The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson calls itself the only academic health science center in the state and the leader in providing the state with healthcare professionals. The school has 28 degree programs and provides professional degrees in medical, dental, physical therapy, occupational therapy and dental hygiene. Residents of Mississippi are given preferential admission. The school's quality enhancement plan, one of 12 requirements for accreditation with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges, is to improve aspects of its student learning outcomes.
Blue Cliff College in Gulfport has sister colleges in Louisiana and Arkansas. It is also accredited as a technology school and offers access to an electronic library that provides access to more than 30,000 digital books and a periodical library of 39 million. Its programs are accredited for careers in massage therapy, cosmetology, rehabilitation services, and body work and massage.
Antonelli College has campuses in Flowood, Jackson and Hattiesburg. It is a community college that offers several occupational associate degrees through its programs that can be earned in 70 to 80 weeks of class for full-time (12 units) students. Class sizes are kept to 30 students. Training programs prepare students for entry-level jobs and the school provides hands-on training in the career field of their choice.
The University of Phoenix in Jackson provides associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. It has nine classrooms, a computer lab, faculty, advisers and learning tools. A student may also opt to take his classes online, though not all classes are offered online. This is an accredited university with programs to earn degrees in criminal justice and security, education, human services, nursing and health care, psychology, and technology. Some of the programs require field experiences or clinical residencies.