Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
What Is an ABSN Program?
ABSN stands for accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing — an accelerated nursing program designed to provide a faster pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for eligible students who are ready to pursue registered nursing. Depending on your educational background, you may enter with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, previous college coursework or no prior college experience.
Our ABSN program allows eligible students to earn their accelerated BSN degree in as few as 16 months.¹ The curriculum combines nursing coursework with hands-on skills labs, immersive simulation suites and supervised clinical experiences. You will study areas such as patient assessment, clinical decision-making, care coordination, evidence-based practice, ethical judgment and communication.
Through this accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you can build the nursing knowledge and clinical competencies needed to prepare for professional practice. Upon meeting program and state requirements, you may be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN(See disclaimer ®) and pursue licensure as a registered nurse.
What’s the Difference Between an ABSN and a Traditional BSN?
An ABSN and a traditional BSN can both prepare you to pursue RN licensure, but they differ in pace, program structure and the students they are designed for. An accelerated BSN offers a more intensive pathway that can be completed in a shorter timeframe, while a traditional BSN follows a standard undergraduate course sequence. Compare the key differences below or explore our ABSN vs. BSN comparison for more details.
Feature
Program Pace
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated, intensive course sequence designed for faster completion
Traditional undergraduate format completed over a longer timeframe
Feature
Time To Completion
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
As few as 16 months¹
Multiple years, depending on program and format
Feature
Who It’s For
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Eligible students with previous college experience, or no college experience, who want an accelerated pathway into nursing
Students pursuing a traditional undergraduate pathway to a nursing degree
Feature
Learning Format
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Hybrid format, often combining online coursework with in-person skills labs, immersive simulations and clinicals
Primarily in-person with a structured campus-based undergraduate experience
Feature
Time Commitment
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Fast-paced and intensive due to the accelerated course sequence
More gradual pace following a traditional undergraduate course sequence
Program Pace
Accelerated, intensive course sequence designed for faster completion
Traditional undergraduate format completed over a longer timeframe
Time To Completion
As few as 16 months¹
Multiple years, depending on program and format
Who It’s For
Eligible students with previous college experience, or no college experience, who want an accelerated pathway into nursing
Students pursuing a traditional undergraduate pathway to a nursing degree
Learning Format
Hybrid format, often combining online coursework with in-person skills labs, immersive simulations and clinicals
Primarily in-person with a structured campus-based undergraduate experience
Time Commitment
Fast-paced and intensive due to the accelerated course sequence
More gradual pace following a traditional undergraduate course sequence
A minimum of 60 transferrable credits from an accredited institution.
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 2.8+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
What Will I Study in an Accelerated BSN Program?
In an ABSN program, you will study nursing concepts and practices that prepare you to provide patient-centered care across diverse populations and healthcare settings. The accelerated BSN curriculum covers topics such as nursing foundations, health assessment, evidence-based practice, adult health, behavioral health, population health, pediatrics and women’s health. You will also examine healthcare ethics and policy as they relate to professional nursing practice.
Our accelerated nursing program integrates this academic coursework with applied learning experiences designed to help you develop nursing knowledge and clinical competencies. Explore the learning formats that support your preparation for nursing practice.
How Does the ABSN Program Work?
No matter your previous field of undergraduate study, this accelerated nursing program builds upon your prior education with a sequential curriculum of coursework, labs and clinical rotations over a 16-month time span.(See disclaimer 1) While the curriculum requires commitment, it also offers a hybrid learning model to provide greater convenience and a well-rounded educational experience.
Complete didactic nursing coursework online through a structured digital learning environment. You will engage with course materials, instructors and peers as you study nursing concepts and build the academic knowledge that supports all other aspects of the program.
Practice nursing skills and clinical decision-making through hands-on labs and immersive simulations. These experiences allow you to apply nursing concepts, practice patient care techniques and work through realistic clinical scenarios in a structured learning environment.
Complete supervised clinical rotations in healthcare settings where you can apply nursing knowledge while caring for patients. Under the guidance of qualified professionals, you can gain experience with patient assessment, care delivery, communication and other aspects of nursing practice.
