TESU Celebrates Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program’s April 2025 Cohort with a Pinning Ceremony

The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions at Thomas Edison State University honored 20 pre-licensure nursing students from its April 2025 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program with a pinning ceremony held at George A. Pruitt Hall on April 25.

The ceremony symbolizes the students’ formal entry into the nursing profession after completing the rigorous academic and clinical components of the 15-month program. Graduates are now eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before officially entering the profession. The program is known for its consistently high NCLEX-RN pass rates and offers prospective students three annual admission cycles.

“In today’s evolving health care landscape, the need for skilled and compassionate nurses has never been more crucial,” said Ruth Wittmann-Price, Ph.D., dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Each student in this cohort showed exceptional clinical competence, empathy, resilience and a collaborative spirit. Their readiness to meet patient care demands will have an immediate and enduring impact on our community.”

During the event, three students were inducted into the School’s Upsilon Rho Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society: Linda Opoku of Piscataway, N.J.; Elana Pinkasovic of Glen Ridge, N.J.; and John Stephan of Burlington, N.J. Stephan was also honored with the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. Sponsored by leading national nursing organizations, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional clinical care skills and a commitment to leadership in nursing.

The program, which includes on-site lectures, hands-on clinical experiences and online learning components, addresses the growing national demand for skilled nursing professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 194,500 registered nurse job openings are projected annually through 2030, with a median yearly salary of $93,600.

The University’s Board of Trustees is expected to confer BSN degrees upon the April 2025 cohort members during its June 2025 meeting.

To learn more about the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions and its academic programs, visit tesu.edu/nursing.