Hybrid and Online BSN Programs

Grand Canyon University is pleased to offer educational opportunities to current and aspiring registered nurses (RNs). Our variety of flexible learning options are designed to empower you to work toward facilitating better patient outcomes with an eye toward patient safety. Whether you’re interested in a career transition or a working nurse interested in enhancing your career qualifications, GCU has hybrid and online1 BSN programs for you to choose from.

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I’ve always really enjoyed going to the hospital, seeing patients, thinking through their physical illnesses and spiritual care. So this has been a huge intersection of spiritual care, critical thinking and doing something that would go hand-in-hand with ministry.

Greg Oppenhuizen ABSN Student
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GCU’s Hybrid and Online1 BSN Degrees

We offer a variety of BSN options to meet you where you are in your nursing career journey. Choose the right fit for you from the following programs:

A Hybrid BSN Program for Non-Nurses

If you have a non-nursing college education and you’re interested in transitioning to the nursing field, consider our hybrid BSN program for non-nurses. The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed to leverage your past education to graduate with a BSN in as few as 16 months.3 You will be able to complete your coursework online1 for greater convenience while enjoying opportunities to develop nursing competence through in-person nursing skills labs and immersive simulation experiences, as well as clinical rotations.

Prepare To Expand Your Nursing Career

Currently working, licensed RNs who do not yet have a BSN may be interested in positioning themselves for possible career advancement opportunities. Our RN to BSN program is specifically for RNs looking to earn their BSN. It pairs online coursework with in-person practicum hours designed to build nursing skills and clinical judgment.

Woman in scrubs using laptop in home kitchen to earn BSN degree online

Benefits of Online Programs

Online BSN degrees take a hybrid approach to nursing education.1 These programs can provide greater convenience than traditional in-person programs, making them more accessible. You may also find that you can continue to work as an RN and meet your other commitments while working toward your BSN degree. Students can discover nursing theories through online coursework that can then be applied during immersion, practicum and clinical hours. We offer attainable education with a purpose — working toward better patient outcomes and healthier communities.

Admission requirements can vary, depending on the specific program you are interested in. It is recommended to review our undergraduate admission criteria to learn more about specific GPA and entrance exam requirements.

Additionally, nursing students may be required to complete a background check and obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Your university counselor can provide further information specific to your situation.

Grand Canyon University’s immersive simulation centers for pre-licensure and accelerated tracks of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have been granted accreditation in the area of teaching/education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) — a recognition of GCU’s expertise in nursing simulation. In addition, GCU is an institutionally accredited university, having been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.

Our ABSN program teaches foundational knowledge in nursing theories and concepts — from health assessment to pathophysiology and beyond. In addition, you can enjoy opportunities to acquire practical experience, putting nursing skills to use in nursing skills labs and immersive simulation experiences. These opportunities teach you essential nursing skills but also allow you to practice working through patient care scenarios.

I want to make an impact and help people. Because I didn’t give up, that can be a testament when other people are struggling. It was hard… but I did it. You can, too.

Candace Mabry BSN Graduate
RN-BSN Tuition Reduction
Only $340 per Credit

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s common to have questions about your academic pathway and your future in nursing. The following questions and answers can help provide guidance as you make an enrollment decision.

If you aren’t yet a licensed RN, you will need to earn a BSN through a pre-licensure program. One example is the traditional pre-licensure BSN program, which is designed for students with few to no college credits. Another option is the accelerated BSN, which is intended for individuals with a completed non-nursing degree or a significant number of transferable non-nursing credits. The ABSN is designed for individuals interested in making a career transition to nursing.

The time it may take to complete your BSN degree is dependent on numerous factors, including individual course loads, scheduling preferences and program-specific requirements. Some students may have transferable credits, which may also affect the anticipated time to graduation. Since each student’s journey is unique, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor who can help you better understand how long it might take to earn your BSN.

There are multiple paths to the nursing profession. You may have completed a degree in another field and even entered the workforce before realizing that you’re called to become a nurse. In this case, you may be able to leverage your prior college education toward earning a nursing degree faster. Our ABSN program welcomes those interested in joining the nursing workforce with a background in another field.

Some hybrid BSN programs are designed specifically for non-nurses with an academic background in a field other than nursing. These are known as accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. ABSN programs focus specifically on nursing curriculum, which can allow students to graduate in less time than a traditional BSN program.

Career Possibilities After Graduation

After earning a BSN, passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) and obtaining a state nursing license, you may feel prepared to pursue any number of nursing jobs. Nurses can choose to focus their career toward a wide range of nursing specialties, such as the following:

  • Pediatric nursing
  • Women’s health nursing
  • Adult-gerontology
  • Critical care
  • Emergency room nursing
  • Oncology nursing

Additionally, earning a BSN can serve as a foundation for pursuing graduate-level nursing education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Group of male and female nurses in hospital hallway with patient on bed

Online Nursing Student Resources

Although online1 BSN degrees may offer you convenience, even hybrid nursing students have access to a great deal of support. While you may be able to complete your nursing coursework online, you’ll meet with other members of your cohort for in-person nursing skills labs and immersive simulation experiences. Dedicated nursing instructors will guide you in acquiring fundamental nursing skills and developing clinical judgment.

You’ll have opportunities to put into practice what you’ve been taught during clinical rotations, during which you’ll provide direct patient care under close supervision. Plus, we offer a variety of online resources, such as technical support, online tutoring and the Student Success Center.

1 Excludes programs with residencies and practicums.

2 Niche.com. (2025). Grand Canyon University Rankings. Retrieved Jan. 14, 2025.

3 Secondary Applicants must transfer a minimum of 60 of the required 123 credits or have completed a baccalaureate degree which includes nine prerequisite courses/labs and 10 general education courses prior to starting the core nursing courses, which can be completed in as few as 16 months. Direct Entry Applicants that do not transfer 60 credits but meet the minimum requirements can complete these credits through GCU prior to starting the core nursing courses. Depending on the state where student has enrolled or intends to complete the program, student may require additional courses. This may include, but is not limited to, additional general education courses, courses in the major, clinical courses, or a different course sequence. See University Policy Handbook.

Prepare to contribute toward better patient outcomes and promote healthy communities.