Mississippi employs roughly 8,400 LPNs statewide, and the Mississippi Board of Nursing reports persistent RN vacancies across rural hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. For licensed practical nurses already working bedside, a bridge program compresses the path to an RN license into as few as 12 months, skipping redundant coursework and building on clinical hours already logged.
The real challenge is choosing the right program. NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates among Mississippi bridge-friendly schools range from the low 70s to well above 90%, a gap that directly affects your odds of walking away with an RN license on the first attempt. Programs ranked here are ordered primarily by that pass rate; completion rate and accreditation status break ties.
Mississippi is also a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so an RN license earned here carries multistate privilege from day one.
Top Mississippi LPN to RN/BSN Programs by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 2027 Rankings
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates swing widely from one Mississippi bridge program to the next, which makes them the most telling number a prospective student can compare side by side. A program with a strong pass rate is one whose graduates walk into the exam prepared. The ten programs below are ordered with NCLEX-RN results leading the way, and each entry notes what the program costs, how it is delivered, and what graduates of the institution have gone on to earn.
How we ranked these
- Graduation rates, weighted most heavily
- Retention and completion rates
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
- Accreditation status and program format
- Earnings, assigned the least weight
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Holmes Community College
Holmes Community College runs one of the most flexible LPN to RN routes in Mississippi, with an accelerated 12-month Option I and a slower Option II that spreads nursing theory across fall and spring before students join the ADN class. ADN courses are delivered at Goodman, Grenada and Ridgeland, and the Grenada evening and weekend track is built around nurses who keep working while they study. The ACEN-accredited program includes transition coursework, clinical rotations and NCLEX-RN preparation.
- 12-month accelerated Option I starts with summer transition courses
- Option II spreads nursing theory across fall and spring
- Evening and weekend track available in Grenada
- Offered at Goodman, Grenada and Ridgeland campuses
- Open to licensed practical nurses and paramedics
- ACEN accredited ADN program
LPN to RN (Associate Degree Nursing) — On-Campus
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit keeps its LPN to RN Transition focused and efficient: a six-credit transition course, then the health and illness concepts that carry students to an Associate of Applied Science in nursing. Cohorts start in fall and spring, and admission leans on an ACT composite of 18, a 2.5 prerequisite GPA and documented LPN work experience. The ACEN-accredited track is built for practical nurses moving into hospital, clinic and community nursing roles.
- Six-credit transition course opens the accelerated path
- Fall and spring start dates each year
- ACT composite of 18 and 2.5 prerequisite GPA required
- Documented LPN work experience required for admission
- ACEN accredited Associate of Applied Science degree
- Focus on clinical judgment and client-centered care
LPN to RN Transition, Associates — On-Campus
Delta State University
Delta State University in Cleveland offers an LPN to BSN path that skips the associate degree entirely, an 18-month hybrid program spanning five continuous semesters. Theory is delivered online with monthly on-campus simulation and skills labs, and clinical placements are arranged near each student's home community. Students finish with a preceptorship and capstone ahead of the NCLEX-RN, then move into emergency, critical care, pediatric, oncology and travel nursing roles.
- 18-month program across five continuous semesters
- Hybrid format with monthly on-campus simulation labs
- Clinical placements arranged near your home community
- 2.0 GPA and ACT composite of 18 required
- Course and lab fees total $2,670
- Capstone and final preceptorship prepare for NCLEX-RN
- CCNE accredited BSN program
- Starts each spring with full-time and part-time options
LPN to BSN, Associates — Hybrid
Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi University for Women in Columbus condenses the LPN to RN route into a three-semester ASN Advanced Placement option that awards credit for prior LPN coursework. Students take pharmacology and nursing transition courses, then a three-week preceptorship that doubles as a bridge into regional employers. The ACEN-accredited program has produced more than 1,600 registered nurses and feeds a separate RN to BSN pathway for graduates who want the bachelor's degree later.
- Three-semester ASN program for licensed practical nurses
- Credit awarded for prior LPN coursework
- Three-week preceptorship immediately before graduation
- Curriculum covers pharmacology and nursing transition
- ACEN accredited with over 1,600 alumni working as RNs
- Builds a foundation for RN to BSN completion
ASN Advanced Placement Option LPN to RN — On-Campus
Hinds Community College
Hinds Community College delivers its ADN transition at the Nursing Allied Health Center in Jackson, with a three-semester structure and credit by validation for prior licensure and experience. Working nurses can choose a nights and weekends cohort that finishes in about 14 months, while the day option merges into the traditional cohort after a summer transition course. LPNs, paramedics and respiratory therapists are all eligible, and admission uses an ACT composite of 18 and a 2.5 prerequisite GPA.
