Alcorn State University Nursing School Review
Alcorn State University (ASU); a historically Black university was the first to be supported by the US government. Its history dates back to 1871 and is named after James Alcorn, a former reformist and governor in Mississippi. This public co-ed institution of higher learning was the first school to admit African American students into its programs. The university has a main campus at Claiborne and a satellite campus in Natchez, which is home to the school of nursing. In collaboration with Hinds Community College; which too is a historically black school, some courses are offered there.
Nursing Programs at Alcorn State University
Nursing at Alcorn State University is offered at the satellite campus-Natchez. Programs range from an associate degree to graduate nursing programs. The Associate program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Bachelor and graduate programs are accredited the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The baccalaureate and the master programs have two career pathway options each to choose from.
Associate Nursing Degree
The university has nursing programs starting from the associate degree level. This option of nursing entry allows eligible candidates to choose from two tracks towards earning the associate degree. In the first option, new entry level nursing students can apply to the ADN generic program which requires 70 credits to complete. Secondly, licensed practical nurses who hold current Mississippi licensure can apply for advanced standing for the ADN where they receive 18 credits for their licenses. Completion leads to eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
Baccalaureate Degree Nursing
In this level too, two nursing tracks lead to the award of Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees. The first option is for those wishing to get into nursing at the BSN entry level. Students require 55 general and prerequisite courses which can be taken prior to admission into the university from the online Mississippi Virtual Community College. The other 69 nursing major courses are then completed at Alcorn University though all courses including the former can be completed at the university which leads to eligibility to write the NLCLEX-RN exam.
- RN to BSN (online program)
On the other hand, students can choose the online completion program. Students take 39 nursing major credits and 55 general education and prerequisites credits. The remaining credits needed for the BSN are transferred from the diploma or associate degree.
Graduate Nursing at Alcorn State University
Four master level advanced practice nursing tracks are offered at Alcorn State University School of nursing. The four programs are namely:
- Family Nurse practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The two first tracks are offered directly by the school of nursing and have curriculum designed by Alcorn State University. The last two; Geriatric and Mental health tracks are offered through Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing. However, all course requirements can be meet at Alcorn. For master prepared nurses, there are two post-master certificate programs namely:
- Post- Mater Certificate Option (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post- Mater Certificate Option (Nurse Educator)
Contact:
Alcorn State University
1000 ASU Drive, Alcorn State,
MS 39096
Copiah Lincoln Community College Nursing Program Review
The mother college to Copiah Lincoln Community College (CLCC, Co-Lin) started back in 1915 as an agricultural high school in Wesson. The expansion of academic programs resulted to the upgrade of the college to Copiah Lincoln Junior College. Following approval and a vote of the Mississippi legislature especially in the counties of Lincoln, Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and Copiah, the school finally settled for the current name. Since then it has been offering two year degrees directed to work force entry or for transfer purposes to four year degrees.
Copiah Lincoln Community College Nursing Programs
The department of nursing at Copiah Lincoln has five nursing tracks on offer to qualified candidates. Two of the programs lead to an associate in applied science degree and have received accreditation by the Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. There is a pre nursing program that is meant for easing transfer to four year BSNs and also two certificate programs in practical nursing and nursing assistant.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Copiah Lincoln community College offers an associate degree in nursing at its Wesson campus. The program has two career pathways which have a common outcome; preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. The first option is for candidates who have no prior experience in nursing. Students take 72 credits that must be completed in two academic years on a four semester plan. The courses are divided on a 45 and 27 credits ratio for nursing and general education.
LPN to RN Accelerated Program
This is the second variation of the associate degree in nursing at Copiah Lincoln. It calls for candidates who hold active unencumbered LPN licenses for the state of Mississippi and a minimum of one year practical nursing experience within the last three years. Admission into the program is during the spring semester each year and preference is given to residents of the five counties of the college fraternity.
The curriculum is delivered on a hybrid format of online and classroom instructions. Of the 72 credits needed for the associate degree, 45 must be completed at Copiah Lincoln Community College while the rest can be received as advanced standing from the LPN license. Prior to admission though, candidates must complete two LPN to RN transition course in role development and pharmacology totaling to 12 credits. Successful completion of the transition course awards the students 9 credits in palce of the 12.
Pre- Nursing (B.S Degree Program)
This is not a nursing program and students who get into the program do not become nurses. It is a program that helps a student complete general education and prerequisite courses needed for BSN completion. The credits earned from this program are for transfer purposes to four year BSN programs so that students can join the BSN at junior level.
Practical Nursing
The program is a one year curriculum that trains nurses to work under registered nurses in hospitals and other health agencies. Completion of the one year curriculum makes the students eligible to write the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistant candidates at Copiah Lincoln Community College undergo 4 days/week of six weeks rigorous nurse assistance training. Completion of the program enables students to be placed in the Mississippi Nurse Assistant Registry.
Contact:
Copiah Lincoln Community College
1001 Copiah Lincoln Circle, Wesson,
MS 39191
Delta State University Nursing School Review
Delta State University (DSU) is located in an ethnically rich and culturally diverse region of the Mississippi Delta Valley. In the small town of Cleveland sits the main campus of the university which started off as small normal school for teachers training in 1925. After introduction of a number of baccalaureate and masters program, the school changed the name from Delta State Teachers college to Delta State University. From then, the university started offering terminal degrees starting with a doctor of education.
Nursing at Delta State University
Robert E Smith School of nursing is one of the largest academic divisions at Delta State University alongside Education and Business schools. It has three approved nursing programs; two leading to a bachelor’s degree and one master program carrying a number of tracks under it. The undergraduate and graduate programs have received accreditation by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and also the States’ Board of Institutions of Higher Learning. Delta State University has greatly excelled in delivering most of the nursing curriculum in an online format. Details of all the nursing programs are given below:
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Two programs are offered under the undergraduate category as follows:
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree
This program is designed for candidates who are not yet nurses and prepares them to write the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. The program can be completed in part and full time and selected courses in both schedules can be completed in a web enhanced mode. 68 nursing major credits must be completed for students to graduate. The part time option carries five semesters of junior years and students must switch back to full time schedule for 2 semesters of the senior year. Full time students take a maximum of five semesters to complete all the nursing courses
- RN – BSN Online Completion Program
This program is meant for candidates who are prepared with an associate degree of diploma. Requirement for completion are similar to those of the BSN but students receive credits for their earlier nursing experience. It is an exclusive online program and students meet only twice or thrice at the start of each semester. Nursing courses can be completed in 12 months but part time classes may be scheduled upon request and availability of a quorum.
