Grand Valley State University Kirkhof College of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
On Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, KCON runs CCNE-accredited Traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN (accelerated pathway), RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and graduate nursing certificates. GVSU publishes 2025–26 tuition and nursing course surcharges; for school-specific NCLEX-RN percentages, use Michigan LARA NCLEX score summaries and confirm with KCON.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
KCON situates pre-licensure nursing on downtown Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile in the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, with ~1,260 clinical hours across community and hospital settings (and optional faculty-led global health experiences). Traditional BSN admission is competitive—balanced across prerequisite GPA, interview, personal statement, and student profile—with 120 seats per Fall and Winter cohorts beginning Winter 2025 per KCON.
Overview & Why Students Choose Kirkhof College of Nursing
Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) delivers undergraduate and graduate nursing education from the university’s Health Campus in Grand Rapids, adjacent to major West Michigan health systems. The college emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional learning, and clinical breadth—from medical–surgical, mental health, obstetrics, and pediatrics to community and public health—aligned with AACN Baccalaureate Essentials at the pre-licensure level.
Students choose KCON for its location on the Medical Mile, CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN/DNP portfolio, structured Office of Student Services advising, and connections to employers and preceptors across the region. The university also operates the main Allendale campus with free bus links to Grand Rapids, which matters for commuters and dual-campus learners.
KCON’s Traditional BSN FAQ states the NCLEX first-time pass rate for B.S.N. graduates is consistently above the state and national average—a qualitative claim you should pair with numeric cohort data from Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary publications. Confirm the latest first-time pass rate for Grand Valley State University in the most recent PDF and cross-check with KCON.
Reasons students choose KCON
Medical Mile & interprofessional campus
Nursing instruction is centered in the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health amid Grand Rapids’ major hospitals and ambulatory networks—supporting clinical access and interprofessional education.
Deep clinical hour commitment
KCON’s Traditional BSN materials describe about 1,260 clinical hours across multiple specialties and community settings, including optional faculty-led global health experiences.
Full nursing degree ladder
From pre-licensure BSN and Second Degree BSN through RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificates, KCON supports progression without changing institutions.
Transparent competitive admissions
Traditional BSN admission is scored across prerequisite GPA, interview, personal statement, and student profile, with published application windows and cohort sizes.
Student life & honors
KCON hosts active NSNA chapter engagement (including Stellar School recognition noted in the catalog), Sigma Theta Tau, multicultural nursing organizations, and graduate networking through GNSA and regional NP chapters.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following list reflects GVSU’s 2025–2026 catalog and KCON program pages. Pre-licensure pathways prepare graduates for NCLEX-RN; post-licensure and graduate programs prepare for advanced certification or practice roles as described by the college.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
For students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree in nursing. Competency-based curriculum, five semesters of clinical nursing courses, summers off during the nursing sequence for the traditional track, and about 1,260 clinical hours in varied settings per KCON.
Second Degree BSN
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at Grand Valley State University the program is called Second Degree BSN. For applicants who already hold a bachelor’s (or higher) in a non-nursing field; multiple entry points per year. Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
Online-oriented BSN completion for licensed RNs with (or completing) an associate degree in nursing; details on progression and admission through KCON’s RN-to-BSN page.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Prepares nurses as advanced generalists and leaders in clinical microsystems; GVSU catalog notes eligibility for Clinical Nurse Leader national certification upon completion. Applications received by May 1 guarantee a seat review when accepted; later applications considered by space.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Practice doctorate with emphasis areas including Advanced Practice Nursing (primary child/adolescent, primary care adult/older adult) and Health Systems Leadership; post-MSN DNP option. Hybrid design with online coursework and specialty practicums per KCON materials.
Post-graduate certificates (KCON)
APRN & interprofessional certificates
Per the catalog: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-graduate certificates; Interprofessional Palliative and Hospice Care and Interprofessional Health Informatics certificates (post-BSN). Confirm admission requirements and course delivery with KCON.
