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 last two years 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.
Admissions Testing Requirement
One of the requirements for applying to the BSN program or the ABSN pathway is completion of an Admissions Test. This test is a tool to determine students' academic ability to perform effectively in a BSN program. Currently administered through Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), the Admissions Test is comprised of 170 questions that evaluate the basic reading, math, writing, and science skills of students seeking entry into a nursing program leading to RN licensure.
The cost for applicants to take the Nursing Admissions Test 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. Admissions Test scores are non-transferrable from the USM College of Nursing & Health Professions.
Admissions Test Registration Process
A. Register for an Admissions Test date and pay the registration fee.
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- For the current September 1, 2023 BSN/ABSN application deadline, on-site Admissions Testing is available for five (5) dates/times in August 2023.
- Students with ODA (Office of Disability Accommodations) accommodations are required to notify Terry Whittington ([email protected]) before registering for the Admissions Test.
B. Registrants will receive two emailed receipts of their 1) registration and 2) payment as well as a confirmation email from the College of Nursing & Health Professions two days prior to their test date with further instructions.
C. All participants are expected to arrive and take the exam on the day he or she registered, 30 minutes prior to exam time. Late admittances will not be allowed once testing has begun. All exams are administered in the College of Nursing & Health Professions, Asbury Hall, 2nd floor, Suite 220. Participants must provide a state-issued photo ID to verify identity prior to the start of the test.
Nursing Admissions Test Registration Form
ATI offers numerous preparatory packages, tutorials, and texts for students to better prepare and excel on the Nursing Admissions Test. For more more information please visit their website at atitesting.com/teas-prep.