Waynesburg U. celebrates first hybrid Second-Degree BSN cohort at pinning ceremony

Waynesburg University's Department of Nursing held a Pinning Ceremony for graduates of the Nursing as a Second Degree program Saturday, Jan. 17, at Roberts Chapel on the University's campus. This ceremony marked a historic milestone as the first graduating cohort of the University's Hybrid Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

University President Douglas G. Lee began the ceremony with opening remarks, recognizing the program's academic rigor and the graduating students' commitment to excellence.

"The Pinning Ceremony is the moment when we formally welcome our students into the nursing profession," Dr. Sherry Zak, chair of the Department of Nursing and director of the undergraduate and graduate Nursing program, said. "It symbolizes their transition from student to nurse and reflects the dedication, perseverance, and compassion required to enter this calling, making it especially meaningful for our first hybrid second-degree cohort."

The Hybrid Nursing as a Second Degree BSN pathway is designed for individuals who have previously earned a bachelor's degree in another field and have felt a new calling to serve in healthcare. The hybrid format allows students to complete coursework online while participating in required on-campus labs and simulations, as well as off-campus clinical experiences, making nursing education accessible to adult learners and career changers.
Graduates of the program are now eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), the final step toward entering professional nursing practice.

The successful completion of this inaugural hybrid cohort reflects Waynesburg University's ongoing commitment to innovative nursing education, workforce development, and the preparation of compassionate, practice-ready nurses to meet the evolving healthcare needs of this region.
About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.

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Nursing as a Second Degree Pinning Ceremony

January 17, 2026