Davenport University offers students convenient campuses, direct admission and employment guarantee in high-demand nursing field

Davenport University is rising to meet the growing demand for qualified nurses by providing multiple entry pathways to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the traditional BSN program, on campuses throughout Michigan and online.

Whether entering directly from high school, transitioning from another college, or advancing from a military role, students are encouraged to apply now and become part of the solution to the national nursing shortage. Davenport has nursing programs at all its campuses: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Great Lakes Bay and Lansing. Amy Stahley, dean of Davenport's College of Health Professions said what sets Davenport apart is that acceptance into Davenport's BSN program gives students a guaranteed seat, without delays or waiting lists.

"Davenport's nursing program provides immersive learning and real-life experience to prepare students for a successful nursing career," said Stahley.. "We have small cohorts, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and numerous clinical opportunities in areas such as the operating room, critical care, nursing leadership, and veteran care, giving our students valuable hands-on experience and professional connections in the field."

Students in the nursing program through Davenport's Great Lakes Bay, Warren and Lansing campuses are eligible for a $8,000 scholarship each year.

Davenport guarantees students the necessary education and connections to land a job within six months after graduation. Davenport is so confident in the quality of its BSN program that graduates who meet its requirements are eligible for its employment guarantee. Currently, 100% of Davenport's nursing graduates secure employment within six months of completing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Kenonica Joseph is a senior, seeking a BSN from Davenport through its Lansing campus. She learned first-hand how supportive both Davenport's faculty and students can be when she gave birth during Spring semester, a month earlier than planned.

"Davenport was very supportive, and my classmates, too, making sure I didn't fall behind. They really made it possible for me to continue my education through my pregnancy and after I had my baby," Joseph said.

Joseph started her post-high school education at Lansing Community College but after a few starts and stops, including securing a medical assistant diploma and working in the medical field for 10 years, she returned to school, this time at Davenport.

After graduation, Joseph plans to work in the emergency room or on a med-surg floor to really see what she wants to do with her degree. "I enjoy health and teaching people about health," she said. "Eventually, I'd like to go back to get my education degree and teach."

Said Joseph, "I've really enjoyed the program at Davenport and the small classes are a plus. You can learn so much when classes are small. You get one on one time with your instructors."

Cole Perez explored a career in criminal justice, spent four years in the Army, and attended three different colleges before finding his way to Davenport and its Warren campus. "I was in my rebellious stage," Perez said. "I didn't want to follow what my parents wanted me to do - nursing. I should have listened to them."

During his time in the Army, Perez worked as a medic, primarily providing first aid to fellow soldiers. Upon returning home, he got a job in a psychiatric facility where a colleague and mentor, who was also an alumnus of Davenport, convinced him to explore a BSN at the university. Perez started at Davenport in Warren in the Fall of 2023.

"She has helped and guided me through my process of starting at Davenport and spoke highly of their program and staff," said Perez. "It's an honor to be following in her footsteps."

His goal in the beginning was to be a chiropractor and use nursing as a foundation, he said. But now, his post-graduation plan is to be a flight nurse, providing rescue help to people in remote areas.

"It's not a straight line," said Perez. "And it doesn't matter when you start. It's never too late to learn something new and don't be scared, because you never know. If it weren't for a friend who forced me, I wouldn't be here."

Kalie Wilson grew up in Mt. Pleasant. After high school she attended college locally, exploring other nursing programs before finding her fit at Davenport on the Great Lakes Bay campus.

"I was accepted, first try," said Wilson. "After that, I went through orientation, and everyone was so welcoming. You meet the instructors, and they tell you about the program. Just being there that night solidified my decision. It's definitely where I should be."

Wilson is now in her second-to-last semester. "I'm so close with my instructors, I love them all. Even our campus director, I'll go in and chat with him sometimes."

"Everyone on campus is extremely nice, supportive and helpful. They want to help you succeed."

Wilson just finished her pediatric clinicals at Covenant Hospital and is moving onto obstetrics at MyMichigan in Midland.

"Ultimately, I want to be an OB nurse," said Wilson. She found this calling after working as a nurse intern at a hospital in Alma three summers ago. "I worked with a nurse in the OB and that solidified that I was where I needed to be. It's what I want to do after school."

Wilson also serves as president of the Student Nurses Association on Davenport's Great Lakes Bay campus. She will be organizing the Pinning ceremony for graduates in April, another step in the process toward finishing her degree and moving into a nursing career.

"If there's a student out there who's curious about the program, reach out to the advisor or reach out to a current student to talk about their experience and if they'd recommend it," said Wilson. "I have only good things to say about Davenport."

Davenport students also benefit from a curriculum designed for success, beginning their clinical experiences in the sophomore year. This three-year immersive clinical experience provides essential hands-on skills and enhances graduates' readiness for the NCLEX-RN exam, which Davenport students pass at a rate above the national average.

As the healthcare industry expands, nursing salaries have risen by 11% over the past three years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, underscoring the value of a BSN degree. Davenport's program provides job opportunities, comprehensive preparation, a supportive environment, and a fast-track to rewarding careers in healthcare.

Davenport offers three Direct Admission Pathways to its nursing program:

• Pre-Nursing Direct Admit: Complete nine prerequisite courses with a 3.0 GPA in each, earning 17 credits toward the BSN-PL degree and direct admission to the fall semester. Fast-tracking is available, enabling students to finish prerequisites by April for a September start.
• High School Direct Admit: High school students with a 3.5+ GPA and either a 1160 SAT or 24 ACT score qualify for direct admission into the BSN-PL program, paving the way for early entry into the nursing profession.
• Military Direct Admit: Honorably discharged military members with paramedic-level military training (Medic 68W levels 10 and 20 or Navy Corpsman) can gain direct admittance to leverage their service experience toward a fulfilling nursing career.

For more information about Davenport University's BSN-PL program and to apply, visit https://www.davenport.edu/academics/areas/college-health-professions/nursingor call 800-686-1600.

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