Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 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.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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. |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Mississippi
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Mississippi is $30,460 per year, which is 22.9% below the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $23,570 |
| 25th | $28,710 |
| 50th (median) | $30,460 |
| 75th | $35,100 |
| 90th (experienced) | $38,790 |
Mississippi employs approximately 13,130 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.