Accelerated BSN (ABSN) in Tucson
Complete GCU's ABSN in Tucson in as Little as 16 Months
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Tucson is a hybrid undergraduate nursing degree designed for transfer students, career changers and individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want to pursue a BSN. Located at GCU's Tucson ABSN site, the program can be completed in as few as 16 months(See disclaimer 1) and combines online(See disclaimer 2 )coursework with in-person nursing skills labs, simulation experiences and clinical rotations to prepare graduates to pursue RN licensure.
According to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), it is projected there will be a shortfall of 250,970 RNs in the U.S. by 2030.(See disclaimer 3) With three start dates per year and an accelerated timeline, this ABSN program can help individuals prepare to enter the nursing workforce sooner, addressing a critical shortage of nurses nationwide. The ABSN curriculum teaches foundational nursing theory, essential nursing skills and the applied nursing process, preparing graduates to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Earn Your Nursing Degree at an ABSN Learning Site in Tucson
Grand Canyon University’s Tucson ABSN learning site is located in the Richland Heights East area on N. Campbell Avenue, between E. Prince Road and E. Greenlee Road.
3500 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
View our Postsecondary State Authorizations and SARA and State Disclosures information for Arizona.
What Does the Tucson ABSN Program Include?
Our ABSN in Tucson delivers comprehensive curriculum with three main learning components: online coursework, in-person nursing skills labs and in-person immersive simulation suites. Students will also complete in-person clinical rotations at healthcare facilities in the Tucson area. The blend of didactic and hands-on learning components can enable you to develop a thorough grounding in evidence-based nursing practice.
The accelerated nursing program in Tucson offers coursework online,(See disclaimer 2) which provides greater scheduling flexibility and can decrease the frequency of commuting. You will also attend proctored exams at our ABSN learning site. Although coursework may be completed online,(See disclaimer 2) you should hold yourself accountable to all deadlines.
To facilitate skills development, ABSN students in Tucson will complete multiple clinical rotations. You can gain hands-on experience working directly with patients under the guidance of experienced RNs and their faculty. Clinicals are available in multiple nursing specialties, providing diverse industry experience.
You will complete nursing skills labs at our ABSN learning site, during which you will exercise essential nursing skills, such as medication administration and patient assessments. Our immersive simulation suites, meanwhile, teach you how to apply the nursing process, develop appropriate clinical responses and initiate nursing interventions.
What You Need To Know To Get Started
Admission Process
To streamline the admission process for our accelerated BSN program in Tucson, prospective applicants can work with our dedicated university counselors, who understand the specialized requirements of the ABSN admission process. They will review your eligibility and help you develop a plan to apply. Admission requirements may vary by state.
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ABSN Tuition
It’s important for prospective students to understand the anticipated tuition rates, which includes a competitive tuition rate and ancillary program fees. This program is an investment in your future career as a nurse. Our ABSN program may enable you to re-enter the workforce sooner. Thanks to its accelerated timeline, this ABSN can empower you to pursue a nursing job after having earned a BSN in just 16 months.(See disclaimer 1)
Transfer Credits
With multiple admission pathways available, our ABSN program can be an ideal fit for individuals who have a completed non-nursing baccalaureate degree, or a minimum number of transfer credits or no prior coursework. Speak with a university counselor to discover how your college credits may transfer to GCU’s accelerated BSN program in Tucson.
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Accredited Program
GCU’s ABSN program features immersive simulation suites that have been granted accreditation in the area of teaching and education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
GCU has been institutionally 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.
Our specialized university counselors help make the admission process as seamless as possible. They are available to you to provide personalized support throughout the admission process. Even if you are unsure of whether you are eligible to apply for admission, our university counselors welcome your questions and will assess your eligibility.
If you’re looking to gain admission into the ABSN program, follow these steps.
Talk to a university counselor
Fill out the form on this page to speak with a specialized university counselor about our ABSN program and its admission requirements.
Complete prerequisite courses and pre-admission interview
Your university counselor will determine which prerequisites you need to take, as well as help you schedule a pre-admission interview.
Apply to the ABSN program
You can complete your application online and make arrangements to submit supporting documents, such as official transcripts.
Why Choose Tucson for Your ABSN Education?
The Tucson area offers a relaxed, desert lifestyle, with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. Tucson, known as “Old Pueblo,” is a valley city surrounded by mountains. It features plenty of warm, sunny days, charming neighborhoods and cultural attractions. You’ll also find a lively food scene, with abundant dining options, as well as numerous recreational activities to choose from.
Some benefits of earning your nursing degree in Tucson include:
Local Lifestyle
As an ABSN student in Tucson, you may find the local lifestyle enjoyable. With a distinctive Southwestern vibe, the local community is generally laid-back. Tucsonans enjoy stunning mountain and desert landscapes, suitable for an outdoor-focused lifestyle. While a large city, Tucson offers a small-town ambiance.
City Attractions
Tucson offers numerous historical and cultural attractions, such as the Presidio Museum and the Historic Railroad Depot. You can choose from a vast assortment of dining options, many of which offer the distinctive Southwestern cuisine Tucson is known for. During your free time, consider visiting Tucson’s entertainment venues, like the Arizona Theatre Company.
Recreational Opportunities
Tucson is a haven for sports and recreation enthusiasts, offering no shortage of hiking and mountain biking trails. You can also go horseback riding, rock climbing, caving, birdwatching, kayaking or swimming. If the summer heat is too intense to enjoy the great outdoors, Tucson offers multiple recreation centers.
Healthcare Facilities
As an aspiring nurse, you may be interested in exploring the healthcare facilities in the Tucson area. Tucson is home to some top-ranked medical facilities, including Tucson Medical Center and Banner University Medical Center.(See disclaimer 4) ABSN students may be interested in pursuing employment in these locations after obtaining licensure.
Median annual wage for RNs in Tucson, Arizona, as of May 2024(See disclaimer 5)
Nursing Career Outlook in Tucson, Arizona
The Tucson area and the entire State of Arizona are in need of more registered nurses to care for patients. According to the HRSA, Arizona is expected to have a shortage of about 12,010 RNs by 2026 and a shortage of about 7,820 RNs by 2030.(See disclaimer 3) This suggests that healthcare employers will be interested in hiring qualified RNs to fill empty positions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Tucson ABSN Program FAQs
Learn more about our ABSN in Tucson by reading the following frequently asked questions and answers.
Where is the Tucson ABSN learning site located?
What are the prerequisites for the ABSN program in Tucson?
What career paths are available after completing an accelerated nursing program?
How long does an ABSN program take?
Is the ABSN program a good option for career changers?
What is the difference between a BSN and an ABSN Program?
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Pursue a career in nursing and potentially enter the healthcare workforce sooner through GCU’s accelerated BSN program.
- 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.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Health Resources & Services Administration. (n.d.). Workforce Projections. Retrieved June 2026.
- Newsweek. (2025). America’s Best-in-State Hospitals. Retrieved June 2026.