2020-2021 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
College of Nursing and Health Professions
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 Return to: University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast
Kathleen Masters, Dean
118 College Drive, Box 5095
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.6485
Pasty Anderson, Associate Dean
Long Beach, MS
228.865.4517
Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Interim Associate Dean
601.266.5794
Elizabeth Tinnon, Interim Associate Dean
601.266.5288
Edward Goshorn, Interim Associate Dean
601.266.5218
Lachel Story, Interim Associate Dean
601.266.5462
Organization and Administration
Dean’s Office
The dean is the chief administrative officer of the College of Nursing and Health Professions and is responsible for its operation and relations with all stakeholders. Associate deans and assistants to the dean coordinate curriculum, research, external relations and a variety of administrative matters.
Academic Units
The academic units comprising the College of Nursing and Health Professions include the School of Health Professions, the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice, the School of Professional Nursing Practice, and the School of Speech and Hearing Sciences.
The college offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs consistent with its mission statement. Since curricular requirements vary for each major, students desiring degrees from the College of Nursing and Health Professions should follow the course plan outlined for each degree. Detailed information on individual curricula of the baccalaureate programs follow.
Some programs within the college must meet criteria of accrediting agencies and thus may have additional application procedures or admission requirements beyond those of the University. Some programs within the college also require students to have professional liability insurance purchased through fees assessed each semester by the University. Please consult with coordinators of the individual programs to obtain specific information.
Clinical and field experiences may require a criminal background check. A felony conviction may disqualify a candidate from participating in clinical experiences. A felony conviction may also disqualify a candidate from licensure. For additional information, contact the school that houses the program. Any fees incurred are the responsibility of the candidate.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Board of Trustees of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. The College of Nursing and Health Professions bachelor’s program in education of the deaf is accredited by the Council on Education of the Deaf. The College of Nursing and Health Professions athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the kinesiotherapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
School of Professional Nursing Practice
Elizabeth Tinnon, Interim Director
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5072
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5445
Brown, Chatham, Coyne, Green, Holman, Hughes, Johnson, Krebs, Masters, Morris, Newton, Rich, Rushing, Tinnon
Baccalaureate Program
The baccalaureate nursing program offers preparation in general education and education for the professional practice of nursing in a variety of settings. Courses in the liberal arts and humanities, the sciences and the professional component are selected to prepare the student to assume effectively the role of citizen and professional practitioner. Part-time studies are available; however, full-time students will be given priority for class space.
There are two Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs:
The BSN Program: Successful completion of this nursing program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and permits the student to make application to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RN (NCLEX-RN) licensure. An alternate option in this program includes the BSN Pathway for Veterans. Adapted for former and active-duty service members with training as Army or Air Force medics or Navy corpsmen, this pathway is tailored to each student, and program requirements are based on military medical education and training.
The RN-BSN Program: This nursing program enables Registered Nurses (RNs) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. An alternate option in this program enables students who are currently enrolled in a Mississippi ADN program to concurrently take non-clinical RN-BSN courses. Once these students successfully graduate from their ADN program and pass NCLEX-RN licensure, they may take the clinical RN-BSN courses.
If any nursing student has a felony conviction, the student may not be able to complete the degree because the student may not be able to perform the clinical experience. Students with questions regarding their status should contact the director of the school.
Early Admission
Early admission to the BSN program allows students who meet specific criteria and choose The University of Southern Mississippi as freshmen to know that they will be admitted to the BSN program when they complete nursing prerequisite courses, as long as they maintain eligibility for early admission. This option is available at both the Hattiesburg campus and Gulf Park campus. The students admitted via this option are referred to as Dean’s Scholars.
The criteria for early admission includes:
- Application for early admission postmarked by the first Monday in April during the student’s senior year of high school;
- USM Admission GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0;
- Minimum ACT score of 24; and
- Entering first year student at The University of Southern Mississippi.
The criteria to maintain eligibility for early admission:
- Maintenance of an overall 3.0 or higher GPA in all college courses prerequisite to admission to the nursing major;
- Continuous enrollment as a full time USM student during the academic year (fall and spring semesters); and
- Maintenance of eligibility for admission to the BSN program.
Each student who has been accepted for early admission is required to send a notification of intent to begin the nursing program by September 1st for a spring semester begin date and by February 1st for a fall semester start date. If a student fails to maintain requirements for early admission, the student may apply to the BSN program by the posted deadlines along with the regular pool of nursing applicants.
Admission
All students interested in nursing are subject to the admission procedures and standards of the University. Students admitted to the University who wish to pursue entrance into the BSN program are encouraged to begin as freshmen in the health sciences program (see above). In this program, students can complete all pre-requisites for application to the BSN program.
