$32K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Mississippi's healthcare industry employs approximately 155,000 workers in America's most challenging health environment. The state ranks 50th in health outcomes with the nation's highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) provides academic leadership and statewide referral. Baptist Memorial, Singing River, and Merit Health operate regional networks. The Mississippi Delta faces severe healthcare access challenges. Low cost of living offers value, but healthcare workforce shortages persist.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Mississippi employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the MS healthcare job market:
Mississippi's healthcare industry employs approximately 155,000 workers in America's most challenging health environment. The state ranks 50th in health outcomes with the nation's highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) provides academic leadership and statewide referral. Baptist Memorial, Singing River, and Merit Health operate regional networks. The Mississippi Delta faces severe healthcare access challenges. Low cost of living offers value, but healthcare workforce shortages persist.
MS salary ranges by experience level:
Mississippi wages are lowest nationally, but cost of living is also lowest (83% of average). Jackson (UMMC) pays highest with academic premiums. Gulf Coast benefits from casino/tourism economy. Delta and rural positions pay less but cost of living is minimal. UMMC offers state employee benefits. Chronic disease management experience especially valuable.
Mississippi's healthcare market features UMMC academic leadership and regional systems:
75 hires/yr
Jackson, statewide clinics
Mississippi's only academic medical center and largest employer. CMAs work in academic environment addressing state's health challenges. State employee benefits including pension. Statewide referral for complex care.
50 hires/yr
North Mississippi, Memphis region
Memphis-based system with strong North Mississippi presence. CMAs serve DeSoto County and Memphis commuter communities. Faith-based mission with regional reach.
35 hires/yr
Gulf Coast (Pascagoula, Ocean Springs)
Mississippi Gulf Coast's community health system. CMAs enjoy coastal lifestyle. Serving shipyard and casino workers along with retirees.
55 hires/yr
Jackson, Central Mississippi (7 hospitals)
Community Health Systems network in Mississippi with 7 hospitals. CMAs have mobility across central Mississippi. Part of national CHS network.
40 hires/yr
Tupelo, Northeast Mississippi
Northeast Mississippi's integrated health system. CMAs serve Elvis's hometown and surrounding region. Independent system with strong community ties.
30 hires/yr
Gulfport, Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast's largest hospital. CMAs enjoy beach community lifestyle. Serving casino, military, and retirement communities.
Where the jobs are in Mississippi:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Metro | 370+ | 40% |
| Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Gulfport) | 150+ | 16% |
| Tupelo/Northeast MS | 95+ | 10% |
| Hattiesburg | 85+ | 9% |
| Mississippi Delta | 110+ | 12% |
| Meridian/East MS | 55+ | 6% |
“UMMC is Mississippi's premier employer—academic medicine in a state that desperately needs it. I manage diabetes and hypertension every single day. The health challenges here are real, but so is the impact. State benefits and pension make this sustainable. Jackson is affordable and UMMC is making a difference.”
Keisha W.
Clinical Medical Assistant
UMMC Primary Care
Started at $30K with state pension. Meaningful work addressing Mississippi's health crisis.
“The Delta's health needs are severe—poverty, chronic disease, limited access. I chose to serve my community rather than leave for higher wages elsewhere. Cost of living here is nothing, so my salary works. Every patient I help is someone's grandmother, someone's child. This work matters.”
Marcus J.
CMA - Delta Health
Delta Health System
Earning $28K in the Delta. Community health mission over maximum salary.
Mississippi's healthcare industry employs approximately 155,000 workers in America's most challenging health environment. The state ranks 50th in health outcomes with the nation's highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) provides academic leadership and statewide referral. Baptist Memorial, Singing River, and Merit Health operate regional networks. The Mississippi Delta faces severe healthcare access challenges. Low cost of living offers value, but healthcare workforce shortages persist.
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