Best Mississippi LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Mississippi offers programs that allow LPNs to pursue RN credentials. Students study advanced nursing concepts and practice skills in clinical environments. Graduates are prepared for licensure exams and the transition into RN roles in healthcare facilities.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Mississippi
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS - Private 4-year - wmcarey.edu
Associate - LPN Advanced Placement
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
William Carey University's LPN Advanced Placement program provides a hybrid pathway for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses, combining online coursework with in-person clinicals for flexibility. Admission requires an unencumbered PN license and a minimum 2.75 GPA, with full-time completion in 18 months or part-time in 30 months. This program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, enhancing career opportunities in nursing without requiring an ACT or SAT, as it is not a bachelor's level program.
- Hybrid program format.
- Full-time: 18 months.
- Part-time: 30 months.
- Requires unencumbered PN license.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Online and in-person components.
- Flexible study options.
- Accommodates work-life balance.
- Clinical experiences included.
Bachelor's - LPN Advanced Placement
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
At William Carey University, the LPN Advanced Placement program enables LPNs to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through flexible full-time or part-time options, available in traditional or hybrid formats. Students complete theory online and clinicals locally, graduating in 18-30 months ready for the NCLEX-RN. Admission mandates an unencumbered PN license and a 2.75 GPA; as a bachelor's program, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing on critical thinking for high-demand nursing roles.
- Flexible full-time/part-time options
- Traditional and hybrid formats
- Requires unencumbered PN license
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS - Public 2-Year - mgccc.edu
Associate - LPN to RN (Hybrid)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's LPN to RN Hybrid program offers a flexible path for licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nursing roles. Combining online coursework with in-person clinicals, this ACEN-accredited program allows working professionals to choose weekday or evening/weekend schedules, leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree with 66 semester hours. It awards 14 credits for prior LPN experience, enabling direct entry into advanced coursework. With a 96.9% NCLEX-RN pass rate, the curriculum emphasizes holistic care, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary skills, with multiple start dates for convenience.
- Hybrid learning format
- Multiple entry schedule options
- 14 semester credits awarded
- 96.9% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Nationally ACEN accredited
- Total program: 66 semester hours
- Summer, fall, spring entry
- State board approved program
- Comprehensive nursing preparation
Associate - LPN to RN (Non-Hybrid)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The LPN to RN Non-Hybrid program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College provides a campus-based route for LPNs seeking RN licensure. Students complete a summer transition course to earn 14 semester credits, bypassing initial ADN courses and entering directly into the third semester. Focused on classroom learning with weekday classes, this program streamlines career advancement without hybrid elements, ensuring hands-on training in a structured environment tailored for practical nurses.
- Weekday classes only
- 14 semester credits awarded
- Classroom-based learning
- Direct entry to ADN semester 3
- Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses
East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS - Public 2-Year - eastms.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Transition Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Mississippi Community College's LPN to RN Transition Track is a hybrid program tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to advance to Registered Nurse status. It emphasizes a three-semester format that blends online coursework with minimal campus visits for testing and skills validation, ideal for working professionals. The program requires an ACT score of 18, a 2.5 GPA, and current LPN licensure with IV certification. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and benefit from a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of approximately 94%, ensuring strong preparation for licensure.
- Three-semester hybrid program
- First semester primarily online
- 94% NCLEX-RN® pass rate
- Requires current LPN license
- IV certification required
- Minimal campus visits
- Designed for working LPNs
Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS - Public 4-Year - muw.edu
Associate - ASN Advanced Placement Option LPN-to-RN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi University for Women offers a fast-track Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Advanced Placement Option for LPNs transitioning to RN roles. This three-semester program leverages prior LPN experience through advanced placement, incorporating a preceptorship and courses in pharmacology and nursing transitions. Prerequisites include a current Mississippi LPN license and one year of clinical experience. Graduates are prepared for the RN licensing exam and roles in acute and long-term care, with over 1,600 alumni employed nationwide. The program also provides a foundation for pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, enhancing career advancement opportunities.
- 3-semester fast-track program.
- Preceptorship experience included.
- Eligible for RN licensing exam.
- Requires current Mississippi LPN license.
- One year clinical experience needed.
- Offers advanced placement for LPNs.
- Prepares for acute and long-term care.
- Foundation for pursuing BSN degree.
- Includes pharmacology and nursing transition courses.
- Over 1,600 graduates employed nationwide.
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Summit, MS - Public 2-Year - smcc.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwest Mississippi Community College's LPN to RN Transition program provides an accelerated route for licensed practical nurses to earn an Associate of Applied Science in nursing. It allows LPNs to enter the second year after completing a six-credit transition course, emphasizing prerequisite studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and English. Admission is competitive, requiring an active LPN license, TEAS exam scores, a minimum 2.50 GPA, and one year of nursing experience. An ACT score of 18 or higher is recommended. The program offers flexible admission in Fall and Spring semesters, focusing on building on existing healthcare skills for a seamless career advancement.
