Get CNA Certified in Mississippi
Want to become a CNA in Mississippi?
Job Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2026, and Mississippi employs 13,600 Certified Nursing Assistants.
Salary:
In the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula area, the top 10% of Nursing Assistants earn nearly $39,000 a year, but the top 10% of the nation’s nurse aids earn $50,000.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from an accredited course, some as short as 4 weeks, and pass the state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in Mississippi? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Mississippi.
What is a Certified Nurse Aide?
A Certified Nurse Aide is commonly known as CNA for short. Another titled used is also Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs assist doctors and other nurses in the daily care of patients. CNAs most often work at nursing homes caring for elderly residents. They are responsible for many important tasks such as measuring radial pulse and respiration, carefully moving residents from their beds to wheelchairs, and providing dental care. Being responsible for this all-around daily comfort of their residents during their twilight years is extremely rewarding.
CNA Requirements in Mississippi
Graduate from a Certified Nursing Assistant School in Mississippi
Exam application with fees
Copy of the training program certificate of completion
Pass the state exam
Register as a Certified CNA
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How to Become a CNA in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health requires all Nursing Assistants in Mississippi to graduate from a state-approved CNA training school, submit an application and fee, and pass the state exam. There is no minimum age requirement or education requirement before your training school.
To find a local CNA training school in Mississippi, you can scroll to the top of this page and use the Free School Finder tool. Just enter your zip code to find CNA classes near you. There are flexible options available such as 4-week CNA classes, part-time programs for working professionals, and hybrid programs with online classroom courses and in-person clinical training.
Once you complete your CNA program, you’ll need to complete an exam application from your CNA school before you schedule a test date. You must then mail this completed application, fees, and a copy of your CNA school graduation certificate all in one envelope to Credentia. Credentia is a contracted company with the Department of Health that schedules the exam. You’ll need to send this packet 12 business days before the exam date. For more information, call Credentia at 9877) 437-9587. Once received, Credentia will mail with 48 hours your notification that you’re eligible to take the test.
You must take the state exam within 24 months of graduating from your CNA training program. It’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare.
Once you pass, congratulations! You are now eligible to be listed as a CNA in Mississippi on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry. There is no fee to be listed on the registry.
A Closer Look at CNA Training
A typical CNA program in Mississippi will include a combination of classroom knowledge instruction and clinical skills training. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Wheelchair Transfer
Measuring Radial Pulse
One-Side Positioning
Mental Health
Bedside Manner
Gown & Glove Procedure
Personal Care & Hygiene
Dental Hygiene
Recording Blood Pressure
CPR/First Aid
Patients’ Rights
The CNA Training Program can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500, depending on the program. Some nursing homes in Mississippi offer free CNA classes and sometimes pay for your exam fees if you contract to work at the nursing home. You must, however, successfully pass the state exam and be completely certified within 120 days from your hire date. Furthermore, if you work at certain nursing homes you can take the CNA state exam for free. Nursing homes must be part of Medicaid and Medicare programs and will pay the exam fees and any re-test fee for students that are employed as CNAs.
The CNA Test in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health has contracted with Pearson VUE, a testing company, to administer the state exam. The test is officially called the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). There are many regional test sites throughout Mississippi that are convenient. See the list current sites and schedule here.
The Nurse Aide exam in Mississippi is separated into the 2 sections of written and skills. You will be tested on both sections on the same test day, and must pass both in order to become state-certified. The written exam is made up of 70 multiple-choice questions. You will have 2 hours to complete this test. If you have difficulty reading in English, or have some kind of disability, you may opt to instead have an oral, or audio, test. The oral exam is made up of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions. If you wish to take the oral exam instead, you must request it when you initially submit your application before the scheduled test.
The CNA skills section is where you’ll physically demonstrate clinical practices. You must be prepared to perform a total list of 23 skills. However, you’ll only need to actually demonstrate 5 skills. The test administer, a Registered Nurse (RN), will randomly select which 5 skills you’ll be doing. A volunteer will act as an elderly patient and you will demonstrate skills that are essential to becoming a nurse aide such as measuring vitals, washing hands, and safely moving a patient. For more detailed information about the complete list of skills, consult the CNA Candidate Handbook with Pearson VUE.
