Augustana, Trinity College announce direct-entry nursing program

Augustana College and Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences announce a direct-entry nursing program that will allow students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) after completing two years at Augustana and two years at Trinity College.

Under this “2+2” program, eligible high school students who are admitted to Augustana are assured a spot in the BSN program at Trinity College and will benefit from faculty co-advisors from both institutions. 

“This pathway creates an opportunity for students interested in the health field to carve a clear path toward their future nursing career,” said Augustana President Andrea Talentino. ”It also strengthens Augustana’s longstanding and valued partnership with Trinity College in building the next generation of medical professionals.” 

The program will prepare students to have an immediate impact in health care in the Quad Cities and the nation. Nursing is one of the fastest growing professions and offers a wide range of job opportunities. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

"The new 2+2 partnership accelerates students entering the healthcare field without sacrificing quality educational opportunities and experiences,” said Tracy Poelvoorde, Ph.D., Trinity College chancellor and a 1987 Augustana graduate. “This collaboration comes at a critical time when nurses are in high demand both locally and nationally. Trinity College of Nursing & Health

Sciences is proud to be part of the solution in developing highly skilled and educated health care leaders.” 

President Talentino said Augustana students have always been prepared for the rigors of competitive nursing programs, and this 2+2 program provides a simplified path for qualified students to enter the high-demand field of nursing. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Trinity College because we both share a deep commitment to the vitality of our hometown of Rock Island,” President Talentino said. “We know our region and our nation need top quality nurses, and we know this partnership can deliver on that need.” 

Chancellor Poelvoorde cites the alignment of missions of each college as foundational to this partnership. An Augustana education prepares individuals with the qualities of mind, spirit and body essential for a career within the nursing profession. When combined with a Trinity College education, graduates will be well-prepared to assume a high-demand career as a professional registered nurse. 

Direct-entry BSN applicants must meet a number of qualifications, including earning a 3.2 minimum recalculated high school GPA their junior year and completing at least three years of high school-level science, including at least one lab course. Additionally, direct-entry applicants must complete at least three years of high school mathematics and at least three years of high school English. 

Augustana has offered a pre-nursing program since 2012. Students who declare the pre-nursing advising track major in biology or psychology. Grounded in the liberal arts, Augustana pre-nursing students develop skills to better treat patients, with knowledge of the whole person, and sharper communication skills that go beyond just the technical skills. 

Augustana and Trinity College established the accelerated Bachelor of Arts to a Master of Science in Nursing in 2019, creating a pathway for 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 Augustana or they can apply to the master’s program at Trinity College while enrolled at Augustana. 

Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences has had a presence in the Quad Cities for more than 125 years. Trinity College offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science – Medical Laboratory Science and Associate of Applied Science Radiography degrees. Trinity College enrolls approximately 100 students each year and since its inception in 1898, Trinity College has graduated more than 5,000 students.