- Accelerated RN pathway for LPNs
- Admission in Fall/Spring semesters
- Requires active LPN license
- Competitive admission process
- 18 prerequisite credit hours required
- TEAS exam mandatory
- ACT score of 18+ recommended
- 2.50 GPA prerequisite requirement
- One year nursing work experience
- Multiple admission models available
Mississippi LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Mississippi LPNs advancing to RN through an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing bridge pathway typically need to meet program and state expectations before enrollment. While each college sets its own criteria, applicants can expect the following common requirements in Mississippi:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license in Mississippi or through the Nurse Licensure Compact, with verification of good standing.
- High school diploma or GED and a minimum college GPA, often 2.5 to 3.0 on prerequisite coursework.
- Completion of prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, English Composition, College Algebra or Statistics, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Speech or Communication, and Nutrition.
- Standardized admission testing, commonly TEAS or HESI, meeting program cut scores.
- Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Criminal background check, drug screen, and required immunizations or titers for clinical placement.
- Proof of recent LPN employment may be required or preferred by some programs, especially for advanced placement.
- Transition or mobility course and skills/competency validation to receive advanced standing for prior practical nursing education and experience.
Graduates apply for RN licensure by examination in Mississippi and must pass the NCLEX-RN after completing a state-approved program. Regulatory details, including criminal background checks for licensure and education program approval, are overseen by the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN curricula in Mississippi build on practical nursing foundations to develop RN-level clinical judgment, leadership, and care coordination. Students move through a transition course, then progress into medical surgical nursing, maternal newborn, pediatrics, mental health, complex and critical care concepts, and population health. Learning integrates classroom theory, high-fidelity simulation labs, and supervised clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, pharmacology and dosage calculation, evidence based practice, health assessment, informatics, interprofessional collaboration, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN.
Accreditation and state approval matter for licensure eligibility and employability. Mississippi requires completion of a prelicensure RN program approved by the state Board of Nursing. Many institutions also hold national nursing accreditation through bodies such as ACEN or CCNE, which signals that the program meets rigorous academic and clinical standards, supports transferability of credits, and is often required or preferred by employers and graduate programs.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
In Mississippi, LPN to RN bridge options are offered at public community colleges, regional universities, and select private institutions. Community colleges commonly provide LPN to ADN transition tracks with advanced standing for LPNs, while universities may offer LPN to BSN pathways. Delivery formats vary by campus, with some offering day-only cohorts and others providing flexible or hybrid options.
Typical coursework includes transition to professional nursing, advanced medical surgical nursing, health assessment across the lifespan, pharmacology and medication management, maternal newborn, pediatrics, mental health nursing, community and population health, leadership and management, and NCLEX-RN preparation. Clinical rotations span acute care, long term care, ambulatory clinics, behavioral health, and community settings. Advanced content explores complex patient care, care coordination, quality improvement, and clinical decision making using evidence based guidelines.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Mississippi work in hospitals, rural critical access facilities, long term care and rehabilitation, home health and hospice, clinics, public health departments, schools, correctional health, telehealth, and outpatient surgery centers. Scheduling often includes 8 or 12 hour shifts, with opportunities for nights, weekends, and part time roles that can support work life balance depending on the unit and employer. Mississippi’s large rural footprint and aging population support continued demand for RNs, particularly in inpatient care, primary care access, and chronic disease management.
Compared with LPN roles, RNs in Mississippi have a broader scope of practice, greater autonomy in assessment and care planning, more leadership and preceptor opportunities, expanded clinical settings, and higher earning potential. For LPNs who want to manage more complex patients, pursue specialty certifications, or progress to advanced degrees later, the RN license opens additional pathways.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full time bridge programs: Commonly 2 to 3 consecutive semesters for LPN to ADN after prerequisites, or about 12 to 18 months. LPN to BSN full time plans typically take 2.5 to 3 years after prerequisites.
- Part time options: Often extend the LPN to ADN curriculum to 18 to 24 months, with lighter course loads each term. LPN to BSN part time plans may take 3 to 4 years post prerequisites.
- Evening and weekend cohorts: Available at some Mississippi campuses, usually mirroring part time timelines due to clinical scheduling and lab availability.