- Three-semester program with credit by validation
- Nights and weekends option for working professionals
- Day option merges with the traditional ADN cohort
- Spring and summer start dates each year
- 2.5 prerequisite GPA and ACT composite of 18 required
- ACEN accredited at the Nursing Allied Health Center in Jackson
- Open to LPNs, paramedics and respiratory therapists
Associate Degree Nursing Transition to RN — On-Campus
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College runs two parallel LPN to RN tracks, a hybrid option at the Bryant Center and a traditional weekday option at Perkinston. Both award 14 credit hours for prior LPN education and place students into the second year of the ADN program, and the hybrid schedule comes in weekday and evening-weekend versions for nurses working along the coast. The program is ACEN accredited and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
- Blended online coursework with on-campus labs and clinicals
- Weekday or evening and weekend hybrid schedules
- 14 credit hours awarded for prior LPN education
- Summer entry at the Bryant Center
- $75 per credit program fee
- TEAS exam required for admission
- Weekday, face-to-face classes only
- 14 credit hours awarded for LPN education
- Enters semester three of the ADN program
- By-passes the first year of the ADN program
- Summer transition course required before entry
LPN to RN (Hybrid), Associates — Hybrid
LPN to RN (Non-Hybrid), Associates — On-Campus
Jones County Junior College
Jones College in Ellisville folds its LPN to ADN option into the main Associate Degree Nursing track, so practical nurses complete roughly five semesters while also finishing coursework in anatomy, microbiology, nutrition and psychology. Admission runs on a point system that weighs GPA, core course grades, ACT scores and an entrance test, and LPN applicants need a 2.0 GPA with prerequisites at a C or better. Clinical labs take place at community health care agencies, and the April 1 application deadline is firm.
- Five-semester ADN option for licensed practical nurses
- Admission points weigh GPA, core courses and ACT scores
- 2.0 GPA minimum with prerequisites at grade C or better
- April 1 application deadline
- Clinical labs held at community health care agencies
- ACEN accredited ADN program
LPN to ADN Option — On-Campus
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia admits LPNs into a summer transition course, then moves them straight into the final two semesters of the ADN program. The Senatobia campus hosts the track, which pairs classroom instruction and simulation labs with clinical rotations and keeps class sizes small with dedicated advising. Applicants need a current LPN license, prerequisite coursework, ACT scores and a TEAS exam, and nursing scholarships are available.
- Summer transition course leads into the final two ADN semesters
- Requires a current LPN license and prerequisite courses
- TEAS exam and ACT scores required
- Offered at the Senatobia campus only
- Small class sizes with personalized advising
- Nursing scholarships available
- Accelerated path to RN licensure
LPN-RN Transition Program, Associates — On-Campus
Itawamba Community College
Itawamba Community College gives LPNs two advanced standing routes: a challenge exam that can place them directly into second-semester nursing courses, or a shorter summer transition course for nurses with recent work experience. The cohort model keeps bridge students learning alongside the RN class, and the program sharpens dosage calculation, pharmacology and clinical judgment before hospital, clinic and long-term care rotations. Both options require an active, unencumbered LPN license.
- Option 1: challenge first-semester nursing courses with a 75 exam score
- Option 2: five-credit summer transition course, then the final year
- Option 2 requires at least one year of recent LPN work experience
- Challenge exam offered once, in July, at the Tupelo campus
- Active, unencumbered LPN license required
- Cohort-style classes with faculty and classmate support
LPN to RN Bridge, Associates — On-Campus
East Central Community College
East Central Community College in Decatur admits LPNs once a year in summer through its LPN to ADN Transition Program, which awards advanced placement for prior practical nursing experience. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership, informatics and evidence-based practice, with a deliberate focus on the health care needs of rural Mississippi. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science and sit for the NCLEX-RN, and the program holds continuing ACEN accreditation.