Tracks, emphases, and delivery can change. Always confirm the current catalog entry for Kirkhof College of Nursing and the relevant KCON program page before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through the Bureau of Community and Health Systems, publishes NCLEX score summary documents (typically annual PDFs) that report NCLEX-RN performance by nursing program, including Grand Valley State University. Use those publications to read the most recent first-time pass rate and tester counts for GVSU’s pre-licensure BSN graduates.
Separately, KCON’s Traditional BSN FAQ states that the NCLEX first-time pass rate for B.S.N. graduates is consistently above the state and national average. That statement is not a substitute for the numeric, cohort-specific rates in LARA’s summaries—always confirm the latest figures in the official report.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (numeric) | Open the latest Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary PDF from the Bureau of Community & Health Systems nursing publications and locate the row for Grand Valley State University. This page does not embed a percentage so the figure always matches the official file you download. |
| School-reported context (qualitative) | KCON Traditional BSN FAQ: first-time pass rate consistently above Michigan and national averages—confirm with KCON and LARA. |
| Source | Michigan LARA — Bureau of Community & Health Systems (nursing / NCLEX publications). KCON Traditional BSN FAQ. Confirm current cohort data with LARA and Kirkhof College of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting year. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with Michigan LARA and KCON before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and internationally educated nurses must coordinate GVSU admissions, KCON program requirements, clinical clearance rules, and Michigan nursing licensure steps. Use this list as a planning checklist—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm required exams and minimum scores with GVSU admissions or the international office.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow GVSU guidance on accepted evaluators for nursing prerequisites and degrees.
- Michigan Board of Nursing (via LARA): For RN licensure pathways, NCLEX eligibility, and any CGFNS-related steps, confirm current rules with Michigan nursing regulators.
- Immigration & visa: Clarify F-1 or other status implications for didactic vs. clinical components and any restrictions on placement sites.
Policies change frequently. Verify with GVSU international services, KCON, and Michigan LARA nursing staff.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Traditional BSN admission at KCON is competitive and requires both university admission as a degree-seeking student and a secondary nursing application during narrow annual windows. Eligibility starts with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each listed prerequisite (biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry sequence, psychology, writing, and a general education course as specified by KCON). Beginning Winter 2025, KCON states it will admit 120 students for Winter and 120 for Fall in the Traditional track.
Admission decisions balance prerequisite GPA, interview, 650-word personal statement, and student profile documenting work, leadership, and volunteer experience. A repeat policy limits how often science prerequisites may be repeated. Second Degree BSN and RN-to-BSN applicants follow separate criteria outlined on their KCON pages.
Application timeline
| Program | Application window | Entry term |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | Jan 1–8 (5:00 p.m. final day) | Fall (August) |
| Traditional BSN | Aug 1–8 (5:00 p.m. final day) | Winter (January) |
| Second Degree BSN | Jan 1–8; May 1–8; Aug 1–8 (per KCON application page) | Jan window → Summer (May) start; May window → Fall (August) start; August window → Winter (January) start |
| MSN / DNP | Graduate application; May 1 deadline to guarantee seat review when accepted | Confirm term start with KCON |
| RN-to-BSN | Via GVSU admissions / advancement application | Rolling details on RN-to-BSN page |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite grades | C (2.0) or higher in each required prerequisite course; repeat limits apply per KCON policy. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed among Traditional BSN competitive factors on KCON materials reviewed for this page; confirm for your pathway. |
| Cohort size (Traditional BSN) | 120 Fall / 120 Winter (effective Winter 2025 per KCON admissions process page). |
Practical tips
Because the personal statement and student profile each account for a substantial portion of the Traditional BSN rubric, plan drafts early and align examples with KCON’s emphasis on leadership, service, and readiness for intensive clinical education. Attend a KCON application preparation session if available, and keep documentation ready for health compliance (immunizations, background check, drug screen, CPR) immediately after admission.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