Master of Science in Nursing (Online)
The masters programs at Delta state University are offered completely online. There are five tracks from which BSN prepared candidates can choose as their advanced practice nursing specialty namely:
- Nurse Administrator
- Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Adult or Family Focus
- FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- GNP – Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator.
It is mandatory for the candidates to have at least one year of professional nursing practice and three years for the Nurses Practitioner options. The Gerontology and Mental health tracks are offered through Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing. All the Masters of Science in nursing tracks at Delta State University have post-masters certificate program options.
Students require to make a few occasional trips to the university for the two years they will be undertaking study. Students can however apply for part time classes and the period of study is extended.
Contact:
Delta State University
Highway 8 West, Cleveland,
MS 38733
East Central Community College Nursing Program Review
East Central Community College (ECCC) was founded in 1928 first as a junior college and later to a community college. Initially, it served Neshoba, Scott and Newton counties but after its upgrading to a community college, Winston and Leake counties become part of the colleges’ fraternity. It is a small college that offers two year programs with a notably large number of students taking programs under the nursing profession.
Nursing Programs at East Central Community College
About 46% of all students admitted to East Central Community College take nursing programs. The nursing programs are under the health care education division and students have five programs to choose from. All programs are accredited; the associate degree is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning also accredits the ASN program. Accreditation for the practical nursing is through the Mississippi State Board of Community Colleges. Comprehensive information of the nursing programs is provided below:
Associate Degree Nursing (RN)
The associate degree in nursing is a blend of general education and nursing courses to help the new nursing student get the basics of working as a professional nurse. It prepares students take the NCLEX-RN exam by taking a total of 64 credits of combined nursing and prerequisites courses. The curriculum is designed on a 2-year four semester plan. Courses are delivered in mixture, i.e. students do not have to complete general education courses before taking the nursing course. This means there is a mixture of all courses in all four semesters.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
At East Central Community College, Licensed Practical Nurses have eligibility for advanced standing if they have a number or requisites conditions namely, an unencumbered LPN Mississippi License, one year prove of Clinical experience. After admission into the program, students take a nursing transition course during the spring semester equivalent to 8 credits. Successful finish of the LPN to ADN Bridge awards the student 18 credits in place of the 8. Candidates then progress to the second year of the generic ADN. Completion of the program makes the students eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Practical nursing at East Central Community College enable students to become licensed to work in the capacity of a practical nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse. The Curriculum of 35 practical nursing credits is designed to be covered in a minimum of three semesters with an average of 12 credits each. The third semester is a summer session and comprises of 12 credits. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and become a practical nurse in Mississippi.
Nursing Assistant
The Nursing assistant is a short one-course certificate program that trains students to work as a bedside care giver to in patients and residents of long term care facilities. Completion of the program enables the student to take a competency test and be placed in the states’ Nurse Assistant Registry.
Contact:
East Central Community College
275 West Broad Street, Decatur,
MS 39327
Hinds Community College Nursing Program Review
The mother college that was to become Hinds Community College (HCC) has history dating back to 1917. The college prides to be the largest Community college in Mississippi in terms of the number of students enrolled for its programs. The historically black community college has developed and expanded tremendously to offer a large number of credit and non credit programs. As part of mission to reach out the communities, Hinds Community College has opened four satellite campuses in five counties namely Rankin, Copiah, Warren and Claiborne.
Nursing at Hinds Community College
At Hinds, nursing is offered under the Nursing and Allied Health Programs. Three programs are offered, two of which lead to an associate degree in nursing and a certificate program in practical nursing. The associate degree tracks have been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the Practical nursing program is accredited by the Mississippi Community College Board. The college offers paramedics and respiratory technicians a transition option to professional nursing as explained below:
Associate Degree Nursing Program
The associate of nursing program from Hinds Community College has two career pathways for qualified students to choose from:
The generic program is designed for candidates who have no prior nursing experience. Classes for the program begin in fall and spring semesters; a double annual intake that is meant to reduce the time on the waiting list. A total number of 72 credits are required and must be completed on a four semester plan, excluding the time needed to complete prerequisites courses in anatomy and physiology. Successful students get eligibility for first time licensure as registered nurses upon writing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
The transition program admits students on a single intake in each campus. The candidates for the program are respiratory therapists, paramedics and licensed practical nurses. All candidates must have active their respective licenses or certificates for the state of Mississippi. The programs are offered in the main campus at Jackson for its single summer intake and at Warren campus for its fall intake.
However, students who are coming in as paramedics and respiratory therapists must apply to Jackson campus as their transition to RN status is not offered at Warren Campus. LPNS are free to apply to any campus. Classes in both campuses have full time and part time- weekend and evening options to cater for the busy schedule of LPNs and Paramedics.
A transition course, eight weeks in length is required for the transition to the RN program. LPNs receive 18 credits and Paramedics & Respiratory therapists get 13 in advanced standing. A total of 74 credits are needed to complete the program before the complex exemption and transfers are made for each option.
Practical Nursing
The Hinds Community College practical nursing program trains entry level qualified candidates to work beside registered nurses as licensed practical nurses. The program is available in both part time and generic options whereby, upon successful completion leads to eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
Contact:
Hinds Community College
505 East Main Street, Raymond,
MS 39154
Holmes Community College Nursing Program Review
Holmes Community College (HCC) evolved from Holmes Agricultural high School. The High school has been established in 1911 and but later on added two-year programs to become a junior college. More expansion of the academic programs and educational services lead to the renaming of the school to its current name in 1988. This led to addition of two satellite campuses; Ridgeland and Grenada besides Goodman main campus. The change was meant to reflect the multifaceted mission of the two year college of bringing higher education closer to the communities.
Holmes Community College Nursing
Holmes Community College has three nursing programs, all of which have been approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Accreditation has also been provided through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Of the three, one is a diploma awarding program, one associate degree program and a Pre-nursing for BSN transfer. The programs details are given below:
Associate Degree Nursing
The program is designed for fresh students seeking licensure to become registered nurses by preparing for the NLCEX-RN exam and also for LPN who receive advanced standing. The generic associate degree in nursing track is available in two options; a full time day program at Ridgeland and Grenada campuses and an evening/ weekend track.
