DES MOINES, IOWA – (OCTOBER 14, 2024) Mercy College of Health Sciences and Central College announced a new partnership that will allow the two institutions to offer a 3+1 dual degree program. The agreement was signed by Central College President Mark Putnam, EdD, and Mercy College President Adreain Henry, OD, EdD, MBA, on October 8, 2024, on Central’s campus in Pella, Iowa. The new 3+1 program will allow students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Mercy College and a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from Central in just four years.
“Central has a storied history of preparing students to be servant leaders in their communities,” said 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 will attend Central College for three years while pursuing select majors and participating in Central’s campus life activities and extracurricular programs.
After the completion of their classes at Central College, students who meet Mercy College’s admission requirements will begin nursing coursework as part of Mercy College’s one-year Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Upon successful completion of the Accelerated BSN coursework, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Mercy College’s Accelerated BSN program offers three start dates per year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, ensuring a seamless transition for students enrolled in this 3+1 dual degree program.
“The time for innovation is now,” Mercy College President Adreain 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.”
Mercy College offers similar 3+1 Accelerated BSN agreements with several institutions across the state, including Buena Vista University, Faith Baptist Bible College, Loras College, and Simpson College.
To learn more about Mercy College’s Accelerated BSN program, please visit the website.
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.
