There are several high-quality bachelor’s of science in nursing programs in the Grand Rapids area. This isn’t surprising since West Michigan has seen a boom in investment in the health sciences over the past several decades. This, in addition to the general growth of Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area, makes it an excellent location to pursue a nursing degree and begin a career in nursing.
Grand Valley State University
Nursing School Rankings
- 3rd in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- 4th in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- 154th nationally in nursing programs (U.S. News & World Report)
The Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) at Grand Valley State University offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, emphasizing evidence-based nursing practice. This program, consisting of 136 credits, focuses on preparing students to provide nursing interventions at a generalist level for individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Essentials, emphasizing role development in care provision, design/management/coordination of care, and professionalism.
Students engage in clinical rotations covering diverse areas such as medical/surgical, mental health, obstetrics, pediatrics, adult/older adult, and community/population health nursing. Admission to the program involves a competitive process, and details can be found on the program’s official website.
The program provides an overview of potential career opportunities, acknowledging that actual salaries and opportunities may evolve over time. Allendale Campus hosts the initial undergraduate studies, with upper-division studies taking place at the GVSU Health Campus near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile. The format is face-to-face. KCON offers a well-integrated and accredited curriculum with a concept-based approach. Students receive instruction through learning labs, simulation exercises, and clinical experiences.
Learn more about the Grand Valley State University BSN Program.
University of Detroit Mercy – Grand Rapids
Nursing School Rankings
- 6th in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- 12th in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) collaborates with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids to present a distinctive Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This four-year program offers a direct admission opportunity, ensuring students secure a spot in the Nursing program immediately after high school. The curriculum encompasses liberal arts and supportive coursework at Aquinas College, taught by their faculty, while nursing courses are instructed by UDM faculty. Clinical experiences unfold at Trinity Health Grand Rapids and various locations in the Grand Rapids area, providing hands-on training. Graduates receive a BSN degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Learn more about the University of Detroit Mercy-Grand Rapids BSN Program.
Davenport University
Nursing School Rankings
- 20th in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- 17th in the state of Michigan (Best-Nursing-Colleges.com)
Davenport University’s School of Nursing offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to prepare students for successful nursing careers. This pre-licensure program spans 120 credits and is tailored for individuals with no prior nursing experience. Davenport sets itself apart by allowing freshmen to apply without prerequisites, ensuring a seat in the program, and enabling them to commence nursing-related courses and clinicals in their sophomore year.
The program is available at Davenport’s campuses in Warren, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Midland. Financial support, including an $8,000 nursing scholarship, is available for students at the Warren, Lansing, and Midland locations. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Davenport’s nursing program adheres to the gold standard of accreditation, ensuring the quality and integrity of education.
Davenport’s nursing curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation for future nurses. With a focus on hands-on experience, students engage in medical/surgical rotations and receive advanced cardiac life support training. The faculty and staff, known for their support and care, tailor a Student Care Plan if needed to ensure student success.
Learn more about the Davenport University BSN Program.
Calvin University
Nursing School Rankings
- 16th in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- 23rd in the state of Michigan (Best-Nursing-Colleges.com)
Calvin University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program stands out for its diverse strengths, according to the feedback from nursing students. The program emphasizes practical, real-world clinical experience at renowned medical institutions such as Helen Devos Children’s Hospital and Mercy Health in the vibrant medical community of Grand Rapids. One notable aspect is the program’s commitment to community service and justice, reflecting a deep Christian faith. Students speak highly of the program’s focus on developing a sense of community rather than fostering competition. Professors are recognized for maintaining open doors and providing support, creating an environment conducive to learning and growth.
The program’s success is evident in its excellent pass rate on the NCLEX exam, a testament to the quality of education provided. Calvin graduates are sought after in various healthcare settings nationwide, including hospitals, schools, and clinics. A distinctive feature is the program’s versatility, allowing students to transition seamlessly into different healthcare programs if they decide not to pursue a nursing degree. The curriculum facilitates gaining new perspectives on healthcare through study abroad or involvement in underserved communities. For those interested in combining nursing with Spanish, the program offers opportunities to enhance care provision effectiveness, though careful planning is essential to complete this dual-degree track within four years, requiring collaboration with faculty advisors.