During the first years on the generic day track, students take 36 general education credits and move on for two more semesters in the second with a total of 24 credits. Students take anatomy, physiology, and microbiology credits only during summers; before admission and in between the first and second years. On the other hand, part time students take 22 general education credits in first year, 30 during the second year and an extra fall semester of 12 credits. Unlike the full time, anatomy and physiology are taken only in one summer in the part time track.
ADN for LPN
Individuals who hold an active practical nursing license are welcome to apply for an accelerated format of the associate program as they prepare for the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. The program can be completed via two options. In option one, candidates can complete the program after one year and one summer semester after taking 36 credits excluding the advanced standing and prerequisites courses. Option two is not an accelerated program and takes four semesters to complete.
Pre-B.S Nursing
The pre nursing for the Bachelor of Science is purposely designed to enable students offset the huge workload towards a BSN. Students must note that this program does not lead to any certification or eligibly to practice nursing. This is because courses offered in this program do not contain any nursing components but general and prerequisites that most universities ask for during application to their BSN. A total of 65 pre nursing credits are completed but students can always contact their transfer university of choice to ensure the combination of courses taken at Holmes Community College will transfer.
Practical Nursing
Practical nursing at Holmes is offered in the three campuses i.e. Goodman, Grenada and Ridgeland. The program takes one academic year and a summer session all of which comprise of 45 credits. Successful completion enables the students to have eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.
Contact:
Holmes Community College
1 Hill St, Goodman,
MS 39079
Itawamba Community College Nursing Program Review
Serving the residents of Northeast Mississippi, Itawamba Community College (ICC) started as an annex of Itawamba County Agricultural High School. The high school expanded its curriculum and focused on two-year college coursework. Several counties: Chickasaw, Pontotoc, Lee and Monroe joined the fraternity of the college; resulting to its transformation into a junior college. A final decision to change the name of the college to Itawamba Community College was reached in 1987. Three campuses in Fulton, Belden and Tupelo serve its purpose of a community College.
Nursing Programs at Itawamba Community College
Three nursing programs are available at Itawamba Community College. The Associate degree is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Mississippi State Institution of Higher Learning. There is also a Practical Nursing certificate nursing program that is accredited by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. Details of the nursing programs are provided below:
Nursing (Associate Degree Program – ADN)
This is a nursing curriculum designed to meet the needs of qualified candidates who wish to have an entry point in nursing. The program has all components of general education, clinical and theory courses required to become a professional nurse. Basically, candidates need to complete a minimum of 72 credits from the Fulton campus to be eligible for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
Practical Nursing
This program provides technical and bedside care skills to students who will work under the supervision of registered nurses. The one- year three- semester program is offered at the Fulton Campus as a full time program. It is kind of a career ladder whereby, students can exit after the first semester of study. Those who choose to exit at this point are eligible to receive certification as a Nursing Assistant from Itawamba Community College having finished the required 16 credits. Such graduates will be entered in the State Registry for Nursing Assistants.
Those who continue to the second and third semesters of the program complete a total of 43 nursing credits and 8 prerequisites. Completion of the program will be eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam for certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Mississippi State.
Nursing-Pre
All students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree (A.A.S.N) receive 15-16 general education cores credits and 48 nursing core credits towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Nursing Scholarships for the Nursing Programs at ICC
Nursing students at Itawamba Community College have chances to apply for about eight nursing scholarships. These scholarships are meant to help the financially strained students to complete their nursing program at Itawamba. Some of the Scholarships available to students at the college are:
- Mccarty Company Scholarship Foundation
- Nurses’ Christian Fellowship Scholarship
- Herrick Foundation Endowed Scholarship
- Bobbie Anderson Scholarship
- Anson Aven Memorial Scholarship
- W.O. Benjamin Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Board of Trustees Scholarship
- W.E. Boggs Endowed Scholarship
- David and Betty Cole Endowed Scholarship
These scholarships are specific to Itawamba students and are through well wishers, former members of the board and prominent personnel from around the college.
Contact:
Itawamba Community College
602 West Hill Street, Fulton,
MS 38843
Jones County Junior College Nursing Program Review
Following the suggestion of introducing two-year college curriculum into existing agricultural high schools in Mississippi, Jones County junior College (JCJC) came into being. As such, in 1922, Jones County Agricultural high school started the junior college as an extension of the high school. By 1957, the junior college had had large developments and it was separated from the high school to become an independent state college. It offers two years degrees in arts, and applied science programs in addition to vocational training.
Jones County Junior College-Nursing
Nursing at the college is offered under the healthcare academic division. Three programs; a pre nursing, an associate degree option and a practical nursing program are available for offer. Accreditation to the nursing program has been granted by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. More information of the nursing program is provided herein:
Associate Degree Nursing Division
The associate degree nursing program at Jones County Junior college has two tracks:
The first option is a generic program that takes in new entry–level nursing students who do not have prior nursing experience. Completion of the program awards the students an Associate in Arts degree with a nursing major in addition to eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Advanced Placement in the ADN Program
The second option of the associate degree is the advanced placement program also known as the Challenge process of the LPNs. In this case, LPNs who hold active licenses of the State of Mississippi are eligible to apply. In addition, candidates for this program are expected to have a minimum of one year experience in the last four years prior to application. The LPN to RN at Jones County Junior College requires two nursing transition courses in order to receive advanced standing. Graduates of the program become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam
Practical Nursing
The nursing practical program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN in order to become Licensed Practical nurses in the state of Mississippi. The program too have two entry points; one for usual high school graduates while the second one is specifically designed for students who started on nursing courses during their final high school year.
The latter, known as Dual-Enroll LPN program is meant for high school students in their senior year. Students in Jones County and the JCSJ district are eligible for this grant-funded program. Participating in the Dual Enroll LPN Program is open to students of participating high schools. As part of this program, students take nursing courses meant for the first year LPN program during their last year in high school. In total, both groups of the practical nursing track must complete 43 credit hours to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.
Pre-Nursing (BS)
This is a program meant to ease the workload of general education and science courses during the first and second years of Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees. Students who take this program complete up to 66 credits in arts, science, English and math courses. Students must note that taking this program does not lead to any certification; it is a prior preparation for the freshman and sophomore year in four-year colleges and universities offering the Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Contact:
Jones County Junior College
900 South Court Street, Ellisville,
MS 39437
Meridian Community College Nursing Program Review
Meridian Community College (MCC) was as a result of a merger between TJ Harris Junior College; a historically black junior college then. This happened in 1970 following a federal court order to separate it from Meridian public schools system. Prior to this date, the college was known as Meridian Junior College. The College received its current name in 1980 for the reasons of reflecting it expanded and diverse pool of programs. The community college offers two-year programs, transfer opportunities and other community development education options.
