CNA Classes & Programs in Mississippi
- CNA Programs in Mississippi: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Mississippi?
- Mississippi CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Mississippi
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Mississippi?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Mississippi?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Mississippi
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Mississippi
- Mississippi CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Mississippi
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Mississippi
- 2026 Updated List of Mississippi Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also commonly referred to as nurse aides, are an essential part of Mississippi’s healthcare workforce. CNAs provide hands-on support to patients and residents in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and home health settings across the state, from the Gulf Coast to the Delta.
Mississippi CNA training offers one of the fastest and most inexpensive entry points into healthcare. With clear state requirements and steady demand for direct-care workers, CNA classes are a practical option for individuals looking to enter the medical field quickly.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Mississippi’s CNA training and certification requirements
- Minimum classroom and clinical hour expectations
- What CNA classes in Mississippi typically include
- CNA program length and cost ranges
- How to choose a state-approved CNA training program
CNA Programs in Mississippi: At-a-Glance
| Category | Mississippi CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours minimum (state-approved program) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Mississippi Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation |
| State registry | Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Between 3–8 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $600–$1,200 depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in Mississippi | Approx. $26,000–$36,000 annually (varies by region and employer) |
Why Become a CNA in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a strong, ongoing need for CNAs, particularly in long-term care and home health settings. The state's large rural population and growing number of older adults continue to drive demand for trained nurse aides who can provide daily personal care and support medical teams.
Healthcare facilities across Mississippi rely heavily on CNAs to maintain staffing levels and ensure quality care. For many residents, CNA training serves as both immediate job preparation and a stepping stone toward advanced nursing roles such as LPN or RN.
Mississippi CNA Training & Certification
To become certified as a CNA in Mississippi, candidates must follow the state's process:
- Complete a Mississippi state-approved CNA training program consisting of at least 75 total hours, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
- Pass the Mississippi Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge test
- A hands-on clinical skills exam
- Be listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry, which authorizes employment as a CNA in the state.
- Maintain active registry status, typically by meeting employment requirements during the renewal period.
Certification confirms that a CNA meets Mississippi standards for basic patient care, safety, infection control, and professional conduct.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Mississippi
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Patient safety, infection control, resident rights |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Measuring and recording basic health data |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction and teamwork |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on care in healthcare settings |
Clinical Training in Mississippi:
- Supervised clinical experience is required and included in the 75-hour minimum
- Clinical hours typically occur in nursing homes, hospitals, or long-term care facilities
- Hands-on training prepares students for real patient-care responsibilities before testing
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Mississippi?
Most Mississippi CNA programs can be completed in approximately 3 to 8 weeks. Program length depends on:
- Full-time vs. part-time schedules
- Availability of clinical placements
- Day, evening, or weekend class options
Accelerated CNA classes offer the quickest route for students able to attend full-time.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Mississippi?
Mississippi does not approve fully online CNA certification programs, however:
- Some programs may offer hybrid formats with online classroom instruction
- All skills labs and clinical training must be completed in person
- In-person clinical experience is required to qualify for the certification exam and registry placement
Any program advertising 100% online CNA training should be carefully reviewed for state compliance.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Mississippi
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Coahoma Community College |
|
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| Copiah-Lincoln Community College |
|
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| East Mississippi Community College |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Mississippi
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Coahoma Community College |
|
|
| East Mississippi Community College |
|
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| Hinds Community College |
|
|
Mississippi CNA Employment and Wages
CNA wages in Mississippi are generally lower than the national average, but remain competitive relative to the local cost of living. Hospitals and specialty care facilities may offer higher CNA salaries or shift differentials.
CNA Salary in Mississippi
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Mississippi | 13,130 | $30,460 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Mississippi
When comparing CNA training programs in Mississippi, look for:
- State approval and eligibility for the certification exam
- Guaranteed clinical placement arranged by the school
- Clear, transparent tuition and fee structures
- Flexible scheduling options for working students
- Connections with local healthcare employers
Programs with strong exam pass rates and experienced instructors tend to offer the best outcomes.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Mississippi
| Role | Training Time | Scope of Practice | Credential |
| CNA | ~3–8 weeks | Basic patient care and ADLs | State registry |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | ~9–12 months | Clinical & administrative tasks | Certificate |
| LPN | ~12–18 months | Nursing care and medications | State license |
| RN | ~2–4 years | Full nursing responsibilities | State license |
CNA training remains the shortest and most inexpensive path into hands-on healthcare roles in Mississippi. If you’re planning to climb the ladder to a more advanced nursing career later on, browse nursing schools in Mississippi or consider a CNA to RN program.
2026 Updated List of Mississippi Schools Offering CNA Classes
Clarksdale, MS
Coahoma Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 10-week certificate program
- Practical healthcare training
- Multiple admission requirements
- Comprehensive immunization process
- Professional healthcare team preparation
Perkinston, MS
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid non-credit program.
- Mississippi State-approved.
- Prepares for NNAAP exam.
- 84 hours online/on-campus.
- 16 hours clinical training.
- Cost: $700.
- Eligible for employment opportunities.
- Clinicals in long-term care.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid non-credit program
- 84 hours online/campus training
- 16 hours clinical training
- State-approved certification
- $700 total program cost
- Prepares for national exam
- Multiple healthcare employment paths
Poplarville, MS
Pearl River Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 96-120 hour program length
- Classroom and clinical hours
- $750 program cost
- Financial assistance available
- Two-step TB test required
- 10-panel drug screening required
- Prepares for NNAAP exam
- Non-credit workforce training
Raymond, MS
Hinds Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 100-hour comprehensive course
- Multiple semester start dates
- Entry-level healthcare training
- Certification test eligibility
- Nursing Allied Health Center location
Scooba, MS
East Mississippi Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Nine-week classroom instruction.
- Evening classes twice weekly.
- 16 hours of clinical experience.
- Three-hour CPR course included.
- Total of 109 program hours.
- Clinicals required for completion.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
Wesson, MS
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse's Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares students for state certification
- Hands-on patient care training
- Supervised clinical experience
- Multiple healthcare employment settings
- Comprehensive patient care skills
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