uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø, Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences finalize 2+2 direct-entry program

Students interested in uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø and Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences' 2+2 direct-entry nursing program have until Jan. 15 to apply for fall 2025 acceptance to the innovative program designed to equip the next generation of health care leaders.

The application period follows the March 2024 signing event held at Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences' Rock Island campus. The four-year program builds upon the long-standing relationship between the two colleges and blends a liberal arts education with hands-on nursing experience and provides faculty co-advisors from both institutions.

Students enrolled in the program will complete two years at uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø and two years at Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø. The comprehensive program includes 64 credits of uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø coursework, including writing, psychology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, sociology, anthropology and statistics for health professionals. Students then transition to Trinity for 70 credits within the nursing major. These courses include foundations of nursing, research, informatics and generational nursing (pediatrics, adult and geriatric health).

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø President Andrea Talentino said graduates of the program will have an immediate impact in health care, regionally and nationally.

"uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø champions transformational student experiences and engaged community learning," said President Talentino. "We know Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is an excellent partner to provide these educational and professional experiences for the future of the nursing profession, and we¡¯re thrilled to have this agreement in place to smooth the path for hard-working students."

Prospective students must meet several qualifications, including a 3.2 minimum GPA in their junior year of high school and the completion of at least three years in each subject of high school-level science, math and English.

Accepted students will be admitted to both uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø and Trinity through one application. Students who maintain a 2.75 GPA at uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø and complete prerequisites with a C grade or above are ensured admission to Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø.

Tracy Poelvoorde, Ph.D., Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences chancellor and a 1987 uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø graduate, said this pathway is a great option for students.

"This collaboration comes at a critical time when nurses are in high demand both locally and nationally," she said. "Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences is proud to be part of the solution in developing highly skilled and educated health care leaders."

Since 2012, uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø has offered a pre-nursing program. Today, students who declare the pre-nursing advising track major in biology or psychology.

"uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø¡¯s pre-nursing students benefit from their liberal arts education by developing skills that allow them to better treat patients, building a knowledge of the whole person and honing communication skills that go beyond just the technical skills," Dr. Poelvoorde said.

This is not the first pathway created by uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø and Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø. In 2019, the two Rock Island institutions established the accelerated Bachelor of Arts to a Master of Science in Nursing. The program allows students to complete both degrees in just six years. Students can opt to apply to the master¡¯s program as part of their application to uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø or they can apply to the master¡¯s program at Trinity uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø while enrolled at uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø.

Growth in the nursing profession is projected to increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the American Association of uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍøs of Nursing, registered nurses comprise one of the largest segments of the U.S. workforce as a whole and among the highest paying large occupations.

The association reports most RNs worked in general medical and surgical hospitals, with an average salary of $77,600 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø students can apply to the 2+2 program through uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's website, augustana.edu/admissions, by Jan. 15, 2025. uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø students may reach out to Jill McNeil in uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's Office of Admissions for more information. Admitted students will be notified by Feb. 20, 2025.