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2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Traditional

Grand Valley's traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree program focuses on evidence-based nursing practice. This curriculum is a competency-based curriculum that focuses on developing specific skills and abilities that are essential for effective nursing practice. Students are prepared to provide nursing interventions for individuals, families, groups, and communities at a beginning, generalist level and will complete five semesters of clinical coursework.

Admission

  • Applicants must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (includes grades in all college-level courses).
  • Applicants must earn a minimum prerequisite grade point average of 2.7.
  • Applicants must demonstrate successful completion with a grade of C (2.0) or better in all prerequisite coursework.
  • Adhere to the KCON course repeat policy which states that a student may repeat three admission prerequisite courses and two of those courses can be BMS, CHM, or BIO. No required course may be repeated more than once.

The Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) admits two cohorts into the traditional B.S.N. program on an annual basis: one cohort in the fall semester and one cohort in the winter semester. Admission to the traditional B.S.N. program is highly competitive, and a student may not be admitted if only meeting the minimum requirements. Additional information about the traditional B.S.N. admissions process, including application deadlines, can be found on the Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) website at https://www.gvsu.edu/kcon/oss/trad-bsn-adm-182.htm.

Prior to beginning KCON clinical courses, students must complete comprehensive health compliance requirements including, but not limited to, a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and drug screening. It is the responsibility of the student to establish and maintain all compliance requirements. Clinical sites can refuse to accept students who have not successfully completed all GVSU health requirements as well as those who have received exemptions through GVSU. Because clinical sites have the right to refuse a student's placement based on their health compliance status this may negatively impact a student's ability to progress in the B.S.N. program and subsequently graduate. Please note: If there is illegal activity in the background check/fingerprinting or if there is evidence of one or more prohibited substance(s) in the drug test, the clinical sites have the right to refuse a student's placement, which may negatively impact a student's ability to progress in the B.S.N. program and subsequently graduate.

In addition, all State Boards of Nursing review records of all graduates who have completed a nursing program to determine eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN). All State Boards of Nursing retain the right to deny a B.S.N. graduate permission to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination if convicted of a crime.

States/Jurisdictions Where KCON's Prelicensure B.S.N. Curriculum Meets State Educational Requirements for Professional Licensure:

The prelicensure (traditional and second degree) nursing programs at Grand Valley State University's Kirkhof College of Nursing (GVSU KCON) position you to earn your Bachelor of Science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree and thereby gain eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) in the State of Michigan. Upon successfully passing the NCLEX-RN, the KCON nursing graduate achieves legal authority to practice under the protected title of registered nurse (RN) in the State of Michigan.

KCON B.S.N. prelicensure graduates seeking to practice as an RN in a state other than Michigan must meet the requirements of that state. GVSU KCON has not made a determination on whether its curriculum meets the educational requirements of all states/jurisdictions. To view board of nursing professional licensure requirements by state of interest, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing at ncsbn.org/14730.htm.

All courses listed in the Admission Prerequisite Courses and Additional Required Course sections must be completed with a minimum grade of a C (2.0).

All required courses for the nursing major must be taken for graded credit except for some clinical nursing courses that are designated as credit/no-credit. All courses listed in the suggested order of coursework are required to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree.

Admission Prerequisite Courses (30-34 credits)

The following courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better before applying to the nursing program.

Additional Required Courses (14 credits)

The following required courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better before the start of the nursing program.

Corequisite Courses (9 credits)

The following corequisite courses are designed for the student to take at a time that complements the nursing clinical courses but may be completed in advance.

Transfer Students

A student planning to transfer to GVSU from another college or university should work closely with their local academic advisor. As a transfer student, be sure to carefully review your GVSU transcript evaluation upon admission to the university.

To be considered for the traditional B.S.N. program, a student must first be admitted to GVSU and declare nursing as a major prior to application.

Traditional B.S.N. Program: Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Nursing

Semester One (14 credits)

Semester Two (15 credits)

Semester Three (17 credits)

Semester Four (16 credits)

Semester Five (14 credits)

Semester Six (15 credits)

Semester Seven (15 credits)

Semester Eight (14 credits)

Total Credits: 120

To progress in the traditional B.S.N. program, a minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in the prerequisite, required, corequisite, and all nursing courses.

A grade less than a C (2.0) is considered a failure in all required B.S.N. courses. Students who fail more than one required NUR course will not be allowed to remain in the program. Withdrawal from a course when not in good standing will be considered a course failure regardless of when the withdrawal occurs.

Total number of program credits may vary and could exceed 120 (based on general education course selections).

Nursing Program Description

Click here for the program description.


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