start their long-term plans.

Degrees: BSN, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: ACEN

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8. Belhaven University

The nursing program at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi takes a service approach to the nursing industry. The school strives to teach students to focus on the needs and health of the patient by providing a service to them with a compassionate stance. The nationally accredited school offers a bachelor’s of science in nursing as well as an online RN-BSN program that allows students to advance in their career when they have an associate’s degree and have started working as a registered nurse.

Belhaven University stands apart from other nursing programs in Mississippi by focusing on compassion and service as the foundation of nursing education. The school recognizes that compassion plays an essential role in the medical industry and teaches students to offer their patients understanding and kindness while also seeking justice and integrity in every aspect of their work. The program is accredited by CCNE and meets the high standards set by the commission for nursing education.

Degrees: BSN, Online RN-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

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How Do I Become a Nurse in Mississippi?

The path to becoming a nurse in Mississippi requires applicants to go through education, training, and licensing processes. In addition, these processes will have variations depending on the type of nursing an applicant wants to pursue. Types of nursing include:

Nursing Assistants (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Registered Nurses (RN)
Nurse Practitioners (NP)

CNAs require a high school diploma and nursing assistant training. Students in an LPN or RN program who already completed fundamental or basic nursing skills classes can also apply to take the NNAAP exam to gain CNA status. LPN programs in MS can also have resources available to assist with gaining CNA status while the student continues with the LPN process.

To become an LPN, applicants must choose from approved LPN programs in MS to obtain their Practical Nursing degree. After, graduates must submit an application for a Mississippi nurse license, register for the NCLEX-PN exam, and complete a background check.

After passing the NCLEX-PN exam, the new LPN will have their Mississippi nursing license and a listing with the Mississippi nursing board. With Mississippi nursing board inclusion, new nurses will show up in any Mississippi nursing license lookup. That Mississippi nursing license lookup is necessary when seeking employment.

The process to become an RN is similar. Applicants must obtain the relevant degree and go through the NCLEX-RN exam. Moving on to become a Nursing Practitioner requires several additional steps that start with an applicant obtaining their RN license. Specific LPN to RN programs in MS can also help if an applicant is already an LPN.

Applicants can start the process with one of the accelerated nursing programs Mississippi offers. The accelerated nursing programs Mississippi applicants find can help them achieve their RN designation faster if they already have a degree in a non-nursing field.

How is the Job Market for Nurses in Mississippi?

Mississippi has an almost desperate need for more nurses. The number of nurses in MS is expected to grow, but even that expected growth isn’t expected to keep pace with the nursing needs of the state.

This scenario presents a golden opportunity for those looking for RN or LPN jobs in Mississippi. The demand also applies to both federal and state governing nursing jobs in Mississippi.

The nursing shortage creates a high nursing demand. For the NP, nursing jobs in Mississippi can become far more necessary and rewarding. Mississippi has also enacted the eNLC to help ease the transition for out-of-state nurses.

LPN jobs in Mississippi and government nursing jobs in Mississippi of every nursing level are plentiful and waiting for new graduates. This is especially true of those who reach RN level with a BSN.

How Much Do Nurses Make in Mississippi?

Average RN salary in MS is around $57.7k. To put the considerations into perspective, the average RN salary in Jackson, MS sits at $79.2. At the same time, an average salary for RNs in Tupelo is $51k. One resource lists salaries as:

APRN: $79k
CNA: $19.6k
CRNA: $168.5k
LPN: $34.4k
NP: $76.7k
RN: $57.6k

A nursing salary in Mississippi will depend on several factors. Some of those factors will include where the nurse intends to work. For example, nursing at hospitals isn’t the same as nursing at government facilities or care facilities.

How to Become a CRNA Fast

In addition, nurse salaries in Mississippi can depend on location. Nurses in more rural settings will have different duties and salaries than those in more urban settings.

Education can also play a large role in nurse salary in Mississippi. It’s possible to achieve RN licensing through a traditional nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing (AND), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Applicants with their BSN often have the most job opportunities and can demand the highest RN nursing salary in Mississippi.

For LPN salary Mississippi nurses will usually make far less than an RN of any stripe. However, the LPN salary Mississippi nurses can obtain are still good.

For Nurse Practitioner salary Mississippi can offer some of the best and most competitive packages. Specialties sit on top of all these considerations. Specialization in any field of nursing can come along with a salary bump.

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