Find a GCU Accelerated BSN Location Near You
GCU has a number of ABSN learning sites throughout the U.S., and we are always expanding. View our current locations to find one closest to you.
What Are the Steps To Become an RN Through an ABSN Program?
To become a registered nurse through an ABSN program, you will need to complete the required prerequisites and nursing education, graduate with your BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN and meet the licensure requirements established by your state board of nursing.
Follow these key steps toward becoming a registered nurse:
Complete your prerequisites
Complete the prerequisite courses and other admission requirements needed to qualify for the ABSN program.
Earn your BSN
Complete your accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing coursework, skills labs, immersive simulations and supervised clinical experiences.
Apply for RN licensure and take the NCLEX-RN
After graduating, apply for RN licensure and meet your state board of nursing requirements to become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Obtain your RN license
After passing the NCLEX-RN and meeting all state requirements, obtain your RN license and begin pursuing nursing opportunities.
NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rates
The NCLEX-RN exam measures whether nursing graduates are prepared to begin practicing as entry-level registered nurses.Review all Grand Canyon University’s ABSN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates and the corresponding number of students tested in the table below.
State
Arizona
2026 Q2 Pass Rate
97.07%
Students
232
State
2026 Q2 Pass Rate
Students
Complete Your ABSN at an Accredited University
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. For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university licensures, please visit our Nursing Accreditation and Regulations page.
The immersive simulation center for this accelerated BSN has received accreditation in teaching/education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Accreditation in this area reflects GCU’s ability to meet expectations in nursing simulation education.
GCU ABSN Tuition and Costs
GCU is committed to making quality nursing education more accessible to future healthcare workforce. In this effort, we have not increased our campus tuition rates since 2009. In addition, prospective students are invited to explore our scholarship and grant opportunities.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
ABSN Program Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to common questions about accelerated BSN programs, including what an ABSN means, program difficulty, admission requirements and whether an accelerated nursing program may be right for you.
What does ABSN mean in nursing?
Are ABSN programs hard to get into?
Is an accelerated nursing program difficult?
Why is the NCLEX-RN pass rate important?
Is an accelerated BSN degree worth it?
Who is the ABSN program for?
What Are GCU’s ABSN Admission Requirements?
With multiple nursing pathways available, the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for individuals with a non-nursing degree, transfer credits or no prior coursework.
You do not need prior healthcare experience to apply to our accelerated nursing program. Individuals who meet our academic requirements are eligible to apply to this ABSN program. These requirements include:
Review the instructions below for completing your required background check. Arizona students can also access instructions for obtaining the required Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Our specialized university counselors help make the admission process as seamless as possible. Working exclusively with prospective ABSN students, these counselors know the nuances of the program and provide personalized support throughout the admission process.
If you’re looking to gain admission into the ABSN program, follow these steps.
Talk to a university counselor
Connect with a university counselor to review your academic background, discuss your goals and determine your eligibility for the ABSN program.
Complete prerequisite courses and pre-admission interview
Complete any required prerequisite coursework and participate in a pre-admission interview to assess your readiness and fit for the program.
Apply to the ABSN program
Submit your application to the ABSN program and work with your university counselor to finalize your pre-enrollment plan, outlining your path to start the program.
Discover More About Accelerated Nursing
Explore articles about accelerated nursing programs, nursing education and the path toward becoming a registered nurse.
Take the next step toward earning your BSN through GCU’s accelerated nursing program. Connect with a university counselor to review your eligibility and get started.
- 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. For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
- Arizona Board of Nursing. (2025). 2026 RN NCLEX Quarterly Reports. Retrieved September 2026.
- Utah Department of Commerce. (2026). RN Pass Rates. Retrieved September 2026.
- Nevada State Board of Nursing. (2026). NCLEX Pass Rates for Nevada Schools. Retrieved September 2026.
- Idaho Board of Nursing. (2026). NCLEX Pass Rates. Retrieved July 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses, as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as registered nurses, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Oct. 2, 2026.