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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.
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,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.
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.
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.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.2
GCU's first-time pass rates in 2024 were 97.17% at GCU's main campus in Phoenix, 91.03% in Sun City and 100% 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 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%.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.
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.
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.
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:
For more information on the accreditation of GCU’s nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
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 Christian values and a global worldview — catalysts for human flourishing.
Graduates are prepared to respond to ever-changing needs by implementing both innovative thinking and skills to address complex issues within healthcare. Our commitment to preparing the next generation of transformative, servant leaders, exercising their vocational calling, is evident in the diversity of healthcare offerings and an evolving curriculum that connects theory to the real world.
GCU offers those who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and those enrolled in the Maricopa County Community College District nursing program a faster way to their BSN or MSN degree. View more information about our Concurrent Enrollment.
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.
GCU’s tuition rates and fees vary depending on your program and whether you will be an on-campus or online student.
Read through our available scholarships and learn about how GCU can help finance your educational journey.
Requirements vary by program. Find more information and speak with a university counselor on what is needed for admission.
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
GCU’s nursing programs rank third most well-attended nationwide in 20236
GCU’s first-time Phoenix NCLEX pass rate for 20244
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.
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.
Explore some frequently asked questions and answers to help decide if a degree in healthcare or nursing is right for you.
GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions’ nursing programs were ranked the third most well-attended nationwide in 2023 by College Factual.6
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.
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.
Yes. Many healthcare college programs are available online, making it convenient for you to study at your own pace and from almost anywhere.2 No matter what area of healthcare you’re interested in, you’re sure to discover a variety of online options available to you.
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!
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
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