Nursing
Is a Degree in Nursing Right for You?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. The nursing curriculum includes a balance of courses based in liberal arts and science. The curriculum culminates in upper-division nursing courses during the plans of study.
The USM School of Professional Nursing Practice (SPNP) offers two nursing program options and one second-degree nursing pathway for students to earn a BSN between two campuses (Hattiesburg and Gulf Park) and online. Once admitted into the SPNP, the BSN and RN-BSN program options along with the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) pathway begin each Fall and Spring Semester. The BSN program option is offered on the Hattiesburg campus. The RN-BSN program option is offered completely online, while the ABSN is offered on the Gulf Park campus.
Each nursing program option or pathway has a separate application including prerequisite requirements. The SPNP has an early admission process to the BSN program for high school seniors who meet specific criteria and choose The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as freshmen. The student will be admitted into the BSN program when he or she completes the required nursing prerequisite courses along with maintaining eligibility for early admission. Students apply to this program during their senior year of high school. The students admitted into the BSN program through this manner are referred to as Dean’s Scholars.
For further information regarding admission to the SPNP, contact Student Services at 601.266.5454.
What Will I Learn?
Once accepted into the School of Professional Nursing Practice (SPNP), students are enrolled in nursing courses that involve classwork and/or clinical practice. Within the courses, concepts involving ethics, leadership, practice laws, and research as well as the SPNP Values: Caring, Professionalism, Integrity, Excellence, and Diversity are taught.
Students apply what they learn in the classroom during simulation experiences utilizing high-fidelity mannequins in a state-of-the-art simulation lab on campus and by providing nursing care to patients in healthcare settings. Upon graduation, students are able to demonstrate competence in clinical skills and provide nursing care to patient populations across the lifespan in various healthcare and community settings.
There are two BSN degree program options and one second-degree BSN pathway:
This nursing pathway leads to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and qualifies the student to make application to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse. Students generally complete prerequisite courses during the first two years, apply for admission to the BSN program, and upon acceptance complete the last two years of the plan of study focusing on nursing.
Admission Procedures/Requirements:
- See University Admission Policies
- See Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Admission Procedures (BSN)
Additional Admission Information
- Prospective students can view the BSN prerequisite checklist as they prepare to apply to the BSN program.
- In order to be considered for admission into the BSN program, prospective students
must apply and be admitted into The University of Southern Mississippi prior to completing
an application for the BSN program. Additionally, students must also meet all other
program specific requirements in order to be considered for admission into the program.
- The USM admissions application must be submitted for the semester you wish to attend the BSN program.
- When completing the USM admissions application, prospective students should be sure to upload and submit all necessary supplemental materials, including official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework along with any additional admissions requirements as stated.
- International Students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions for
specific
application information and requirements at intladmissionsFREEMississippi or 601.266.5672.
The RN-BSN program at the University of Southern Mississippi is designed for registered nurses who have graduated from an associate degree nursing program and hold an unrestricted RN license in a compact state. This program offers flexible online coursework, allowing students to balance professional and personal responsibilities while expanding their nursing knowledge and skills. Graduates of the program may enhance their career opportunities, qualify for leadership roles, and increase their earning potential.
Admission Procedures/Requirements:
- See Degree Plan (RN-BSN)
- See University Admission Policies
- See Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Admission Procedures (RN-BSN)
Additional Admission Information
- Prospective students can view the RN-BSN prerequisite checklist as they prepare to apply to the RN-BSN program.
- In order to be considered for admission into the RN-BSN program, prospective students
must apply and be admitted into The University of Southern Mississippi prior to completing
an application for the RN-BSN program. Additionally, students must also meet all other
program specific requirements in order to be considered for admission into the program.
- The USM admissions application must be submitted for the semester you wish to attend the RN-BSN program.
- When completing the USM admissions application, prospective students should be sure to upload and submit all necessary supplemental materials, including official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework along with any additional admissions requirements as stated.
- International Students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions for
specific
application information and requirements at intladmissionsFREEMississippi or 601.266.5672.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at the University of Southern Mississippi is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in another field and seek to transition into the nursing profession. This 12-month program provides students with hands-on experience, instruction from expert faculty, and preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Graduates of the program will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career as a registered nurse.
Admission Procedures/Requirements:
- See University Admission Policies
- See Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Admission Procedures (ABSN)
Additional Admission Information
- Prospective students can view the ABSN prerequisite checklist checklist as they prepare to apply to the ABSN pathway.
- In order to be considered for admission into the ABSN pathway, prospective students
must apply and be admitted into The University of Southern Mississippi prior to completing
an application for the ABSN pathway. Additionally, students must also meet all other
program specific requirements in order to be considered for admission into the pathway.
- The USM admissions application must be submitted for the semester you wish to attend the ABSN pathway.
- When completing the USM admissions application, prospective students should be sure to upload and submit all necessary supplemental materials, including official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework along with any additional admissions requirements as stated.
- International Students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions for
specific
application information and requirements at intladmissionsFREEMississippi or 601.266.5672.
Admission Testing Requirement
One of the requirements for applying to the BSN program or the ABSN pathway is completion of a Nursing Entrance Exam. This exam is a tool to determine students' academic ability to perform effectively in a BSN program. The exam is comprised of questions that evaluate the basic reading, math, writing, and science skills of students seeking entry into a nursing program leading to RN licensure. Exam scores are valid for three (3) years from the date of testing.
The cost for applicants to take the entrance exam is $100 at the time of online registration per test administration. This non-refundable/non-transferrable fee may be paid by credit or debit card. Applicants may take the test only one time per admission period. Entrance Exam scores are non-transferrable from the USM College of Nursing & Health Professions.
Admissions Test Registration Process
A. Register for the Nursing Entrance Exam and pay the registration fee.
-
- For the September 1, 2025 BSN/ABSN application deadline, on-site Admissions Testing
at Asbury Hall on the Hattiesburg campus is available for four (4) dates/times in
August 2025.
- Students with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) accommodations are required to notify Terry Whittington (Terry.M.Whittington@usm.edu) before registering for the Nursing Entrance Exam.
- For the September 1, 2025 BSN/ABSN application deadline, on-site Admissions Testing
at Asbury Hall on the Hattiesburg campus is available for four (4) dates/times in
August 2025.
B. Registrants will immediately receive two emailed receipts of their 1) registration and 2) payment; the College of Nursing & Health Professions will send a confirmation email with further instructions two days prior to the test date.
C. All in-person exams are administered at the Hattiesburg campus in the College of Nursing & Health Professions, Asbury Hall, 2nd floor, Suite 220. Participants are expected to arrive and take the exam on the day he or she registered, 30 minutes prior to exam time. A state-issued photo ID to verify identity is required from each participant prior to the start of the test. Please note that late admittances will not be allowed once testing has begun.
Nursing Entrance Exam Registration Form
Request info APPLY BSN/ABSN/RN-BSN
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The School of Professional Nursing Practice has determined that completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program options and pathway prepare a student to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Passage of the national exam is required for licensure in all 50 states and U.S. protectorates. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice as educational requirements may vary widely including, but not limited to, the number of clinical hours required by the state as well as specific coursework. Nursing boards may also require additional information, including, but not limited to, documentation verifying citizenship and/or right to work (i.e. social security number) as well as criminal background checks.
To obtain information for nursing professional licensing boards, please see the National Council of State Boards of Nursing contact page.
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Nursing (RN-BSN) BSN | Online 100% |
| Nursing BSN | Gulf Park for ABSN pathway, Hattiesburg |
- Registered Nurse