GVSU’s 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees page lists rates for Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring/Summer 2026. Nursing undergraduates should add the program differential for nursing courses, and graduate students should use the MSN or DNP per-credit rates below.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (Michigan resident, lower division 0–54 credits) | $15,872 per year; $7,936 for 12–15 credits per semester; $665 per credit for 1–11 or each credit over 15. |
| Undergraduate tuition (Michigan resident, upper division 55+ credits) | $16,600 per year; $8,300 for 12–15 credits per semester; $699 per credit for partial loads or credits over 15. |
| Undergraduate tuition (non-resident bands) | Lower division: $22,588 / year; upper division: $23,272 / year (see GVSU page for per-credit breakdown). |
| Nursing course differential (undergraduate) | $38 additional per credit for Nursing (200 level and above) per GVSU additional tuition charges. |
| MSN (Nursing M.S.N.) | $904 per credit hour (2025–26 graduate rate table). |
| DNP (Nursing Practice) | $1,012 per credit hour (2025–26 doctoral rate table). |
| Graduate nursing certificates (examples) | Interprofessional Health Informatics, Palliative and Hospice Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP certificate list $826 per credit in the graduate certificate table—confirm primary program rules. |
| Estimated other expenses (GVSU) | On-campus housing & unlimited meal plan about $10,700; books/supplies about $800; miscellaneous about $2,700 (two-semester estimates per GVSU). |
| Source | GVSU — 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees; Additional Tuition Charges; Cost of Attendance 2025–2026. Confirm current amounts with GVSU. |
KCON notes university-wide scholarships and maintains nursing-specific awards; also search AcademicWorks for “nursing” opportunities.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pre-licensure graduates earn a BSN and become eligible for NCLEX-RN. For numeric pass-rate reporting, rely on Michigan LARA NCLEX summaries plus any consumer disclosure pages GVSU publishes. DNP student-outcome pages on gvsu.edu reference strong certification pass-rate performance in historical DNP cohorts—those measures apply to advanced practice certification, not the pre-licensure NCLEX-RN.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (pre-licensure BSN) | See Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary PDFs for Grand Valley State University; qualitative context in KCON Traditional BSN FAQ. |
| Employment / placement rate | Not publicly disclosed on this page. For career outcomes, see GVSU career services or program disclosures if published. |
| Source | Michigan LARA — BCHS; KCON; GVSU student outcomes (DNP sample). |
Is GVSU Kirkhof the Right Fit for You?
KCON fits learners who want a public university nursing education embedded in Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, with a broad clinical footprint across West Michigan. It may be less ideal if you need a fully remote pre-licensure program or cannot navigate competitive, deadline-driven BSN admission.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN/DNP options at a Michigan public university with strong regional hospital access.
- Thrive in structured, high-touch advising and a cohort professional culture (SNA, Sigma, MSNO, graduate student networks).
- Can meet tight application windows and invest in interview, essay, and profile preparation for Traditional BSN.
- Value interprofessional simulation and classroom facilities in a downtown health campus environment.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN program (KCON’s pre-licensure BSN is campus-based with extensive in-person clinical requirements).
- Prefer rolling or open enrollment without competitive ranking for nursing major admission.
- Cannot commute or relocate for Grand Rapids–based nursing coursework and clinicals.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
[Describe local hospitals and clinical partners for this school only. Do not copy from another school or template.]
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| [Facility name] | [Details] |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nursing students learn in the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health on the Grand Rapids Health Campus, with simulation and skills labs highlighted in KCON marketing and virtual tours. The wider university offers free inter-campus bus service between Allendale and Grand Rapids, Division II athletics, and hundreds of student organizations; within KCON, students can join the GVSU Student Nurses Association, Pre-Nursing Association, Multicultural Student Nurses Organization, Sigma Theta Tau, and graduate groups such as GNSA and the local MiCNP student chapter.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- KCON location
- Grand Rapids, MI (Health Campus)
- Address
- Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, 333 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, US
- Office of Student Services
- (616) 331-7160
- General KCON telephone
- (616) 331-3558 (per GVSU catalog)
- Contact / inquiry
- KCON contact directory
- Website
- gvsu.edu/kcon
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark the KCON application hub and note the exact open/close dates for your target entry term.