- One summer start per year with a January 1 priority deadline
- Advanced placement recognizes prior LPN experience
- Focus on the health care needs of rural Mississippi
- Awarded Associate of Applied Science degree
- Campus-based program in Decatur
- Continuing ACEN accreditation
LPN to ADN Transition Program — On-Campus
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates for Mississippi Bridge Programs
The table below shows first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates reported by the Mississippi Board of Nursing for programs that offer bridge pathways or accept LPN applicants into their ADN or BSN tracks. A pass rate at or above 90% is generally considered strong, and Mississippi's statewide average has held near 98% to 99% across recent reporting years, which is well above the national average. When evaluating programs, look for consistency across multiple years rather than focusing on a single reporting cycle. A sharp drop or sustained decline can signal curriculum or staffing changes worth investigating before you apply.
| Program | 2023 Pass Rate | 2024 Pass Rate | Test-Takers (Most Recent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Delta Community College (ADN) | 100% | N/A | 43 |
| Mississippi University for Women (BSN) | 100% | N/A | N/A |
| Alcorn State University (BSN) | 100% | 78.1% | N/A |
| Coahoma Community College (ADN) | 99.6% | 98.4% | N/A |
| Mississippi College (BSN) | 95% | N/A | N/A |
| University of Southern Mississippi (BSN) | 93% | N/A | N/A |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College (ADN) | 91.6% | 94.4% | 125 |
| Mississippi Statewide Average (All RN Programs) | 99% | 98% | 2,118 |
LPN to ADN vs. LPN to BSN: Which Bridge Path Fits You?
Choosing the right LPN/LVN bridge program means weighing a 12-to-18-month associate bridge against a two-to-three-year bachelor's bridge, both of which make you eligible for the same NCLEX-RN exam, but they differ sharply in time commitment, cost, and long-term career reach. For Mississippi LPNs weighing LPN to RN bridge programs, it helps to break the comparison into a few clear categories.
Timeline and Cost
The LPN-to-ADN track typically requires 63 to 66 credits and runs 12 to 18 months, with tuition generally landing between $12,000 and $18,000. The LPN-to-BSN path calls for roughly 120 credits, takes two to three years, and costs $20,000 to $40,000 depending on the institution and how much prior coursework transfers. If speed to an RN license is your priority, the ADN bridge gets you there in about half the time.
Career Ceiling
Both credentials qualify you to practice as a registered nurse, yet the difference shows up once you are on the job. Roughly 70 percent of employers nationally express a preference for BSN-prepared nurses, and about 25 percent require a bachelor's degree for new hires. In Mississippi, larger health systems and Magnet-designated hospitals increasingly expect a BSN for specialty units, leadership roles, and case management positions. An ADN qualifies you for an RN license; a BSN expands your options for specialty, leadership, and case management roles.
The Tuition-Reimbursement Strategy
Many Mississippi health systems, including several major hospital networks, offer tuition reimbursement for RN-to-BSN completion after hire. That makes the ADN bridge a financially strategic first step: earn your RN quickly, start collecting an RN salary, and let your employer subsidize the bachelor's degree later. This stacked approach keeps out-of-pocket costs low while still reaching the BSN finish line.
Best Fit for Working LPNs
If you are juggling shifts, family obligations, or both, the shorter ADN bridge is usually easier to manage. Mississippi community colleges commonly offer evening, weekend, or hybrid scheduling that accommodates working nurses. BSN programs demand a longer runway and heavier course loads in areas like research, community health, and leadership. For LPNs who need to keep earning while they learn, starting with the ADN and bridging to BSN on the employer's dime is often the most practical route.
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How Much Does an LPN to RN Program Cost in Mississippi?
Sticker price and actual price rarely match, and the gap catches a lot of LPNs off guard when they start budgeting for a bridge program. Among the Mississippi LPN programs in this ranking, net price after aid runs from roughly $2,525 a year at Southwest Mississippi Community College up to about $12,411 at Mississippi University for Women, with most community college bridge tracks landing in the $4,000 to $7,000 range.
Per-Credit Tuition at Popular Programs
Layered on top of net price, per-credit tuition tells the sticker-price story. MGCCC charges about $180 per credit for 2025-2026, plus an $85 career-technical fee and a $20 resource fee once you're admitted to the nursing sequence (your 14 advanced-standing credits from LPN coursework don't generate additional tuition). Holmes Community College lists $160 per credit for 2026-2027 with roughly $17 in added fees per credit. Hinds runs about $165 per credit in-state, and Meridian sits closer to $204 per credit. Out-of-state students pay meaningfully more everywhere, so confirm residency status early.
Where the Extra Costs Hide
Tuition and fees are only part of the bill. Budget separately for:
- Books and course materials: Often $500 to $1,000 per semester depending on edition requirements.
- Clinical requirements: Scrubs, a stethoscope, background checks, drug screening, and immunization updates.
- Liability insurance: A small annual fee most programs require before clinical placement.
- Testing fees: Entrance exams like TEAS, plus NCLEX-RN registration later.
