Nursing Degrees Online

Designed for working nurses who want to build on prior nursing education, this program will equip you with the theory-based knowledge and skills to work in many of the new expanding fields of nursing. You will be prepared to lead health-care teams, coordinate and plan nursing care for a variety of clients, collaborate with other health professionals, and make confident, independent decisions. As a BSN graduate, you will be prepared to assume leadership roles for coordinating and planning nursing care. Job opportunities are fast-growing and diverse. The baccalaureate nursing program also serves as the foundation for graduate nursing studies. Fully accredited by NLNAC.

Location: Online, Alma, Big Rapids, Flint, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Midland, Traverse City

Program Plan: Checksheet, Rotation Schedule

Transfer Plans: Grand Rapids Community College

Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester (August): Applications must be received by August 1. All application materials, including transcripts, must be received by Ferris no later than August 15.
Spring Semester (January): Applications must be received by December 1. All application materials, including transcripts, must be received by Ferris no later than December 15.

An applicant who submits their application after August/December 1 AND/OR the transcripts and required items are not received by August/December 15 will not be eligible for admission to the upcoming semester. In such cases the application will be processed for the next semester or cohort start as applicable.

In order to be eligible for admission into the Practical Nursing Program, students must:
Be high school graduates or have passed the high school equivalency GED (General Educational Development) Test.
Have a high-school GPA of at least 2.5.
Score at least 70% on the HESI Admissions test.
Complete 7 Panel Drug Screen and fingerprinting through Campus Police.

In addition to tuition, fees and books there may also be costs for uniforms, etc. Estimates of additional costs may be obtained from the Admissions or Health Department offices.
To be eligible for graduation, PN students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (80%) in the prescribed PN curriculum and in each nursing course.

The Practical Nursing curriculum is a demanding one. Students must demonstrate that they are meeting the performance objectives for each course. Readmission is in order of application on a space-available basis.

Students are expected to supply their own textbooks, supplies, uniforms, transportation, parking and fees.

At GRCC, opportunities exist for graduates of the Practical Nursing Program to enter the Associate Degree Nursing Program with advanced standing. Students interested in following this path should consult with the Director of Nursing Programs as early as possible.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for the physically or mentally ill. Under the direction of registered nurses, physicians or dentists, they provide nursing care that requires considerable specialized knowledge. Job opportunities for LPNs are expected to be very good in the years ahead.

The Practical Nursing Program at GRCC is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by NLNAC, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; (212) 363-5555 ext. 153. Upon successful completion of this program, students receive a certificate and are eligible to write the state licensing examination to become Licensed Practical Nurses. Requirements for licensure to practice as an LPN in Michigan are stated in the Michigan Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978, Article 15. The new applicant for licensure will be asked about substance abuse treatment and felony conviction. Previous treatment for substance abuse or conviction of a felony may prevent an applicant from taking the NCLEX-PN. Upon request, the Nursing Director will provide a list of rules and regulations governing licensure in Michigan.

Prospective students may apply for entry into the Practical Nursing Program at the completion of their junior year in high school.

Full-time students are admitted to the program once a year for the Winter semester. Students with jobs and/or other pressing responsibilities are encouraged to take this program on a part-time basis. Part-time students are admitted once annually in the Fall. Details are available in the Nursing Program Office.

1. The College Admissions Office handles all new student applications. There is a one-time non‑refundable application fee for all students new to GRCC. Students who have attended GRCC previously need to fill out a curriculum plan code change form at the Enrollment Center office or with the Health Admissions Coordinator in 5th floor, College Park Plaza Building. Students will be assigned to curriculum code 329 at the time of application. This code means “Advanced Standing status (ADS) –admission requirements incomplete”.

2. Transfer credit for courses taken at other colleges are valid only when granted in writing by the Grand Rapids Community College Registrar and will be based only on an official college transcript sent directly to Grand Rapids Community College.

In order to help Licensed Practical Nurses to become Registered Nurses, the Nursing faculty at Grand Rapids Community College allows advanced standing (ADS) in the College’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program. Successful completion of the ADN program culminates in the award of the Associate in Nursing degree, and the eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN—National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurse.

The length of time that it will take a Licensed Practical Nurse to complete the ADN program depends on his/her record of college courses already taken, his/her standing in respect to the ADS admission criteria outlined below, and the availability of space in clinical courses in the level at which the student needs to enter the ADN program.

It is CRITICAL for the prospective student to maintain contact with the Health Admissions Coordinator in order to be assured that all requirements for ADS entrance are being met. Please call 234-4348, if you have any questions concerning advanced standing admission in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

$79.50 per contact hour
17 = $1351.50
21 = $1669.50
26 = $ 2067.00

$157.00 per contact hour
17 = $2669.00
21 = $3297.00
26 = $ 4082.00

Technology fee
20.00
20.00
20.00

Books (estimate costs)
550.00
375.00
350.00

Name pin, patch
–
10.00
–

Kit
–
10.00
36.00

Meds Fee
59.00
59.00

Resident
$1921.50
$2143.50
$2532.00

Non-Resident
$3239.00
$3771.00
$4547.00

3rd Semester
4th Semester
5th Semester

Tuition @:

$79.50 per contact hour
22 = $1749.00
22 = $1749.00
7 = $556.50

$157.00 per contact hour
22 = $3454.00
22 = $3454.00
7 = $1099.00

Technology fee
20.00
20.00
20.00

Books (estimate costs)
300.00
375.00
125.00

Licensure fee
–
–
248.00

Nursing school pin
–
–
22.00

Kit
22.00
–

Meds Fee
59.00
59.00
59.00

Resident
$2128.00
$2225.00
$1030.50

Non-Resident
$3833.00
$3930.00
$1573.00