Nursing at Meridian Community College
Four distinct nursing programs are available in the Division of Health Education and Nursing at Meridian Community College. Continuing education under the Work-Based learning programs is also available for nurses. Of the four programs, two lead to an associate degree in nursing while two are certificate programs. The associate programs have been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the States’ Institution of Higher Learning. Practical Nursing is also accredited by the States’ Department of Education and NLNAC.
Associate Degree Nursing- Associate in Applied Science
The associate degree in nursing from Meridian Community College is a four-semester program designed for new nursing students. The program requires 71 credit hours of both general education and nursing courses. After completion of 8 prerequisite credit hours, students are eligible to apply again to the ADN program. At Meridian, general education and nursing courses are not segregated and are offered concurrently in the two years of study. The program curriculum prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.
Associate Degree Nursing Accelerated Program for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics
This program is designed to help both LPNs and Paramedics to make a transition into professional nursing. The curriculum is covered in fast-paced three semesters in which, the first semester is a transition semester. Successful completion of the transition semesters gives the students advanced standing of 20 credits on the 1st year ADN courses. Therefore, students join the ADN class at the year-2 level and continue for the two regular last semesters. LPNs and Paramedics who successfully finish the accelerated ADN program become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam as part of getting licensure as registered nurses.
Practical Nursing Certificate
This program equips entry level nursing students with technical and practical nursing skills. It is designed to be completed in one year that leads to the award of a certificate of completion. Admission into the program is done twice yearly for fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for graduation with the MCC LPN certificate and eligibility for the NCLEX-PN exam, students must take a total of 46 credit hours.
Health Care Assistant- Certificate
The HCA, also known as the Nursing Assistant program prepares students to become nursing assistants and home health aides. This MCC nursing assistant curriculum requires 16 credit hours to complete designed to be completed in one semester. Like the LPN program, the HCA admits students twice yearly in fall and spring.
There is also a Work-Based Learning program meant for nursing assistant students at Meridian Community College. This program is like an externship program that awards the students 3 credit hours for every 3-18 of completed work site involvement.
Contact:
Meridian Community College
910 Mississippi 19,
Meridian, MS 39307
Mississippi College Nursing Program Review
Mississippi College (MC) is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the state. It is a church co-ed college of the Baptist Convection of Mississippi dating back to1826. The college has undergone numerous changes including a double change between a Men’s and Co-ed College before its current status. In the years in between its founding and its current status, the college has increased its programs, acquired other colleges and developed its infrastructural capacity.
Mississippi College School of Nursing
Mississippi College has two nursing programs, both of which lead to the award of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The programs have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education together with Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning. The two tracks of the nursing baccalaureate are a completion program for the registered nurses and a traditional track for fresh nursing students as outlined below:
Generic Track- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The generic track is designed for the traditional nursing students who are making their first entry in professional nursing. The track takes four years of nine semesters to complete; eight fall and spring semesters and one summer semester of finishing general education courses. As a church affiliated college, Mississippi college nursing program has many courses of the Christian faith including different courses in the study of the New and Old testaments. A minimum of 127 credits must be taken but the number can increase depending on the electives chosen. Successful completion of the track requirements makes the student eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
Online RN to BSN Track
This Bachelor of Science track from Mississippi College is designed to meet the career advancement needs of registered nurses. As prove of their nursing experience and abilities, future candidates are subjected to a third-year nursing course. Upon passing of this course, registered nurses receive up-to 30 level lower division nursing courses. However, students must note that they must produce an active, unrestricted RN license for the State of Mississippi. Only those students who have such licenses are allowed to take the entrance course.
The program is exclusively offered online giving students a flexible mode of finishing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students must also note that the last 33 nursing credits must be completed at the Mississippi College to be eligible for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
Congregational Health Nursing
Commonly known as parish nursing, this program is also available at Mississippi College as a Continuing Education Unit. The program aims at training nurses who are able to work a parish nurses in their own church gatherings and congregations. The program focuses in Christian faith-based community nursing training that encompasses Christian education, worship and Christian service.
This congregational health nursing program takes an equivalent of three credit hours and is endorsed by the International Parish Nurses Resource Centre. The additional credits are usually offered to interested nursing students along with the two nursing tracks mentioned above.
Contact:
Mississippi College
151 E Griffith St Jackson,
MS 39201
Mississippi Delta Community College Nursing Program Review
Like all community colleges in the state, Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) was initially an agricultural high school. The then Sunflower Agricultural High School became a junior college in 1930 and later to Mississippi Delta Community college in 1989 to reflect the much expanded college. It has three off-campus centers as part of its commitment to reach all residents of the Mississippi Delta. As a Community college, it offers two-year workforce entry and transfer programs as well as certificate programs.
Nursing at Mississippi Delta Community College
At the community college, three certificate and two associate degree tracks in nursing programs are available. The practical nursing certificate program is accredited by the Mississippi Community College Board and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The two associate in nursing degree tracks are accredited by Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The five programs are:
Associate Degree Nursing
The program is meant to prepare basic entry level nursing students to become professional nurses. The focus is to prepare students to write and pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. Completion of the two year program of 72 credit hours awards the student an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Accelerated Track for LPNs
The accelerated track for LPNs gives a chance to licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses via a transition course. Students must have a current LPN license and show proof of at least one year working experience as a practical nurse. The accelerated track course is taken during a summer semester and successful completion allows students to enter the associate degree nursing (ADN) at the sophomore year. Completion of the summer transition courses allows the student to receive advanced standing of 18 credits towards the Associate of Applied Science degree. The accelerated track takes 12 months to complete having prepared students to be eligible to write the NLCEX-RN exam.
Practical Nursing
The practical nursing program at Mississippi Delta Community College prepares students to work under registered nurses in health care agencies. Students are prepared to take the NLCEX-PN exam and to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). 43 credit hours are required to complete this program and be awarded a Certificate in Practical Nursing.
Health Care Assistant
The HCA program prepares students to work as nursing assistants giving basic care to patients. It is a one semester program offered in three campuses of Mississippi Delta Community College; Drew center, Greenwood and Greenville campuses. On a further note, the HCA program at Greenville and Greenwood are full time day study plans while the Drew Centre program is only offered in the afternoons and weekends. Admissions are in both fall and spring semesters
Phlebotomy
This program can be an entry level point into nursing and trains students to become phlebotomist nurses/technicians. It takes one semester of 17 weeks to complete and classes are only held in the evenings. Students are attached to any one of the four affiliated hospitals.
