Avera Health creates pipeline of nurses, from high school to hospital

 

Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., is working with a local college and high school to create a career track for nursing students, from high school to college and into the health system.

Avera and Mount Marty University have launched the Avera Nursing Advantage program, an affordable pathway into nursing for students in the region. Junior and senior nursing students at Mount Marty receive generous sponsorships, covering tuition and partial room and board for their final two years, while they work part-time at Avera facilities. Students get valuable clinical experience through the program.

Another program, in collaboration with Mount Marty University and Bishop O'Gorman Catholic High School, is the Nursing Degree in Three program. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in the science of nursing in just three years by taking Advanced Placement and dual credit courses through Mount Marty starting in their junior year of high school.

Avera Health also offers the Avera Nursing Advantage program for Mount Marty students, providing $30,000 in educational funding in exchange for a three-year work commitment.

“Nursing is such a critical part of our health care ministry,” stated Doug Ekeren, regional president and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. “We share a heritage with Mount Marty University and are proud of their strong nursing program and this partnership.”