BSN Degree (Pre-Licensure)

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Campus

Area of Study

Healthcare

Program

BSN (Pre-Licensure)

Current Education Level

Make a selection

High School Graduation Year

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High School Name

Country

United States

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Overview

Build Your Future in Nursing With a BSN Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure degree from GCU is designed to prepare you to practice as a generalist registered nurse (RN). This nursing degree teaches core nursing knowledge and skills applicable across all nursing specialties and in a variety of health-related settings. The focus of our pre-licensure BSN is to prepare future nurses to deliver quality care and contribute to better patient outcomes through evidence-based, holistic practices for diverse communities and populations.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

Offered By

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 123

Campus: 15 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

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).

Why GCU

Benefits of a Practice-Focused Nursing Education

The pre-licensure nursing program includes clinical practice with hands-on experience. You will be expected to work across the continuum of care to experience actual patient care scenarios you may face during your career. You will be taught how to promote health for your patients and how to use new technology to support high standards of patient care. There is a focus on the development of leadership skills, critical thinking and professional ethics in nursing.

During the clinical program, you work directly with patients under close supervision of your nursing instructors. You will also complete a capstone project that requires research and evidence-based findings, which is intended to help you implement safety practices that contribute to better patient outcomes.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, consider enrolling in our accelerated BSN (ABSN) program for a faster route to earning your nursing degree.

ABSN Degree

Testimonial

What Our Students Have To Say

"My experience at the College of Nursing at GCU has prepared me super well for transitioning into real-life nursing. Not only based off the skills I'm learning, but the ways I'm learning to interact with other people."

Matthew Powell

Honors Nursing Graduate, 2023

"My experience at the College of Nursing at GCU has prepared me super well for transitioning into real-life nursing. Not only based off the skills I'm learning, but the ways I'm learning to interact with other people."

Matthew Powell

Honors Nursing Graduate, 2023

Experience Nursing Simulations as a BSN Major

BSN majors will work through immersive patient care simulations conducted in fully equipped immersive simulation suites with a control room, nurses’ station, four hospital rooms and debrief rooms. You will have access to our simulation suites during the third and fourth years in the program. Immersive simulation consists of clearly constructed, well-considered clinical scenarios intended to nurture and challenge student development.

You will practice interacting with patients in scenarios that are aligned with national standards and best practices. Nursing simulations provide opportunities to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning in a safe environment. Skills and clinical judgment taught in nursing simulations are immediately transferable to healthcare settings.

Sim Center Mission for Nursing Students

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 can enable 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.

Coursework

Course Topics in GCU’s Pre-Licensure BSN

The broad survey of various patient populations in this pre-licensure BSN is designed to empower future nurses to pursue any nursing specialty. In addition to these topics, you will have the opportunity to learn how to care for people across their lifespan.

The coursework required by this BSN degree dives into the core topics and competencies tested by the NCLEX-RN. It includes topics such as:

Head-to-toe health assessment

Adult health

Behavioral health

Pediatrics

Obstetrics

Pharmacology

Informatics

Evidence-based practice

Nursing ethics

Healthcare policy

97.17%

GCU’s NCLEX first-time pass rate for Phoenix, Arizona in 2024 was 97.17% (275)^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Start Your Path to RN Licensure With NCLEX-RN Prep

It is a licensing requirement for future RNs to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN^{(See disclaimer ®)}) in order to work as nurses.^{(See disclaimer 1)} The exam requires critical thinking and an understanding of ethical nursing practices. GCU is dedicated to preparing nursing students for the NCLEX-RN as demonstrated by our first-time NCLEX pass rates.

Careers

Career Paths With a Pre-Licensure BSN Degree

Pre-licensure BSN nursing program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. After successfully completing the exam, you can become an RN. With a focus on quality of care and patient safety, BSN graduates may be prepared to pursue nursing positions across a variety of healthcare settings, such as:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Hospitals
Doctors’ offices
Outpatient care centers
Nursing and residential care facilities
Community centers
Schools

After gaining some clinical experience, RNs with a BSN may decide to pursue graduate-level nursing education. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and/or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree both provide opportunities for RNs to sharpen their clinical skills, deepen their nursing knowledge and position themselves to potentially pursue advanced roles or leadership positions.

