PELLA, IA (10/14/2024) Central College signed an agreement with Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, to offer its 3+1 dual degree nursing program. The signing with Central President Mark Putnam and Mercy College President Adreain Henry on October 8 launches a new opportunity for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College and a liberal arts bachelor's degree from Central.

"Central has a storied history of preparing students to be servant leaders in their communities," says Putnam. "With this partnership, we know Central's students will be prepared to do a world of good. Iowa, the nation and the world face a shortage of nurses and healthcare professionals. Central is in an enviable place to build the pipeline of compassionate and skilled nurses of the future."

With this agreement, students can attend Central for three years while pursuing select majors, completing Core requirements and participating in campus life activities and extracurricular programs. After completing their Central classes, students who meet admission requirements will be eligible to enroll in Mercy College's one-year Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for their fourth year of coursework. Students who complete this 3+1 program will graduate with both a bachelor's degree from Central and a BSN degree from Mercy College in four years, providing a path for future career advancement and exploration.

This articulation agreement gives Central students an additional 3+1 option for an accelerated nursing degree.

"A distinguishing factor of this 3+1 agreement is the ability to begin Mercy College's Accelerated BSN program in the fall, spring and summer semesters," says Aaron Roerdink, Central's dean of faculty and Class of 1997 Central graduate. "Students have been asking for more opportunities like this in the Des Moines area. With our proximity, a student can begin the nursing program while staying connected with Central's campus and their classmates."

"The time for innovation is now," Henry emphasized. "As a society, we have a tremendous need for compassionate, knowledgeable nurses. We cannot wait for solutions to find us. This partnership between Mercy College and Central College positions both of our historic institutions to lead the way toward a better future for healthcare, preparing more nurses to meet the needs of the future."

To participate in the Accelerated BSN program, students must complete a minimum of 90 credits toward a Central bachelor's degree and meet the admission requirements for Mercy College of Health Sciences. Individuals interested in the program can explore Central's nursing website and discuss requirements and plan their progression with Central's academic advisors and pre-health advisor Jeremy Burke, Class of 2026 Class Dean.

About Central College

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Our students learn collaboratively with supportive educators who share a commitment to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement. Founded in 1853 and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.

About Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a health sciences specialty school rooted in the Catholic heritage of the Sisters of Mercy. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, Mercy College offers master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. Through our unique hands-on learning, unparalleled clinical rotations, and accelerated education offerings, our students are prepared to enter the workforce quickly with the critical skills necessary to make an immediate impact in their chosen healthcare careers. Guided by our Core Values of Knowledge, Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence, Mercy College has been transforming students into successful healthcare professionals for 125 years.