Mississippi Online NP Programs
Find NP Schools
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Mississippi are held to the same rigorous academic and clinical standards as traditional, in-person programs. A common misconception is that “online” means “easier” or less legitimate, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Derek Holt, DNP, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Mississippi is experiencing a significant surge in demand for nurse practitioners (NPs), reflecting broader national trends in the healthcare industry. According to CareerOneStop.org (2025), the state employed 4,110 nurse practitioners in 2022, with projections estimating that number will rise to 5,860 by 2032, a substantial 43 percent increase over the decade. This growth highlights the crucial role NPs play in expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved communities where physician shortages are prevalent. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the need for well-trained nurse practitioners becomes increasingly vital to meet the state’s expanding medical needs.
To address this growing demand, online nurse practitioner programs have emerged as a flexible and accessible solution for aspiring NPs in Mississippi. These programs enable registered nurses to pursue advanced degrees without the constraints of relocating or adhering to rigid schedules, making higher education more attainable.
Institutions such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center offer online NP programs that prepare students to effectively address the state’s healthcare challenges. By leveraging online education, Mississippi is cultivating a robust pipeline of qualified nurse practitioners ready to serve diverse populations across the state.
Meet the Expert: Derek Holt, DNP, FNP-BC, ENP-BC
Dr. Derek Holt is an associate professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and director of the FNP track. He also practices as a nurse practitioner in UMMC’s Department of Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Holt began his nursing career at UMMC after earning his BSN and MSN from Alcorn State University, and later completed his DNP at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Board-certified as both a family and emergency nurse practitioner, he has received numerous honors, including the 2022 AANP Nurse Practitioner State Award for Excellence. He is actively involved in professional organizations and contributes to advancing nursing education and practice through leadership and service roles.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs?
Dr. Holt: Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Mississippi are held to the same rigorous academic and clinical standards as traditional, in-person programs. A common misconception is that “online” means “easier” or less legitimate, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Our programs are designed to be flexible, meeting the needs of working nurses, especially in rural areas where access to in-person programs may be limited. However, they still require intense dedication, critical thinking, and a high level of professionalism. The education may be delivered online, but the training is very much hands-on and rooted in the communities we serve.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Holt: Anyone aspiring to be a nurse practitioner should be prepared to take ownership of their learning. Online programs offer flexibility, but they also require a high degree of self-discipline and time management. It is imperative that adult learners stay organized, communicate regularly with faculty, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Additionally, students should start thinking early about their clinical placements. Building relationships with potential preceptors, networking within their local healthcare community, and staying proactive will serve them well.
Lastly, treat every interaction—online or in-person—with professionalism. Whether it’s a discussion post, an email to a faculty member, or a conversation with a preceptor, students are building their reputation as future NPs. The habits formed during school will be carried into practice.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Mississippi (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Mississippi |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
NP Practice Authority in Mississippi
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Mississippi?
| United States | Mississippi | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 4,170 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $122,930 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $92,720 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $104,660 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $119,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $133,510 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $162,290 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
Nearby States with Affordable Online NP Programs
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.