On August 8, Carroll College recognized the achievements of its fourth Accelerated Nursing cohort as they celebrated their completion of the BSN program. This milestone was honored with a traditional pinning ceremony, a ritual with roots stretching back more than 160 years. The tradition stems from Florence Nightingale, who in 1860 received the Red Cross of St. George for her service in the Crimean War and went on to award medals of excellence to her nursing graduates. Inspired by her example, Bellevue Hospital in New York introduced the first nursing pin in 1880, and by 1916 the custom had spread widely throughout the United States and United Kingdom.
Carroll’s Accelerated Nursing program has already built an impressive legacy. Our first three cohorts all achieved 100% first-time pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), setting a remarkable standard of excellence. We extend our best wishes to this latest class as they prepare for their own exams in the coming weeks.
Even before taking their NCLEX, many of our newest graduates have secured positions at leading healthcare institutions. Members of this class are headed to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Denver Children’s Hospital, Bozeman Health, and Benefis Health System, as well as hospitals and clinics across California, Washington, Oregon, and Iowa. Their professional destinations highlight both the strength of Carroll’s nursing education and the nationwide demand for our graduates.
Applications for the next cycle of the Accelerated Nursing track opened on August 7, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply before October 1 for the cohort beginning in May 2026.