CNA Certification in Mississippi

You can become a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi by attending a state-approved MS CNA training program.  A job as a nursing assistant provides you with the opportunity to provide basic nursing services (mostly non-medical) for patients in a healthcare setting. You can work in nursing care facilities, some hospitals and rehabilitation centers and for home health agencies.

CNA Training Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the nursing assistant certification exam in Mississippi, you will need to attend a training course that has been approved by the state.  These training courses must cover at least 75 hours of training.  Most courses in Mississippi are at least 100 hours and all courses are taught by qualified nurses.

You will complete the entire course before you can sit for the exam for certification.  The nursing assistant certification exams in Mississippi are administered by the Pearson VUE.  The training programs are approved by the Department of Health in the state.

Transferring CNA Certification via Reciprocity to Mississippi

You might be able to start a job as a CNA within a short period of time if you move to Mississippi from another state where you hold certification. You will need to contact the Mississippi Department of Health for an application for reciprocity or visit their website at: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/30,1285,83,74.html. A background check will be conducted in addition to the application and documents that you must submit for consideration.

The state will examine your application and review your documents in order to determine if you meet the requirements for certification in Mississippi. You will need to be listed on your former state’s Nurse Aide Registry as active and in good standing in order to transfer your certification to Mississippi.

Steps For Transfer

1. Visit http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/072503.pdf

2. Carefully review the instructions after you have downloaded and printed out the form.

3. Enter your personal information. Verify that all details you have provided are correct.

4. Provide the details of your certification from your state. List the state where you have an active CNA certification. Copy down your certification number and the date it was issued.

5 .Submit the $26 application fee along with your application.

6. Include proof that you were employed as a CNA in the last two years.

7. Send all documents and the application to:

Pearson VUE – Nurse Aide, Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry

PO Box 822749, Philadelphia, PA19182-2749

CNA Certification Renewal in Mississippi

You will need to renew your nursing assistant certification every 24 months. You will receive your renewal form in the mail a few months prior to your license expiring. You may also find the renewal form along with instructions on completing it at: http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/072509.pdf. In order to renew your certification, you must have worked for pay a minimum of 8 hours during the last 24 months.

Complete your renewal form carefully and submit any requested documents to ensure there is no delay in processing your renewal application. Don’t forget to include the renewal fee of $26.00 along with your application. Allow 2 weeks to process your application.

Helpful resource: Free CNA Training in Mississippi