Oct. 24, 2024

Avera Health and Mount Marty University are launching a program to create a more affordable pathway into nursing.

The Avera Nursing Advantage program will provide junior and senior nursing students at Mount Marty with a sponsorship and the ability to work within the Avera health system after earning their bachelor’s degree in nursing.

During those years, MMU will not reduce institutional aid, so for most students, the program will pay for their tuition and partial room and board for their last two years at Mount Marty. During all four years at MMU in Yankton, students also can work part time as certified nursing assistants or patient care technicians at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital or Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs senior living community.

“For more than 60 years, nursing education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels has been a strategic advantage for Mount Marty University,” president Marc Long said in a statement. “This new program with Avera enables us to educate more nursing students in our Catholic, Benedictine tradition so they can enjoy rewarding careers at Avera, caring for their neighbors in need.”

The program names Mount Marty as a preferred educator of future Avera nurses, recognizing the long history of collaboration between the two Catholic ministries and their relationship with the Benedictine Sisters of Yankton. Avera also was founded by the Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen.

“Nursing is such a critical part of our health care ministry,” said 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.”

The Avera Nursing Advantage was created in September and offered to seniors in the bachelor of science in nursing program this fall. Thirteen students showed interest, and all 13 agreed to sign up for the program. Avera is now offering the opportunity to junior BSN students.

“It’s exciting to think about expanding our clinical experiences for students,” said Kathy Magorian, dean of nursing and health sciences at Mount Marty. “We know that clinical is where the classroom and practice come together. While we currently offer a wide variety of clinicals in different facilities, this partnership will allow even greater expansion and learning for our students. Nursing students are always eager and excited for more clinical options.”