Accreditation

Earn an Accredited BS in Nursing Degree

GCU is an institutionally accredited university, having been proudly 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.

Grand Canyon University’s immersive simulation centers for pre-licensure and accelerated tracks of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have been granted accreditation in the area of teaching/education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).

The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, the master’s degree programs in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Grand Canyon University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation). For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about pre-licensure nursing and earning your BSN by reviewing our frequently asked questions.

Do I need to be an RN to get a BSN?

No, you do not. Pre-licensure nursing programs, such as a BSN program, are offered to fulfill educational and clinical requirements needed to become an RN. In other words, it’s designed for non-nurses without healthcare experience. After successfully completing a pre-licensure nursing program from an accredited university, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam in pursuit of obtaining nursing licensure.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

In contrast, a post-licensure nursing program, such as an RN to BSN program, is ideal for active RNs who have already obtained licensure and are looking to further their career by earning their BSN degree.

What can you do with a BSN (pre-licensure)?

A pre-licensure nursing degree puts you on the path to pursuing a career as a registered nurse. In this program, you will be taught the fundamental skills and necessary knowledge needed to prepare for the NCLEX-RN, a necessary step in obtaining your RN license.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}If you become a registered nurse with a BSN, you can pursue nursing positions across any number of nursing specialties, such as:
•    Oncology
•    Dialysis
•    School nursing
•    Acute care
•    Urgent care
•    Medical-surgical

How does a BSN degree prepare you for passing the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-RN exam requires extensive nursing knowledge, critical thinking skills and the ability to develop appropriate nursing responses to different patient care scenarios. Test-takers must also demonstrate knowledge of ethical nursing practices.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Pre-licensure programs teach both nursing knowledge and the application of clinical judgment to the nursing process, which will not only prepare you to take the exam, but also to become a well-rounded, knowledgeable servant leader in the healthcare field.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major84 credits

Open Elective Credits0-5 credits

Degree Requirements123 credits

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.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

UNV-106

4 Total Credits

ENG-105

4 Total Credits

MAT-144

4 Total Credits

BIO-201

3 Total Credits

BIO-201L

1 Total Credits

ENG-106

4 Total Credits

PSY-102

4 Total Credits

MAT-274

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.

CWV-101

4 Total Credits

Course Description

A worldview acts like glasses through which one views the world. In this course, students explore the big questions that make up a worldview, questions like "Why are we here?" and "What is my purpose?" Students examine how Christians answer these questions and work on exploring their own worldviews, as well as learning how worldview influences one’s perceptions, decision-making, and everyday life.

SOC-102

4 Total Credits

NSG-310

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces the professional standards, regulations, and ethical code that inform the field of nursing. Learners learn about scope and standards of practice with particular emphasis on the nurse's role in providing client-centered care as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team. Learners also learn skills in therapeutic, interpersonal, and interprofessional communication and examine the relationship of communication and technology to safety and positive client outcomes. Prerequisite: Admission into the nursing program.

Core Courses

BIO-202

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is the second in a two-course sequence examining the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. This portion includes the study of immunity; metabolism; energetics; fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, hematologic, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: BIO-201 and BIO-201L. Co-Requisite: BIO-202L.

BIO-202L

1 Total Credits

CHM-101

3 Total Credits

Course Description

An introduction to the principles of chemistry; designed for students without a strong background in science. Topics covered include a survey of the chemical and physical properties of elements and compounds, chemical reactions, chemical energetics, acids and bases, and chemical bonding. An introduction to organic and biochemistry emphasizes the relationship between molecular structure and function. Co-requisite: CHM-101L.

CHM-101L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This lab course is designed to compliment and support the principles being addressed in CHM-101. Students learn basic lab techniques related to general and organic chemistry, building upon and strengthening foundational knowledge such as stoichiometry and reaction types. Additionally, some topics are addressed from a biochemical standpoint to highlight application to daily living. Co-requisite: CHM-101.