You must arrive 30 minutes before the test, or you will otherwise not be allowed to test and will not be refunded for exam fees. Nothing other than the items listed below will be allowed in the testing room.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$101 - Written & Skills Evaluation
$101 - Oral & Skills Evaluation
$32 - Written or Oral Exam only (re-test)
$69 - Skills Exam only (re-test)
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
Two forms of identification, at least one with a photo I.D.
Social Security number
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation
Scrub-like uniform
Three No. 2 pencils and eraser
A watch with a second hand
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CNA Jobs in North Carolina
There are 13,600 CNAs working in the state of Mississippi, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mississippi has one of the highest concentration of CNA jobs for the population in the entire country, specifically a location quotient of 1.25. That means for every 1,000 jobs in the state, there are 12 Nursing Assistant jobs.
The top 10% of Nursing Assistants in Mississippi earn an annual wage of $31,000. The highest paid jobs in the state are in the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula area where the top 10% of Nursing Assistants earn nearly $39,000 a year.
The highest concentration of Nursing Assistant jobs in Mississippi is in Jackson, with 2,810 opportunities. Hattiesburg employs 710 Nursing Assistants and the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula area employs 1,190 CNAs. The remaining thousands of jobs are spread throughout the rest of the state in nonmetropolitan areas.
When looking for jobs, you can consult the Department of Health’s search tool to find Nursing Homes in Mississippi by location.
The remainder jobs are at hospitals, medical offices, facilities for elderly, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and even film and television housing facilities. CNAs play a such vital role in patient care, that the growth of CNA jobs is projected to grow 11% by 2026. An aging population will significantly increase nurse aide jobs. You may also work at a nursing facility for a maximum of 4 months while you are enrolled in your training program.
CNA Job Benefits
The medical industry is an incredibly stable career path and being a CNA is no exception. There are many jobs available in all areas of Mississippi with full-time working opportunities. It’s common for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to offer full-time CNAs benefits such as: health insurance, vacation paid time off, federal holiday credit, dental insurance, additional sick days, vision insurance, short and long term disability, clinic visits at no cost to the employee, and even employee discounts at the on-site pharmacy. You also have the opportunity to promote from a CNA to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and then eventually a Registered Nurse (RN).
And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.
How to Renew a CNA Certification in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health renews licenses for Nurse Aides every 2 years. You must start the renewal process 60 days for your license expires. You do not have to pay a renewal fee if you are currently employed at a nursing home with Medicare and Medicaid programs.
To be eligible, you must have worked at least 8 hours as a CNA in the last 2 years. These hours have to be certified by an employer in a health care setting such as a hospital, hospice, home health agency, or nursing home. Employment that will not count for renewal hours include work as a personal care aide, a doctor’s office aide, or a laboratory aide.
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For more information contact:
Mississippi State Department of Health
Bureau of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification
P.O. Box 1700 Jackson, MS 39215 143B
LeFleur’s Square Jackson, MS 39211 (601) 364-1100
Hours of Operation 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in Mississippi
3 G Alexander Nursing Center
1060 Avent Dr, Grenada, MS 38901
601-774-5065
Access Training Inc.
803 Louisville Rd, Starkville, MS 39759
601-373-3540
Access Training Inc.
