Accelerated Nursing Programs in Phoenix
Turn Your Passion for Care Into a Nursing Career
GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated (ABSN) program delivers a faster transition to nursing in Phoenix. This program gives you the opportunity to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months.(See disclaimer 1) Designed for transfer students and established professionals interested in making a career change to nursing, this ABSN in Phoenix builds on your prior non-nursing coursework while teaching all the clinical skills you’ll need, from assessing to caring for patients.
You can get started sooner, with three start dates each year. This program provides a hybrid approach that combines online(See disclaimer 2) coursework with in-person immersive learning opportunities.
Accelerated BSN Program in West Valley
The West Valley area is a suburban locale with desert scenery, featuring numerous sports attractions, such as the State Farm Stadium (home of the Arizona Cardinals). The West Valley is located within Phoenix city limits on the west side and encompasses numerous towns, including Glendale.
2600 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
If you have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months(See disclaimer 1) and launch your nursing career sooner.
Our accelerated BSN program in Phoenix can prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become a registered nurse (RN). This ABSN program combines didactic instruction with hands-on learning activities to graduate competent future RNs.
Online Coursework
You can complete online nursing theory coursework with more convenience, provided you meet instructor deadlines and requirements. Join a supportive online learning community as you complete coursework in areas such as pathophysiology and pharmacology. You’ll be able to connect with peers and instructors remotely.(See disclaimer 2)
Clinical Experience
During clinical rotations, you’ll put nursing theory into practice. You’ll work shifts at nearby healthcare facilities, providing direct patient care under supervision. You’ll start with basic nursing tasks and progress to more complex nursing interventions, all with the support of your nursing faculty.
Skills Labs and Simulation Suites
Visit your ABSN learning site in the Phoenix area for in-person nursing skills labs, during which you’ll be taught how to perform fundamental nursing tasks. These include everything from head-to-toe assessments to nasogastric tube insertion. You’ll also have simulation suites, in which you’ll work through simulated clinical situations.
What You Need To Know To Get Started
Admission Process
You may be eligible for GCU’s accelerated BSN program in Phoenix if you have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution. Applicants with fewer than 60 transfer credits may also be eligible if other requirements are met. Applicants may also need to complete prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. Our university counselors help accelerated nursing applicants navigate each step of the admission process. Fill out the form on this page to connect with a university counselor and discuss your eligibility for the program.
Cost of Attendance
Enrolling in an ABSN program is an investment in your future career as a nurse. GCU maintains transparent tuition rates and other program fees for our nursing students. Our ABSN tuition is based on the number of credits required to graduate. Students are responsible for understanding the costs they may incur during the program.
Transfer Credits
Our accelerated nursing program in Phoenix are designed for individuals with a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of transfer credits. Get an unofficial evaluation of how your credits may transfer by filling out the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation tool. Then, speak with a transfer specialist for personalized guidance.
Accredited Program
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.
GCU’s immersive simulation suites for our accelerated nursing students have received accreditation in the area of teaching/education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
A City Full of Opportunity
When you aren’t studying or attending skills labs, you can get together with new friends in your nursing cohort to enjoy outdoor recreation, visit cultural sites, check out sporting events or grab a bite to eat. Phoenix offers plenty of sun and warm temperatures year-round, with plenty to do in the bustling city.
Some of the amenities and attractions in the Phoenix area include:
Outdoor activities
Enjoy a range of outdoor activities in the stunning desert scenery, including hiking, biking, golfing, horseback riding and ballooning.
Cultural sites
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s rich culture with visits to local art museums, science centers and historical sites.
Entertainment
Choose from a range of entertainment venues, including comedy clubs, live music venues and professional sports stadiums.
Dining
Explore a variety of cuisines, including Asian, Italian, Mexican and classic American.
Median annual salary for registered nurses in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler as of May 2024(See disclaimer 4)
Career Opportunities in Phoenix
The Phoenix area offers nursing jobs at numerous healthcare facilities, including Valleywise.(See disclaimer 3 )No matter your nursing specialty, you can choose from a range of career opportunities right here in Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before making the decision to switch careers or transfer to a new degree program, explore our frequently asked questions and answers about our ABSN in Phoenix.
Are Phoenix area ABSN programs hard to get into?
What is an ABSN program?
Does GCU offer ABSN programs in other locations?
Do you need a previous degree to apply to an ABSN program?
Are accelerated nursing programs completed online or in person?
Can you work while enrolled in an ABSN program?
How does an accelerated BSN program prepare you for the NCLEX?
Make the switch to nursing and earn your BSN in as few as 16 months.(See disclaimer 1)
- 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 the University Policy Handbook.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Greater Phoenix Chamber. (n.d.). Get Connected. Retrieved April 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses, as of May 2024, retrieved April 2026. 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 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.