Nursing Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Grand Rapids

Rankings help nursing students identify quality programs by comparing key metrics like NCLEX pass rates, which measure graduate readiness. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Grand Rapids based solely on NCLEX pass rates to guide prospective students. For methodology details, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates in Grand Rapids have shown improvement from 2023 to 2024. The total number of students increased over this period.

• 2024: Average pass rate 94.14% with 375 students
• 2023: Average pass rate 91.47% with 340 students

Top Performing Schools

Schools with the highest average pass rates demonstrate strong NCLEX preparation programs. These institutions have significant student populations providing reliable data.

• Hope College: 95.4% average pass rate with 87 students over 2 years
• Grand Valley State University: 93.27% average pass rate with 490 students over 2 years
• Calvin University - Handlon Campus: 89.85% average pass rate with 138 students over 2 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size categories show varying performance levels, with small programs achieving the highest pass rates. This analysis helps students consider program scale when choosing nursing schools.

• Small programs (<50 students/year): 97.78% average pass rate with 45 students
• Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 92.86% average pass rate with 70 students
• Large programs (>100 students/year): 93.86% average pass rate with 260 students

Biggest Improvements

Several schools showed notable pass rate increases from 2023 to 2024, indicating enhanced nursing education quality. These improvements reflect effective curriculum adjustments.

• Calvin University - Handlon Campus: 6.1% improvement (86.76% to 92.86%)
• Hope College: 4.92% improvement (92.86% to 97.78%)
• Grand Valley State University: 1.25% improvement (92.61% to 93.86%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Schools maintaining high pass rates across multiple years demonstrate reliable nursing program quality. These institutions provide consistent NCLEX preparation for graduates.

• Hope College: 95.4% average pass rate over 2 years with 87 students
• Grand Valley State University: 93.27% average pass rate over 2 years with 490 students

#1

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, MI - Public 2-Year - grcc.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Rapids Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates consistently at 100% for its ADN graduates. This campus-based program requires a HESI entrance exam score of 75% or higher, along with a 2.5 high school GPA and completion of foundational courses. Accredited by ACEN and the Michigan Board of Nursing, the curriculum blends classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience through local healthcare partnerships. LPNs can apply for advanced standing, and the program emphasizes practical skills that enhance job prospects for graduates entering the nursing workforce.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• LPN advanced standing available.
• High licensure exam pass rates.
• Requires HESI exam.
• 2.5 high school GPA needed.
• Foundational courses required.
• Clinical partnerships enhance learning.
• 62 total credit hours.

#2

Hope College

Holland, MI - Private 4-year - hope.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Hope College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Holland, MI, provides a comprehensive campus-based education with over 500 clinical hours and hands-on research experience. This program requires a 3.2 GPA, completion of specific science courses, and a thorough application process including essays and references. As a bachelor's level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for admission. The NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong outcomes, with 92.86% in 2023 and 97.78% in 2024 among 42-45 students annually. With a liberal arts foundation, the program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles.

• BSN program on campus
• 500+ clinical hours
• 3.2 GPA requirement
• Liberal arts foundation
• Hands-on research experience
• 45 students admitted yearly
• Four-year completion time
• Focus on critical thinking
• Leadership skills development
• Comprehensive application process

#3

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI - Public 4-Year - gvsu.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Valley State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program requires 136 credits and includes five semesters of clinical coursework across various specialties. The competitive admission process requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and successful completion of prerequisite courses, but does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The curriculum aligns with AACN Essentials and features state-of-the-art facilities on Grand Rapids' medical mile. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 93.86% of 260 students passing in 2024 and 92.61% of 230 students passing in 2023, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure.

• 136 credits required.
• Five semesters clinical coursework.
• Face-to-face format.
• Competitive admission process.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• State-of-the-art facilities.
• High employment rate.
• AACN Essentials aligned curriculum.
• Clinical rotations in various specialties.
• Located in Grand Rapids' medical mile.

#4

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - calvin.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Calvin University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Grand Rapids, MI, is a campus-based BSN that requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. With a strong Christian Reformed Church affiliation, it integrates faith perspectives with practical nursing education. The program emphasizes real-world clinical training at facilities like Helen Devos Children's Hospital and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, alongside study abroad and community engagement opportunities. For 2024, Calvin University achieved a 92.86% NCLEX pass rate among 70 students, demonstrating effective preparation for licensure. This program focuses on service, justice, and hands-on skills, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles in a supportive environment.

• High NCLEX pass rate.
• Real-world clinical experiences.
• Study abroad opportunities.
• Christian faith perspective.
• Supportive learning environment.
• Located in Grand Rapids, MI.
• Hands-on hospital training.
• Emphasis on service and justice.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare careers.
• Campus-based program.

