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 at AU

Nursing at AU

CCNE Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Augustana University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

CCNE Accredited

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

Thanks to an initial gift and a strong international partnership, six Augustana students and a faculty member spent the 2024 spring semester studying in Costa Rica. With a successful semester under their belts, Augustana and the International Programs Office (IPO) are seeking ways to expand this enriching partnership. 

Augustana is proud to announce that the university’s Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) graduates within its School of Health Professions achieved a 95.5% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) pass rate in 2023 — the highest of all 4-year BSN programs in South Dakota, and the third highest among all RN programs in the state. In addition, Augustana’s December 2023 Accelerated Nursing Program graduates achieved a 100% pass rate.

Augustana is excited to once again host its annual Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium, set to take place on Saturday, April 13, at the Froiland Science Complex, located on the university’s campus.

Highlights

Simulation Learning

Simulation Learning at AU

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:

  • Costa Rica — 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

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

NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Augustana nursing students' NCLEX pass rates are repeatedly higher than South Dakota and the nation's average.

Year

Pass Rate of First-Time Test Takers

South Dakota Average

National Average

2023

95.52%

94.33%

90.17%

2022

97.53%

86.72%

82.32%

2021

97.33%

86.83%

86.06%

    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 Calendar

      NNProgram Calendar

      Fall 2024 Calendar

      • March 15  | Augustana application materials due
      • April 1 | Admission decisions set to partner schools
      • April 15 | Enrollment deposit due ($600, includes $100 refundable housing deposit and $500 non-refundable Orientation fee)
      • May 1 | Additional documents due (immunizations, physical exam, CPR, background check)
      • Aug. 11 | Arrival Date
      • Aug. 12 | Nursing exchange welcome and orientation
      • Aug. 13-16 | Nursing Health Assessment Course
      • Aug. 19-20 | International Student Orientation
      • Aug. 21-23 | IPO trip to the Black Hills
      • Aug. 24-27 | Augustana Welcome Week 
      • Aug. 28 | First day of class
      • October 14 - No classes — Indigenous People's Day
      • Oct. 15-16 | No classes — fall break
      • Nov. 27-29 | No classes — Thanksgiving break
      • Dec. 9-13 | Final exams (Note: exams may be scheduled on Saturday; no exams on Sunday)

      Spring 2025 Calendar

      • Oct. 15 , 2024 | Augustana application materials due
      • Nov. 1, 2024 | Admission decisions set to partner schools
      • Nov. 15,  2024 | Enrollment deposit due ($600, includes $100 refundable housing deposit and $500 non-refundable orientation fee)
      • Dec. 1, 2024 | Nursing application requirements due to nursing (immunizations, physical exam, CPR, background check documentation). Documents found here by clicking on the Application Requirements drop down.
      • Jan. 27, 2025 | Arrival date
      • Jan. 28, 2025 | Nursing exchange welcome and orientation
      • Jan. 29 - Feb. 3, 2025 | Nursing Health Assessment Course
      • Feb. 4 - Feb. 5, 2025 | International Student Orientation
      • Feb. 6, 2025 | First day of class
      • March 8 - March 16, 2025 | No classes — spring break
      • April 18 - April 21, 2025 | No classes — Easter break
      • May 17-22, 2025 | Final exams (Note: exams may be scheduled on Saturday; no exams on Sunday)