821 HWY 51 South, Batesville, MS 38606
601-373-3540
Adams County Nursing Center
8731 South Frontage Rd, Mayhew, MS 39753
601-446-8426
Attala County Nursing Center
1 1 1 Chase St, Byhalia, MS 38611
662-289-1200
Bedford Care Center of Newton
602 Adeline St, Ste D1-D3, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601-683-6601
Blue Care Medical Academy
90 Avendale Rd, Fayette, MS 39069
662-253-8543
Brandon Training Center
3300 20th St, Gulfport, MS 39501
601-825-3192
Burns Healthcare Institute
907 E Walker St, Fulton, MS 38843
662-207-4923
Calhoun Co. Career & Tech Center
505 Jackson St, Aberdeen, MS 39730
662-628-1143
Care Center of Aberdeen
1301 Belk Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655
662-369-6431
Care Center of Laurel
514 Bay St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601-649-8006
Choctaw N&R
900 Valley View Dr, Philadelphia, MS 39350
662-285-3257
Choctaw Residential Center
5448 US 49 South, Hattiesburg, MS 38401
601-656-2582
Clarke County Vocational Center
101 Kirkland St, Union, MS 39365
601-776-5219
Cleveland Career Development and Technology
410 East Falconer Ave, Holly Springs, MS 38635
662-843-8818
Cleveland N&R
50057 Airport Rd, Aberdeen, MS 39730
662-843-4014
Coahoma Comm. College
3200 Adams Farm Rd, Belden, MS 38826
662-627-2571
Copiah -Lincoln Comm. College
1770 Ellis Ave, Jackson, MS 39204
601-849-0133
Copiah-Lincoln Comm. College
1315 S Fir Ave, Collins, MS 39428
601-643-8709
Copiah-Lincoln Comm. College
204 Stateline Rd West, Southaven, MS
601-643-8709
Copiah-Lincoln Comm. College
8731 South Frontage Rd, Mayhew, MS 39753
601-643-8709
Cornerstone H&R
142 Calhoun Parkway, Madison, MS 39110
662-286-2286
Corporate Management Inc
1009 South Main St, Newton, MS 39345
228-255-4832
Courtyards CLC
395 Crossgates Blvd, Brandon, MS 39042
662-862-6140
Crystal H&R
601 Airport Rd/PO 1327, Indianola, MS 38751
662-453-9173
Dennis Fortenberry Career Center
2226 Switzer Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
601-792-5005
East Central Comm. College
133 Pine St, Hazlehurst, MS 39083
601-635-2111
East Central Comm. College
1028 JC Redd Dr, Wesson, MS 39191
601-635-6430
East Central Comm. College
2901 HWY 82 East, Greenwood, MS 38935
662-773-2292
East MS Comm. College
3209 Highway 15, Bay Springs, MS 39422
662-243-2682
East MS Comm. College (LPN)
4975 HWY 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668
662-243-1998
East MS Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
103 Cunningham Dr, Ripley, MS 38663
662-243-1998
Finch-Henry Job Corps Center
700 South Jefferson, Monticello, MS 39654
662-563-4656
Great Oaks Rehabilitation and HC
1024 HWY 61 South, Tunica, MS 38676
662-838-3670
Greene Rural Health Care
4036 HWY 8 E, Cleveland, MS 38732
601-394-2371
Greenville Technical Center
1512 Kemper St, Scooba, MS 39358
662-334-7171
Grenada Living Center
10298 Express Dr, Gulfport, MS 39503
662-226-9554
Gulfport Care Center
78 Hospital Rd, Macon MS 39341
228-701-1500
Gulfport Job Corps Center
$03 Louisville Rd, Starkville. MS 39759
228-863-7236
Hattiesburg H&R
311 West Cherry St, Ackerman, MS 39735
601-544-4320
Heritage House Nursing Center
1028 JC Redd Dr, Wesson, MS 39191
601-638-1514
Hilltop Manor
1800 Hill Dr, Ste E, Grenada, MS 38901
601-774-8233
Hinds Comm. College
415 Marion Ave, McComb, MS 39648
601-376-4958
Hinds Comm. College (Assoc. Degree Program)
450 HWY 12 East, Kosciusko, MS 39090
601-376-4951
Hinds Comm. College (Assoc. Degree Program)
206 Bay Ave, Richton, MS 39476
601-376-4951
Hinds Comm. College (LPN)
3701 Joanne Dr, Corinth, MS 38834
601-376-4951
Hinds Comm. College (LPN)
450 HWY 12 East, Kosciusko, MS 39090
601-376-4951
Hinds Comm. College (LPN)
101 HWY N, Poplarville, MS 39470
601-376-4951
Hinds Comm. College (NAT P )
326 HWY 12 West, Kosciusko, MS 39090
601-376-4958
Hinds Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
323 N Industrial Park Dr, Liberty, MS 39645
601-376-4951
Hinds Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
