ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University and Avera have expanded their longstanding partnership to strengthen nursing education through the creation of NSU's Department of Nursing and the establishment of the Avera Simulation Center.

Located within Northern's newly completed Business and Health Innovation Center, the Avera Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art nursing education facility designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for careers in healthcare. The partnership builds on years of collaboration between Avera and Northern State University and was instrumental in launching Northern's new nursing program.

"Avera's partnership was essential to making NSU's nursing program a reality," said Dr. Alan LaFave, president of Northern State University. "The Avera Simulation Center is a remarkable teaching facility — one that gives our students the hands-on experience they need to be ready for the realities of patient care from day one."

Since its launch, NSU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has quickly become one of the university's most in-demand academic offerings.

"Avera has always believed that investing in health care education is ultimately an investment in the health of our communities," said Dan Bjerknes, Avera St. Luke's Regional President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our partnership with Northern State University gives students access to a world-class simulation center right here near Avera St. Luke’s — and it means more highly trained nurses will be choosing to build their careers and their lives in northeastern South Dakota."

While Northern has offered pre-nursing courses for many years, students previously had to leave Northern to complete their nursing degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program now allows students to earn their nursing degree entirely on the NSU campus. Northern's nursing program has also expanded to include an LPN to BSN pathway, providing licensed practical nurses the opportunity to advance their education and earn a bachelor's degree without leaving the region. The Avera Simulation Center further strengthens the curriculum, providing students with access to advanced technology and training.

"The demand for nurses in South Dakota has never been higher, and our students deserve to be prepared for that," said Dr. Lyncee Monson, associate dean of nursing at Northern State University. "Thanks to Avera's support, we have the technology, the training tools and the clinical partnerships to make sure our graduates are ready to step into the workforce with confidence."

For more information about Northern State University's Department of Nursing or opportunities to support student success, contact the NSU Foundation at 605-626-2550 or visit northernstatefoundation.com.