Total time to completion depends on how many general education and science credits transfer, campus sequencing, and clinical capacity in the region.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Mississippi
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| William Carey University |
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| Mississippi University for Women |
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| Southwest Mississippi Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Mississippi’s public colleges and universities are generally affordable compared with national averages. For Mississippi residents, typical tuition and mandatory fees for an LPN to ADN bridge at a public college often fall in the approximate range of 4,000 to 10,000 for the nursing portion of the program, depending on credit hours and local fee structures. LPN to BSN pathways at public universities can range more widely, often from about 12,000 to 25,000 or more for upper division nursing coursework, not including previously completed prerequisites.
Additional costs to anticipate include textbooks and e-resources, skills kits and uniforms, immunizations and titers, background check and drug screening, liability insurance, transportation to clinical sites, and NCLEX and licensure related fees. Housing costs vary by city; many Mississippi communities offer relatively low rent compared with the national average, with shared housing often reducing monthly expenses for students. Budgeting for internet access and reliable transportation is important, especially for clinical rotations in rural areas.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Mississippi
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Mississippi Community College |
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| Mississippi Delta Community College |
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| East Mississippi Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Mississippi students can expect a mix of delivery formats:
- In person: Traditional campus based lectures, labs, and clinicals.
- Hybrid: Didactic courses partially online, with required on campus labs and in person clinical rotations at approved Mississippi facilities.
- Online components: Some theory courses offered online, but hands on labs and direct patient care clinicals must be completed face to face to meet state and program standards.
Fully online prelicensure LPN to RN programs are not feasible due to required clinical and skills competencies. Out of state programs that place students for clinical experiences in Mississippi must comply with Mississippi’s education and clinical placement rules under the authority of the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Regardless of format, choose a program that is Board approved and provides adequate supervised clinical hours to prepare you for safe RN practice and the NCLEX-RN.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Mississippi
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN programs must obtain licensure by examination through the Mississippi Board of Nursing after completing a board-approved RN program. Applicants submit an application, fees, and a fingerprint-based criminal background check, then await authorization to test.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN through the official NCLEX websiteand pay the exam fee.
- Mississippi issues Authorization to Test after eligibility is confirmed. You must present valid identification on exam day and follow all testing rules.
- NCLEX retesting follows national rules that require a minimum 45-day wait between attempts.
- Official results are reported to the Board. Your RN license is issued once all requirements are satisfied and the exam is passed.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Mississippi offers licensure by endorsement for RNs who hold a current license in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement typically requires verification of original licensure and education, proof of having passed the NCLEX-RN, completion of a Board-approved fingerprint-based background check, and payment of fees.
Mississippi is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Qualified RNs who declare Mississippi as their primary state of residence may hold a multistate license that permits practice in all other Compact states. RNs moving to Mississippi from a Compact state must apply for Mississippi licensure; once Mississippi issues a multistate license, the prior state’s multistate license converts to single-state per Compact rules. Mississippi does not maintain separate reciprocity agreements beyond participation in the Compact.
Licensure Requirements
The Mississippi Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. For initial licensure by examination after an LPN to RN program, applicants generally must:
- Graduate from a Board-approved RN program and have the school submit an official transcript or affidavit of graduation directly to the Board.
- Submit an online application for RN licensure by examination and pay required fees.
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Board’s process.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN and obtain Authorization to Test, then pass the exam.
- Provide identification information as required by state law. A U.S. Social Security number is required for license issuance.
License Renewal
Mississippi RN licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle. The RN renewal window opens in the fall of even-numbered years and closes December 31. Practicing with an expired license is not permitted. If a license lapses, you must complete reinstatement and pay applicable fees before returning to practice.
- Continuing education: Complete at least 20 contact hours of Board-acceptable nursing continuing education during each two-year renewal period. An academic nursing course or current national certification may be used to meet the requirement if acceptable to the Board.
- Documentation: Retain CE certificates or transcripts for audit. You must attest to completion during renewal.
- Updates: Keep your legal name and mailing and email addresses current with the Board to receive renewal notices.
Average LPN State Salary in Mississippi
$49,960
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in Mississippi
$79,470
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 12 months to 2 years. Many programs are designed as accelerated, three-semester tracks.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
These programs concentrate on providing the core clinical skills and foundational nursing knowledge required for entry-level RN positions. The curriculum is designed to build upon the existing knowledge of LPNs, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on patient care in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Mississippi:
The total cost can range from approximately $7,000 to $15,000, though this can vary by institution and required fees. For example, Mississippi Delta Community College's LPN accelerated track has an estimated total cost of over $10,000 for the entire program.
Best For:
LPNs who wish to become RNs as quickly as possible and at a lower initial cost, providing a direct path to entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community and junior colleges are the primary institutions offering LPN to ADN bridge programs in Mississippi.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally ranges from 2 to 3 years. Some programs offer flexible full-time and part-time options, which can extend the duration.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
LPN to BSN programs provide a more comprehensive education that includes all the clinical components of an ADN, but with additional coursework in nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. This broader curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and communication skills for a wider scope of nursing practice.