- Download the BSN catalog requirements and compare prerequisites to your transcripts.
- Attend a KCON information or application-prep session if offered; personal statement and student profile workshops are advertised on the OSS events page.
- Open the latest Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary PDF and record GVSU’s most recent first-time pass rate for your records.
- Build a cost plan using the tuition tables plus the nursing differential.
- Search AcademicWorks for nursing scholarships before spring deadlines.
- Email or call the Office of Student Services with pathway-specific questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing degrees does Grand Valley State University Kirkhof College of Nursing offer?
Per the GVSU catalog, KCON offers Traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP (including post-MSN DNP), post-graduate APRN certificates, and Interprofessional Palliative and Hospice Care and Health Informatics certificates. Confirm current emphasis areas on gvsu.edu/kcon.
Is Kirkhof College of Nursing accredited?
The catalog states CCNE accreditation for BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, and Michigan Board of Nursing approval for the BSN. Verify status with CCNE, Michigan LARA, and KCON before enrolling.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for GVSU’s BSN program?
Find the numeric first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Grand Valley State University in the latest Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary PDF. KCON’s Traditional BSN FAQ adds that the program’s first-time rate is consistently above Michigan and national averages—still confirm the exact percentage and cohort year in LARA’s publication.
How much is tuition for GVSU nursing in 2025–26?
Undergraduate tuition bands are published on GVSU’s tuition page (for example, $15,872 per year for lower-division Michigan residents at 12–15 credits per semester). Add $38 per credit for undergraduate NUR courses at 200 level and above. MSN is $904 per credit and DNP $1,012 per credit per the 2025–26 tables. Confirm on gvsu.edu/financialaid.
When can I apply to the Traditional BSN at KCON?
KCON lists online applications open January 1–8 for Fall semester entry and August 1–8 for Winter entry, closing at 5:00 p.m. on the last day—no late submissions. Verify your cohort on the application page.
Does GVSU Kirkhof require the TEAS exam?
Traditional BSN competitive admission materials emphasize prerequisite GPA, interview, personal statement, and student profile; a TEAS requirement is not listed there in the sources used for this page. Confirm for your pathway with the Office of Student Services.
How many students are admitted to each Traditional BSN cohort?
Beginning Winter 2025, KCON states it admits 120 students for Winter and 120 for Fall in the Traditional BSN track.
How many clinical hours are in GVSU’s Traditional BSN?
KCON’s baccalaureate program page cites approximately 1,260 clinical hours throughout the undergraduate experience, across multiple specialties and settings.
What should international students know about Kirkhof College of Nursing?
Confirm English proficiency, credential evaluation, visa rules, clinical eligibility, and Michigan licensure steps with GVSU international services, KCON, and Michigan LARA. This FAQ is general guidance only, not legal advice.
References
- Kirkhof College of Nursing — homegvsu.edu/kcon
- GVSU Catalog — Kirkhof College of Nursing (2025–2026)Catalog college page
- KCON — Baccalaureate (Traditional BSN) programProgram overview
- KCON — Competitive admission process (Traditional BSN)Admissions details
- KCON — Application page (all programs)Deadlines
- KCON — Traditional BSN FAQFAQ
- GVSU — 2025–2026 Tuition and FeesTuition tables
- GVSU — Additional Tuition Charges (nursing differential)tuitionExt.htm
- Michigan LARA — Bureau of Community & Health Systemsmichigan.gov/lara
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for program-list alignment with the GVSU catalog, tuition figures against GVSU’s 2025–26 tables, admissions window accuracy, and NCLEX guidance tied to Michigan LARA resources.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Grand Valley State University Kirkhof College of Nursing and Michigan nursing regulators.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy