Cost & earnings at Augustana University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Augustana University prepares students for registered nurse practice with pathways that emphasise clinical nursing, nursing administration and nursing research. It suits applicants seeking a professionally recognised undergraduate degree with hands-on clinical training, leadership development and opportunities to pursue research or management roles in healthcare.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) combines foundational liberal arts study with a sequenced nursing curriculum that builds knowledge and clinical skill across the lifespan. Core topics include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment and evidence-based practice. Nursing-specific modules cover medical–surgical nursing, maternal–child and paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community and public health nursing, and gerontological care.
The programme offers distinct emphases in Clinical Nursing, Nursing Administration and Nursing Research. Clinical Nursing focuses on advanced assessment, acute and chronic care management and extended clinical practicum experiences. Nursing Administration covers leadership, human resources and healthcare finance, with courses in organisational behaviour, quality improvement and healthcare policy. Nursing Research emphasises statistics, research design, nursing informatics and translating evidence into practice, and includes a research project or capstone.
Students complete a combination of classroom learning, high-fidelity simulation lab practice and supervised clinical placements with partner hospitals and community agencies. The curriculum typically culminates in a clinical capstone and preparation for licensure exams required for registered nurse practice.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with successful completion of prerequisite science and mathematics courses such as biology, chemistry and algebra. Admissions take account of academic performance (competitive GPA), any prior college coursework, and demonstration of commitment to healthcare.
Additional requirements commonly include prerequisite laboratory science grades, a personal statement, and one or more references. Some applicants may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process. International applicants must meet the University’s English-language proficiency requirements. Prior to clinical placements, accepted students will need current immunisations, basic life support (BLS) certification and any background checks or health clearance required by clinical partners.
Graduates are prepared to sit the national licence examination for registered nurses and to begin practice in a wide range of clinical settings. Typical first roles include staff nurse positions in acute care hospitals, community health nursing, long-term care and outpatient clinics.
With the administrative emphasis, graduates can move into charge nurse, unit manager or health services coordinator roles. The research emphasis supports career options in nursing research assistance, clinical trials coordination, quality improvement and roles that support evidence-based practice within healthcare organisations. Graduates may also choose postgraduate study to pursue advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator or health services researcher.
Augustana offers a small-campus learning environment with relatively small cohort sizes, which supports close faculty mentoring and personalised academic advising. The nursing programme integrates liberal arts perspectives with professional preparation, encouraging critical thinking, ethical practice and communication skills valued by employers.
Students benefit from modern simulation facilities and established clinical partnerships with regional hospitals, public health agencies and community organisations, providing a range of hands-on placement experiences. The curriculum emphasises leadership, interprofessional collaboration and community engagement, preparing graduates to deliver patient-centred care and to assume roles in management, research or advanced clinical practice.
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