,n, [Z1 1i R_ _ J__ ,A, Poplarville, MS 39470
601-376-4958
Hinds Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
1181 College Dr, Summit, MS 39666
601-376-4958
Holly Springs Career & Technology Center
118 S Glenfield, New Albany, MS 38652
662-252-2071
Holly Springs Rehabilitation
230 Kaki St, Iuka, MS 38852
662-252-1141
Holmes Comm. College
1905 South Adams St, Fulton, MS 38843
662-226-0830
Holmes Comm. College
2101 Norman Rd, Corinth, MS 38834
662-472-9105
Itawamba Comm. College
703 Northwest St, Carthage, MS 39051
662-620-5202
Itawamba Comm. College
2900 HWY 1 South, Greenville, MS 38701
662-407-1501
Itawamba Comm. College (LPN)
309 Magnolia Dr, Raleigh, MS 39153
662-620-5205
Ivleadville Nursing Home
601 3rd St, Cleveland, MS 38732
601-384-5861
J. Z. George High School
300 N Applegate, Winona, MS 38967
662-237-4701
J. Z. George High School (Adult/Night Class)
300 N Applegate, Winona, MS 38967
662-237-4701
Jackson Medical Mall HC Proprietary School
101 Cunningham Blvd, Booneville, MS 38829
601-364-1188
James T Champion (EMSH)
901 Ohio St, Clarksdale. MS 38614
601-581-8450
Jones County Junior College
302 N Madison St, Calhoun City, MS 38915
601-477-4219
Jones County Junior College
900 George St, North Carrollton, MS 38947
601-477-4219
Jones County Junior College
96 Old HWY 80 East, Morton, MS 39117
601-964-9393
Jones County Junior College (Adult Night Class)
9216 HWY 14, Goodman, MS 39079
601-964-9393
Kaho Healthcare Training Facility
7084 Stennis Airport Rd, Kiln, MS 39556
601-786-7717
Kaho Healthcare Training Facility
800 Stansel Drive, Ruleville, MS 38771
601-786-7717
Kosciusko Attala Co. Vo-Tech Center
1315 HWY 4 East, Holly Springs, MS 38635
662-289-2689
Kosciusko Attala Co. Vo-Tech Center
2900 HWY 1 South, Greenville, MS 38701
662-289-2689
Landmark of Collins (formerly Covington Co.)
1017 Jackson St, Leakesville, MS 39451
601-765-8262
Lawrence County Nursing Center
431 West Race St, Rolling Fork, MS 39159
601-587-2593
Leake Co. Vo-Tech Center
151 Co-Lin Dr, Mendenhall, MS 39114
601-267-8442
Liberty Community Living Center
1018 Alberta Ave, Columbia, MS 39429
601-657-1000
Madison Career & Tech Center (Nurse Aide)
1005 City Ave North, Ripley, MS 38663
601-859-6847
Madison County Nursing Home
2560 CR 501, Ripley, MS 38663
601-855-5760
McComb N&R
755 HWY 27, Vicksburg, MS 39180
601-684-8700
McKellar Technology Center
402 Getwell Dr, Senatobia, MS 38668
662-241-7290
Medical 2 Career College
51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573
662-844-9400
Meridian Comm. College (LPN)
900 George St, North Carrollton, MS 38947
601-483-8241
Meridian Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
512 Rockwell Dr, Okolona, MS 38860
601-483-8241
Millsaps Career & Technology Center (High School)
900 S Court St, Ellisville, MS 39437
662-324-4170
Millsaps Career & Technology Center (Night Class)
900 S Court St, Ellisville, MS 39437
662-324-4170
MS Care Center Dekalb
11203 Old 63 South, Lucedale, MS 39452
601-743-5888
MS Care Center of Alcorn
1421A East Peace St, Canton, MS 30946
662-287-8071
MS Care Center of Morton
300 HWY 556, Meadville, MS 39653
601-732-6361
MS Care Center of Raleigh
5427 B Gex Rd, Diamondhead, MS 39525
601-782-4244
MS Delta Comm. College
3209 Highway 15, Bay Springs, MS 39422
662-246-6417
MS Delta Comm. College
103 Collins St, Waynesboro, MS 39367
662-246-6322
MS Delta Comm. College
116 South Lafayette St, Centreville, MS 39631
662-453-6323
MS Delta Comm. College (Summer Classes)
935 West Dr, Laurel, MS 39440
662-332-8011
MS Guff Coast Comm. College (LPN/RN)
1060 Commercial Park Dr, Pearl, MS 39208
228-897-4379
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (LPN/RN)
1750 Chadwick Dr, Jackson, MS 39204
601-928-5211
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (LPN/RN)
755 HWY 27, Vicksburg, MS 39180
601-947-4201
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (LPN/RN)
921 South Church St, Louisville, MS 39339
228-897-4379
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (NATP/ for credit)
