2026-2027 Catalog
Nursing, A.D.N.
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 Return to: 2026-2027 Academic Programs
Academic Program Code: 361
GRCC’s Nursing Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN; 3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326), as well as the Michigan Board of Nursing. Our programs offer a mixture of classroom instruction and clinical lab work that provides direct, hands-on healthcare experience.
Graduates of the associate degree program are qualified to sit for the state licensure exam: NCLEX-RN. Individuals already working as licensed practical nurses may qualify for advanced standing in the department’s associates degree program.
GRCC Nursing graduates successfully complete licensure exams at rates above the national and state averages. A variety of clinical partnerships provide learning opportunities for nursing students while also connecting graduates with potential employers. Not surprisingly, our graduates leave here with excellent job prospects. For more information about GRCC’s nursing programs, please visit our website at grcc.edu/nursingprograms. You may also contact the nursing department at nursingprograms@grcc.edu or call 616.234.4238.
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Nursing Program Admissions
In order to be eligible for admission into the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, students must: 1. Be high school graduates or have passed the high school equivalency GED (General Educational Development) Test. 2. Have a high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or a college GPA of at least 2.0, which will be used for students with 12 or more college credits. 3. Have completed one-year courses in high school chemistry and biology with a grade of “C” or higher in each. (Suitable courses available at GRCC are CHM 110 , BI 101 , or any chemistry and biology courses with a lab). 4. Demonstrate math competency all must be within the last five years. For specific details/scores visit the Nursing Program Requirements. 5. Applicants must have successfully completed all Academic Foundational courses. This applies to students whose GPA and ACT/SAT or Placement Test scores place them into Academic Foundational courses. Students with 12 or more college credits are still required to take the Math Placement Test, unless they can demonstrate competency as per the Math Requirements. 6. Score at least 75% on the HESI A2 Admission Assessment (fee). This test assesses knowledge in reading, vocabulary, grammar, and math. 7. Have a negative urine drug screen and complete the criminal background check process. Students will not be allowed to enter the program until cleared by GRCC police. This is a requirement of the Nursing Programs as clinical facilities are required to follow Michigan Public Acts 27, 28, and 29 of 2006. Without a clear criminal background, it is possible a student would not be allowed to participate in clinical activities and thus, be unable to complete the GRCC Nursing Programs. For additional information, refer to the Health Programs general information page. Pre-Program Requirements
Students must complete the following courses prior to starting the Associate Degree Nursing Program (it should be noted that these courses do not need to be completed prior to applying/getting on the waitlist): Course/Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for ADN, students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. All General Education, including Science courses, must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” (or Higher) (As with all nursing courses, a grade of ”B-” or Higher is required in NUR 100 ). Once in the program, students must achieve at least a B- (or Higher) in each of the required Associate Degree Nursing courses to be eligible for graduation. A withdrawal from a course, in which the student receives a W, is considered an unsuccessful attempt at that course and is included in the total number of attempts permitted. Equivalent courses taken at other institutions will also be included in the total course attempts. Any student placed on Academic Suspension while on the waitlist or while enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program, will be withdrawn. Students wishing to pursue nursing after this may re-apply after following GRCC’s academic suspension policy and returning to good academic standing. For additional Nursing Programs policies and guidelines, please consult the Nursing Student Handbook. Science Requirements/Attempts
Associate Degree Nursing students are permitted 2 attempts at both BI 121 and BI 122 to achieve a grade of C or Higher. However, the Nursing Department strongly recommends that any student who has not completed BOTH BI 121 and BI 122 within a combined 3 attempts, re-evaluate their current academic pathway (a combined 3 attempts is 2 attempts at BI 121 followed by an unsuccessful first attempt at BI 122). These students are instead encouraged to consider the Practical Nursing Program and enroll in GH 125 or BI 117 to enhance their opportunity for success. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, graduates of this program have the opportunity to apply to the Associate Degree Nursing Program with Advanced Standing (all entry requirements at the time of applications must be met). Any student seeking admission to the Associate Degree program and who has not completed both BI 121 and BI 122 within 3 total attempts should contact the Nursing Department for additional guidance. Students who are unsuccessful on a subsequent attempt in BI 122, BI 117, or GH 125, will not be eligible for either nursing program. Students will be considered eligible to apply for the Associate Degree Program again in 4 years from the semester of the last unsuccessful biology course or in 3 years for the Practical Nursing Program. Life science courses (BI 117 , BI 121 , BI 122 , and GH 125 ) must have been completed within eight years of graduation/completion of the Nursing Program at GRCC (This includes Life Science courses that are transferred in from other institutions regardless of the date in which they are transferred). Students who have had an unsuccessful attempt at a Biology course or who have questions regarding the Biology requirements and next steps should contact the Nursing Department at 616/234-4238 or via email at nursingprograms@grcc.edu Advanced Standing (LPN to ADN)
