Overview

Earn Your ABSN in 16 Months¹

Prepare yourself for the nursing profession and contribute to the greater good through servant leadership with the 16-month ABSN nursing program at Grand Canyon University.^{(See disclaimer 1)} This accelerated BSN program for non-nurses can not only supply healthcare employers with a steady stream of prepared nursing graduates, but also give qualified individuals increased access to a quality nursing education for a faster transition into the nursing profession.

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

Accelerated

Offered By

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $850 per credit [More Info]

Prerequisite course: $425 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 123

Campus: 15 weeks

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Transfer Credits

A minimum of 60 transferrable credits from an accredited institution.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ 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).

GCU is ranked the #13 nursing college in America for 2026^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Why GCU

An Accelerated BSN Program for Non-Nurses

GCU’s accelerated BSN program is designed for individuals who have a non-nursing college education and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. No matter your previous field of undergraduate study, our fast-paced ABSN program builds upon your education by following a logical, effective sequence of coursework, labs and clinical rotations over a 16-month time span.^{(See disclaimer 1)} While the ABSN curriculum is rigorous and requires dedication and commitment, it also offers a hybrid learning model to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

Location Options for ABSN Students

As an ABSN degree student, you will complete much of the 16-month nursing program curriculum online.^{(See disclaimer 1)} You will also attend hands-on nursing skills labs and immersive simulation experiences locally at our learning sites and complete supervised clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities.

Admission

Accelerated BSN Program Requirements and Admission Process

As a candidate, you do not need prior healthcare experience to apply to our accelerated BSN program; however, you do need a non-nursing college education to begin the admission process. Our accelerated BSN program for non-nurses builds on your non-nursing college education by giving you credit for what you’ve already accomplished as an undergraduate, enabling you to jump right into professional nursing study on the first day of class.

Admission requirements may vary by state, so it’s important to talk to one of our qualified university counselors to ensure you fulfill all requirements.

Program Requirements

Individuals who meet our academic requirements are eligible for our ABSN program. Before you can apply to and/or start in our ABSN program, you must have a:

Non-nursing bachelor’s degree or minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits from an institutionally accredited university, depending on the ABSN location you’re applying to
Cumulative 3.0 or higher programmatic GPA (all 60 credits of coursework applied to the ABSN program of study. Includes both GCU and transfer coursework)
Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher in the ABSN prerequisite courses
Complete the HESI A2 entrance exam within the specified minimum requirements:
- 80% in Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary
- 80% in Math
- 75% in Human Anatomy and Physiology
Pass a Grand Canyon University background check. The background check expires after six months from date ordered. Your admissions counselor can advise you when to complete this step.
Obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card (only applicable for Arizona students). Contact your university counselor for more information on this requirement.

Prerequisite Courses

To be eligible for the ABSN program, you need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 in prerequisite courses. If you have already completed some of these courses, you must have done so within the last seven years for your credits to be eligible for transfer. Any prerequisites you have not previously completed can be taken online through GCU.

General Education Courses

In your previous college experience, you’ve probably completed most, if not all, of these general education courses. But if you haven’t, don’t worry. You can complete any of these courses online through GCU.

Please note: Depending on the state where the student has enrolled, they may require a different or additional general education course. See University Policy Handbook.

To see a complete list of required general education courses, view the course list at the bottom of this page.

ABSN Admission Process

Our specialized university counselors help make the admission process as seamless as possible. Working exclusively with ABSN students, these counselors know the ins and outs of the program and are here to provide personalized support.

Talk to an Admission Counselor

Complete the Prerequisite Courses

Complete the Pre-Admission Interview

Apply to the ABSN Program

Once you’ve satisfied all the admission requirements, you can start putting together your online application and targeting a program start date. As part of the application process, you’ll also need to submit the following:

Official transcripts from each institutionally accredited university attended showing successful completion of the prerequisite and general education courses
HESI A2 entrance exam scores

Start a Pre-Enrollment Plan

Coursework

Gain Hands-On Experience Through Immersive Simulations

The Lopes Center for Nursing Simulation provides opportunities to develop competent, compassionate, ethical professionals and innovative thinkers using evidence-based practice to connect theory to the real world. The immersive simulation experience enables students to develop and apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in a safe, consistent learning environment. Students can become effective communicators and transformative, servant leaders who utilize holistic Christian values to help promote human flourishing.

Careers

Nursing Careers for ABSN Program Graduates

Once you earn your accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX, you are ready to get your license and practice as a registered nurse (RN). RNs can pursue employment in any number of healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms, physicians’ offices, schools, birthing centers and public health clinics.^{(See disclaimer 3)} You can also work with patients across the healthcare continuum or pursue certification to specialize in a specific area of practice, from pediatrics to gerontology.

