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 track 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 track 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 second degree track.
• The first bachelor’s degree must be earned and verified prior to the first day of the second degree track.
• 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 234, 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 second degree track.

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 second degree track 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 212 Introductory Microbiology 
BMS 250 Anatomy and Physiology I 
BMS 251 Anatomy and Physiology II 
CHM 234 Intro to Organic & Biochemistry 
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 second degree track. 

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 track, 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 track are: 

• NUR 222 Foundations of Nursing Theory
• NUR 224 Health Assessment and Clinical Skills
• NUR 225 Foundations in Nursing Simulation
• NUR 305 Adult Nursing Simulation 
• NUR 306 Adult Nursing Theory
• NUR 307 Adult Nursing Clinical 
• NUR 326 Nursing Pharmacology  
• NUR 329 Com. Public Health NUR I  
• NUR 342 Obstetrics Theory 
• NUR 343 Obstetrics Clinical 
• NUR 345 Pediatric Simulation 
• NUR 346 Pediatric Theory 
• NUR 347 Pediatric Clinical

• NUR 349 Obstetrics Simulation 
• NUR 352 or NUR 356 Research and Evidence or Critical Appraisal of Research 
• NUR 401 Psych Mental Health Sim 
• NUR 403 Psych Mental Health Clin. 
• NUR 406 Psych Mental Health Theory  
• NUR 415 Multi-patient Simulation
• NUR 422 Leadership Theory
• NUR 423 Clinical Immersion
• NUR 424 Transition to Practice: Nursing and Beyond
• NUR 495 Com. Public Health NUR II 
• IPE 402 Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Practice 

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 track requirements, visit the current BSN track section for second degree students in the GVSU course catalog*. For more information on track 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) track, graduates are eligible for licensure as a registered nurse and entry into professional nursing practice.