Online Nursing (MSN) Bridge Pathways
Prepare for Graduate Nursing Studies at GCU
Our online(See disclaimer 1) nursing bridge pathways are designed to promote a smooth transition into one of our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. Tailored for nurses with an active RN license and a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, these pathways allow you to bypass the need for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and work toward your MSN. In your chosen bridge pathway, you can gain prerequisite knowledge while covering topics related to your emphasis of choice to help you prepare for your MSN program.
GCU Offers a Variety of Emphases for Bridge MSN Pathways
At GCU, you have the opportunity to prepare for advanced nursing education by choosing a bridge pathway that caters to your specific interests and nursing career goals.
We offer bridge pathways that can lead to entry into our MSN programs with emphases in:
Explore our various emphases options below to learn more about what you will be taught in your MSN program after completing your bridge courses.
Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
Health Informatics
Nursing Education
Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Public Health Nursing
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (MBA and MSN)
RN to MSN Bridge Pathway Coursework
The curriculum for your bridge pathway combines the nursing foundations you need to gain from BSN-level studies and courses designed to prepare you for your emphasis of choice.
Common course topics you will cover in your pathway include:
Nursing leadership
Health assessment
Nursing research
Healthcare statistics
Pathophysiology
Health promotion
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled some commonly asked questions and answers about the different options that can help you bridge your nursing knowledge to enter into graduate nursing studies.
What is a nursing bridge pathway?
Is a nursing bridge pathway right for me?
Benefits of Continuing Education for Nursing at GCU
Aside from the potential benefits associated with pursuing advanced nursing education, choosing one of our bridge pathways to help you transition into advanced nursing studies has additional benefits. Our online(See disclaimer 1) bridge pathway options allow you to take nursing coursework from any location, providing busy nurses with convenience and helping create and maintain a balance between work, school and personal life.
Nurses looking to move into graduate programs can grow both academically and spiritually at GCU. We instill important aspects of a Christian worldview in our programs, emphasizing the necessity of ethical treatment, compassion and human flourishing.
All our master’s nursing bridge pathways require the completion of a practicum course, where you will apply your new knowledge and advanced skills through an evidence-based project.
Study Nursing at an Accredited University
GCU is an institutionally accredited university, proudly accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Our accreditation validates our commitment to offering quality programs and adheres to established academic standards.
For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
Admission Requirements
To gain entry into any of our bridge pathways, you must first fulfill certain admission criteria. To learn more and determine your eligibility, review our admission requirements and fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
Nursing Student Resources
As a student in a College of Nursing and Health Care Professions' bridge pathway, you have access to numerous specialized resources to assist you as you pursue an advanced nursing education. Discover our online resources and find out why our nursing college is the perfect place for your studies.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.