Augustana College of South Dakota Nursing Program Review

Augustana College (Augie, AC) of South Dakota traces its history back to Hillsboro Academy, which was founded in 1835. After changing names and locations several times, the college eventually settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 650 miles away from its original site, in 1918. The college, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, focuses on the liberal arts.

All students, regardless of major, must complete a rigorous core curriculum. Besides majors in the humanities, Augustana College offers programs for prospective educators, engineers scientists, business leaders, and healthcare professionals. Aspiring nurses can complete Augustana College’s Bachelor of Arts in Nursing program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Program (B.A. with a Major in Nursing)

Like all students at Augustana College, students in the nursing program must complete a lengthy liberal arts course sequence in addition to the classes in their chosen field of study. Nursing students are required to complete sixty credits in the liberal arts, in addition to twenty-two credits of nursing prerequisites and forty-eight credits of nursing classes. In total, the degree requires 130 credits, and takes four years to complete on a full-time basis. Students in the lower division of the program (the first two years) have the option of studying part-time, but the upper division courses must be completed on a full-time basis. Upon graduation, the student will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in nursing. This is unusual, as most colleges award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Having earned this, he may sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If he passes this exam, he may pursue work opportunities as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Program – RN Transition (ADN to BSN/RN to BSN)

Augustana College welcomes graduates of associate degree nursing (ADN) programs or diploma programs to apply to the baccalaureate program. These applications are considered on an individual basis. If accepted, an RN will meet with an advisor to plan out an appropriate course of study, working around an employment schedule, if necessary. Typically, an RN must complete a four-credit bridge course before transitioning into upper-division nursing coursework. An RN must complete all the general education requirements in addition to the upper-level nursing coursework.

Continuing Education – The Parish Nurse Preparation Course

In keeping with its mission as a Christian college, Augustana College offers a special training course for RNs who wish to provide nursing care within the context of their faith. The Department of Nursing hosts the Augustana Parish Nursing Center, through which RNs can complete a Parish Nurse (Faith Community Nurse) Preparation Course. This training course gives RNs the tools and knowledge they need to set up and run a nursing ministry in their own parish. The curriculum for the course is based on the curriculum developed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center. The course is offered in a hybrid format, partly online and partly on campus. RNs have eight weeks to complete the initial, online component. After this, they attend an intense two-day session on the campus of Augustana College. 

Contact:
Augustana College
2001 S. Summit Avenue,
Sioux Falls, SD 57197