Agreement with MCC makes it easier for students to earn GVSU nursing degrees

Nursing students at Muskegon Community College can earn a bachelor's degree in nursing from Grand Valley without leaving their home community.

Leaders from Grand Valley, MCC and Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital said the enhanced pathway program meets the needs of area residents and provides students with opportunities for easier access to a bachelor's degree in nursing. 

Linda Lewandowski, dean of the Kirkhof College of Nursing, said: ”There is evidence that increasing the proportion of bachelor’s-prepared nurses leads to better patient outcomes and shorter lengths of hospital stays. We are so pleased to partner with MCC and Trinity Health Muskegon to continue to improve the health and well-being of our community through this program.”

Lisa Gatti-Arnold, dean of nursing and health programs for MCC, said the program builds on the growing partnership among the three institutions and highlights the state of Michigan's ADN-BSN (associate degree in nursing-bachelor's degree in nursing) pathway. 

Kara Van Dam, vice president and chief executive for GVSU Omni , said this initiative furthers Omni's "learn where you live" mission of increasing access to Grand Valley degrees.

"GVSU and Muskegon Community College have a long history of deep partnership supporting students on the Lakeshore, and we are excited to continue to expand pathways to help MCC students learn where they live and pursue the professions that support this community and region," Van Dam said.

Linda Dunmore, chief nursing officer for Trinity Health, said the partnership is an example of the organization's commitment to delivering "first-rate health care to Muskegon County."