General Questions
What is the benefit of earning a BSN degree at Grand Valley State University?
Today's nurses must not only be prepared to provide expert nursing care but also be able to help transform health care in hospitals and other settings. In the BSN program, the student has the opportunity to develop the professional knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet these challenges. The BSN curriculum prepares graduates to provide holistic evidence-based nursing care to individuals, families and communities.
Developing knowledge in local, regional and global health care systems prepares the BSN graduate to take a leadership role in the health care team. Ultimately, a BSN degree provides the best preparation for advanced education and extraordinary career opportunities.
Some of the features that set Grand Valley State University (GVSU) apart from other nursing programs include:
- A full-service, residential university campus in downtown Grand Rapids affords students convenience, flexibility, and opportunity.
- The NCLEX first-time pass rate for B.S.N. graduates is consistently above the state and national average.
- Student nurses will attend class in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, located in the heart of West Michigan's “Medical Mile,” will help prepare the next generation of professionals for advanced opportunities in health care research, education, diagnosis, and treatment.
- State-of-the art facilities including a 708,000-volume library, laboratories and classrooms located in either the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (CHS) building, or the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health (DCIH) building. Check out the Virtual Tour of our simulation labs: VIRTUAL TOUR
- Nursing courses taught by faculty acclaimed for both their scholarship and real-world experience.
- Grand Valley offers an excellent education at a reasonable cost.
What type of accreditation does the Kirkhof College of Nursing have?
The baccalaureate degrees in nursing, master’s degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education https://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation
What is the cost of the program?
Tuition costs for GVSU can be found on the GVSU website: GVSU Financial Aid. Additional tuition charges per credit hour for 300 level and above NUR courses for undergraduate students apply. Books, uniforms, transportation, etc. are extra.
Are there scholarships available for nursing students?
Grand Valley offers 300+ endowed and department scholarships. The majority of scholarship deadlines fall between February 15 and March 1. These scholarships vary and may be based on interests, academic performance, special talents or major. Many of these scholarships are made possible through generous donations.
Scholarships available for nursing majors (admitted into the nursing program) can be found on the GVSU Financial Aid Website.
Will I have an Academic Advisor?
Yes, you will be assigned a nursing Academic Advisor after you register for your first class at GVSU and declare Nursing as your major. As long as you are a nursing major, you will have the same Academic Advisor until graduation.
Academic Advisors assist with the development of educational plans, explain institutional requirements, assist with the exploration of career goals, clarify and guide students through the nursing admission process, enhance student awareness of educational resources, and help students with personal and academic needs.