Skip to Content

University Of Southern Mississippi’s New 12-Month Nursing Program Begins

The USM has begun its Accelerated Nursing program at their Gulf Park Campus which caters 12 months of education program. This allows students to start working as an RN sooner.  This program was said to be designed and planned to combat the never ending nursing shortage. 

University Of Southern Mississippi's New 12-Month Nursing Program Begins
Image Courtesy Of: Dudemanfellabra

Just recently, one of the biggest nursing strikes had ended in the promise of supplying enough manpower for healthcare workers. The internet was not excluded in voicing out this problem. Read more about what the internet says here.

The Planning Behind The Program

Although they didn’t go in great detail, USM announced in June of 2022 that it was at its final stages of development. Furthermore, it would be reviewed that time of the year.

2 months later, they made an announcement that they were officially taking applications.

This image has alphabets of scrabble spelling out Planning with a pencil

Dr. Steven R. Moser, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, USM has said that the accelerated nursing program is a non-traditional path that will serve as an example of innovative programming along the Gulf Coast region.

What Are The Components Of The Nursing Program?

Everyone who enrolls can finish a nursing degree in 12 months which was not the typical requirement. However, it is very much supported and accredited by the CCNE or the all known Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education. The exciting part includes that this program is eligible for scholarship.

A nursing student wearing a stethoscope

USM’s accelerated nursing program offers an exceptional learning and growth experience for students who are looking to pursue a career in the field. The supportive and caring environment provides them with the necessary skills to thrive. As a result, is also changing their lives in a positive manner.

A nurse showing her compassion for her profession

Read our story on How To Become A Nurse Step By Step

Insights And Thoughts

Robin Holman, who was living in Gulfport with her husband and son, works as an intervention specialist at Pass Christian School, though she was happy serving the students, she started to have a conflict with her passion and what she initially loved. With the newly established program, it was her solution to the voidness she felt within. 

student in nursing program writing on notebook with pencil with a mug on a desk

Dr. Elizabeth Tinnon, Associate Professor and Director of USM’s School of Professional Nursing Practice states “We knew there was a need for the program, but the interest in the program has been greater than we anticipated, which is great for the students, school, and addressing the nursing shortage.” 

A nurse and a doctor communicating with each other in the hospital

Accelerated nursing program is a great opportunity for individuals to become a nurse in just 1 year. It is an ideal program for those who are looking to change career paths like Holman or enhance their current profession. 

Full Of Hope

Michelle Toepfer is an instructor and coordinator of the program. She has set high expectations for the first group of students joining their program. She aims to have all nine students pinned by the end of 2023. “These students are very excited about the program. They are engaging and eager to practice nursing.” said Toepfer.

A image with blocks of alphabets spelling out Hope

Final Say

Accelerated nursing programs are quickly gaining traction among those who aspire to have a career in nursing. By completing the course in a much shorter period than traditional courses, students can join the workforce sooner and pursue their dreams without having to wait for years. 

This revolutionary program is a major milestone in the nursing industry, and we hope that it marks the beginning of a new era for healthcare. This new program is a big step forward. We’re hopeful that it signals a new era of healthcare, and we’re committed to making it as successful as possible.  Let us strive for the greatest possible outcome from this change.