Updated June 2026 · 9 min read

CRNA Programs in Mississippi

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Mississippi has one long-established nurse anesthesia program at the University of Southern Mississippi, and a second one launching at the University of Mississippi Medical Center that is still working through initial accreditation. For 2026, that means one proven option and one emerging pathway — and a strong reason to keep a regional backup plan.

University of Southern Mississippi DNP

The University of Southern Mississippi is the state's anchor program for nurse anesthesia. It awards a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nurse anesthesia concentration, the entry-to-practice doctorate that has been the national standard for new CRNAs since 2022. Because the program holds full COA accreditation with a review not due until 2033, applicants can treat it as a stable, proven choice rather than a program still proving itself.

University of Mississippi Medical Center BSN-DNP (Pending)

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in Jackson has built a nurse anesthesia track within its BSN-DNP program, but it is important to understand its status before applying. As of 2026 the UMMC program is pending initial accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. No students can be enrolled until that initial accreditation is received, and the program's anticipated start date is August 2026 — an aspiration that is explicitly contingent on COA approval.

A new program is not a bad bet, but it carries different risk than an established one. Initial accreditation can be delayed, and first cohorts navigate processes that are still being refined. If you apply to UMMC, confirm its accreditation status directly with the school and on the COA accredited-programs list before committing.

Admission Requirements

Both Mississippi pathways follow the national CRNA template. Expect to need a BSN with a competitive GPA (3.0 is a common floor, but admitted applicants usually run higher), a minimum of one year of adult critical-care experience, and current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. The ICU requirement is non-negotiable everywhere, and the strongest files bring more than the minimum year, high-acuity unit experience, and the CCRN credential — see the CCRN guide. For the full checklist, review the general CRNA school requirements.

Application Strategy for Mississippi

Because Mississippi effectively offers one established seat pool right now, your strategy should be regional from the start. Apply to USM, consider UMMC once its accreditation status is clear, and round out your list with programs in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Alabama. Strengthen your application with the required ICU year (ideally more), the CCRN, and a sharp personal statement. For realistic expectations on odds, see CRNA acceptance rates.

Bottom Line

Mississippi has one established CRNA program — the University of Southern Mississippi's DNP in Hattiesburg, accredited through its 2033 review — and a second program at UMMC in Jackson that is pending initial accreditation with a hoped-for August 2026 start. USM is the safe, proven choice; UMMC is worth watching but should only be counted on once accreditation is confirmed. Either way, apply regionally. For the bigger picture, see how to become a CRNA and the CRNA job outlook.