Trinity/Augustana 2+2 Program

March 8, 2024

Augustana, Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences announce direct-entry nursing program

ROCK ISLAND — 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 3.0
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.

For more information:
Nicole Lauer, 309-794-7645, nicolelauer@augustana.edu
Kristy Phillipson, (309) 373-3839; kristy.phillipson@unitypoint.org

About Augustana College
Augustana College, located in Rock Island, Ill., is ranked in the Top 100 nationally among liberal
arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Augustana offers 100 majors and areas of study,
and 29 varsity teams. The 115-acre wooded campus is located along the Mississippi River.

About Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
With a presence in the Quad Cities for more than 125 years, Trinity College of Nursing & Health
Sciences has become the community leader in developing experienced and knowledgeable
health professionals. Our academic programs are well-respected and focus on the development
of the critical thinking and practical skills necessary for entry into today's fast-changing health
care environment. Through our affiliation with UnityPoint Health – Trinity, our students are able
to work with some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the medical field, in both
simulated and clinical settings. Our dedicated faculty and staff work closely with other area
healthcare professionals, bringing a collaborative and holistic approach to the curriculum. Trinity
College of Nursing & Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for the following
degree programs: Associate of Applied Science in Radiography, Bachelor of Science in Nursing,
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, and Master of Science in
Nursing.