Students having completed approximately 75 percent of the prerequisite nursing courses may make application to the BSN program. Admission to the program is competitive and is not guaranteed, regardless of grades or other dimensions of academic performance. Students who meet all prerequisites and fulfill minimum requirements (see below) may apply, and the class admitted to the BSN program is selected from the applicant pool. If admitted to nursing, students will change their major to the BSN and become students in the program.
Application forms may be obtained online and through the Office of Student Services, room 220, Asbury Hall. The deadline for return of completed applications is as follows:
BSN:
The deadline for fall term admission is February 1 (Hattiesburg and Gulf Park). The deadline for spring term admission is September 1 (Hattiesburg only).
RN-BSN:
The deadline for fall term admission is June 1, for spring term admission is November 1, and for summer term admission is April 1.
There are no exceptions to these filing dates.
In addition to filing an application, the following minimum requirements must be met for consideration for admission to the baccalaureate nursing program:
- A national composite ACT of 21 or above; a corresponding score on the ACT taken prior to October 1989 or the SAT is acceptable (not applicable to RN-BSN students but is required for students enrolled concurrently in ADN program and non-clinical RN-BSN courses);
- An overall grade point average of 2.5 on courses prerequisite to the nursing major (BSN);
- A minimum of a C in each prerequisite course applicable to the nursing curriculum;
- Successful completion of all prerequisite courses before beginning the nursing plan;
- Kaplan Nursing Admission (BSN only);
- Successful completion of a criminal background check, immunizations and controlled substances drug screen before beginning the nursing plan;
- Earned at least a C in each nursing course from associate degree in nursing program or diploma program with a minimum of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (RN-BSN); and
- May only repeat one associate degree/diploma nursing course one time. (RN-BSN).
Note: Only one natural science course may be repeated one time.
The number of students admitted each semester will vary according to the resources available. The admissions process will reflect the mission of The University of Southern Mississippi and the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Academic Probation/Dismissal/Progression
The following policies apply to all students admitted and enrolled in the baccalaureate nursing program:
- A student may repeat only one nursing course one time depending on availability of space in the course.
- The student who receives a second grade below a C in a nursing course is dropped from the program. Notification of dismissal will be sent to the student. The student may appeal the dismissal to the Admissions, Progression and Retention Committee.
- The inability to function safely in a clinical setting is cause for dismissal from the nursing program. See current policies on safe clinical practice in the Student Handbook for Undergraduate Programs in Nursing.
- Students who violate codes of moral or ethical conduct will be dismissed from the nursing program. See current policies on professional integrity and impaired student nurse policy in the Student Handbook for Undergraduate Programs in Nursing.
- Students must successfully pass all courses with a clinical component in one semester before progressing to clinical courses in the next semester of the nursing plan. BSN students must enroll in and complete NSG 486 and NSG 488 in the final semester of the program of study. Students must be enrolled in NSG 486 while enrolled in the last semester courses.
- For the purpose of progression in the nursing program, students may not withdraw more than twice during the undergraduate program of study.
Readmission
Students who have previously enrolled in nursing courses, have a break in attendance of one or more terms, and leave in good standing may reapply. Applicants are invited to file a completed application for readmission by the deadlines listed above for regular admission. Students are subject to the curriculum plan of study as outlined in the Undergraduate Bulletin of the year of readmission. Students must also meet the readmission policies of the University.
The following are considered when an application for readmission is received by nursing:
- student’s standing in both academic and clinical courses prior to withdrawal;
- student’s GPA;
- availability of space in the course; and
- program resources.
Expenses
The general fees and expenses are the same for nursing students as for other University students. Additional expenses incurred by nursing students such as uniforms, books, insurance and student nurse organization fees are estimated as follows:
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Junior Year |
Senior Year |
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$2,000 |
$1,500 |
In addition, nursing students are required to purchase a laptop computer that complies with current recommendations from iTech.
Travel: Students are responsible for arranging transportation to off-campus hospitals and other agencies that constitute part of the program.
Insurance
Students enrolled in courses in the upper-division nursing major of the nursing program are required to purchase professional and personal liability insurance through the University; a fee will be charged at the time of registration. Automobile liability insurance is required.
Health Requirements
A physical examination, selected immunizations and evidence of immunity to varicella are required for admission to the upper-division nursing major. A TB skin test is required yearly for the remainder of the time required to complete the program. See the Student Handbook for Undergraduate Programs in Nursing for specific requirements.
