How to Become an RN in Mississippi – All You Need to Know

If you want to know how to become an RN in Mississippi, then you’ve come to the right place!

Mississippi is home to large hospitals with a great demand for nurses. From 2014 to 2024, the total demand for nurses in the state grew by 14%. 

This means that the state needs a lot of registered nurses. And if you’re aiming to be one of them, this is a great way to start your application!

There are several steps to becoming an RN in Mississippi, but with this guide, you’ll realize that it’s not a complex application process.

We’ve simplified the process for you into 4 steps, and we’ll also answer some important questions that you may be thinking of.

So, are you ready to start your RN journey? Let’s get right to it!

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Mississippi in 4 Steps

Getting an RN license isn’t a complicated process, although it may take a few years to complete due to the nursing education program. 

There are just four steps to becoming an RN in Mississippi:

1. Graduate from a Nursing Education Program
2. Pass the Criminal Background Check
3. Complete the Online Application
4. Pass the NCLEX

Read the next section for an in-depth guide. 

How to Become an RN in Mississippi Step #1: Graduate from a Nursing Education Program

Every aspiring RN should be able to complete a nursing education program by taking an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

You’ll be taught how to do basic health procedures, patient care, chart monitoring, and other nursing skills during these programs. 

ADN vs. BSN: Which One Should You Take?

ADN and BSN have several differences, and each program has its pros and cons. 

Let’s start with the ADN. 

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program that focuses on teaching aspiring nurses how to do basic patient care. This includes basic health procedures and chart monitoring and management. 

The primary focus of ADN is to teach nurses how to do the technical and record-keeping tasks for the patient. However, ADN holders often aren’t allowed to hold management roles and pursue further studies in specialized fields. 

This is one of the major downsides of taking an ADN. On the other hand, this is where BSN shines. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program that covers everything the ADN teaches and a lot more. It teaches you how to do evidence-based research, do more complex laboratory procedures, and manage a team. 

With that said, BSN holders can apply for managerial roles in hospitals and clinics. 

These are great advantages, but the downside of BSN is that it’s twice as long as ADN, and it’s more expensive. 

Nonetheless, the BSN program allows you to do further studies and to have more career opportunities since a lot of hospitals only hire BSN graduates. 

But whether you choose ADN or BSN, just make sure that the school you enroll in is approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. 

How to Become an RN in Mississippi Step #2: Pass the Criminal Background Check

Three months before you graduate, you may request your school to schedule a CBC at the school grounds. 

Unlike other states, Mississippi doesn’t wait for you to graduate and apply online before submitting a criminal background check. Instead, it requires you to accomplish this during a school schedule. 

It’s important that you don’t miss this, but you need to call the Mississippi Board of Nursing to reschedule your CBC if you do. This time, you need to visit their office in Ridgeland. 

Moreover, the CBC Office only allows fingerprints to be taken by their office. You can’t pass fingerprints and the CBC packet with the help of a third party. 

How to Become an RN in Mississippi Step #3: Complete the Online Application

After passing your criminal background check requirements and graduating from your nursing program, you may proceed with creating an online application at the Mississippi Board of Nursing Online Portal. Click the ‘Register Now’ button below the login area to create an account if you’re a new user. 

This portal gives access to all the application forms you need to fill out electronically, as well as requests for renewal, changes on your license, etc. 

The first part after you sign up is getting your basic information. This includes Social Security Number, account credentials, and verification. After you verify your information submitted, that’s when you get full access to the portal. 

Once you have your account activated, fill in the application forms for license by examination. You will also be asked to pay an application fee of $100. 

How to Become an RN in Mississippi Step #4: Pass the NCLEX

The last step is for you to take and pass the NCLEX-RN. 

After you pay your application fee at the Mississippi Board of Nursing Online Portal, you can now schedule an exam at the NCLEX website conducted by Pearson Vue. 

The testing fee is $200, and you need to settle the payment online using a credit or debit card. 

Once you have your testing date, arrive on the exam day and finish the exam in five hours. 

You will receive your exam results via email or mail. You will need to wait for 10 business days before following up on your results. 

If you pass, you will be given your license online. However, if you fail, you may retake the exam six times with 45 days in between the two exam dates. 

You don’t need to create another online application to take a retest. You just need to call Pearson Vue and choose a new schedule. 

How to Become an RN in Mississippi by Endorsement

What if you already have a license with another state? This means that you do not have to take the NCLEX or the nursing education program again. 

Instead, you just need to apply for a license by endorsement with the following steps: 

1. Create an account at the Mississippi Board of Nursing and choose ‘License by Endorsement.’
2. Fill out the application form.
3. Declare your primary state of residence (PSOR). Only those whose PSOR is in Mississippi will be granted a license in the state.
4. Get verification for your active license through Nursys.
5. Pay the $100 application fee and schedule a CBC appointment.

Wait a few days after submitting your CBC to the Board for your new license in Mississippi. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Registered Nurse in Mississippi

How much does it cost to become an RN in Mississippi?

The application fee for licensure by examination and endorsement is $100. The NCLEX-RN for aspiring registered nurses costs $200. 

How are nurses licensed in Mississippi?

You can either be licensed through examination (for first-time RNs) or through endorsement. 

How long does it take to become a nurse in Mississippi?

It can take 2-4 years depending on your program – two years for ADN and four years for BSN. 

Is Mississippi a Nursing Licensure Compact State?

Yes! This means that RNs from Mississippi can apply for a multi-state license. 

This will allow them to practice as an RN across states, as long as the state they want to work in is also part of the Nursing Licensure Compact, and as long as they fulfill all the requirements. 

Helpful Resources for Mississippi RNs

• Office of Nursing Workforce (Official)
• Information for RN Applicants (Official)
• Mississippi RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by Mississippi ONW
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by Mississippi ONW

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Mississippi

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Mississippi ONW:

Visit the Mississippi ONW website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in Mississippi

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the Mississippi ONW:

Visit the Mississippi ONW website for updates.

In Summary

Becoming an RN in Mississippi is a great idea, especially since the demand for RNs is seeing consistent growth year on year. 

If you follow these steps, you can go through the whole process seamlessly and without any delays in processing your license. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Go and pursue your dream!

We hope this article will help you on your journey. And if you have any more questions, leave us a comment!