BIO-205

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the principles and applications of microbiology and a study of the general characteristics of microorganisms, their activities, and their relationship to humans. Students develop understanding of microbial cell structure and function, microbial genetics, related pathologies, immunity, and other selected applied areas. Co-requisite: BIO-205L.

BIO-205L

1 Total Credits

BIO-322

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to bridge the gap between basic preclinical science courses and the clinical requirements of health care professionals. Critical thinking skills are enhanced with case studies that integrate nutritional and pharmacological concepts. Systematic studies focus on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations associated with various altered health states and diseases. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to correctly discuss a variety of disease states with health care professionals while addressing the following questions: How does a change in normal physiology cause the signs and symptoms of a given condition or disease? How do these physiological effects correlate to mechanisms of accurate diagnoses? Why is one treatment method chosen over another? How do different systems intricately interrelate to cause a clinical picture? This course does not substitute for BIO-483 or fulfill the Biology major requirement for pathophysiology. Prerequisites: BIO-201 and BIO-202.

PSY-357

4 Total Credits

BIO-319

4 Total Credits

NSG-300

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces the nursing process and focuses on the development of critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in the application of the nursing process in planning safe, culturally sensitive, client-centered care. Learners are introduced to concepts of health and physiologic and psychosocial alterations. The underlying theoretical concepts related to fundamental nursing skills are introduced. Prerequisite: Admission into the nursing program. Co-Requisite: NSG-300C, or NSG-300CA, or NSG-300CB.

NSG-300C

2 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, learners use the nursing process to identify clinical data and assessment findings to plan, prioritize, and implement direct client care in assigned health care settings related to the care of the adult population. Learners are expected to integrate principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care. Fundamental nursing skills necessary for providing care are introduced and practiced in laboratory and simulated settings. Clinical hours: 56. Prerequisite: Admission into the nursing program. Co-Requisite: NSG-300.

NSG-316

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners use the nursing process to systematically collect, validate, and communicate the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, lifestyle, and functional assessment data for diverse adult clients. Learners demonstrate client-centered interviewing skills and obtaining a health history, along with hands-on assessment techniques through supervised laboratory practice. Prerequisite: Admission into the nursing program.

NSG-318

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces basic principles of pharmacotherapy used in health promotion/maintenance and disease prevention for diverse populations across the life span. Learners learn principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics/genomics, and study drug classifications and corresponding mechanisms of action, including pathophysiological effects. Use of the nursing process in developing a comprehensive approach to the clinical application of drug therapy is also discussed. Prerequisite: Admission into the nursing program.

NSG-320

5 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on nursing care of adult clients. Learners demonstrate competency in the advancing role of the professional registered nurse and clinical reasoning to improve client outcomes. Learners begin to integrate knowledge of clinical data, pharmacologic concepts, and assessment findings to plan, prioritize, and implement nursing care. Prerequisites: NSG-300, NSG-300C or NSG-300CA or NSG-300CB, NSG-310, NSG-316, and NSG-318. Co-Requisite: NSG-320C, or NSG-320CA, or NSG-320CB.

NSG-320C

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, through use of the nursing process, learners begin to integrate knowledge of clinical data, pharmacologic concepts, and assessment findings to plan, prioritize, and implement direct care for adults experiencing acute and chronic health disruptions in a variety of health care settings. Learners are expected to integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care. Medical-surgical nursing skills necessary to providing care are introduced and practiced in laboratory and simulated settings. Clinical hours: 132. Prerequisites: NSG-300, NSG-300C, NSG-310, NSG-316, and NSG-318. Co-Requisite: NSG-320.

