Accelerated BSN in Jacksonville, FL
Earn Your ABSN in Jacksonville in 16 Months
GCU's accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Jacksonville is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field, qualifying college credits or are changing careers and want to become registered nurses. Eligible students can complete the program in as few as 16 months(See disclaimer 1) while gaining the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue RN licensure.(See disclaimer )The hybrid curriculum combines online(See disclaimer 2) coursework with in-person nursing skills labs and supervised clinical experiences, preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN(See disclaimer ®) examination. Licensure requirements vary by state.
Jacksonville ABSN Program Location
GCU's Jacksonville, FL ABSN learning site is conveniently located in the Baymeadows area, with easy access from I-95, J. Turner Butler Blvd. (SR 202) and Baymeadows Road.
8800 W. Baymeadows Way, Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32256
View our Postsecondary State Authorizations and SARA and State Disclosures information for Florida.
What To Expect From GCU’s ABSN Program in Jacksonville
GCU's accelerated BSN program in Jacksonville combines convenient online(See disclaimer 2) coursework with in-person nursing skills labs, immersive simulation suites and supervised clinical placements. This hybrid learning model is designed to help you build nursing knowledge, practice essential clinical skills and prepare to pursue RN licensure.
Study nursing concepts through convenient online(See disclaimer 1 )coursework, allowing you to complete academic coursework on your schedule while preparing for required in-person learning experiences.
Complete supervised clinical experiences at participating healthcare facilities throughout the Jacksonville area, where you can apply nursing concepts while caring for everyday patients in nearby healthcare settings.
Practice fundamental nursing skills in person through faculty-guided skills labs and immersive simulation experiences before transitioning to supervised clinical practice.
Program Details, Admissions and Requirements
Admission Process
Admission to GCU's Jacksonville accelerated BSN program includes working with a university counselor, completing an eligibility review and meeting program admission requirements. Your university counselor can help you understand the admissions process, review prerequisite coursework and develop a personalized plan toward enrollment.
Cost of Attendance
Your ABSN program cost of attendance can vary based on factors such as transfer credits and financial aid eligibility. Explore ABSN tuition and fees, scholarship opportunities and available financial resources to better understand the investment in your nursing education.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credits can help you meet general education and prerequisite requirements for our ABSN program. If you still need prerequisite coursework, our Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing program is a transfer-focused program designed to help you build a strong academic foundation before pursuing your BSN. Your university counselor can evaluate your previous coursework and help determine the best pathway based on your educational background.
Program Accreditation
GCU’s immersive simulation suites for Jacksonville’s ABSN site 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.
With multiple nursing pathways available, GCU’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for individuals who have either a non-nursing degree, transfer credits or no prior coursework. Our university counselors understand the nuances of the program and can provide you with 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 eligibility and receive a personalized enrollment plan.
Complete prerequisite courses and pre-admission interview
Finish any required prerequisite coursework and complete the pre-admission interview as part of the admission process.
Apply to the accelerated BSN program
Submit your application and required documentation once you've met the admission requirements.
Explore What Jacksonville Has To Offer
While pursuing your accelerated BSN in Jacksonville, you'll have the opportunity to experience one of Florida's largest and most dynamic cities. From relaxing beaches and outdoor recreation to vibrant dining, arts and entertainment, Jacksonville offers plenty to explore outside of your nursing studies.
Whether you're new to the area or already call Florida home, Jacksonville offers attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the year.
Beaches and Waterways
Enjoy more than 22 miles of Atlantic coastline, explore the St. Johns River or spend your free time kayaking, boating, surfing or relaxing by the water.(See disclaimer 3)
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Jacksonville is home to the nation's largest urban park system, with more than 80,000 acres of parks, preserves and trails to hike, bike and explore.(See disclaimer 4)
Arts and Culture
Explore museums, galleries, live music venues and public art while discovering Jacksonville's diverse arts and cultural scene.(See disclaimer 5)
Dining and Entertainment
From fresh local seafood and waterfront restaurants to coffee shops, sporting events and shopping districts, Jacksonville offers a variety of ways to unwind.
Annual median wage for registered nurses in Jacksonville in May 2025(See disclaimer 7)
Nursing Career Outlook in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is home to a vibrant and growing healthcare sector, offering opportunities for registered nurses across hospitals, outpatient centers and other healthcare settings.(See disclaimer 6 )After earning your degree and meeting state licensure requirements, you may choose to pursue nursing in the area.
ABSN Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about GCU's accelerated BSN program, including admission requirements, RN licensure preparation and what to expect as an ABSN student.
What is the admission process for GCU’s ABSN program?
What are the requirements for GCU’s accelerated BSN program?
How do you become an RN?
What is the difference between an ABSN vs. BSN degree?
Does GCU's ABSN program prepare you for the NCLEX?
What does a faith-based nursing education look like?
Learn how GCU's hybrid accelerated BSN program can help prepare you for RN licensure. Connect with a university counselor to review admission requirements 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 the University Policy Handbook.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Visit Jacksonville. (n.d.). Things To Do in Jacksonville. Retrieved July 2026.
- Visit Jacksonville. (n.d.). Outdoors. Retrieved July 2026.
- Visit Jacksonville. (n.d.). Arts & Culture. Retrieved July 2026.
- Jacksonville.gov. (n.d.). Office of Economic Development. Retrieved July 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Registered Nurses, as of May 2025, retrieved July 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 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.