A New Era of Nursing Education
Fast-track nursing programs are quickly becoming a game-changer in the healthcare industry—addressing the nursing shortage, reducing time to employment, and lowering education costs for aspiring nurses.
One such pioneering initiative is Avera Health’s “Nursing Degree in Three” program, launched in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Designed to help high school students begin their nursing careers earlier, this program offers a streamlined path from classroom to hospital floor—in just three years.
For passionate students and workforce-strapped hospitals, this fast-track nursing program is a win-win model for the future of care.
What Is the Nursing Degree in Three Program?
Launched in collaboration with Mount Marty University and Bishop O’Gorman Catholic High School, the program offers junior-level high school students a structured way to:
- Take dual-credit and advanced placement courses
- Earn credits toward their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Graduate and enter the workforce in just three years
It’s not just accelerated—it’s smart, cost-effective, and designed to meet today’s growing demand for qualified nurses.
This program also reflects a larger shift in healthcare workforce planning: bridging education and employment pipelines earlier than ever before.
Why It Matters: Closing the Nurse Shortage Gap
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed by 2030. Traditional four-year programs, while valuable, can’t always keep up with real-time demand.
By launching programs like Nursing Degree in Three, healthcare systems like Avera are:
- Reducing the time to practice
- Lowering the cost of education
- Improving workforce stability
And for students? It means less student debt, more hands-on experience early on, and a competitive edge in a high-demand field.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Avera isn’t stopping at early entry—they’re also supporting future nurses mid-program. Through the Avera Nursing Advantage initiative, nursing students in their final two years receive:
- Tuition support
- Room and board assistance
- Part-time paid roles at Avera facilities
This builds loyalty and real-world clinical skills, while helping students stay financially afloat during their toughest academic years.
These kinds of hybrid work-learn models are gaining traction across the U.S. The Future of Allied Healthcare: Key Trends to Watch in 2025
Key Benefits of Early-Entry Nursing Programs
Programs like Avera’s offer benefits for students, schools, and healthcare employers:
For Students
- Graduate sooner, start earning faster
- Lower tuition costs
- Real-world clinical exposure by year two
For Schools
- Stronger enrollment in nursing programs
- Higher graduation and placement rates
For Employers
- Better prepared entry-level nurses
- Early engagement with future workforce
- Enhanced nurse retention
It’s a sustainable model that meets today’s needs while building tomorrow’s workforce.
How Staffing Agencies Can Support This Trend
At 3B Healthcare, we believe in nurturing the next generation of nurses. As a trusted nurse staffing agency, we see a growing opportunity to:
- Partner with academic institutions
- Create internship-to-placement pipelines
- Offer mentorship and onboarding support
- Provide flexible work options for student nurses
Whether you’re a student, school, or hospital—we’re here to bridge the gap.
Final Thoughts
The Nursing Degree in Three program from Avera Health isn’t just a fast track—it’s a forward-thinking blueprint. It reflects how collaboration between high schools, universities, and hospitals can address the nursing shortage, reduce educational barriers, and empower young people to enter meaningful careers sooner.
As a nurse staffing agency that values innovation in education, 3B Healthcare is excited to support these trends and connect talented new nurses with hospitals that need them.
Interested in learning more about how we support future nurses?
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FAQ
Can high school students really start nursing school early?
Yes! Through programs like dual enrollment and advanced placement, eligible students can earn college credits that count toward a BSN degree before graduating high school.
Is this type of program available outside South Dakota?
While Avera Health’s program is region-specific, similar initiatives are emerging nationwide. Many schools and hospitals are piloting accelerated and dual-enrollment nursing tracks.
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