Fri, 09.08.2024 – 15:08 | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) continues to meet the need for more nurses in the healthcare industry by honoring 27 new students who received the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degrees during a ceremony on the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, Mississippi.
This summer’s ABSN graduating class of 2024 will be the second to be recognized in Gulf Park. Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, radiated joy as she welcomed the new graduates and recognized their hard work throughout the program.
We are so pleased that this group has achieved their goal of becoming nurses and that this is meaningful not only to them but to the healthcare workforce, especially in South Mississippi,” said Story. “They have completed training at the highest level and are now ready to care for patients across our great state and beyond!”
Fifteen students received the ABSN degree and twelve students received the RN-ABSN degree.
The ABSN program provides students with hands-on clinical experience from faculty committed to the future of healthcare. Simulations are incorporated so students can practice in a safe environment. The degree program allows eligible students to earn a BSN degree in 12 months and offers scholarship opportunities. The RN-BSN is a fully online program where students earn a degree in two semesters. The degree provides comprehensive knowledge of healthcare systems, health assessment, surgical nursing, and more.
Timothy Kennedy, ABSN graduate, reflects on his time in the program and is ready for the next challenge in his healthcare career.
““I am grateful for the opportunity to have been selected for the ABSN program. It is a challenging and demanding program that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. I have made some wonderful friendships and fond memories with the faculty and students in my cohort. By God’s grace, I am now ready to use my newly acquired knowledge and skills to serve my community as a registered emergency department nurse,” said Kennedy.
Dr. Arlene Jones, Director of the School of Professional Nursing Practice, welcomed the graduates who were now ready to take the next step into the future of healthcare.
“Your accomplishment marks another important chapter in the history of the University of Southern Mississippi nursing programs. To our graduates, ‘Congratulations on your incredible achievement! You are a special group of students and I am incredibly proud of you,'” Jones said.
Degree programs offer the opportunity to study online or at the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. Learn more about how you can become part of the future of healthcare through ‘s various programs. USM’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.
