An accelerated degree option for those who've already earned a bachelors degree

Grand Valley's second degree 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. 

The Second Degree BSN is for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This accelerated program can be completed in as little as 16 months. 

Student Success Is Our Priority

- Learn from exceptional faculty invested in your success
- Receive guidance from experienced academic advisors every step of the way
- Experience local and relevant clinical practicums arranged for you 
- Work with state-of-the-art technology for teaching and learning
- Create an individual program plan with your advisor

Eligible applicants will have:

• Acceptance into Grand Valley State University as a degree-seeking undergraduate student no later than the semester preceding the start of the professional nursing program.
• The first bachelor’s degree must be earned and verified prior to the first day of the professional nursing program.
• Overall GPA of 2.7 or higher (includes GVSU and non-GVSU graduate and undergraduate coursework).
• Overall GPA of 2.7 or higher in the admission pre-requisite courses and a minimum grade of “C” in each course. These courses include BIO 355, BMS 250, BMS 251, BMS 212, CHM 230, and PSY 364.
• Adhere to the Kirkhof College of Nursing course repeat policy: Students may repeat three admission pre-requisite courses of which two can be BMS, CHM, or BIO. No required course may be repeated more than once.                                       
• In addition, BMS 305, BMS 310, and STA 215 must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” before starting the professional nursing program.

GVSU Course Listings and Descriptions

The Kirkhof College of Nursing admits 48 students into the Spring/Summer semester, 48 students into the Fall semester, and 48 students into the Winter semester. Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive, and students who only meet the minimum criteria may not be admitted. Admission is based on balanced consideration given to the following components:

• Prerequisite GPA
• Interview
• Personal Statement
• Student Profile

Prerequisite GPA

The grades earned in the following courses are calculated to comprise your prerequisite GPA. 

BIO 355 Human Genetics 
BMS 250 Anatomy and Physiology I 
BMS 251 Anatomy and Physiology II 
CHM 230 Intro to Organic & Biochemistry 
BMS 212 Introductory Microbiology 
PSY 364 Lifespan Developmental Psychology 

For course equivalency questions, please refer to the FAQ page.

Interview 
Students will participate in a short interview to help faculty better understand their readiness for the program. 

Personal Statement
Students will submit a 650 word typed response based on an open-ended question.

Student Profile
Students will be asked to describe the impact and skills acquired for the following experiences:
work experience, leadership experience, study or service abroad, healthcare job shadow experience, certifications/honors/awards, other languages spoken, and volunteer experience.

Connect with Our Advising Office

Admissions Deadlines

Students complete the application online during the application period. A link to the application will be available on the KCON website during the application period which is January 1 - 8 for students who want to start in Spring/Summer semester (May), May 1 - 8 for students who want to start in the Fall semester (August), and August 1 - 8 for students who want to start in the Winter semester (January). All applications must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on the final day. No late applications will be accepted. 

The admission decisions will be made by the KCON Undergraduate Affairs Committee, and candidates will be notified via email. Student scores are for internal use and will not be released.

Admitted students are required to comply with, and provide documentation of, all Health Compliance expectations including, but not limited to: physical examination, verification of immunizations, TB testing, criminal background check, drug screen, and CPR certification. 

Once admitted into the Second Degree BSN program, students must take the following list of nursing courses. All courses listed as follows must be completed with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Continued progression through the nursing major requires a minimum grade of C (2.0) in corequisite and nursing courses. All required courses for the nursing major must be taken for graded credit with the exception of some clinical nursing courses that are designated as credit/no-credit.

The list of courses in the Second Degree BSN program are: 

• NUR 322 - Theoretical Foundations for Health Assessment and Promotion 
• NUR 323 - Clinical Application of Health Assessment and Promotion 
• NUR 324 - Introduction to Professional Nursing Theory 
• NUR 325 - Clinical Judgment in Health Assessment and Promotion 
• NUR 326 - Nursing Pharmacology 
• NUR 332 - Adult Health Theory 
• NUR 333 - Adult Health Clinical 
• NUR 335 - Clinical Judgment in Adult Health 
• NUR 336 - Research and Evidence-based Nursing Practice (3 credits) OR NUR 338 - Critical Appraisal of Evidence-based Practice in Nursing 

• NUR 442 - Childbearing and Child-rearing Theory 
• NUR 443 - Childbearing and Child-rearing Clinical 
• NUR 445 - Clinical Judgment in Childbearing, Child-rearing, Community Health, and Mental Health 
• NUR 446 - Community Health and Mental Health Theory
• NUR 447 - Community Health and Mental Health Clinical
• NUR 472 - Transitions to Professional Nursing 
• NUR 473 - Clinical Immersion 
• NUR 475 - Clinical Judgment in Immersion 
• NUR 476 - Population Health Theory 

The nursing major also consists of required core courses. A student must achieve a grade of C or higher in the following courses in order to progress to the next level:  BMS 305 (Clinical Nutrition), BMS 310 (Pathophysiology), and BIO 355 (Genetics).

For full course descriptions and program requirements, visit the current BSN program section for second degree students in the GVSU course catalog. For more information on program prerequisites, plans, and guides visit the BSN Requirements and Guides page on KCON Office of Student Services' website. 

Do note that the completion of 56 credits in the professional nursing curriculum is required for the B.S.N. degree at KCON. 

Upon completion of the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, graduates are eligible for licensure as a registered nurse and entry into professional nursing practice.