95.57%

GCU’s NCLEX first time pass rate for all Arizona locations.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Alternative Work Environments for ABSN Program Graduates

While hospitals remain the largest employers of nurses, there are plenty of other healthcare facilities in need of qualified nurses.

Here are a few alternative work settings for nurses to consider after graduating from our ABSN program:^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Outpatient care centers and clinics

Patient homes

Rehabilitation clinics

Cruise ships

Military bases

Laboratories

Hospice care centers

Nursing homes

Healthcare consulting firms

Jails, juvenile detention centers or prisons

FAQ

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program FAQs

If you’re still questioning whether or not an ABSN program is the best fit for you, read through some frequently asked questions to learn more about completing an accelerated program and earning your BSN.

What ABSN prerequisites do I need?

What degree is an ABSN?

Are online nursing classes hard?

Online accelerated nursing courses are rigorous and require self-discipline in the online learning environment. Instructor deadlines still apply, and you’ll want to make sure you account for the fast-paced nature of the program. In-person nursing skills labs at local facilities provide a contextual environment for you to learn and practice the safe, effective application of core clinical skills.

Why is the NCLEX pass rate important?

Every nursing school graduate needs to pass the NCLEX before they can be licensed to practice as a registered nurse. Consistently high first-time NCLEX pass rates for a school usually means it provides a quality education that reinforces the type of nursing content presented throughout the exam.

Grand Canyon University’s NCLEX first-time pass rates in 2024:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

All Arizona locations: 95.57% (454)
Phoenix, Arizona: 97.17% (275)
Sun City, Arizona: 91.03% (132)
Tucson, Arizona: 100% (47)
Salt Lake (Sandy), Utah: 95% (19)
Las Vegas (Henderson, Nevada): 92.31% (24)

How do I start my nursing school application?

Why earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree?

With a BSN, you can practice in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings as well as pursue certification in any number of specialty areas. Salary is another reason to consider earning your BSN degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses have a median annual wage of $93,600 as of May 2024.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

A BSN can also give you the foundation to pursue a more advanced degree in the future, which can open the door to careers, such as nurse anesthetist, family nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist.

How much does the accelerated nursing program cost?

If the coursework is online, can I complete the ABSN program from anywhere?

What if I am a re-applicant of GCU’s ABSN program?

How do I know what courses will transfer to GCU and fulfill the prerequisites?

Should I apply to the Accelerated BSN program or the regular BSN program?

Credit Summary

Location:

Credit Summary

Students in this program are expected to demonstrate achievement of specific learning goals as part of their degree work.

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Required General Education Courses

Location:

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Learning Goals

Financial

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Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Make an Impact in the Lives of Patients

Earn your BSN degree at a location nearest you. Enroll today.

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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.
Niche.com. (2025). Grand Canyon University Rankings. Retrieved September 2025.
NurseJournal. (2023, Oct. 12). The 10 Best Places to Work as a Registered Nurse, Retrieved December 2024.
Arizona Board of Nursing. (2025). NCLEX Annual Pass Rates. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025.
NurseJournal. (2023, March 24). Where Do Nurses Work? A Breakdown of the Various Job Settings for Nurses. Retrieved December 2024.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Registered Nurses, as of May 2024, retrieved Sept. 19, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. 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 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.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program

Earn Your ABSN in 16 Months¹

GCU is ranked the #13 nursing college in America for 2026(See disclaimer 2)

An Accelerated BSN Program for Non-Nurses

Location Options for ABSN Students

Accelerated BSN Program Requirements and Admission Process

ABSN Admission Process

Gain Hands-On Experience Through Immersive Simulations

Nursing Careers for ABSN Program Graduates

Alternative Work Environments for ABSN Program Graduates

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program FAQs

Credit Summary

Required General Education Courses

We're here to help.

Accelerated BSN Program Requirements and Admission Process

ABSN Admission Process

Earn Your ABSN in 16 Months¹

Nursing Careers for ABSN Program Graduates

Location Options for ABSN Students

An Accelerated BSN Program for Non-Nurses

Alternative Work Environments for ABSN Program Graduates

GCU is ranked the #13 nursing college in America for 2026(See disclaimer 2)

Gain Hands-On Experience Through Immersive Simulations

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program FAQs

Credit Summary

Required General Education Courses

GCU is ranked the #13 nursing college in America for 2026^{(See disclaimer 2)}

GCU is ranked the #13 nursing college in America for 2026^{(See disclaimer 2)}