Community College ADN vs. Four-Year BSN
The gap widens fast once you look past the associate degree. Community college nursing programs generally total somewhere in the $3,400 to $10,600 range for the full ADN bridge sequence. UMMC's per-credit BSN rate, by contrast, runs close to $580 to $596 per credit before a facility surcharge of over $1,100, pushing per-credit cost well past $1,700. That difference matters if your goal is simply RN licensure versus a BSN for career advancement.
Aid Usually Narrows the Gap
The net price figures above already reflect financial aid, which is why they sit so far below sticker tuition. Filing the FAFSA early and contacting the financial aid offices of accredited LPN and RN programs directly, rather than relying on published rate sheets, is the most reliable way to know what you'll actually owe.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Mississippi LPN-to-RN Students
Mississippi LPN-to-RN students have several funding streams that can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs. Many community college bridge programs are Pell-eligible, and qualifying students may see their net price approach zero after federal and state aid. Below are key figures from the major aid sources available in 2026.
Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus LPN to RN Options in Mississippi
Delivery format is the single biggest scheduling decision working LPNs face. In Mississippi, "online" almost always means the lectures and coursework live in a learning management system, while the clinical rotations, skills labs, and check-offs still happen in person at a hospital, nursing home, or campus simulation lab. No program in the state trains an RN entirely from a laptop.
Hybrid and Evening/Weekend Programs
A handful of Mississippi bridge programs are built specifically around students who work day shift as an LPN.
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC): Hybrid LPN to RN with blended online and face-to-face learning. Lecture meets Mondays 8am to 5pm, and clinicals run Saturday or Sunday, 6:30am to 6:30pm. Clinical sites are located across the Gulf Coast region.
- Hinds Community College: Transition to RN offers a part-time evening and weekend option that runs roughly 14 months, starting in spring, with 12-hour clinical shifts. A separate day cohort joins the traditional students on a summer start.
- Holmes Community College: Runs an Evening & Weekend ADN track based in Grenada, with a July 15, 2026 application deadline. Applicants need documented recent work experience (500 hours in med-surg, long-term care, or home health).
- William Carey University: Offers a hybrid LPN Advanced Placement track with asynchronous online lectures, open to Mississippi and Louisiana residents.
Campus-Based Accelerated Tracks
Several strong programs remain traditional weekday, on-campus formats. Meridian Community College's accelerated ADN for LPNs and paramedics compresses four semesters of nursing into three across 73 credit hours, with one spring start each year. Copiah-Lincoln's LPN-to-RN Accelerated Track runs three semesters out of the Simpson County Center and requires at least one year of LPN experience. Mississippi University for Women's ASN Advanced Placement Option in Columbus grants credit for prior LPN coursework and typically places clinicals within a 65-mile radius of campus.
Clinical Placement and Travel
Expect to complete several hundred clinical hours regardless of format. Programs in the Jackson metro (Hinds, Holmes Ridgeland), Gulf Coast (MGCCC), and north Mississippi (Northwest, Holmes Grenada) draw on local hospital partners, but students in rural areas often drive an hour or more to a clinical site. Some programs will work with you to place clinicals closer to home, though this is never guaranteed. Ask the nursing office directly before you enroll.
Admission Requirements and How to Apply
Mississippi LPN-to-RN bridge programs share a common set of admission requirements, though specific thresholds vary by college. Use this checklist to prepare your application well ahead of your target deadline.
- Active, unencumbered Mississippi LPN licenseEvery program requires proof of current LPN licensure in good standing before enrollment.
- Prerequisite courses with a C+ or higherExpect to complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and English Composition I at a minimum. Some schools also require College Algebra or Nutrition. Grades of C+ or above in sciences are standard; most programs require prerequisites finished before the start term, though a few let you apply while still enrolled.
- Minimum cumulative GPAMost programs set the floor between 2.0 and 2.5 on prerequisite coursework. Competitive applicants typically present a 2.5 or higher. Note that some colleges calculate GPA only from required courses, excluding developmental credits.
- LPN work experienceRequirements range from roughly 500 clinical hours or six months to two full years of current practice, depending on the college and whether you choose a hybrid or traditional track. Programs with a hybrid clinical model generally expect more experience.
- ACT score or approved alternativeAn ACT composite of 17–18 is the typical baseline, with some schools also requiring minimum math and reading subscores of 18. Colleges may waive the ACT if you have completed a set number of prerequisite credit hours with the required GPA.
- TEAS or HESI entrance examSeveral programs require the TEAS exam, MGCCC, for example, lists a minimum composite of 65, while others rely solely on ACT scores. Check your target school's current catalog, because exam requirements are not uniform across the state.
- Current CPR/BLS certificationAn American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers card is required before clinical coursework begins.
