Registered Nurse License in Mississippi
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Mississippi, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, submit transcripts directly to the Board, pass the NCLEX-RN, and complete a criminal background check. Mississippi is an NLC compact state. Notably, Mississippi does not require CE for renewal. Estimated costs are approximately $400.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $400 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurse registration in Mississippi
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $400
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse license in Mississippi. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Mississippi licensing board.
Registered Nurse Salary in Mississippi
Entry Level
$58,130
Median
$74,470
Experienced
$104,040
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse in Mississippi.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse Licensing in Mississippi: What to Know
Mississippi provides detailed application requirements: graduation from an approved nursing program, official transcript submitted to the Board, a valid Social Security Number, and a criminal background check completed prior to licensure. Faxed transcripts are not accepted — electronic submission through Parchment is available. Mississippi requires no CE for renewal, making it unusual among states. Mississippi is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The MS Board of Nursing oversees licensure. The state faces acute nursing shortages, particularly in the Delta region and rural communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Mississippi?
- The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse license in Mississippi?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse license in Mississippi?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.