Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has partnered with Davenport University (DU), Ferris State University, and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to create West MI BSN Connect, a streamlined pathway for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) locally. Supported by grant funding, the initiative includes a shared BSN transfer course with these universities. This collaboration addresses the critical need for nurses, with nearly 5,000 open nursing jobs in Michigan last year.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is proud to announce a new collaboration with Davenport University (DU), Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) aimed at creating a streamlined pathway for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a local, accredited program. The new initiative, named West MI BSN Connect, is supported by grant funding to develop a shared BSN transfer course in partnership with the universities. With nearly 5,000 open nursing jobs in Michigan last year, according to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, this collaboration comes at a perfect time.
DU, Ferris State and GVSU all have established ADN-to-BSN completion programs that will support West MI BSN Connect. GRCC's ADN program prepares students to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing and become Michigan Registered Nurses (RNs) by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The new pathway includes transfer agreements that allow ADN students to move seamlessly into a partner university's RN to BSN program. This structure ensures that students do not incur extra time or expense in completing their BSN, with each program's curriculum designed to accommodate the shared course as part of their degree requirements.
West MI BSN Connect will also focus on maximizing student success, with the following strategies:
- Maintaining and delivering a curriculum that transfers into partner BSN programs.
- Engaging in co-branding and targeted recruitment efforts.
- Providing enhanced student services, including academic support, coaching, mentoring, financial aid counseling, and access to college/university resources.
- Offering financial relief through scholarships and by waiving application and transcript fees for GRCC students in the ADN-to-BSN pipeline.
- Monitoring and refining strategies through data analysis of program enrollment, student outcomes, and completion rates.
In addition, GRCC and its partners will meet regularly to evaluate program effectiveness and discuss opportunities for enhanced employer partnerships. These partnership meetings will focus on areas such as clinical placements, staff diversity and support for ADN graduates, including scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and clinical placements. Employers will also collaborate in recruitment efforts aimed at incumbent workers looking to further their education in nursing.
This initiative underscores GRCC's commitment to increasing educational access, reducing barriers to degree completion and helping local employers meet their staffing needs in the healthcare industry.
For more information about West MI BSN Connect and upcoming opportunities, please visit GRCC's website.
About Grand Rapids Community College
GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan's first community college – and is focused on making college education accessible and affordable. Classes are scheduled weekdays, evenings and Saturdays in Grand Rapids, Holland and Online. We offer traditional liberal arts and occupational career pathways, adult education courses and skilled training courses and apprenticeships.
About Davenport University
Davenport University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen careers.
About Ferris State University
Ferris State University is a public institution dedicated to providing students with a diverse and innovative education in a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities, with a commitment to student success, community engagement and leadership in higher education.
Contact:
Lyndsie Post
Grand Rapids Community College
6162344213
[email protected]
http://grcc.edu
Mary Eilleen Lyon
Davenport University
616-560-2548
[email protected]
http://davenport.edu
SOURCE Grand Rapids Community College
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