Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
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If you’re considering beginning or continuing your nursing journey through earning a BSN degree, read through some of the most commonly asked questions to learn more.
A BSN degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This pre-licensure BSN degree is a qualifying degree that can prepare aspiring nurses to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to gain nursing licensure. This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive nursing education, seeking to prepare them to be workforce-ready nurses, as well as position them for the opportunity to pursue graduate-level nursing studies if they choose to do so.
The RN to BSN option is an opportunity for current nurses to earn their BSN degree online3 by applying their previous knowledge and experience as a nurse. This program can be completed in 14 months,4 and can help nurses position themselves for the potential opportunity of advancement and growth in their field.
The length of time it may take you to earn your BSN degree depends on several factors, such as your academic background and which BSN pathway you choose. For example, our accelerated pre-licensure BSN option for those with a previous non-nursing college education can be completed in as little as 16 months,5 while an RN to BSN program for current RNs can be completed in as few as 14 months.4 To discuss how long it may take you to earn your BSN, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
You need to complete a qualifying nursing program and pass the licensure exam to become a nurse. Those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma who have passed the necessary licensure examination are able to practice as RNs. However, there are many benefits to pursuing your BSN degree, such as the potential for higher salary, increased job opportunities, eligibility to enroll in graduate-level studies, the potential for advancement, and a broader all-around knowledge base in nursing and the healthcare field.1
A bachelor’s in nursing can provide you with the education and skills you need to make a difference as a nurse in your community. It also can help position you to be eligible to enroll in MSN-level programs, where you can choose to specialize in an area of your choice.
If you are ready to begin your career in nursing, apply to one of GCU’s bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
Nurses are a critical part of the healthcare workforce. For those looking to enter into the nursing field, there are several routes available to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Your nursing program curriculum can provide you with a well-rounded foundation of healthcare knowledge, as well as the specific concepts, principles and skills needed to become a career-ready nursing professional.
Earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing may be the initial step you need to enter into the nursing field, or the next step you seek to help you position yourself to potentially bring your nursing career to the next level.
There are several benefits to earning a BSN degree, such as:
Graduate-level educational opportunities
A BSN can prepare you for graduate-level degree opportunities, allowing you to specialize in an area that you’re passionate about and have a greater impact on the well-being of your community.
Improved health outcomes
Studies have shown that BSN-educated nurses have a correlation with improved health outcomes, fewer medication mistakes and lower mortality rates.1
Salary potential
In May 2023, registered nurses had a median annual wage of $86,070, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
GCU offers a variety of different nursing options for those looking to earn their BSN. Whether you are already a registered nurse (RN), have a previous college background or have no college experience at all, GCU has a nursing program that is best suited for you.
Earning your pre-licensure nursing degree can be the first step to either entering or continuing your education into the nursing field. Explore our different BSN degree program options to find the one that may work best for you.
GCU’s RN to BSN program offers a feasible option for current working nurses who do not yet have their BSN degree. In this program, you can complete your core nursing coursework online3 in 14 months.4 This program is designed for current RNs to utilize their prior knowledge of the nursing field and apply it to baccalaureate-level nursing studies.
While completing your pre-licensure BSN program, you will cover many subjects that are critical to becoming a well-rounded professional nurse. Our pre-licensure BSN curriculum is designed to provide you with the education you need to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. Once passing your exam, you will be able to practice as an RN.
Some of the course topics you will be taught include:
Health assessment
Adult health
Mental health
Pediatrics
Obstetrics
Pharmacology
Informatics
Research
Ethics
Policy
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, reflecting our dedication to offering a quality education to all our students. We are proud to provide an education that has been reviewed and approved to meet the standards of our accreditor.
For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
To gain entry into our various nursing bachelor’s degree programs, you must meet certain admission requirements established by GCU, as well as complete the required prerequisite courses for your program. To learn more about your eligibility and these requirements, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
BSN degrees can prepare and qualify you to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN. If you desire to further advance your education, you can also prepare to enter graduate nursing school, where you may choose to specialize or potentially pursue leadership positions in your field by earning an MSN degree.
As an RN, you have opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, including:
Hospitals
Physicians’ offices
Community care settings
Outpatient clinics
Health service organizations
Public health
Schools
National median annual salary for registered nurses in 2023, according to the BLS2
GCU offers a range of resources to support students throughout their academic journey. From academic support services to specialized pathways, these resources are designed to help students succeed in their programs and beyond.
GCU offers various forms of support to all of our learners pursuing their nursing bachelor’s degree online3 or in person, including our online and on-campus resources. As a College of Nursing and Health Care Professions student, you also have access to additional resources that may help you as you pursue your BSN program.
For current RNs with a prior health-related degree who are looking to transition into graduate-level MSN studies, GCU offers various nursing pathways to help you get there. Nursing bridge pathways can lead directly to earning an MSN program of your choice. Explore our various bridge pathway options and fill out the form on this page to discuss whether this could be the right choice for you.