Average In-State Tuition in Mississippi:
Tuition for LPN to BSN programs is higher than for ADN programs, with annual in-state tuition at public universities around $8,500-$9,500. Private universities can have higher tuition rates, for instance, William Carey University's undergraduate nursing tuition is over $14,000 per year. The total program cost can range from $20,000 to over $40,000, depending on the institution.
Best For:
LPNs who are planning for long-term career growth, leadership roles, and potential graduate-level education.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges are the typical providers of LPN to BSN programs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program duration allows for a quicker transition to practicing as a registered nurse.
- Lower Educational Costs: Community college tuition is generally more affordable than university tuition, making the ADN a more budget-conscious option.
- Strong Foundation for Bedside Nursing: The curriculum is intensely focused on the essential clinical skills needed for direct patient care.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and later pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often with employer tuition assistance.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often preferred or required for specialized nursing roles, leadership positions, and jobs in magnet hospitals.
- Higher Long-Term Earning Potential: BSN-prepared nurses typically have higher salaries over the course of their careers compared to those with an ADN.
- Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum includes training in leadership, research, and critical thinking, which prepares graduates for a wider range of healthcare challenges.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Mississippi
Columbus, MS
Mississippi University for Women
- Associate - ASN Advanced Placement Option LPN-to-RN
Campus Based - Website
- 3-semester fast-track program.
- Preceptorship experience included.
- Eligible for RN licensing exam.
- Requires current Mississippi LPN license.
- One year clinical experience needed.
- Offers advanced placement for LPNs.
- Prepares for acute and long-term care.
- Foundation for pursuing BSN degree.
Decatur, MS
East Central Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Program
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based nursing program
- Annual summer semester admission
- ACEN and MSIHL accredited
- Associate of Applied Science degree
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focuses on rural healthcare needs
- Priority application deadline January 1
Goodman, MS
Holmes Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Flexible LPN/Paramedic options.
- Campus-based program.
- Competitive admissions.
- Focus on ethical nursing practice.
- Emphasizes scientific principles.
- Quality education standards.
Hattiesburg, MS
William Carey University
- Associate - LPN Advanced Placement
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Full-time: 18 months.
- Part-time: 30 months.
- Requires unencumbered PN license.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Online and in-person components.
- Flexible study options.
- Bachelor's - LPN Advanced Placement
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Flexible full-time/part-time options
- Traditional and hybrid formats
- Requires unencumbered PN license
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Meridian, MS
Meridian Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Accelerated Program for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics
Campus Based - Website
- 73 credit-hour nursing program
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Clinical experiences in hospitals
- ACEN accredited program
- High first-time NCLEX pass rates
- Multiple admission pathways
- Full-time and accelerated options
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
Moorhead, MS
Mississippi Delta Community College
- Associate - LPN Accelerated Track
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month RN program.
- For Licensed Practical Nurses.
- Minimum ACT score required.
- TEAS entrance test needed.
- C average in prerequisites.
- Summer accelerated course.
- Fall sophomore class entry.
- Current Mississippi LPN license.
Perkinston, MS
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN (Hybrid)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Multiple entry schedule options
- 14 semester credits awarded
- 96.9% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Nationally ACEN accredited
- Total program: 66 semester hours
- Summer, fall, spring entry
- State board approved program
- Associate - LPN to RN (Non-Hybrid)
Campus Based - Website
- Weekday classes only
- 14 semester credits awarded
- Classroom-based learning
- Direct entry to ADN semester 3
- Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses
Raymond, MS
Hinds Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing – Transition to RN
Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester completion.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam.
- Covers anatomy, microbiology, psychology.
- Requires high school diploma, ACT scores.
- Prerequisite courses needed.
- Focus on professional behaviors, communication.
- Emphasizes clinical decision-making.
- Accredited by ACEN.
Scooba, MS
East Mississippi Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester hybrid program
- First semester primarily online
- 94% NCLEX-RN® pass rate
- Requires current LPN license
- IV certification required
- Minimal campus visits
- Designed for working LPNs
Senatobia, MS
Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Associate - LPN-RN Transition Program
Campus Based - Website
- Summer-based LPN transition track
- Two additional semesters to complete
- Located at Senatobia campus
- Requires current LPN license
- Supports professional nursing advancement
Summit, MS
Southwest Mississippi Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated RN pathway for LPNs
- Admission in Fall/Spring semesters
- Requires active LPN license
- Competitive admission process
- 18 prerequisite credit hours required
- TEAS exam mandatory
- ACT score of 18+ recommended
- 2.50 GPA prerequisite requirement
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