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Interested in making a positive impact on healthcare systems and patients? Further your nursing education at GCU today.
1 Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
Our College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is committed to promoting the strength and integrity of the healthcare profession by educating professionals who provide highly competent, patient-focused care. With a priority on patient health and safety, we strive to prepare our students to make a positive impact.
This MSN bridge pathway is designed to prepare you to tackle graduate-level nursing curriculum with confidence. Examine the core competencies of leadership and management in healthcare, all through the lens of the Christian worldview. Prepare to apply evidence-based research in clinical care scenarios and work toward more favorable outcomes for your patients.
The Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems Bridge pathway at Grand Canyon University helps registered nurses (RNs) with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree in a health-related field make the transition to master’s degree studies. Explore modern nursing theory and evidence-based research in a curriculum that pairs instructional classes with experiential learning. Join leaders and change-makers on the forefront of nursing advancement by completing your bridge pathway and advancing to graduate-level nursing studies.
GCU understands that working professionals can benefit from flexibility in scheduling and geographic location. You can complete this online1 MSN bridge pathway through online classes, connecting to your instructors and peers. Access your coursework through our intuitive e-learning platform.
Online: $340 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
As an institutionally accredited university, we prioritize the quality of education and comprehensiveness of the curriculum with the goal of better preparing our students to step into leadership positions with integrity. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU 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.
Following the completion of this bridge, you may decide to apply to one of our online1 master’s in nursing degrees that have received programmatic accreditation.
If you’re a current nurse looking to further your studies and prepare yourself to pursue leadership positions, this bridge pathway may be the right fit for you. Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about this bridge pathway.
This RN to MSN bridge pathway is intended for licensed nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and who desire to advance to an MSN program. You will be taught BSN-related coursework that can help qualify you to apply for entry into MSN-level studies. While you will not be completing your BSN, you will be taught foundational BSN materials as well as material related to nursing leadership.
This bridge pathway is intended to utilize courses taken previously and allow students to complete prerequisites required for MSN entry, whereas the MSN program confers a degree.
Eligibility for this program requires an active current RN license and a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. Nurses who have a BSN are eligible for direct entry into an MSN program. You must also meet all other graduate admission requirements. Review our graduate admission requirements page and fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor who can help determine your eligibility.
In this RN to MSN bridge pathway online,1 you can work to develop your skills in critical thinking, effective communication, leadership and administration of resources to help you position yourself for potential management roles in today’s complex healthcare environments. Upon completing the courses in the nursing bridge pathway, you may be prepared for entry into the MSN in leadership program. This bridge pathway offers focused preparation that may enable you to meet prerequisite requirements.
Through the Bridge MSN: Nursing Leadership emphasis, you can build on your existing nursing foundation by completing coursework from the BSN curriculum. You will also be required to complete a practicum course. Practicum experiences enable you to work with a preceptor who will support your education and guide your connection of theory and practice. You will be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge of patient care and organizational leadership.
Explore core competencies such as:
Dynamics of nursing practice
Health assessment methodologies and health promotion strategies
Applied statistics
Nursing research methodologies and applications
Concepts in public health
Pathophysiological processes of diseases in patients across the lifespan
