2026 Best Nursing Schools in Jackson

#1

Belhaven University

Jackson, MS - Private 4-year - belhaven.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Belhaven University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Located in Jackson, MS, this campus-based program combines rigorous academics with a Christian worldview, emphasizing servant leadership. Students benefit from expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on clinical experiences. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high-quality education. With competitive tuition and generous scholarships, Belhaven makes nursing education accessible. Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in healthcare, from hospitals to research, and can pursue advanced degrees for higher positions like nurse practitioner.

  • 4-year program duration
  • Campus-based learning
  • CCNE accredited
  • Christian worldview emphasis
  • Expert, compassionate faculty
  • Modern facilities and labs
  • Competitive tuition rates
  • Generous scholarships available
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Servant leadership curriculum

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Belhaven University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stands out for its Christ-centered approach, preparing students to serve with compassion and integrity. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities in Jackson, MS, students gain hands-on experience in a premier healthcare destination. The program offers both traditional and online pathways, including an affordable RN to BSN option. Accredited by the CCNE, it ensures high-quality education with competitive tuition and generous scholarships. Admission is competitive, requiring university acceptance and a nursing program application. Ideal for those seeking a meaningful career in nursing, blending expert knowledge with Christian values.

  • Christ-centered nursing education
  • Small class sizes
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Premier healthcare location
  • Traditional and online options
  • Affordable RN to BSN
  • CCNE accredited
  • Competitive tuition
  • Generous scholarships
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
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#2

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) at Florida State College at Jacksonville is designed for practicing nurses aiming to advance their careers. This fully online program offers flexibility, allowing students to balance work and studies. It focuses on critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and professional collaboration. The program includes a unique Global Scholars Distinction, enhancing students' global perspectives and employability. Cost is approximately $12,586 for all 120 hours, with financial aid available. Admissions require a valid RN license by the second term. The program is accredited by the ACEN, ensuring high-quality education.

  • Fully online post-licensure BSN.
  • Doctorally prepared faculty.
  • Global Scholars Distinction program.
  • Approximately $12,586 total cost.
  • Financial aid eligible.
  • Valid RN license required.
  • ACEN accredited.
  • 120 credit hours.
  • Flexible online course delivery.
  • Focus on critical thinking.
#3

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL - Private 4-year - ic.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Illinois College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stands out with a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate and a 100% placement rate post-graduation. This campus-based program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences in state-of-the-art facilities. Unique opportunities include study abroad programs and full tuition scholarships for qualified applicants. The program prepares students for diverse healthcare settings, offering courses in maternal child, mental health, and more. Admission requires a strong academic record, with scholarships available for eligible students. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as registered nurses, with pathways to advanced degrees.

  • 100% NCLEX pass rate
  • 100% placement rate
  • Full tuition scholarships
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Study abroad opportunities
  • Diverse clinical experiences
  • Hands-on learning
  • Strong academic support
  • Career advising available
  • Prepares for advanced degrees
#4

Jackson State Community College

Jackson, TN - Public 2-Year - jscc.edu

Associate - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jackson State Community College in Tennessee offers a comprehensive Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. This program equips students with the necessary skills to excel on the NCLEX-RN and thrive in various healthcare settings. With a focus on hands-on experience, students learn through a curriculum that includes clinical training in hospitals and clinics. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.5 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and ACT scores. The program boasts a 100% first-time pass rate on the national exam and job placement, making it a standout choice for aspiring nurses.

  • A.A.S. degree in Nursing
  • Campus-based program
  • Competitive admission process
  • 100% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 57% graduation rate
  • Requires 2.5 GPA for admission
  • ACT scores needed
  • Clinical training included
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
#5

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL - Public 4-Year - jsu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jacksonville State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. The program starts with core academic courses, followed by clinical training. Admission requires an ACT or SAT score, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and completion of prerequisite courses. English proficiency tests are needed for non-native speakers. The program includes criminal background checks and drug screens. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The BSN program is campus-based, with upper division admissions in spring and fall. Costs and detailed program requirements are available on the university's website.

  • Campus-based program
  • Requires ACT/SAT scores
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • English proficiency test required
  • Background checks and drug screens
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Upper division admissions in spring/fall
  • Core academic courses first
  • Clinical training included
  • Prerequisite courses required
*IPEDS 2024 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Jackson, MS

Few fields are as accessible and in demand as healthcare. If you’ve ever given thought to joining the industry as a nurse, there are numerous entry points including LPN to RN, AND, and BSN. Higher education institutions in and around Jackson, Mississippi offer accelerated and traditional nursing programs designed for those without a nursing or healthcare background.

LPN to RN Programs

Checking patients’ vital signs, gathering their information and taking care of their basic health needs is all part of a day’s work for Licensed Practical Nurses. LPNs can perform a boundless range of care duties and earn better wages by obtaining their RN. East Central Community College, located about an hour east of Jackson, MS, has in its program offerings an LPN to RN bridge. It teaches everything from nursing basics to healthcare technology systems for family, geriatric and pediatric populations. Upon completion, graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX.