Contact:
Mississippi Delta Community College
289 Cherry street, Moorhead,
MS 38761
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Nursing Program Review
Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High school formed the base of what today is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC). The high school was transformed into a junior college in 1962 following a vote by the residents of Mississippi and the counties supporting the junior college. Expansion of the programs, satellite centers and increase in the number of the supporting counties finally warranted the change of name from a junior college to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 1987.
Nursing Division- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
The nursing division at the college has three programs; one leading to a practical nursing certificate and two tracks leading to an associate degree in nursing. Nursing programs are offered in the four campuses of the college as will be explained later. All the programs have been accredited by the National League for nursing Accrediting Commission. In addition, the practical and associate programs are further accredited by the States Board for Community and Junior College and Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning respectively. Below is more information about the three nursing programs.
Nursing- Associate Degree
The four-semester, two year program is designed to prepare students to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. The best candidates for this program are fresh, entry level students who want to get into professional nursing. Students must take a total of 72 credits of both nursing and general education courses to be eligible to graduate and take the licensure exam.
Students can complete the freshman courses at George County Centre and later transfer for the final year in Perkinston, Jefferson Davis and Jackson Campuses or complete the first year in the three aforementioned campuses as a PN exit option. Hence, most courses can be completed at all the campuses of the college.
Nursing – LPN to RN Transition
The LPN to RN transition program is meant to help Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to make the transition into practical nursing and is only offered in Jefferson Davis Campus. The LPN Mobility Track students are expected to take a Transition Course the summer before the semester of enrollment. Successful completion of the course awards 14 credit hours and students are allowed to by-pass the freshman courses. The advanced placement therefore enables the student to join the ADN program at the second year level and later become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Nursing – Practical
This is a diploma program that is an exit option from the ADN program. The program takes three semesters to complete excluding an extra semester to complete the supporting courses. As a career ladder program, the first two years can be complete at any MGCCC campus along with the ADN program students. After completion of the first year semester at any of the campuses, students must then transfer to George County Centre Campus, where the third PN exit semester is completed. A total of 58 credit hours must be completed to allow students to graduate with the Practical Nursing Diploma besides being eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam to become LPNs.
Contact:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
2300 Highway 90, Gautier,
MS 39553
Mississippi University for Women Nursing School Review
At a time when women education was not valued or given much attention, Mississippi was on the contrary and hence the foundation of Mississippi University for Women (MUW) in 1884. In this view, the university became the first Women’s-only public and state-supported center of higher education in US. It remained as a state college for women until 1974 when it changed to Mississippi University for Women. However, the university started enrolling men from 1982 but women still hold the highest percentage of women.
Nursing at Mississippi University for Women
There are three departments that offer the nursing programs at Mississippi University for Women. The three departments are under the College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology. From the level of associate nursing degrees to graduate nursing, the university has everything you would require as nurse student. The associate degree is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the degrees from the Baccalaureate level are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. All programs are also accredited at the state level by the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning.
Department of Associate Nursing
This department has two associate degree tracks as outlined below:
The generic option of the associate degree admits fresh students who do not have prior nursing experience. The program requires 71 credit hours of nursing and non-nursing courses to complete. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two-years of intensive study involving college study, clinical experience and externship. Students are awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and obtain eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- LPN to RN Advanced Placement Option
At Mississippi University for Women, LPNs have the chance of advancing to professional nursing through the fast-paced, nine-month program. For advanced placement, students must complete three nursing transition courses after which, the students receive 21credits in advanced standing in place of the three. This program forms a good base for students who want to complete a BSN at MUW at a later point.
Department of Baccalaureate Nursing
In this department, two degrees are also available as explained below:
The program requires 128 credits; 62 and 66 general education and nursing major respectively. The first and sophomore years are specifically designed for general education courses while junior and senior years are dedicated to nursing major courses. The program welcomes fresh entry level candidates who will complete the curriculum on a full time basis at Columbus Campus. Students are prepared to write their first NCLEX-RN exam. Registered Nurses who wish to complete a BSN at Mississippi University for Women are advised to apply to the RN to BSN advanced placement.
- RN/ BSN Advanced Placement Option
This program is designed for adult learners who are already registered nurses. It helps RNs complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree through two flexible options. The first is a Partial Distance Option where students can take a hybrid of distance learning and classroom for curriculum coverage. The hybrid includes one campus attendance day/week in the first semester and one campus day every three weeks in the subsequent two semesters. The second is a Total Distance Option where all courses are delivered exclusively online and students are not required to come to campus for classes.
Department of Graduate Nursing
The department of graduate nursing at Mississippi University for Women includes master level degrees and post masters certificate programs. All programs in the master’s level require 12 months and 39 credits to complete for all the three Masters of Science in Nursing tracks listed below:
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP),
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)
There are also three post masters MSN programs at the university; two of which are meant for masters prepared generalist graduates who do not have a Nurse Practitioner specialty while the other one is for MSN- Nurse Practitioner graduates.
Contact:
Mississippi University for Women
1100 College Street, Columbus,
MS 39701
Northeast Mississippi Community College Nursing Program Review
The agricultural high school and junior college status of what was to become Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) was dropped in 1949 to form the fully pledged community college. The community college was established to bring higher education to the Northeast counties of Mississippi namely Union, Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah and Tishomingo. The college offers career entry, transfer, and technical programs at affordable fees; one of the mission of community colleges.
Nursing Programs- Northeast Mississippi Community College
Under the Division of Health Sciences in the college, there are five nursing programs. They range from a certificate program in practical nursing to a Pre-Nursing BSN program. The practical nursing program is accredited by the State Board of Community and Junior Colleges while the associate degree in nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the State Institution of Higher Learning. The college also has a phlebotomy certificate program, but it is only offered when there is adequate demand in a given semester.
Associate Degree Nursing
The ADN program at Northeast is offered at their Booneville Campus. The curriculum consists of 62 credit hours to be completed in four semesters and two summer sessions. The program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam besides awarding the student with an Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree-an occupation focused degree. For LPNs who want to get into professional nursing, the LPN to ADN program is their program of choice.
LPN to ADN Advanced Placement Program
The program takes in candidates who have proof of practical nursing licensure. The students are subjected to two nursing courses challenges to enable them to receive advanced standing. Completion of the two nursing courses enables the student to join the ADN program at the sophomore year. Admission into the program is competitive and preference is given for readmission, Fresh LPN-ADN challenge and transfer students from other colleges in that order. Successful completion of the LPN to ADN advanced placement enables students to write the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs.
