Nursing Program
NEW! 3+1 ADN to BSN program with SVSU
Beginning this fall, Kirtland and SVSU will be building onto their partnership to include:
- an additional 3+1 ADN to BSN program
- providing students with success coaches and tutoring options
- hiring additional instructors to teach at Kirtland to minimize travel between campuses as students complete their degree
Learn more about this new program here: https://www.kirtland.edu/adn-bsn-3-1/.
For more details, contact our admissions team at [email protected] or 989-275-5000, ext. 284.
Maybe you thought all along … “I want to be a nurse when I grow up.”
“My favorite happiness is making other people happy.”
~ Erika D., Kirtland Nursing Student
There are reasons why Kirtland’s Nursing Program is the most-often declared major out of all Kirtland’s Health Science offerings.
So many people – particularly those with an inner drive and desire to take care of others, to be a helping hand when people are in need – consider nursing from a young age.
For some, it’s straight out of high school and into a nursing program. For others, it’s a long-held dream that comes to pass much later after having children, working in a related health sciences career, or being in the workforce in an entirely different industry.
You may have been influenced to apply to nursing school by your Mom, boyfriend, wife, husband, grandmother, academic advisor, co-worker, doctor, best friend, or no one in particular. Either way, at some point you began imagining what it would be like to take care of people when they’re ill, broken, afraid, having babies, recovering from surgeries, or even near the end of their lives.
Very likely you’ve had an experience with a nurse who changed the life of someone you know. You may have seen this nurse step in with abundant skill and kindness when it was needed most. Watching them may have implanted the idea in your mind that one day this could be you wearing the uniform, standing in their shoes.
Welcome to the Kirtland Nursing Program; we’re glad you made it! And, we hope you’ll read further.
What can you expect from Nursing?
If you get your RN, you’ll always be needed and essential.
There are so many options; the sky’s the limit.
Every day, you’ll be taking care of people when they need help the most.
You can make a good salary with great benefits. You’ll often be working as a member of a team.
For people who like people, and like to work together with others to make good things happen, this is the perfect career.
A sample of the future plans declared by some of our current students in a recent survey:
- long-term care facility
- supervisor in a clinic
- emergency medicine
- travel nurse
- own a company providing travel nurses
- get a BSN in Nursing
- cardiac nurse
- geriatric nurse
- teaching at a college or university
- speaking on grief and loss
- hospice nurse or case manager
- open my own small hospice house
- become a Physician’s Assistant or M.D.
- specialize: oncology, cardiology or obstetrics
- specialize in women’s health
- work in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)
- flight nurse
- hospital pediatrics
- medical illustrator
- mental health
- dialysis nurse
- nursing facility management
- start a hospital
- work in a doctor’s office
- work in a trauma center
- nurse practitioner in a family practice
- work on a medical surgical unit
- psychiatric nurse
- nursing in a corrections facility
- coordinate community medical programs
- infection control specialist at a nursing home
- take a leadership role in nursing
In our Nursing Program, we have a diverse student population
- Dual-enrolled young people who’ve been preparing to enroll in the Kirtland Nursing Program since they were juniors in high school.
- Recent high school graduates.
- People in their 20’s – 60’s who are changing careers to finally become a nurse (often after wanting that for many years). They may have never been in the healthcare field before.
- People with degrees, even advanced degrees in a different discipline who want an Associate Degree to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s in the Health Sciences.
- People who’ve been in the workforce in another medical capacity and now want to add the Associate Degree and especially the RN credential so they can pursue a wider range of opportunities. This latter group includes both CNA’s and LPN’s, as well as Phlebotomists, Coders, Medical Assistants, EMT’s, Paramedics, and others.
CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant, LPN = Licensed Practical Nurse, RN= Registered Nurse
Career Opportunities
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $76,710
Employment growth (2021-31): 8%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Is this a program where YOU can fulfill your potential and drive real progress in your medical career?
If you agree with most of these ideas, the answer may be YES …
- I’m compassionate and have an innate desire to help others, especially when they’re in need.
- I’m driven to succeed and improve the circumstances of myself and my family.
- I want a profession where I can find fulfilling work and make a difference in people’s lives.
- I love the fact that RN’s have so many options for where, when and how they’ll work.
- I tend to be focused, task-oriented and ambitious.
- I’m passionate about being a lifelong learner.
