Catholic Organizations Provide Accelerated Nursing Track to Students: The Nursing Degree in Three

Mount Marty University is excited to announce the Nursing Degree in Three program, an opportunity for Bishop O'Gorman Catholic High School students to potentially graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in three years. Avera, O'Gorman and Mount Marty University discussed the idea of generating a pipeline of high-quality, Catholic school-educated nurses with roots in South Dakota. 

With the Nursing Degree in Three accelerated track, O'Gorman High School students can begin taking specific AP and dual credit courses through Mount Marty in their junior year, which can count as credit for a BSN degree. If they take all the prescribed classes, they will graduate from Mount Marty with a BSN in three years instead of four.

Kelly Jones, O'Gorman High School's director of counseling, said, "By streamlining the process for a high school student to become a professional, especially in a high-need and high-skill occupation, it opens students' eyes to new possibilities they may not have otherwise considered."

"We are blessed to announce a partnership between Avera, Mount Marty University, and Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to create a faith-filled nursing pathway that prepares students to serve others with Christ at the center," said Kyle Groos, president of Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools. "Rooted in our shared Catholic mission, this collaboration reflects Mount Marty's commitment to forming ethical leaders in service, Avera's dedication to caring for all with compassion and Christian values, and Bishop O'Gorman's mission to nurture disciples of Christ through faith and academic excellence. Together, we are empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals to answer God's call to serve with wisdom, integrity, and love."  

"Students can receive an incredible and transformative Catholic education from kindergarten to college graduation thanks to the Nursing Degree in Three," said Greg Franz, vice president for enrollment management at Mount Marty. "What's more, students can pursue the Avera Nursing Advantage at Mount Marty, gaining access to $30,000 in educational funding in exchange for pledging to work for Avera Health for three years."

"Avera has partnered with both Mount Marty and Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools for many years collaboratively, looking to the future with workforce needs,” said Pam Hilber, Avera’s Director of Workforce Advancement. “We are excited to enhance this partnership with these two excellent institutions that share a Catholic heritage with us."

A student from the Sioux Falls area who is serious about his or her Catholic faith can go from Catholic school to Catholic university to Catholic health care system and do it at a fraction of the cost of a traditional four-year college degree. Avera and Mount Marty announced the Avera Nursing Advantage program in October 2024, an effort to reduce the cost of a nursing degree and to increase nurses in the region.

For more information on Mount Marty's nursing programs and the Nursing Degree in Three, visit mountmarty.edu.

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.