First Graduates of USM’s 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 The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Accelerated BSN (ABSN) pathway initiative were honored on Thursday, Dec. 7 during a special pinning ceremony held at the University’s 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: “I am excited for what the future holds for all of us,” as she talked about the challenges of completing an accelerated program.
Dr. Arlene Jones, Director, School of Professional Nursing Practice, noted: “Graduates, 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.”
Michelle Toepfer, ABSN Instructor and Coordinator, commended the students for persevering through the rigorous, condensed curriculum.
“These students have completed the traditional nursing education in a shorter timeframe, covering essential coursework efficiently,” said Toepfer. “These students completed the same number of clinical hours as their traditional program peers to ensure graduates are well-prepared for real-world healthcare settings.”
Significant components of the accelerated plan include:
- Can be finished in 12 months
- Scholarships are available
- Same degree as traditional BSN – 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 bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
“This inaugural group has trailblazed the way for others to achieve their goals of being a nurse,” said Dr. Lachel Story, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at USM. “They 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.”
Toepfer points out that there are currently 16 students enrolled in the ABSN’s 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 bachelor’s degree on Hattiesburg campus, as well as a fully online RN-BSN program.
Learn more about USM’s nursing program or call 601.266.5445.