Alternate Placement Practical Nursing Education
This program is specifically designed to allow students who failed in the first attempt LPN to ADN program. There are three options of study available depending on the choice of nursing courses taken by the student. Candidates eligible for this program must have completed the unsuccessful/ failed ADN program in a period of not more than one year.
Pre Nursing
The pre nursing program at Northeast Mississippi Community College allows students to complete general education courses required for the four-year BSN program. Completion of the two- year program awards the student an Associate of Arts degree that is transferable to major universities and colleges for the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. Students can ask for specific courses required by their transferring university to ensure all courses will transfer successfully.
Practical Nursing Education
This is a one year nursing certificate program offered at Boonville and New Albany campuses of Northeast. The Practical Nursing Education (PNE) Program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.
Contact:
Northeast Mississippi Community College
101 Cunningham Blvd, Booneville,
MS 38829
Northwest Mississippi Community College Nursing Program Review
With roots from the Tate County Agricultural High School, Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) came to be. Quitman County joined in support of the agricultural high school leading to establishment of college-level education alongside the high school curriculum. In 1953, the college had an expanded curriculum hence, changed its name to Northwest Mississippi Community College. Currently, the college serves 11 counties in Northwest parts of Mississippi and has five campuses in Oxford, Ashland, Yalobusha, Senatobia and Southaven.
Nursing at Northwest Mississippi Community College
The Division of nursing has four programs to offer to qualified candidates looking forward to getting into the nursing profession. Two of the programs are tracks leading to an associate degree in nursing, one is a certificate and one is a pre-nursing program for those who want to complete a bachelors of science in nursing. The programs have received accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the States’ Institute of Higher Learning.
Division of Nursing- Associates Degree Program
At Northwest, the associate degree program requires 63 credits to complete. Students start taking nursing courses from the first semesters and both general education and nursing courses are offered concurrently throughout the program. The program prepares students to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses wishing to complete the associate degree to become professional registered nurses are advised to apply for the following:
Practical Nursing Program-PN Challenge
Northwest Community College Division of Nursing gives a chance to qualified LPN candidates to have advanced standing towards the associate degree. Students must be licensed to work in the state and must produce recommendation letters from their RN supervisors and a RN co-worker. Passing the PN challenge exam enables students receive advanced standing for all first-semester freshman courses hence, joining the associate degree program at level I second semester. Admission is open twice per year in fall and spring semesters. Students who successfully complete the program become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become RNs.
Pre-Nursing
The pre-Nursing BSN program at Northwest Community College helps students to complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at the college. The pre-nursing program also allows students who want to become enrolled in the college associate nursing program to complete the first year before being enrolled.
However, most concentration is geared towards the pre-BSN students. As such, these students complete 65 non- nursing credit hours; all of which are required for transfer into junior year level at major universities. Students in this program can transfer to their university of choice or take advantage of the Northwest MCC to University of Mississippi Medical Center direct transition option.
The Practical Nursing (PN)
This program is offered at four of the five satellite centers of the college. After successful completion of 43 credit hours, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses in Mississippi. The program is designed to be completed in three full-time semesters.
Contact:
Northwest Mississippi Community College
4975 Hwy 51N, Senatobia,
MS 38668
Pearl River community College Nursing Program Review
Pearl River Community College (PRCC) has a long history from its mother Agricultural High School of Pearl River. The community college prides itself in being the oldest public-funded two-year college in the state of Mississippi after the high school incorporated college level education in 1922. The college has three satellite campuses in Hancock, Forrest county and Woodall in addition to the main campus at Poplaville.
Nursing at Pearl River Community College
The department of nursing education at Pearl River Community college is mandated to offer the nursing programs at the college. A total of three programs are available for qualified candidates; two of which lead to an associate degree and one practical nursing certificate program. The associate degree tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the States Institute of Higher Learning while the practical nursing program is accredited by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.
Associate Degree Nursing
The associate degree nursing (ADN) from Pearl River Community College is offered at their Poplarville Main Campus. Qualified candidates are welcome to apply for admission in their spring and fall intakes. The program takes four semesters to complete as students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. A total of 72 credits are required for students to be allowed to graduate; with general courses being offered along with the nursing courses throughout to the final year.
LPN to ADN Bridge Course
This program calls upon licensed practical nurses that hold active, unrestricted licensure in practical nursing. Candidates for this program are required to show proof of at least one year of working experience within the last three years. The experience is recommended to be from an acute care or long term care facility. Students are also asked to have a completed employer verification form to be allowed into the program.
The bridging course is given to candidates who meet all the requirements at the main campus in the summer session only. Successful completion of the bridging course enables the students to be awarded 7 credit hours towards the associate degree nursing program. It also allows students to enter the ADN program at the level II, third semester. Students must note that waiver of the remaining level I courses is only done after the student passes some selected level II courses. After receiving the advanced placement to the ADN, students prepare for the NLCEX-RN exam to make the transition from practical to registered nursing.
Practical Nursing
The practical nursing program at Pearl River is offered in the main campus and Forrest County Center. The one-year program is only offered once annually in the fall semester. Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses in the state. There is also a Dual Enrollment option for high schools students who wish to become practical nurses. Students in this program attend college during their senior years to take nursing courses. Unlike the generic program which takes 12 months, this dual enrollment programs takes 18 months to complete.
Contact:
Pearl River Community College
5448 U.S. 49,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Southwest Mississippi Community College Nursing Program Review
Pike County Agricultural High School; established in 1918 was the school that was destined to become Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) later in 1988. Between those years, the school became a junior college before it finally changed to a two-year college serving the residents in the Southwest region of Mississippi. The high school started offering college education 1929 and expanded the curriculum to two-year college by 1932, hence transforming into a junior College and finally as a community college in 1988.
Nursing Programs at Southwest Mississippi Community College
There are five nursing programs offered in Southwest Mississippi Community College under the Division of Associate Degree Nursing. Two of them are associate degree tracks, certificate programs in practical nursing and health care assistant each and a pre nursing program. The education programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Mississippi Institute of higher education.
Associate Degree Nursing
The program prepares competent professional nurses through a curriculum of general education, nursing theory and clinical practice. Entry level nursing students are prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam after completion of a total of 72 nursing and general education credit hours. The program takes two-years of full time study for students who have completed prerequisites courses prior to admission. Nursing and supporting courses are offered concurrently during the two years. Licensed Practice nurses wishing to become registered nurses can apply for the program below to facilitate their transition.