ADN Programs

Few careers are as rewarding as nursing. Though most require you to earn a four-year degree, you can begin an impactful, well-compensated career in nursing in two short years. The Generic Option Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree at Hinds Community College in Jackson, MS accepts students with or without previously earned college credits. With a focus on holistic, patient-centered care, the ASN program teaches nursing fundamentals as well as informatics, healthcare systems, and nursing ethics.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nurses who launch with bachelor’s degrees have a strong foundation from which to build their careers. With BSNs, these professionals can have their pick of jobs and earn higher wages than non-BSN-holding nurses. The University of Mississippi, one of the preeminent schools for nursing and medicine in the state, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The clinical-heavy instructional program includes partnerships with four major hospitals in the area. Such partnerships give student nurses an advantage in the job market upon graduation (provided they obtain their RN license).

Find out more about Mississippi Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Jackson, MS

Working staff nurses know firsthand the benefits of having a BSN or MSN attached to the end of their name. In the near future, industry experts believe that the BSN will be required for nursing jobs in most major hospitals and medical centers. RNs can get a head start on this future job requirement by completing a fast-paced RN to BSN bridge degree, or an even more in-depth RN to MSN degree, in Jackson, MS.

RN to BSN Programs

Working as a nurse enables you to care for patients and have a meaningful, lasting impact on their lives. Experienced nurses can take on more patient care responsibility by earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Belhaven University, a Christian school, leverages the strength of its traditional BSN in its accelerated RN to BSN bridge offering. The program, which is completely online, offers 8-week intensives that let most students earn their degree in about two years.

Find out more about Mississippi RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For nurses who know they wanter enter into more specialized, high-level ranks, the RN to MSN bridge program is ideal. Most programs allow students to choose a nurse practitioner or other specialty track to further hone their skills. The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers an RN to MSN pathway that offers flexible plans of study, including four nurse practitioner tracks along with a nurse educator and nurse administrator track. Access to four major hospitals in the immediate area makes the program especially advantageous for ambitious students.

Find out more about Mississippi RN to MSN Programs.

Jump to City:

Clinton, MS

Mississippi College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Format
    • 12-Month Program Duration
    • 30 Total Credit Hours
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • $9,480 Total Tuition
    • Requires Active RN License
    • Faith-Based Curriculum
    • Flexible 7-Week Course Blocks

Jackson, MS

Belhaven University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 12-Month Degree Completion
    • Most Affordable in Mississippi
    • 10 Total Courses
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Small Class Sizes
    • Christian Worldview Integration
    • Pathway to Graduate Study
*Data extracted from: NCES IPEDS 2024 public dataset.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Jackson, MS

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are playing a larger role in their patients’ lives and taking on more autonomy and responsibilities. In the southern state of Mississippi, Nurse Practitioners are considered primary care providers. They are who patients most commonly see, particularly in rural communities. Nurses who wish to obtain this level of patient care authority can now complete their advanced degrees on their schedules in Jackson-area universities.

MSN Programs

Nurses are at the frontline of healthcare communicating with and caring for patients at every turn. Managing teams of nurses requires clinical nursing expertise as well as leadership traits. Christian-based Mississippi College, located outside of Jackson, offers a 100% online MSN – Clinical Nurse Leader Track for nurses looking to lead. Nurses with the CNL distinction gain the authority to modify patient care plans (if needed). Students must also complete 400 hours in clinical (supervised) to complete the degree.

Find out more about Mississippi Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurses are being asked to provide higher levels of care, and many are answering the call. Earning a post-graduate certificate allows APRNs to become nurse practitioners and gain greater autonomy in providing patient care. The University of Mississippi, an affordable state-run school, enables APRNs to advance their career on a budget. It offers top-rated acute care geriatric/pediatric nurse practitioner programs as well as family, neonatal and psychiatric NP programs.

Find out more about Mississippi Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

More than treating patients, nurses today are taking on leadership, policy-impacting roles that affect patients as a whole and the larger healthcare system. Those advanced practice nurses who would like to have a more influential impact can do so by earning their Doctor of Nursing Practice. The program at Alcorn State University, located about 45 minutes west of Jackson, Mississippi, offers select students the opportunity to elevate their careers and the nursing profession as a whole. Students must successfully complete a capstone project to earn their doctorate degree.

Find out more about Mississippi DNP Programs.

Jump to City:

Clinton, MS

Mississippi College

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible 7-week sessions
    • Total tuition $27,000
    • 36 total credit hours
    • 18-24 month program duration
    • Accredited nursing program
    • RN to MSN pathway
    • Leadership focused curriculum
    • Choose own clinical site
*Federal data: IPEDS 2024, administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.