LPN to RN Program
The Advanced Standing in the Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADS) at GRCC offers a pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance their nursing education. To qualify, applicants need a current, unencumbered practical nursing license and 2000 hours of verified LPN work experience. The admissions process includes submitting high school or college transcripts, demonstrating competency in math, and completing required biology and chemistry courses. Applicants must also take the HESI Exam, pass a drug screen, and undergo a background check.
The program consists of a pre-nursing semester and three to four semesters of nursing coursework. During the pre-nursing semester, students take foundational courses like Human Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition, and General Psychology. The subsequent semesters focus on nursing concepts, health-illness applications, and population health. Tuition costs vary for residents and non-residents, with additional fees for books, technology, and clinical site transportation.
The curriculum emphasizes maintaining academic standing, and students must achieve a grade of at least C in required courses. The program maintains specific policies, including a limit of two attempts for certain biology courses. Failure to meet these requirements can result in ineligibility for both the ADS and Practical Nursing programs.
The ADS program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. The nursing director provides information on licensure regulations, including considerations for individuals with substance abuse or criminal history. GRCC promotes affirmative action, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination, fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
Students are encouraged to focus on completing program requirements to secure their position on the waitlist. The checklist outlines essential steps, including completing admission requirements, the waitlist placement process, and courses that may be taken before entering the ADS program. The ultimate goal for students is to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation from the ADN program.
For financial aid considerations, students should contact the Financial Aid Office. Additionally, those aspiring to pursue a BSN degree after completing the ADN program can seek guidance from counselors/advisors regarding additional classes for transfer. The program provides a comprehensive and structured pathway for LPNs to advance their nursing career at GRCC. For further details, applicants can contact the Health Admissions Department at [email protected] or (616) 234-4348.
Program Costs
Prospective students entering the ADS program at GRCC should be aware of the associated costs involved in pursuing their nursing education. The program consists of a pre-nursing semester and three to four semesters of nursing coursework. Here’s a breakdown of what students can expect to pay:
Pre-Nursing Semester:
- Tuition (Resident): $3,036
- Tuition (Non-Resident): $6,361
First Semester:
- Tuition (Resident): $1,967
- Tuition (Non-Resident): $3,974
Second Semester:
- Tuition (Resident): $3,959
- Tuition (Non-Resident): $8,196
Third Semester:
- Tuition (Resident): $4,893
- Tuition (Non-Resident): $9,799
Approximate Total Tuition:
- Resident: $13,855.00
- Non-Resident: $28,330.00
Additional Costs and Fees:
- Books: Approximately $992.42 (book & ebook) or $661.33 (ebook only).
- Licensure Cost: Approximately $500 (State of MI = $208.80, fingerprints = $65, NCLEX = $200).
- Clinical Sites: Transportation costs to clinical sites within a 200-mile radius.
Other Fees:
- Online Courses Fee: $16 per contact hour.
- Student Records Fee: Varies based on contact hours.
- Technology Fee: $5.50 per contact hour.
- Campus Activities Fee: Varies based on contact hours.
- Facilities Maintenance Fee: Varies based on contact hours (applicable to FALL and WINTER semesters only).
Note: The outlined costs do not cover expenses for parking, supplies, uniforms, or a nursing pin. Students are also required to have a mobile device for downloading software.
It’s essential for students to stay updated on tuition and fee changes, and for the most accurate and current information, they should reach out to GRCC’s Financial Aid Office.
Program at a Glance
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Approximate Total Tuition: Resident – $13,855.00, Non-Resident – $28,330.00; Additional Costs Apply |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly NLNAC) |
| Location | 143 Bostwick Avenue, NE, Grand Rapids 49503 |
| Phone | (616) 234-4000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.grcc.edu/schools-departments/nursing-programs/advanced-standing-ads |
| Job Placement | No |