At Kirtland you’ll finish with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
We have FOUR tracks, all of which culminate in an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Track one: Traditional Track
Designed for everyone who’s in pursuit of an associate degree, whether coming straight from high school, dual enrolled, coming back to school as a Nurses Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant, entering nursing after working in another field – or have other reasons to want your ADN. However, this track is NOT the best for those who are already LPN’s. Instead, look at Track two.
Track two: LPN to ADN bridge
Great news if you’re an LPN! Kirtland offers one of the few programs available allowing Licensed Practical Nurses to get their Associate Degrees and become RN’s on an accelerated track.
We respect what you already know!
Track three: Concurrent Bachelor’s Degree
For some students, it’s advantageous to work on their Bachelor’s Degree while pursuing the Associate Degree. This is possible because of Kirtland’s partnerships with SVSU.
NEW! Track four: 3+1 ADN to BSN program with SVSU
Beginning this fall, Kirtland and SVSU will be building onto their partnership to include:
- an additional 3+1 ADN to BSN program
- providing students with success coaches and tutoring options
- hiring additional instructors to teach at Kirtland to minimize travel between campuses as students complete their degree
Make an appointment today with an advisor to get started
Accreditation:
The Kirtland Community College Associate Degree in Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
You’ll have an exceptional experience at Kirtland
Our students get jobs right out of school
According to a recent evaluation plan, all of our 2021 graduates were employed in hospitals and other settings almost immediately.
Our highly experienced faculty care about your success and understand hands-on learning
One thing Kirtland is known for is having caring faculty who not only know their subject areas, but also care deeply about the well being and progress of their students. You’ll be in good hands; all Nursing faculty have Master’s or Doctoral Degrees.
Kirtland has one of the best simulation centers in Michigan!
Not only are we equipped, but we also employ a Simulation Coordinator with a Master’s Degree in Informatics to create the most life-like simulations possible. This speeds up your preparation for taking care of real patients.
State-of-the-art classrooms with latest technology
As you can see for yourself, we have a beautiful campus with labs that duplicate real-life scenarios. We also use the latest in innovative instructional technologies in our ‘smart classrooms.’ We’re equipped with smart boards, computer workstations, projection equipment, and a variety of technology support. Schedule a tour today!
We cultivate a tight-knit, family environment
We want our students to be comfortable, feel supported, and learn how to work in a team. This includes not only the students but also our Nursing faculty and the staff members involved with the program. You’ll grow to feel at home here.
The students in the Nursing Program are diverse
You will meet fellow students from all over Michigan and beyond – students of diverse ethnic backgrounds, ages, and life experience. This is enriching in itself and helps prepare you for work in the larger world.
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed in your chosen track
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success. They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the right information so you’re literally on the right track.
We understand that the study of nursing is challenging; there’s a lot to learn! That’s why we’ve designed our curriculum to make it as easy as possible for students to integrate what they’re learning and retain information.
For instance, the study of Pharmacology is integrated into several parts of the curriculum so that students revisit those principles repeatedly in various contexts. Many of our students have benefited from this teaching approach!
We offer clinical experiences throughout the state
We try to be cognizant of where our students live when planning their clinicals, matching them (when possible) with assignments close to home. We have groups in Grayling, Gaylord, Cadillac, West Branch, Big Rapids and others. We include both large urban hospitals and smaller rural hospitals.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! If you’ve made your decision, declare Nursing as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Complete your prerequisites.
Step 4
Apply to the Nursing Program, which includes taking the *ATI TEAS exam. Students are accepted into the program based on a ranking system. (If you don’t make it the first time, you can apply again.)
Step 5
Complete your program courses and clinicals.
Step 6
Graduate with your Associate Degree in Nursing!
Step 7
Sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become an RN.
Step8
Victory! You’ve passed your state board exam and you’re now a Registered Nurse! What an achievement. Time to celebrate!
FINAL STEP
What’s next for you? Either enter the workforce, return to your current employer with enhanced credentials, or go on to complete your bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
*New information: The ATI TEAS, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, is a standardized test designed specifically to assess a student’s preparedness for entering the health science fields. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform successfully in the areas of: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
Get another perspective:
Request a Program Brochure (in the mail)
Discuss prerequisites, get personalized advice:
Set an appointment with an advisor
Ready to Jump In?
Apply Today
**In addition to applying for admission to the college, this program requires a secondary admissions process to be admitted.