Students who wish to apply to the ADN program with Advanced Standing must posses a current, unencumbered, practicial nursing license, and 2000 hours of work experience as an LPN verified with the Confirmation of Work Experience. The Advanced Standing Associate Degree program requires pre-nursing courses and two and a half semesters of nursing coursework. It is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing,3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326; (404) 975-5000. The new applicant for licensure will be asked about substance abuse and/or felony conviction. According to public statute, previous felonies or misdemeanors for substance abuse, physical abuse, and/or criminal sexual conduct are likely to prevent an applicant from completing the program, taking the licensure exam NCLEX-RN and/or employment. Upon request, the Nursing Director will provide a list of rules and regulations governing licensure and employment in Michigan. Advance Standing Program (ADS) Admissions If you have not applied to GRCC, you may apply for free online at grcc.edu and select Health and Exercise Sciences as your Academic Pathway. Once admitted to GRCC, you may apply for ADS Nursing online at: Health Admissions Application Nursing A.D.N Degree Requirements
General Education Courses
Select a minimum of 15 credit hours of course work from the General Education Course list. Course work must be selected as directed from the areas below. English Composition and Communications
Humanities
Select one (1) Humanities General Education Elective. Natural Sciences and Mathematics
General Education Total Credit Hours
15 (minimum) Program Notes
For students whose Program Ready Date and Course Completion date is prior to August 15, 2015, a grade of C- will be accepted for BI 121 and BI 122 , and a passing grade below a C will be accepted for General Education courses (this does not include NUR 100). Courses completed after August 15, 2015, regardless of Program Ready date, will require a grade of C or Higher. Essential Abilities/Technical Standards
Students in health programs must be able to meet certain essential functions and technical standards to successfully participate in academic coursework, clinical education, and future professional practice. These standards are not conditions for admission but are provided to inform students of the skills and abilities typically required in health care environments. Each standard may be met with reasonable accommodations, provided such accommodations do not fundamentally alter the nature of the academic objectives or clinical program outcomes or compromise patient safety. Interpersonal and Professional Skills (Domain: Affective) - Develop and maintain self-awareness, respect, demonstrate professional response to feedback and develop effective relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate awareness of self and others in a professional, compassionate, and ethical manner.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively.
- Manage potential stressors that may arise when caring for individuals of all ages, cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and with a wide range of health conditions.
Communication (Domain: Affective) - Proficient in English, both verbally and in writing to communicate with patients, families, and members of the health care team.
- Accurately read and convey information such as medical instructions, policy and procedure manuals, handwritten chart data, and electronic health records.
- Recognize, interpret, and appropriately respond to nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions.
Sensory Abilities (Domain: Psychomotor) - Hearing (with or without correction): Recognize and respond to soft voices, auditory timers, equipment alarms, call bells, and faint sounds associated with patient assessment (e.g., blood pressure, breath sounds).
- Vision (with or without correction): Recognize fine details, differentiate colors or color changes, interpret movements and facial expressions, read small print and digital displays, and safely navigate varied environments.
- Touch: Palpate pulses and detect changes in skin temperature, body contour, muscle tone, and joint movement.
- Smell: Distinguish between normal and abnormal odors that may indicate health concerns or environmental hazards.
Motor and Physical Abilities (Domain: Psychomotor) - Coordination and Dexterity: Possess fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to manipulate instruments, equipment, and materials safely and effectively.
- Mobility: Move independently and safely in clinical and academic environments, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting patients when needed.
- Strength: Lift, carry, push, or pull; support or transfer patients safely; and handle equipment or materials as required.
- Endurance: Sustain physical activity such as standing for long periods, positioning equipment, or assisting patients without compromising safety.
Critical Thinking Skills (Domain: Cognitive) - Demonstrate the ability to think critically, apply sound clinical reasoning, and make timely, informed decisions in fast-paced or changing environments.
- Accurately calculate measurements (e.g., medication dosages, technical parameters), analyze data, synthesize information, and evaluate outcomes.
- Interpret and process written, verbal, and electronic information to provide safe, effective care.
Technology and Information Management (Domain: Cognitive) - Access, collect, and document health-related data using computers and other digital technologies.
- Navigate electronic health records and learning management systems, respond to communications, and follow digital documentation standards.
Teamwork and Independence (Domain: Affective and Cognitive) - Work effectively and respectfully as part of an interprofessional and intraprofessional team while maintaining the ability to make independent judgments and complete tasks alone when required.
- Adapt to varied roles, responsibilities, and supervision levels across different clinical and educational settings.
| Cognitive - Thinking, Reasoning, Knowledge | Affective - Emotions, Values, Attitudes | Psychomotor - Physical Skills, Coordination, Sensory/Motor Tasks | |
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