NSG-322

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners utilize the nursing process to provide behavioral health care in community and acute inpatient settings for individuals, families, and community groups. Emphasis is placed on primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of behavioral health care, including pharmacotherapy and nursing interventions for clients in crisis and clients with serious and persistent mental illness. Concepts including therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, client-centered coping-skills, and affective skills of critical thinking and clinical judgment are integrated with biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural aspects of behavioral health nursing practice. Prerequisites: NSG-300, NSG-300C or NSG-300CA or NSG-300CB, NSG-310, NSG-316, and NSG-318. Co-Requisite: NSG-322C, or NSG-322CA, or NSG-322CB.

NSG-322C

1 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, learners use the nursing process to apply clinical data, knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and assessment findings to collaboratively plan, prioritize, assess, and implement direct client care in assigned behavioral health care settings. Learners have the opportunity to practice therapeutic communication skills. Learners are expected to integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care. Clinical hours: 48. Prerequisites: NSG-300, NSG-300C, NSG-310, NSG-316, and NSG-318. Co-Requisite: NSG-322.

NSG-324

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this writing-intensive course, learners are introduced to the research process and methodologies using qualitative and quantitative data. Learners examine the processes required to integrate evidence into nursing practice. Emphasis is on evaluation and application of scientific evidence affecting nurse-sensitive quality indicators. Learners differentiate types and levels of evidence and identify appropriate sources that inform nursing practice. Strategies for implementation, methods of evaluation, and dissemination of research findings are discussed. This course also expands on informatics technology used to support data, information, and knowledge needs in the delivery of nursing and health care. Prerequisites: NSG-300, NSG-300C or NSG-300CA or NSG-300CB, NSG-310, NSG-316, and NSG-318.

NSG-430

5 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners will synthesize advanced medical-surgical and pharmacologic concepts. Learners will use the nursing process to manage clients with higher levels of acuity and complex health needs. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C or NSG-320CA or NSG-320CB, NSG-322, NSG-322C or NSG-322CA or NSG-322CB, and NSG-324 or NSG-324A. Co-Requisite: NSG-430C, or NSG-430CA, or NSG-430CB.

NSG-430C

2 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, students utilize the nursing process to independently plan, prioritize, implement, and evaluate direct client care for adults with complex health needs. Students are expected to integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care. Advanced medical-surgical nursing skills necessary for providing care are introduced and practiced in laboratory and simulated settings. Clinical hours: 60. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C, NSG-322, NSG-322C, and NSG-324. Co-Requisite: NSG-430.

NSG-432

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces nursing concepts related to women’s health, pregnancy, and newborn care. Focus is on health promotion and disease prevention, pharmacologic concepts, ethical and legal aspects, and decision making for childbearing families. Nursing care of the normal and high-risk childbearing family from preconception through the postpartum period is addressed. Emphasis is on promoting positive outcomes during the childbearing phase of family development. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C or NSG-320CA or NSG-320CB, NSG-322, NSG-322C or NSG-322CA or NSG-322CB, and NSG-324 or NSG-324A. Co-Requisite: NSG-432C, or NSG-432CA, or NSG-432CB.

NSG-432C

1 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, students use the nursing process to analyze clinical data, knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and assessment findings to collaboratively plan, prioritize, and implement client care in assigned health care settings related to the childbearing family. Students are expected to integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care. Obstetric nursing skills necessary for providing care are introduced and practiced in laboratory and simulated settings. Clinical hours: 48. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C, NSG-322, NSG-322C, and NSG-324. Co-Requisite: NSG-432.

NSG-434

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on theories and concepts of growth and development, cultural influences, ethical issues, and physiological responses related to the nursing care of both the sick and well child. Emphasis is placed on teaching and community resources related to the childrearing family from infancy through adolescence. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C or NSG-320CA or NSG-320CB, NSG-322, NSG-322C or NSG-322CA or NSG-322CB, and NSG-324 or NSG-324A. Co-Requisite: NSG-434C, or NSG-434CA, or NSG-434CB.

