College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

GCU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can equip students to graduate in as little as 16 months by leveraging their prior education.⁶ If you desire to become a nurse, the ABSN program offers you a direct route to earning your nursing degree while gaining key skills. The hybrid format of the program offers classes in an online format while still providing hands-on experience through skills labs, immersive simulations and clinicals at various clinical locations.¹ 

GCU's first-time pass rates in 2023 were 94.75% at GCU's main campus in Phoenix, 96.99% in Sun City and 96.15% in Tucson.⁴ For more information on our accelerated BSN program, visit the ABSN page.

Acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pre-Licensure program is competitive. Not all students will be admitted into the clinical coursework, which begins in the junior year. Acceptance is determined by a stack-rank according to the nursing admission criteria and the availability of clinical spaces. You are also required to take the HESI A2 exam for admission into the program. Exam dates are available throughout the year.

At the end of the program, students are expected to take the NCLEX–RN to become a licensed nurse. GCU’s commitment to equipping students for the NCLEX is revealed in the testing scores. Grand Canyon University’s first-time NCLEX pass rate for 2023 was 94.75% at our main campus in Phoenix, while Arizona’s state-wide average first-time pass rate in 2023 was 88.56%.⁴ Speak with your university counselor or visit BSN requirements for more information.

Are you an RN looking for an MSN program? An MSN augments your skill set and provides a greater application of theory to solve practical health challenges. At GCU, RN to BSN candidates who are interested in earning an MSN can accelerate their nursing education and career through a fast-track option.⁵ Both the BSN and MSN degrees can be earned in as little as 30 months, offering you two career credentials in less time and for less overall cost. For more information, fill out the form on this page.

The mission of our MS in Athletic Training program is to prepare you to become a quality athletic training professional while teaching you to become an innovative thinker, effective communicator, global contributor and transformative leader. The objectives of program are to provide student athletic trainers with exceptional learning experiences to gain the knowledge and practical skills required to be a competent, functional and well-rounded athletic trainer.

MSN-prepared nurses looking to become leaders in the field may be considering a DNP program. This program is designed for nurses looking to further their education and pursue nursing leadership positions. Learn more about earning your DNP by filling out the form on this page.

The curriculum is built to encourage students to step back and view concepts specifically through a Christian worldview. We do this through including assignments that focus on Christianity and the Christian mission. We also discuss topics such as compassion, respect for human dignity and ethics, as well as create prayer forums, include scripture in announcements and encourage scripture reflection in discussion forums. Faculty engage with students from a servant perspective. Through these opportunities, students feel God’s love through their instructors and college staff.

Students can benefit from the care, concern and encouragement offered by faculty, staff and fellow students. They appreciate being able to share their views and values in the classroom and report that prayer and the reading of scripture motivate and assures them, especially during tests and difficult situations. Demonstrating our Christian mission helps students feel comfortable sharing their faith, and allows them to extend the Christian mission from their learning environment to personal and professional settings.

Students understand our Christian mission and our values as an institution, they may not think of the “One Foundation” terminology specifically. They experience it through the faculty’s knowledge and use of One Foundation resources and best practices in the classroom.

The faculty and students alike are all centered around creating wellness and encouraging the physical and mental well-being needed to pursue healthcare professions. Nurses, for example, typically have chosen a life dedicated to human flourishing — the nursing profession requires addressing the needs of the entire person, including spiritual and cultural needs. Faculty actively help students practice and follow Christian values in their personal and professional lives in the way that they engage with each another, and through integrating Christ-centered language into our principles.

Nursing and healthcare majors can greatly benefit from a theology minor as it deepens their understanding of ethical patient care, empathy and the spiritual aspects of healing. This knowledge is particularly relevant in patient interactions, where understanding a patient’s spiritual needs can be as crucial as attending to their physical health. Additionally, a theology minor can enhance the ability to navigate complex ethical issues in healthcare settings, such as end-of-life decisions, bioethics and holistic care practices.