34175 HWY 18, Utica, MS 39175
601-947-4201
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (NATP/non credit)
STE 3620, Jackson, MS
601-947-4201
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
1750 Chadwick Dr, Jackson, MS 39204
601-928-5211
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
25112 HWY 15, Union. MS 39365
228-267-8664
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
1060 Commercial Park Dr, Pearl, MS 39208
228-897-4372
MS Gulf Coast Comm. College (Nurse Aide)
311 West Main St, Louisville, MS 39339
228-897-4379
MS Job Corps Center
1770 Ellis Ave, Jackson, MS 39204
601-892-3348
MS State Hospital
302 Alcorn Dr, Corinth, MS 38834
601-351-8000
New Albany H&R
910 HWY 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307
662-534-9506
Northeast MS Comm. College
2176 South Eason Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804
662-720-7249
Northeast MS Comm. College
144 S Thomas St, Ste 204, Tupelo, MS 38801
662-720-7249
Northwest MS Comm. College
3401 Main St, Moss Point, MS 39563
662-236-2023
Northwest MS Comm. College
205 Willow Ave, De Kalb, MS 39328
662-342-1570
Northwest MS Comm. College
841 HWY 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307
662-562-3361
Noxubee Co. NH
1830 N Gloster St, Ste A, Tupelo, MS 38804
662-726-2097
Oxford H&R
10298 Express Dr, Gulfport. MS 39503
662-234-7821
Pearl River Comm. College
910 North Archusa Ave, Ouitman, MS 39355
601-554-5537
Pearl River Comm. College (Adult Night Class)
21500 B St, Long Beach, MS 39560
601-792-5005
Pearl River Comm. College (Poplarville Campus)
601 3rd St, Cleveland, MS 38732
601-403-1113
Pearl River Community College
15738 HWY 15 South, Decatur, MS 39327
228-252-7000
Pearl River County Nursing Home
11240 Canal Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503
601-795-4543
Perry County Nursing Center
2226 Switzer Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
601-788-2490
Pine Crest Guest Home
1750 Chadwick Dr, Jackson, MS 39204
601-894-1411
Reginald P White Nursing Home (EMSH)
400 Harmony Rd, Crystal Springs. MS 39059
601-581-8500
Rest Haven H&R
810 North Browder, Columbus, MS 39702
662-837-3062
Ruleville Nursing & Rehab
902 Sgt John Pittman Dr, Greenwood, MS 38930
662-756-4361
Senatobia Convalescent Center
1451 North Lakeland Drive, Meridian, MS 39307
662-562-5664
Sharkey Issaquena
116 Main St, Brookhaven, MS 39601
662-795-0440
Shearer Richardson
135 Residential Rd, Philadelphia, MS 39350
662-447-3311
Simply The Best Kare
587 John R Junkin Dr, Natchez, MS 39120
601-336-7214
Singing River H&R
3550 HWY 468 W, Whitfield, MS 39193
228-762-7451
Southwest MS Comm. College
755 HWY 27, Vicksburg, MS 39180
601-276-3864
Stepping Stones Career College
2901 HWY 82 East, Greenwood, MS 38935
662-773-7631
The Meadows
1060 Commercial Park Dr, Pearl, MS 39208
662-862-2165
The Myrtles Nursing Center
1410 West Quitman St, Iuka, MS 38852
601-731-1745
Tippah Co. Career & Tech Center
606 South Main St, Water Valley, MS 38965
662-720-7249
Tippah County Nursing Home
3103 Winconsin, Vicksburg, MS 39180
662-837-9221
Tishomingo CLC
350 Raceway Rd, Greenville, MS 38701
662-423-3422
Tishomingo Manor
37 Hill Crest Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
662-423-9112
Tunica County H&R
1310 Belk St, Oxford, MS 38655
662-363-3164
Tupelo Training Center
51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573
662-841-6814
Wayne County Center
11203 Old 63 South, Lucedale, MS 39452
601-735-2228
Wayne County Vo-Tech Center
11203 Old 63 South, Lucedale, MS 39452
601-735-5036
Wilkinson County Senior Care
5197 W E Ross Parkway, Southaven, MS 38671
601-645-5253
Windham House
30 Campus Dr, Natchez, MS 39120
601-264-0058
Winona Career & Tech Center
5082 HWY 42 West, Carson, MS 39427
662-283-3601
Winona Career & Tech Center
5082 HWY 42 West, Carson, MS 39427
662-283-3601
Yalobusha County Nursing Home
1455 North Lakeland Dr, Meridian, MS 39307
662-473-1411
Yazoo City Rehab & Healthcare
925 Calhoun Ave, Yazoo City, MS 39194
662-746-7770