Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College CNA Program

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) offers a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant program that provides a direct pathway to a rewarding healthcare career. This hybrid non-credit healthcare program is ideal for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly, whether you’re a recent high school graduate, career changer, or someone looking for meaningful work helping others. Located across multiple campus locations in Mississippi, this CNA training prepares you to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination to become a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi.

The program combines online theory with on-campus training and hands-on clinical experience in long-term healthcare facilities. Upon successful completion of both the program and the certification exam, graduates can pursue employment opportunities with various healthcare agencies, including nursing homes, home health providers, and community clinics. This certified nursing assistant training in Mississippi equips you with essential skills to provide compassionate, quality care to those who need it most.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 100 hours total over 10 weeks
• Cost of Program: $610 (includes NNAAP exam fees)
• Accreditation: Mississippi State-approved program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for this information
• CNA Program Schedule: Evening classes two days per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM)
• Program Format: On-campus instruction with clinical training

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The MGCCC Certified Nursing Assistant program includes comprehensive classroom instruction that forms the foundation of your CNA training. Students complete a minimum of 84 hours of combined online theory and on-campus training. The program covers essential skills and knowledge needed to provide basic care to patients in various healthcare settings.

Typical CNA training includes instruction in:

• Basic nursing skills
• Patient care fundamentals
• Safety and infection control
• Communication techniques

Please contact the program directly for a detailed list of classroom topics.

Clinical Experience

Students in the MGCCC Certified Nursing Assistant program must complete 16 hours of clinical training in a long-term healthcare facility. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under supervision. These clinical rotations are an essential component of the program and provide valuable practical experience caring for actual patients.

The clinical portion of the program helps students develop confidence in their skills while gaining exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of a certified nursing assistant.

Exam Preparation

The MGCCC CNA program prepares students to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. This certification exam is required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi. The program’s curriculum is designed to cover all necessary knowledge and skills tested on the NNAAP exam.

The $610 course fee includes the testing fees for the NNAAP exam, which means students don’t need to pay additional fees to take their certification test upon program completion.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College CNA program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Education Requirements:
  • High school diploma or high school equivalency (GED)
  • Current high school students in their final semester may be admitted with a recommendation from their high school confirming they are on track to graduate and have taken background courses to prepare for the CNA curriculum
• Assessment Requirements: One of the following:
  • ACT score of 18 or higher, OR
  • Complete the online ACT Career Ready 101 Practice exam with a score of 3 or higher in each section (Applied Math, Locating Information, and Reading for Information), followed by passing the proctored CRC exam with a score of 3 or higher in each section
• Application Process:
  • Complete the MGCCC Registration Form for Non-Credit Healthcare Courses
  • Submit a copy of high school or high school equivalency transcript

Enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis after all requirements are met and payment is received.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College CNA program offers evening classes to accommodate working students and those with daytime commitments. The program follows this schedule:

• Total Duration: 10 weeks
• Total Hours: 100 hours (84 hours of online theory/on-campus training and 16 hours of clinical training)
• Class Schedule Options:
  • Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (July 9 – September 17, 2025)
  • Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (July 15 – September 18, 2025)

The program is offered at multiple campus locations, including:

• Harrison County Campus (HC NUR/AH R125)
• Jackson County Campus (JC Child Ed Building)

Please contact the program directly for information about additional class start dates that may become available.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College CNA program has the following cost structure:

• Program Fee: $610 (includes the cost of the NNAAP certification exam)

There may be additional costs beyond the program fee, such as textbooks, uniforms, or supplies. Similarly, information about available financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans is not provided on the website.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about tuition, additional expenses, and potential financial assistance, please contact the program directly.

How to Apply

To apply for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College CNA program, follow these steps:

1. Complete Registration Form:
   • Fill out the MGCCC Registration Form for Non-Credit Healthcare Courses, listing CNA as the course name
   • Include a course date of interest
2. Submit Educational Documentation:
   • Obtain and submit a copy of your high school or high school equivalency (GED) transcript
   • Note: Current high school seniors in their final semester may be admitted with school recommendation
3. Complete Assessment Requirements:
   • Take the online ACT Career Ready 101 Practice exam (you’ll receive login credentials after submitting your registration form)
   • Score at least a 3 in each section (Applied Math, Locating Information, and Reading for Information)
   • Email or fax your practice exam results to the Continuing Education Coordinator
   • Complete the proctored CRC exam with a score of 3 or higher in each section
   • Note: An ACT score of 18 or greater can be accepted instead of the CRC exams
4. Enrollment and Payment:
   • After receiving confirmation of registration with date, time, and location, pay the $610 course fee at any MGCCC campus business office
   • Note: Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis

For additional information regarding healthcare continuing education courses and application assistance, contact Laphalle Schexnayder at (228) 267-8648 or [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• Main Campus Locations:
  • Harrison County Campus: 2226 Switzer Rd., Gulfport, MS 39507
  • Jackson County Campus: 2300 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553
  • Perkinston Campus: 51 Main Street, Perkinston, MS 39573
  • Bryant Center at Tradition: 19330 Hwy 67, Biloxi, MS 39532
• Phone Number: (228) 267-8648
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://mgccc.edu

For specific program questions or assistance with registration, contact Laphalle Schexnayder, Administrative Assistant, Simulation Center at Tradition Campus.

Additional Resources

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College provides several resources for prospective and current CNA students:

• Program Schedules: Current course schedules are available on the MGCCC website, including the Summer 2025 Schedule
• Professional Licensure Information: MGCCC provides information about which states accept Mississippi CNA certification through their “NC-SARA: Accepted College Licensure or Certifications by Educational Program & State” resource
• Campus Contact Information: The college maintains a comprehensive list of campus locations with contact details to help students find the most convenient training location

For access to these resources or to request additional information, visit the MGCCC website or contact the program directly.

Summary and Next Steps

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a straightforward path to starting your healthcare career. This 10-week evening program combines online theory with on-campus training and hands-on clinical experience, preparing you for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination and certification in Mississippi.

With classes available at multiple campus locations and a reasonable program fee that includes certification testing costs, MGCCC makes CNA training accessible and convenient. The skills you’ll gain will qualify you for positions in nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare settings.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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