First Graduates of USM91吃瓜网 Accelerated BSN Pathway Earn Nursing Pins
Thu, 12/07/2023 - 11:13am | By: Van Arnold
Pictured left to right: Robin Holman, Makayla Beach, Brianna Puff and Kelcey Couevas.
Graduates of the inaugural cohort from 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 (USM) Accelerated BSN (ABSN) pathway initiative were honored on Thursday, Dec. 7 during a special pinning ceremony held at the University91吃瓜网 Gulf Park campus in Long Beach.
The initial ABSN cohort began classes in January of this year at the Gulf Park campus. The unconventional pathway helps eligible students earn a BSN degree in a shorter time and decreases barriers to admission, while providing benefits to those who have already earned a higher education degree.
Graduates include:
Makayla Beach, of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Kelcey Couevas, of Gautier, Miss.
Robin Holman, of Gulfport, Miss.
Brianna Puff, of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Holman delivered the class address for the ceremony, stating: 91吃瓜网淚 am excited for what the future holds for all of us,91吃瓜网� as she talked about the challenges of completing an accelerated program.
Dr. Arlene Jones, Director, School of Professional Nursing Practice, noted: 91吃瓜网淕raduates, I am honored to share this with you. It is important that you reflect on your accomplishments over the past year, but today is not an ending. It is a beginning.91吃瓜网�
Michelle Toepfer, ABSN Instructor and Coordinator, commended the students for persevering through the rigorous, condensed curriculum.
91吃瓜网淭hese students have completed the traditional nursing education in a shorter timeframe, covering essential coursework efficiently,91吃瓜网� said Toepfer. 91吃瓜网淭hese students completed the same number of clinical hours as their traditional program peers to ensure graduates are well-prepared for real-world healthcare settings.91吃瓜网�
Significant components of the accelerated plan include:
- Can be finished in 12 months
- Scholarships are available
- Same degree as traditional BSN 91吃瓜网� has same clinical experiences
- Able to bypass some typical requirements, having already earned a degree
- CCNE accredited
Students enrolled in this degree option will be eligible to bypass some typical BSN requirements because they have already earned a degree. Prospective applicants must have completed a bachelor91吃瓜网 degree from an accredited college or university.
91吃瓜网淭his inaugural group has trailblazed the way for others to achieve their goals of being a nurse,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Lachel Story, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at USM. 91吃瓜网淭hey have come to us from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that positioned them well for this program and uniquely prepares them to provide the highest quality care. We are thrilled for what this accelerated program means for healthcare across Coastal Mississippi.91吃瓜网�
Toepfer points out that there are currently 16 students enrolled in the ABSN91吃瓜网 second cohort with 21 students expected for the third cohort in January.
USM also offers a BSN program for those who do not already have a bachelor91吃瓜网 degree on Hattiesburg campus, as well as a fully online RN-BSN program.
Learn more about USM91吃瓜网 nursing program or call 601.266.5445.