Certification/Training
CPR certification is required for the remainder of the time required to complete the program. Students must remain current in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) training.
Registered Nurse Students*
Registered nurse students must also complete prerequisites and health requirements. The prerequisites may be taken at The University of Southern Mississippi or at another accredited college or university. See the University Undergraduate Bulletin for limitation of transfer credits.
For registered nurse students, the NCLEX RN licensure exam will be used to validate previously earned nursing credit. Students will register for validation courses that include NSG 307 , NSG 361 , NSG 362 and NSG 363 during enrollment in the program. An unrestricted Mississippi nursing license is required for admission to the RN-BSN program.
* Registered nurse student is a student who (1) is a graduate from either an associate degree program in nursing or a diploma nursing program; (2) is registered to practice nursing in Mississippi with an unrestricted RN license and (3) is admitted to and enrolled in The University of Southern Mississippi with the nursing major.
Programs
Bachelor of Nursing
School of Health Professions
Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Director
118 College Drive, Box 5122
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
601.266.5794
Anderson-Lewis, Arrington, Bes, Choi, Dobson, Fastring, Fiorentini-Wright, Funchess, Green, Gupta, Mayfield-Johnson, McGuire, oglesby, Parr, Porter, Purvis, Reed, Ziegler
The programs offered in the School of Health Professions include a Bachelor of Science in allied health, a Bachelor of Science in public health in the emphasis areas of health education and health policy and administration, a Bachelor of Science in athletic training, a Bachelor of Science in recreation (therapeutic recreation), and a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology (kinesiotherapy). The school also offers minors in health policy and administration, and public health.
BS in Allied Health
Students majoring in allied health must have graduated from an accredited two-year allied health program with an associate’s degree and be eligible to sit for a national certification examination in the specific discipline area for the associate degree level allied health professional. The allied health degree enhances the skills and employment options for graduates of community college allied health programs such as respiratory care, radiology technology, and dental hygiene, preparing students for management positions in a wide variety of health care settings. Students in the allied health program must complete a special problems course under the supervision of an administrator in a health care facility.
This 124-hour degree includes 33-39 hours of classes in the major, in addition to any University-level requirements. Please see the degree plan for details regarding the specific classes required. The following are also requirements for a degree in allied health:
A cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required for admission into the program;
A cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required to take any DPH course above 300 (except 430 and 436); and
A grade of C or better must be earned in all program curriculum courses in order to complete the degree.
Though a student may be admitted to the program based on a cumulative GPA earned at a previous institution (i.e., junior college), once admitted the student must obtain and maintain a University of Southern Mississippi cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to remain in good standing within the program. Students whose cumulative University of Southern Mississippi GPA goes below 2.50 will be placed on program probation and will not be allowed to enroll in DPH courses 300-level and above until the cumulative GPA is once again at 2.50 or above.
BS in Public Health
Students with a degree in public health work in a variety of health-related settings, including hospitals, health clinics, health departments, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and nonprofit and community outreach organizations. Students majoring in public health with an emphasis in health policy and administration will complete courses pertaining to health care planning, management, marketing and financing in addition to public health course work. Students majoring in public health with an emphasis in health education will complete courses pertaining to personal wellness, contemporary health issues, community program planning and evaluation, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral psychology. Public health students are required to complete a 140-hour practicum at an approved health-related facility. In the practicum, students will observe and participate in daily activities under the direction of a facility preceptor.
The following are requirements for a degree in allied health or public health (as well as for those transferring into the program):
- A cumulative GPA of 2.50; and
- A grade of C or better in all program curriculum courses in order to complete the degree.
Though a student may be admitted to the program based on a cumulative GPA earned at a previous institution (i.e., junior college), once admitted the student must obtain and maintain a University of Southern Mississippi cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to remain in good standing within the program. Students whose cumulative University of Southern Mississippi GPA goes below 2.50 will be placed on program probation and will not be allowed to enroll in DPH courses 300-level and above until the cumulative GPA is once again at 2.50 or above.
Minor in Health Policy and Administration
Students pursuing a minor in public health must complete 18 hours of coursework, each with a grade of C or better, including DPH 425 , DPH 427 , DPH 428 , DPH 460 , and DPH 470 . The remaining 3 credit hours must be a DPH course at the 300- or 400-level.
Minor in Public Health
Students pursuing a minor in health policy and administration must complete 18 hours of coursework, each with a grade of C or better, including DPH 101 , DPH 305 , DPH 321 , DPH 420 , and DPH 432 . The remaining 3 credit hours must be a DPH course at the 300- or 400-level.
Programs
Bachelor of Science
Return to: University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast
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