Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$30,460
trending_down
-22.9% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.
engineering
13,130
Jobs (MS)
monitoring
Stable
+2.3%
10-yr job growth
payments
$114
Licensing fees
schedule
4-8 weeks
Time to complete
route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Mississippi, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical experience. Subsequently, applicants must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. There is an $89 exam fee and a $25 application fee. Certification must be renewed every two years, requiring proof of at least 8 hours of paid CNA work within the preceding 24 months.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$23,570
25th percentile
$28,710
50th (median)
$30,460
75th percentile
$35,100
90th (experienced)
$38,790
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Mississippi. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Mississippi requirements
| Licensing body | Mississippi State Department of Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 75-hour state-approved training program |
| Exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($89) |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED are required to enroll in a training program. A criminal background check and health screening (including a TB test) are also required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in a medical facility in the past 24 months. There is a $25 renewal fee, but it may be waived if employed by a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home. If certification has expired for more than two years, the competency exam must be retaken or a state-approved training program completed. |
work_outline Job outlook
10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMississippi license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
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Frequently asked questions
What are the steps to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi? expand_more
To become a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi, you need to complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia, and submit your application ($25 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi? expand_more
Mississippi mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Mississippi State Department of Health oversees the process, which includes passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Mississippi? expand_more
Mississippi certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $30,460. This trails the $39,530 national median by 23%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $23,570, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $38,790.
What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Mississippi? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($89) and application fee ($25) and required training.
How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi? expand_more
Expect to spend 4-8 weeks from start to finish in Mississippi — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
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