Nursing

Why study nursing?

As the only university in South Dakota to earn a Holistic Nursing Program endorsement, Augustana and its nursing department have been regional leaders in preparing nurses for more than 80 years.

  • AU’s pass rates on the NCLEX are consistently higher than the state and national average.
  • Nursing students are immersed in an interactive learning environment that features an advanced simulation center, case study reviews, role playing and electronic health records.
  • Students have weekly clinical experiences in health care settings in Sioux Falls — a health care hub.
  • Students participate in leadership practicums focused on the collaboration, delegation, and prioritizing skills essential to success in health care.

Augustana also offers a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) and post-graduate certificates.

Nursing

Nursing at AU

Holistic Nursing

The Augustana University Nursing Program within its School of Health Professions is officially endorsed as a Holistic Nursing Program by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) — the only college in South Dakota and one of only 17 schools in the nation to earn this endorsement.

AHNCC

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Latest News

Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. For the month of November — Native American Heritage Month — Augustana is featuring Dr. Karla Abbott, associate professor of nursing.

Augustana University students have more than double the amount of simulation equipment at their fingertips thanks to support from a federal grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. Announced in the fall of last year, the grant enabled the nursing program to replace aging equipment with the purchase of nearly $440,000 in additional manikins and laboratory equipment for simulation education.

Augustana University is proud to announce that its Class of 2022 nursing graduates within its School of Health Professions achieved the highest National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) pass rate of all programs in South Dakota for the third straight year.

Highlights

Nursing Research Fall 2022

Careers

Augustana graduates are leaders who work as nurses, educators and administrators in community health agencies, hospitals, nursing homes and schools across the country.

Hands-On Learning

Many future health care workers choose to become patient care techs, CNAs or volunteers at local hospitals to gain experience while in school.

Clinical opportunities include:

  • Sanford and Avera Health
  • Veterans Affairs Sioux Falls Healthcare System
  • Sioux Falls Schools
  • Bethany Lutheran Home
  • Children’s Home Society
  • Lutheran Social Services Refugee and Immigration Program
  • South Dakota Department of Health

Internship opportunities include:

  • Avera or Sanford Health
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) Sioux Falls Health Care
  • Sioux Falls School District (SFSD)
  • Various community sites, including the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, Union Gospel Mission and Dougherty Hospice House 

The Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium provides students with the opportunity to engage in and present health care and nursing research.

Nursing students study away in:

  • Ecuador — focusing on leadership in nursing with AU faculty
  • Norway — focusing on leadership in nursing with AU faculty
  • Greece — focusing on culture, health and well-being with AU faculty

NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Augustana nursing students' NCLEX pass rates are repeatedly higher than South Dakota and the nation's average. The Class of 2022 achieved the highest pass rate of all programs in South Dakota — the third year in a row Augustana nursing graduates have accomplished this success.

Year

Pass Rate First-Time Test Takers

South Dakota Average

National Average

2022

97.53%

86.72%

82.32%

2021

97.33%

86.83%

86.06%

2020

97.73%

92.35%

90.29%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courses & Organizations

Nursing applications are due no later than Feb. 15 of the year in which the student desires to begin upper-division nursing courses. Applications are available in the nursing office.

Nursing students often participate in:

  • Zeta Zeta, Augustana's chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International — the honor society of nursing
  • Augustana Nursing Student Association (ANSA)
  • Medical Humanities Club 
  • Be The Match On Campus
  • Senior nursing mentorship
  • Augiethon

    Accelerated Nursing Program

    Earn an Accelerated BSN

    Become a nurse in just over a year with the Augustana University Accelerated Nursing Program. Our program is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in a different area from an accredited institution and would now like to pursue a nursing career. At Augustana:

    • Our 16-month accelerated program includes two fall semesters, one J-Term, one spring semester and one summer session, along with the completion of prerequisite courses. Our program is offered as a full-time plan of study with classes taking place in person during the day.
    • Our accelerated nursing students receive full-time, quality instruction from Augustana’s renowned nursing faculty. We are proud of our students' exceptional NCLEX success rates.
    • Our program is competitively priced with a review of transfer credits available for the prerequisite courses.
    Nursing at AU

    Nursing at AU

    Nationally Ranked

    The Augustana University Accelerated Nursing Program was ranked No. 3 out of all accelerated nursing programs in the nation in 2021 by Best Value Schools, which "compares the best schools by attributes that matter to you."

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      Norwegian Nursing Exchange Program

      Why study with the exchange program?

      Augustana University welcomes Norwegian students from partner universities to study with renowned faculty in this holistic nursing program for a semester.

      Augustana & Nord Universities

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      Contacts

      • Program Director of Nursing Dr. Lynn White | lynn.white@augie.edu | 605.274.5336
      • Interim Co-Director of International Programs Office, International Student Advisor (PDSO) Heather Reed | heather.reed@augie.edu | 605.274.5050