Utah Tech University celebrates AASN cohort's graduation and nursing career aspirations

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony for the Spring 2025 cohort took place on May 1, 2025, in Washington County, Utah, celebrating the achievements of graduates from the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program. The event highlighted the dedication and future aspirations of the graduates, many of whom are already employed in healthcare settings and plan to further their education.

Dr. Jen Harrington opened the ceremony by congratulating the graduates, emphasizing their commitment to continuing education, with many aiming to pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees and advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners. Each graduate shared personal reflections, expressing gratitude to family, friends, and faculty for their support throughout their nursing education.

Among the graduates, Sarah Abassu Perkins plans to work at Valley Women's Health while pursuing her BSN and hopes to specialize in labor and delivery. Other graduates, like Sierra Barber and Maddie Nagel, expressed excitement about starting their careers in home health and nursing education, respectively. The ceremony also featured graduates with diverse goals, including those aiming for roles in critical care, pediatrics, and community health.

Dr. Cynthia Reber, director of the online RN to BSN program, noted the program's growth, with over 350 active students from various states. She highlighted the importance of lifelong learning in nursing, encouraging graduates to continue their education and professional development.

The ceremony concluded with a call for graduates to embrace their roles as compassionate caregivers, equipped to make a difference in their communities. As they embark on their nursing careers, the graduates are poised to contribute significantly to the healthcare field, reflecting the values of dedication and service instilled during their training.