- Background check and drug screeningAll programs mandate a criminal background check and drug screen, typically processed through a designated vendor after conditional acceptance.
- Application deadline awarenessMost Mississippi bridge programs admit one cohort per year for a fall start. Deadlines vary, Meridian's Fall 2026 application closed February 15, while MGCCC's prerequisite deadline is May 15. Mark dates early, because late applications are generally not accepted.
Mississippi RN Licensure and Nurse Licensure Compact
Mississippi’s RN licensure path is now fully paperless, which changes how new graduates track eligibility and verify licensure. From the first application through license verification, most steps happen inside the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s online Licensee Gateway.
Applying for the NCLEX-RN After Graduation
Plan for three separate, nonrefundable costs: $100 for the RN application, $75 for the fingerprint-based background check, and $200 for NCLEX-RN registration through Pearson VUE. Submit the RN application through the Licensee Gateway as early as three months before graduation. Request the background check only after the license application enters the system; the Board suggests allowing up to 10 business days before scheduling fingerprints. Mississippi accepts only MSBN-specific fingerprints. If you were fingerprinted as an LPN within the past two years, you generally will not need to repeat that step. Exam authorization is issued after the application, background check, and Pearson VUE registration are complete. The actual wait depends on background results and Board workload, so treat the timeline as practical guidance rather than a promised date.
Compact Licensure and Multistate Practice
Mississippi has participated in the Nurse Licensure Compact since July 1, 2001, and remains a compact state in 2026. A Mississippi multistate RN license allows practice in more than 40 compact states without holding additional licenses. To receive a multistate license, your primary state of residence must be Mississippi, and you must meet the uniform licensure requirements, including a valid Social Security number and a disciplinary record without active restrictions. If your primary residence is in a noncompact state, the Board issues a single-state license and you would need endorsement, similar to LPN/LVN Reciprocity, to practice elsewhere.
Renewal and Continuing Education
The Board's current licensure guidance does not publish a single universal continuing education total for RN renewal, but LPNs can still consult LPN Continuing Education Units for their CEU tracking. Check your Licensee Gateway account for your specific renewal window and any continuing education conditions before the expiration date. Licenses are no longer mailed; verification is completed online after you pass the NCLEX-RN and the background check clears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi LPN to RN Programs
Below are answers to the questions working LPNs in Mississippi ask most often when researching bridge programs. Each answer reflects 2026 program details and statewide admissions patterns.
How long does it take to go from LPN to RN in Mississippi?
Timeline for LPN to RN bridge programs depends on the path you choose. An LPN to ADN program typically takes 12 to 18 months of full-time study after prerequisites are complete. Holmes Community College, for example, offers a 12-month accelerated track. An LPN to BSN program generally requires 24 to 36 months full time. Part-time schedules add roughly six to 12 months to either option.
Can you complete an LPN to RN program entirely online in Mississippi?
Not entirely. Most Mississippi bridge programs use a hybrid format: lectures and theory coursework are delivered online, but lab sessions and clinical rotations must be completed in person at approved facilities. No Mississippi program currently offers clinicals online, so expect to spend scheduled hours on campus or at a clinical site regardless of the program you choose.
What is the difference between an LPN to ADN and an LPN to BSN program in Mississippi?
Both tracks qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN, but they differ in depth and duration. The LPN to ADN path awards an associate degree and is the faster, lower-cost route, typically offered at community colleges. The LPN to BSN path awards a bachelor's degree and includes additional coursework in leadership, research, and community health. Many Mississippi hospitals prefer or require a BSN for certain roles and for future graduate study.
Does Holmes Community College or MGCCC offer an LPN to RN bridge program?
Yes, both offer LPN Bridge Programs. Holmes Community College offers an accelerated ADN track for LPNs and paramedics, available as a 12-month or four-semester hybrid option at its Grenada and Ridgeland campuses. The program totals 66 credits, with six awarded for prior LPN training. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) offers a hybrid LPN to RN program leading to an Associate of Applied Science, also totaling 66 credits, with 14 credits granted for prior LPN coursework. A non-hybrid, fully on-campus option is available at MGCCC as well.
What GPA do I need to get into an LPN to RN program in Mississippi?
Most Mississippi bridge programs require a prerequisite GPA between 2.5 and 3.0. At MGCCC, for instance, applicants need a core GPA of at least 2.5, with a minimum grade of C in required sciences. Competitive applicants often exceed the posted minimum. Some schools also require an Enhanced ACT score of 18 or higher, or a set number of completed college credits as an alternative. Always confirm current requirements directly with the program.