#5

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - cornerstone.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Cornerstone University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program combines comprehensive clinical training with a Christ-centered curriculum, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles. The CCNE-accredited program features hands-on simulation technology and partnerships with renowned health systems, offering multiple admission pathways. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate, graduates demonstrate strong clinical competency. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and emphasizes ethical integrity, supported by a $22,000 annual tuition. This campus-based program integrates faith-based values with professional nursing education to serve community healthcare needs effectively.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• 100% NCLEX Pass Rate
• $22,000 Annual Tuition
• Clinical Partners Available
• Multiple Admission Pathways
• Christ-Centered Nursing Education
• Comprehensive Clinical Training

*Reference: U.S. DOE, NCES, IPEDS 2024 data release.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are ready to take the leap into a career in nursing an entry-level LPN to RN, ADN or BSN program makes it easy to get started. These programs will all prepare you for the state licensing exam and for your first job as a registered nurse, and many have few entrance requirements beyond a high school diploma or GED.

LPN to RN Programs

On the front lines of patient care, Licensed Practical Nurses are experienced at providing patients in nursing homes and long-term care facilities with the support and basic care they need. For many LPNs, an LPN to RN program provides a cost-effective pathway to an associate’s degree. In many cases, credit is given for prior nursing coursework, saving students time and money on their journey to an RN license. Grand Rapids Community College offers an Advanced Standing in the Associate’s Degree in Nursing program for LPNs with professional experience. This program allows LPNs to earn their ADN and become prepared for the NCLEX exam in two and a half semesters instead of four for the traditional ADN program.

ADN Programs

For recent high school graduates and those new to the nursing field, an ADN program will prepare you for a career as a nurse in a variety of healthcare settings. These programs are available at a number of community colleges and vocational schools, including Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Upon graduation from an ADN program, students must pass the NCLEX exam in order to qualify for an RN license and to be hired as a professional nurse. Kalamazoo Valley Community’s ADN program includes two semesters of prerequisite course work and four semesters of nursing courses.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Increasingly, top hospitals and healthcare employers prefer hiring nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Studies have shown that bachelor’s prepared nurses improve patient outcomes and make fewer errors, in part due to the additional training hours these nurses receive inpatient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice. The CCNE-accredited BSN program at Davenport University offers an Employment Guarantee to its graduates - if graduates of its nursing program do not find employment within 6 months they may be eligible for additional education benefits from the school including free tuition on additional courses.

Find out more about Michigan Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

A BSN or MSN degree can give you a competitive edge when applying for top nursing jobs in the Grand Rapids area and beyond. The investment in completing a higher degree will pay dividends in higher wages and the freedom of additional job opportunities. Some schools provide RN to BSN or MSN programs that are specially designed to help nurses with their associate’s degree or diploma earn a higher degree quickly and easily.

RN to BSN Programs

For nurses who are nervous about juggling work responsibilities with coursework, many schools offer distance learning and hybrid formats that make it possible to earn a degree while continuing to work. The RN to BSN program at Grand Valley State University offers courses in a hybrid format – a combination of online and onsite classes taught approximately once per month at the downtown Grand Rapids Pew Campus.

Find out more about Michigan RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For those nurses looking to go beyond the BSN to earn an advanced practice nursing degree, some schools offer RN to MSN programs in which students earn their BSN and then MSN degrees on an accelerated basis. Taking into account prior nursing experience and courses, these bridge programs provide a streamlined path to an APRN degree. The RN to MSN program at Ferris State University combines their RN to BSN program and their traditional MSN program to provide students with all the necessary coursework to complete both the BSN and MSN degrees.

Find out more about Michigan RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

Nurses with advanced degrees can go beyond routine nursing duties to diagnose illnesses, prepare care plans and serve as primary healthcare providers for a number of patient groups. The leadership responsibilities required of these positions come with high salaries too. Nurse practitioners in the Grand Rapids area earn an average annual salary of $105,000 according to Salary.com, making this a rewarding career personally and financially. APRN programs in Grand Rapids are designed for nurses with their BSN degrees and several years of professional nursing experience.

MSN Programs

Beyond typical RN duties, APRN nurses with their master’s degrees take on nursing leadership positions, educator roles, and make substantial improvements in patient care standards and practices within their organizations. The MSN program at Grand Valley State University prepares nurses as advanced generalists. The curriculum consists of 44 credits and can be completed in 6 semesters.

Find out more about Michigan Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs are designed for nurses with their master’s degrees to learn a new advanced practice specialty and move into a new career path. For instance, Davenport University offers post-master’s certificate programs in the nurse educator and family nurse practitioner roles, preparing students for specialized APRN careers after completion of 28-36 credits.

Find out more about Michigan Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Grand Valley State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program for students seeking a terminal degree in nursing. With coursework in applied statistics, informatics, innovation and technologies, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and working with vulnerable populations, the DNP program prepares nurses for careers in advanced nursing practice and health systems leadership.

Find out more about Michigan DNP Programs.