LPN to RN Bridge
The LPN Bridge program gives a chance to licensed practical nurses to enter professional nursing. As such, the students take a summer session LPN to RN transition course after which, they are given 6 credit hours in advanced standing. Students also receive advanced standing for most freshman prerequisites courses and therefore, join the Associate of Nursing degree program at the sophomore level. Two more semesters to make up 72 credits are required to complete the program and become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam.
Practical Nursing
This is a one- year program comprising of 45 semester credit hours leading to a certificate in practical nursing. It prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam so as to be licensed to work as practical nurses. Students must note that the school does not cater for expenses that result from traveling to clinical sites and health agencies; all expenses are met by the individuals.
Nursing Assistant/ Health Care Assistant
At Southwest Mississippi Community College, the health care assistant (HCA) is a one semester program comprising of 16 credit hours. Successful completion of the program awards the student a certificate of completion. Graduates can also apply for the National Nurse Aide Assessment exam and be entered in the Nursing Assistant Registry.
Pre-Nursing (BS)
With 65 general education credits, students are prepared to take a Bachelor of Science degree from other four-year colleges and universities. The program is meant to cover the freshman and sophomore years curriculum required for completion of a four-year BSN. The pre nursing program at Southwest Mississippi Community College is specifically designed to cover the 1st and 2nd year requirement of the traditional BSN program at University of Mississippi Medical Center or any other state approved four-year college. However, students willing to complete their junior and senior years at the University of Southern Mississippi have take a slightly different curriculum from the generic majority pre-nursing program.
Contact:
Southwest Mississippi Community College
1156 College Drive, Summit,
MS 39666
University of Mississippi Medical Center Nursing School Review
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the dedicated health academic center annex of the larger University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). The medical center opened to four year program is 1955 as a semi-autonomous subsidiary of University of Mississippi. It has nine well structured schools offering medical programs including pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and medicine. The University is located in the Capital of the state; Jackson, and it prides itself to be the only university with a teaching hospital in metro Mississippi.
School of Nursing- University of Mississippi Medical Center
The school of nursing is one of the six dedicated schools of the Jackson Based academic health science center. Initially, it was a department at the University of Mississippi –Oxford before being transferred to the Medical Center as a school. The school offers degrees from the baccalaureate level to the terminal nursing degrees. Nine programs are listed under the school, starting from early entry nursing programs for RNs. All the nursing programs under the school of nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Below is a broader view of all the programs at the medical center:
Undergraduate Programs
Under the undergraduate programs at the university are traditional, accelerated and early entry programs as explained below:
- Freshman Early Entry (BSN)
This early entry program gives a chance for students to enter the baccalaureate program as a freshman rather than a junior. This program allows students to complete the pre-nursing curriculum at the center hence; students avoid competitive selection process for during application for the Bachelor of Science in nursing. The advantage of this program is that students are assured of guaranteed admission to the BSN after completion.
- RN-MSN Early Entry Program
The RN-MSN Early Entry Program is as a collaborative effort between University of Mississippi Medical Center and two community colleges; Northwest Mississippi and Hinds Community Colleges. Students apply for the RN to MSN program during their first year’s associate studies in the mentioned community colleges.
It is a flexible program that has allows working RNS to finish their masters programs as a continued program of the ADN. Part time and full time options are available for students in this track with seven and nine semesters being applicable for each option respectively. This program incorporates the Bachelor of Science of nursing curriculum but students are only awarded the Master of Science in nursing after completion.
Just like the FEE mentioned earlier, the RN to MSN Early entry guarantees students a position in University of Mississippi Medical Center, hence avoiding the competitive selection into the generic RN to MSN program. Students are free to choose from the following advanced practice nursing options:
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing and Health Care Administrator
- Traditional BSN Program
The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program from UMMC accepts fresh entry-level nursing students who wish to become professional nurses. This program prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses by taking the NCLEX-RN after completion. Students complete a total of 63 pre-nursing credits, which can be completed at the university or transferred from a pre-nursing program from a community college.
Another 62 nursing major credits at junior and senior level must be completed at UMMC on a full time basis in a period of five semesters. The traditional program admits students annually during the summer semester. Students from the university’s’ freshman early entry program are given preference during admission to transfer students from other colleges.
The accelerated Bachelor of Science program is specifically designed to cater for educational needs of career shifters wishing to come into the nursing profession. The program allows such students who already hold other non- nursing bachelor degrees from accredited universities to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam and become professional nurses in a short period.
Within 15 months of four- semester full time study, students engage in an accelerated curriculum completion program for professional nursing. Students are expected to complete 124 credit hours whereby, most of the lower division prerequisites courses are exempted in recognition of the former bachelor degree.
Graduate Nursing Programs
There are five graduate nursing programs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Three are of the master level and two of the terminal degrees in nursing.
This flexible nursing program is meant to help registered nurses earn an advanced practice nurses status without necessarily having to take a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Unlike the RN to MSN early entry program, students applying for this program are subject to competitive selection during admission. As a prerequisite, students must have active RN licenses and must have practiced as RNs.
This is the program that accepts RN transfers students from all other colleges and community colleges apart from Hinds and Northwest Mississippi community Colleges. Just like the RN-MSN early entry, students have the choice of taking full time study for seven semesters or part time study for nine semesters. All advanced practice nurse tracks in the RN –MSN early entry are applicable for this program in addition to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for RNs who have had experience in acute care settings.
The Master of Science in nursing (MSN Program) is designed for BSN-prepared students. Students are welcome to choose from the following six masters tracks available:
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing and Health Care Administrator
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
On a further note, the Nurse Educator, Gerontology, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks are offered online with only 4-1-1 time campuses visits respectively per semester. The Nursing and Health Care Administration is only available on a full time basis while all the remaining tracks are available on both full time and part time options. It is also good to note that the Gerontology and the Mental Health tracks are offered through a consortium: Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice.
The post masters certificates are meant for MSN graduates who wish to advance their nursing skills. There are six post master certificate programs for all the aforementioned MSN tracks.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
This practice-based doctoral degree from University of Mississippi Medical Centre helps students learn the emphasis of health care delivery and application of credible research findings into nursing practice.
The PhD program welcomes both BSN and MSN prepare who wish to engage in scholarly research pursuit in the nursing health profession. It prepares nurse scholars and researchers who are able to develop theory an experiential foundation vital for advanced clinical practice.