NSG-434C

1 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, learners use the nursing process to analyze clinical data, knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and assessment findings to collaboratively plan, prioritize, and implement client care in assigned health care settings related to the childrearing family. Learners are expected to integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care. Pediatric nursing skills necessary for providing care are introduced and practiced in laboratory and simulated settings. Clinical hours: 48. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C, NSG-322, NSG-322C, and NSG-324. Co-Requisite: NSG-434.

NSG-436

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores nursing leadership, nursing's role in policy advocacy and development, and ethical and legal principles that impact nursing and the provision of health care within a complex health care delivery system. Students examine the influence of the nursing profession on policy and regulation, the financial structure of health care systems, and issues related to improving quality and client outcomes within health care organizations using leadership and management concepts. Students apply ethical and legal principles while evaluating the relationship between law and ethics and its impact on diverse individuals, families, and communities. Prerequisites: NSG-320, NSG-320C or NSG-320CA or NSG-320CB, NSG-322, NSG-322C or NSG-322CA or NSG-322CB, and NSG-324 or NSG-324A.

NSG-440

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in population-focused health, examining population-based systems, and community, individual, and family-focused population health practice. Emphasis is on addressing issues of overall health improvement, the broad determinants of health, and the elimination of health disparities among vulnerable populations. Students apply epidemiologic concepts and evidence-based research to the study of disease and develop strategies to promote health and prevent disease in diverse communities and populations with an emphasis on community-based assessment and partnership as well as broader population-focused interventions. Prerequisites: NSG-430, NSG-430C or NSG-430CA or NSG-430CB, NSG-432, NSG-432C or NSG-432CA or NSG-432CB, NSG-434, NSG-434C or NSG-434CA or NSG-434CB, and NSG-436. Co-Requisite: NSG-440C, or NSG-440CA, or NSG-440CB.

NSG-440C

1 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, students apply nursing principles in public and population health related to health promotion and disease prevention for diverse populations in a variety of community settings. Students are expected to integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care for diverse populations. Clinical hours: 48. Prerequisites: NSG-430, NSG-430C, NSG-432, NSG-432C, NSG-434, NSG-434C, and NSG-436. Co-Requisite: NSG-440.

NSG-444

4 Total Credits

NSG-444C

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this clinical course, students delegate care and integrate the principles of cultural awareness, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice in providing holistic, client-centered care for multiple clients. Advanced medical-surgical nursing skills necessary for providing care are reinforced and practiced in simulated settings. Clinical hours: 120. Prerequisites: NSG-430, NSG-430C, NSG-432, NSG-432C, NSG-434, NSG-434C, and NSG-436. Co-Requisite: NSG-444.

NSG-448

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive capstone provides students a culminating professional experience synthesizing a clinical change project as a means of improving clinical practice and quality of care. This course assists students as they develop into effective change agents and advocates for improvements and quality care. Theories and concepts from liberal arts education, nursing practice, and PICOT principles are included as students progress through the final development and presentation of a clinical change project. Emphasis is placed on applying evidence-based practice in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: NSG-430, NSG-430C or NSG-430CA or NSG-430CB, NSG-432, NSG-432C or NSG-432CA or NSG-432CB, NSG-434, NSG-434C or NSG-434CA or NSG-434CB, and NSG-436.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Prepare To Help Patients Heal

Pursue a career devoted to making a positive difference for others.

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All nursing students are responsible for understanding the state nursing licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.
Arizona Board of Nursing. Arizona NCLEX Pass Rates. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Registered Nurses: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
Giorgi, A. (n.d.). NCLEX Exam Guide (Registration, Eligibility, FAQ and Study Tips). All Nursing Schools. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.

BSN Degree (Pre-Licensure)

Build Your Future in Nursing With a BSN Program

Benefits of a Practice-Focused Nursing Education

Experience Nursing Simulations as a BSN Major

Sim Center Mission for Nursing Students

Course Topics in GCU’s Pre-Licensure BSN

Start Your Path to RN Licensure With NCLEX-RN Prep

TTP Nurse Residency Experience

Career Paths With a Pre-Licensure BSN Degree

Earn an Accredited BS in Nursing Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Required General Education Courses

Core Courses