Skip to main content

A smart path for future nurses

Through a unique partnership with the Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Augustana students with the passion of becoming a nurse receive phenomenal, efficient preparation in just six years.

In this accelerated, dual-degree master’s program, students complete the bachelor of arts (BA) at Augustana College, with an overlap of nursing prerequisites and a summer course, and the master of science in nursing (MSN) at Trinity College in Rock Island, Ill.

In creating this unique path, students are setting themselves up early for a successful career. The efficiency and savings of the overlap during senior year — plus results that lead to higher pay, more responsibility and greater options — make the Augustana-Trinity dual-degree program a smart path for future nurses.

“Through clinical experience and internships presented by Augustana College, I found what I am truly passionate about,” said Autumn Anderson ‘20. “I am currently enrolled in the direct-entry master of nursing program at Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences…. I am excited to continue on in this program and achieve my goal to become a behavioral health registered nurse.”

Why Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences?

With a state-of-the-art teaching lab and guaranteed local clinical placements, Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences provides excellent training for nurses.

Trinity College provides students access to the same electronic health record system utilized by area hospitals, which makes the transition into the workforce seamless. Additionally, Trinity College’s nursing students get more hands-on practice, with 944 hours in a variety of settings, compared with only about 650 hours at other schools.

Trinity College’s faculty and staff are committed to working alongside students, helping them transform their lives as they prepare to make a difference in the world.

Why a liberal arts start? 

Nurses with a liberal arts background know how to better treat patients. They have more understanding of different cultures and disciplines, plus skills in critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.

Seeing the bigger picture of health — and not only applying technical skills — leads to better health and well-being for patients. Because of these better patient outcomes, nurses with a BA can take on greater responsibility and higher-paying positions.

Besides a liberal arts foundation, a BA from Augustana also includes more science study than a four-year BSN at other schools. Augustana also provides built-in laboratory experience, working with exceptional professors and devoted advisors in innovative facilities.

Here’s how it works.