Learn more about the Calvin University BSN Program.
Hope College
Nursing School Rankings
- 12th in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- 43rd in the state of Michigan (Nursing Schools Almanac)
Hope College’s School of Nursing stands out for its unique program that integrates academic excellence with a Christian faith perspective. Committed to preparing professional nurses, the school employs a holistic application review process, evaluating students based on experiences and academic measures. Faculty create a collaborative learning environment, fostering critical thinking, scholarship, and professional development. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, starting with nursing classes in a state-of-the-art simulation lab and progressing to various practicum sites.
Students can enter the Nursing Program through various routes, with most applying in the spring of their freshman year. Transfer students and those applying later must fulfill specific requirements. Real-world experience begins in the sophomore year, encompassing research practicums, clinicals at local hospitals, and utilization of specialized skills and simulation labs. Graduates typically secure employment within a year.
Learn more about the Hope College BSN Program.
Cornerstone University
Nursing School Rankings
- 22nd in the state of Michigan (Best-Nursing-Colleges.com)
Cornerstone University’s nursing program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), is designed to prepare students for a fulfilling career in healthcare. The program integrates the latest medical simulation technology and emphasizes both compassion and knowledge necessary for success in the nursing field. With a focus on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN®, the program ensures readiness for various healthcare settings, including emergency rooms, acute care, hospice, and medical missions.
As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at Cornerstone, you’ll have the opportunity to complete clinicals at renowned health systems like Trinity Health and Corewell Health, providing hands-on training both inside and outside the classroom. The program’s commitment to bringing the love of Christ to those in need is reflected in its partnerships with hospitals in West Michigan.
The nursing program at Cornerstone is known for its immersive technology, including a nursing center completed in 2020 with patient simulation mannequins that respond to medical treatment. This technology enhances the learning experience by bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world patient interactions. Clinical partnerships with various hospitals in West Michigan allow students to gain insights into real-world scenarios. The program’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in its learning environment, curriculum, and faculty-student activities, fostering cultural competence for global citizenship.
Learn more about the Cornerstone University BSN Program.
Program Costs & Additional Information
The program costs for the nursing program at Calvin University include a standard undergraduate tuition rate of $38,370 per academic year for full-time students (12–18 credits). In addition to tuition, nursing students will be charged an additional fee of $1,365 per practicum course. The practicum courses are an integral part of the two-year upper division major, with students typically taking one practicum course in each semester. Other direct costs of attending Calvin University include room and board, a wellness fee, and potential additional program costs. These rates are for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Cornerstone University’s nursing program costs $33,900 per year, covering undergraduate tuition, residence hall, and meals. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is located at 1001 E. Beltline Avenue, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
The program costs for Davenport University’s School of Nursing include undergraduate tuition at $975 per credit hour. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to check the official Davenport University website or contact the admissions team directly. The program is located at 6191 Kraft Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.
Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program with varying costs for in-state and out-of-state students. Michigan residents can expect lower division costs of $14,628 per year and upper division costs of $15,328 per year. Non-Michigan residents will incur higher costs, with lower division at $20,820 per year and upper division at $21,488 per year. Additional details are provided for credit hours and credits per semester. The program is located at the Allendale Campus and GVSU Health Campus, Grand Rapids, MI.
Hope College’s School of Nursing provides a breakdown of program costs for the academic year 2023-24. The total estimated cost ranges from $53,490 to $56,420, depending on the cohort year and residency status. These figures include tuition and fees, living expenses, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, federal student loan fees, and additional costs. The nursing program is located at 35 E. 12th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
The University of Detroit Mercy’s Grand Rapids BSN program, offered in collaboration with Aquinas College, has varying costs depending on the residency status and living arrangement. For residents living on-campus, the total cost of attendance is $48,896 per year. Off-campus residents will incur higher costs of $56,430 per year, while students living with parents have a total cost of $42,966 per year. The program is located at 200 Jefferson SE, Suite 220, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.