Note
Students in all nursing programs at University of Mississippi Medical Center have the unique advantage of practicing clinical skills at their own University Hospital. The university prides to be only academic health science center with Missouri’s only children hospital and a level 1 Trauma center.
Contact:
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State St, Jackson,
MS 39216
University of Southern Mississippi Nursing School Review
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), commonly called Southern Miss, dates back to 1910, when its mother school; Mississippi Normal College was founded. The school was transformed into a State teachers College after offering the first bachelor degrees in 1924. In 1940 and 1962, the college was underwent reorganization to become Mississippi Southern College and University of Southern Mississippi respectively. The university delivers higher education through its three campuses: Hattiesburg Main campus and Southern Miss Gulf Coast and Meridian.
College of Health- Nursing Programs
Nursing Programs at University of Southern Mississippi are offered in the college of health. There are quite a number of nursing programs starting from baccalaureate to the terminal nursing degrees. Nine degrees tracks are offered in the university in addition to a post master’s certificate program. The undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school of nursing offers programs in the main, meridian and Gulf Coast Campuses as explained below:
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
The nursing BSN program at university of Southern Mississippi are offered in all three campuses mentioned above. The program requires students to take 62 non- nursing general education and science credit hours and 66 upper division nursing credit hours. It is an entry level baccalaureate program that takes in new nursing students who want to take the NCLEX-RN exam for the first time and become RNs.
- Nursing B.S.N (RN to BSN)
This program takes already registered nurses with active unrestricted Mississippi licenses who have a diploma or associate education. The RN to BSN at USM is a completely online program that allows students to complete their BSN without coming to campus. Students are usually allowed to complete prerequisites courses online or in other community colleges or university near them whereby; the courses will be recognized by University of Southern Mississippi. The program requires students to complete 36 upper division credit hours and 30 credit validation hours; 25% of which must be taken at Southern Miss to be allowed to graduate from this online nursing program.
Master’s Degree in Nursing Program (MSN)
At Southern Miss, students can choose from the four Master of Science programs available. Full time and part time mode of study are available. Full time students can complete their degrees in about 15 to 24 months but the time is extended for part time students and depends on the number of credits taken per semester. Students must complete between 34-44 credits depending on the MSN chosen.
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Executive
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
The gerontological option is offered through a nursing consortium with Alcorn and Delta State Universities, University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi University for Women. All students in the program get identical classes offered via a distance learning mode and complete the program in three semesters. The Nurse Executive track is offered as an online and web-enhanced program and students come to Southern Miss for classes only on weekends.
There are also post master certificates from the University of Southern Mississippi available for the three nurse practitioner Master of Science programs listed above.
RN-MSN
The RN-MSN program is designed for diploma and associate degree prepared students. Students enrolled for this program take 40 undergraduate nursing credits but student must take at least 17 credit hours so as to be allowed to start on the master level nursing courses.
Terminal Nursing Degrees at Southern Miss
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
The doctor of nursing practice at USM calls upon masters-prepared students who have at least two years of professional working experience to apply to this program. The program is offered through a consortium by the above mentioned universities of the MSN gerontological program. However, only Southern Miss and University of Mississippi offers the DNP degree of all the members of the consortium.
- Nurse Anesthesia Program- (BSN-DNP)
The University of Southern Mississippi is in the process of developing a curriculum for the Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) following approval by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning and Council of Accreditation (COA) on NAP. Currently the program is being evaluated by COA-NAP and once it is accredited, the first class is expected to be admitted soon after. Those who wish be pioneers of this class can place their application . The Program will utilize a Post-Baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing (BSN-DNP) approach giving emphasis to nurse anesthesia.
The nursing PhD at the university is also a collaborative program between the university and the University of Mississippi Medical Center and courses can be completed in either of the universities. Just like the DNP, it requires masters-prepared nurses.
Contact:
University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive, Hattiesburg ,
MS 39406
William Carey University Nursing School Review
Named after the Father of Modern Missions, William Carey University (WCU) was initially a women’s college. It remained as a college educating women from 1906 until 1954 when it was transformed into a co-ed college hence, offering higher education to both men and women. The college became a fully pledged university with its current name in 2006. It is a church university of the Baptist Missionaries.
Joseph and Nancy Fail Nursing School Programs
The school offers nursing programs from three campuses of William Carey University; New Orleans, Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses. Joseph and Nancy Fail School of nursing has been approved to offer nursing degrees by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for the New Orleans campus and the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Programs on offer are also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The School has baccalaureate and graduate nursing tracks and a post master’s certificate program.
Baccalaureate Program
The entry level baccalaureate program is offered in the Hattiesburg and New Orleans Campuses. It is a four- year Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) track that prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses. The program requires 120 credit units to complete, 59 of which are of nursing majors and 61 for general education and liberal arts courses. A high percent of liberal arts and Christian domain courses is evident during the first two years at nursing school.
Completion of the program allows makes students eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam and receive initial licensure as registered nurses besides being awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
RN-BSN Program
The RN to BSN program at William Carey gives a chance to registered nurses to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree in 12 months. Students are required to have graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program in addition to having an unrestricted RN license.
In recognition of the RN license, students receive 31 credit hours towards the BSN degree and additionally complete 21 hours of upper division nursing credits. 79 prerequisite credits are required for RNs, most of which can be received transferred from the diploma or associate degree program as applicable. The 12 months period is meant for completion of the nursing upper division component but prerequisites courses can be completed in a period of up-to six years. Courses for the RN- BSN program are available in all campuses, Hattiesburg, New Orleans and Tradition and are offered in a web-enhanced online format to cater for working RNs.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program
There is only one Masters of Science in nursing track at William Carey University. This program is offered in Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses only. Students wishing to study at the Tradition campus are admitted in spring while those for Hattiesburg Campus are admitted in fall. It has both full time and part time study options but all courses must be completed within six years. The nursing specialty available is the Nurse Educator track.
Post Masters Program
There is also has a post masters certificate program option for MSN prepared nurses. The graduate program is for those who want to have a post master’s certificate in nursing education.
Night/Saturday Program
It is important to note that nursing students can enroll for night/Saturday classes for all the nursing degree options in all campuses. However, the night/ Saturday nursing program is only offered during the spring trimester and courses can only be completed in the initially chosen campus for that specific semester.
Contact:
William Carey University
498 Tuscan Avenue, Hattiesburg,
MS 39401
