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

Students interested in Augustana College and Trinity College 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 College 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 Augustana and two years at Trinity College. The comprehensive program includes 64 credits of Augustana 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).

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

"Augustana champions transformational student experiences and engaged community learning," said President Talentino. "We know Trinity College 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 Augustana and Trinity through one application. Students who maintain a 2.75 GPA at Augustana and complete prerequisites with a C grade or above are ensured admission to Trinity College.

Tracy Poelvoorde, Ph.D., Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences chancellor and a 1987 Augustana 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 College of Nursing & Health Sciences is proud to be part of the solution in developing highly skilled and educated health care leaders."

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

"Augustana’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 Augustana and Trinity College. 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 Augustana or they can apply to the master’s program at Trinity College while enrolled at Augustana.

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 Colleges 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.

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