College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Q: Does GCU have a good nursing college?

GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions’ nursing programs were ranked the third most well-attended nationwide in 2023 by College Factual.1

Q: Is it hard to get into GCU’s nursing and healthcare college?

Gaining admission into any nursing and healthcare college can be competitive. Admission requirements often include a strong GPA, prerequisite requirements and possible entrance exams. Discuss your eligibility with a university counselor to learn more about the process and start preparing your application.

Q: Can you pursue healthcare college programs online?

Yes. Many healthcare college programs are available online, making it convenient for you to study at your own pace and from almost anywhere. No matter what area of healthcare you’re interested in, you’re sure to discover a variety of online options available to you.

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Use this menu to discover more about the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions and its resources.

Overview

Preparing Students for the Nursing and Healthcare Field

For more than 40 years, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has prepared students to fill evolving healthcare roles as qualified professionals educated in direct care, management, health education and administration. We strive to help prepare tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.

Mission

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions’ Mission

The mission of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is to prepare competent, compassionate professionals empowered to promote health, wellness, safety and quality care for all. This mission is supported by academically rigorous programs built upon a strong foundation of liberal arts education and evidence-based practice that reflect missional, Christ-centered values and a global worldview — catalysts for human flourishing.

Programs

Nursing and Healthcare Degrees

Options range from pre-licensure and post-licensure BSN nursing programs, bridge pathways to a BSN or MSN, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). We offer a variety of online nursing programs,^{(See disclaimer 2)} undergraduate and graduate healthcare degrees that can help you position yourself to potentially lead in your field. Explore GCU’s nursing, healthcare and athletic training degrees to learn more.

Nursing Degrees

Healthcare Degrees

Science Degrees

Explore All Nursing and Healthcare Degrees

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43 Matching Degrees

College:College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Area of Interest:Healthcare

Area of Interest:Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

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Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration

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Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

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Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated (ABSN)

Accelerated

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

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Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Bachelor of Science in Public Health

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Nursing Program Information

With a variety of nursing options available, it is essential for you to examine specific information pertaining to your programs of interest. Review the details of our nursing options below and discover the one that best aligns with your professional aspirations.

Accelerated BSN Program – NCLEX Pass Rates

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.^{(See disclaimer 3)} 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.^{(See disclaimer 2 )}

GCU's first-time NCLEX pass rates in 2024 were 97.17% (275) at GCU's main campus in Phoenix, 91.03% (132) in Sun City and 100% (47) in Tucson, Arizona.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Our Salt Lake (Sandy), Utah, NCLEX first-time pass rate was 95% (19), and our Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada, pass rate was 92.31% (24).^{(See disclaimer 4)} For more information on our accelerated BSN program, visit the ABSN page.

BSN Pre-Licensure Program

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 2024 was 97.17% at our main campus in Phoenix, while Arizona’s state-wide average first-time pass rate in 2024 was 93.71%.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Speak with your university counselor or visit BSN requirements for more information.

RN to BSN to MSN Fast Track Option

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.^{(See disclaimer 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.

MS in Athletic Training Program

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.

DNP: Educational Leadership Emphasis

Minors Offer Advantages

If you are a traditional campus student who would like to add another credential to your primary degree, consider adding a minor to your program.

Why GCU

Benefits of GCU’s Nursing and Healthcare College

We strive to create programs that provide you with a quality education and that support your personal and professional goals. These programs are thoughtfully structured to equip you with essential knowledge and skills, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience, guided by high educational standards and our college’s mission.

University and Programmatic Accreditation

The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers quality programs that meet high standards established by recognized accrediting bodies. Many of our programs hold programmatic accreditation from accrediting bodies such as:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

For more information on the accreditation of GCU’s nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.

Concurrent Enrollment Opportunity

More Resources

Additional Resources

Deciding on a degree program involves more than simply browsing the curriculum. View some other resources below to learn more about enrolling in our programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

GCU’s tuition rates and fees vary depending on your program and whether you will be an on-campus or online student.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Careers

Career Potential After Graduation

With a strong foundation in nursing or healthcare practices, graduates may explore many different roles in their field, depending on their specific interests.

Examples of some jobs that graduates can pursue include:

Medical and health services managers

Facilities manager

Registered nurse

Nursing instructor and teacher

Community health worker

Health education specialist

#3

GCU’s nursing programs rank third most well-attended nationwide in 2023^{(See disclaimer 6)}

97.17%

GCU’s first-time Phoenix NCLEX pass rate for 2024^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Integration of GCU’s Christian Identity in Curriculum

GCU’s nursing programs work to advance critical thinking, professionalism, accountability and ethical decision-making. They do so through the use of in-person and online environments, and by applying science, health and nursing theories. This is all fulfilled within our Christian identity and mission, known as One Foundation.

How does the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions faculty integrate GCU’s Christian identity and mission into the curriculum?

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.

How does a student in the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions directly benefit from GCU’s mission?

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.

What is the student experience like in the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions as it relates to One Foundation?

How does the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions uniquely promote the principles of human flourishing?

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.

How can nursing and healthcare majors benefit from a theology minor?

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.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore some frequently asked questions and answers to help decide if a degree in healthcare or nursing is right for you.

Does GCU have a good nursing college?

Is it hard to get into GCU’s nursing and healthcare college?

Is the college of healthcare professions right for me?

Choosing between a program in the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions and other colleges comes down to understanding your intended career path and personal and professional interests. If you’re passionate about direct patient care and want to delve deep into healthcare practices, a healthcare program might be a good fit.

If you’re interested in non-direct patient care roles and the intersection between healthcare and business, you may consider a business program, offered by the Colangelo College of Business. Those interested in the science or technology behind many areas of healthcare may want to explore a College of Natural Science or College of Engineering and Technology program. No matter what side of healthcare you’re looking to pursue, we have a program that can help you get there and a college that supports you along the way.

Can you pursue healthcare college programs online?

Start Your Journey Today

Enroll in a nursing or healthcare program and take the first step toward making a positive impact in your community. Your future in healthcare awaits!

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Cannot be used in conjunction with other GCU scholarships or awards.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
Based on location, applicants must transfer a minimum of 60 of the required 123 credits, or have completed a baccalaureate degree, and complete nine prerequisite courses/labs and 10 general education courses prior to starting the core nursing courses which can be completed in 16 months.
Arizona State Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Arizona NCLEX Pass Rates. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
Earn your BSN and MSN in as little as 2.5 years. Transfer of 90 credits that apply to your degree, and continuous enrollment required.