Take Your Next Step in Nursing With a Pre-Licensure BSN Degree
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure degree from Grand Canyon University readies you to practice as generalist registered nurse. With this nursing degree, you will be prepared to work across all areas of healthcare and in a variety of health-related settings. The focus of the Pre-Licensure BSN at GCU is providing quality care through evidence-based, holistic practices to diverse communities and populations.
Locations
Tuition Rate
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Transfer Credits
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
* 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).
Prepare to Pass the NCLEX-RN
While you’re a part of the Pre-Licensure BSN program at GCU, you will learn the comprehensive information you need to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and become a nurse generalist. The exam requires critical thinking and an understanding of ethical nursing practices. GCU is dedicated to preparing nursing students for the NCLEX-RN as proven by our testing scores.
Why GCU
Benefits of an Accredited Pre-Licensure BSN Program
The pre-licensure BS in nursing program at GCU includes clinical practice with hands-on experience. You will work across the continuum of care to experience real-life situations you may face during your career. You will also learn how to promote health for your patients and to use new technology in the quest for the best patient care. GCU BSN pre-licensure grads are prepared to assume leadership roles.
During the clinical program, you work directly with clients and families. You will also complete a capstone project that requires research and evidence-based findings. These findings help you develop safety practices related to nursing and current literature that can be applied to your future career.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, consider enrolling in our accelerated BSN (ABSN) program for a faster route to earning your degree.
ABSN DegreeSim 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 enables 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.
Gain Hands-On Experience With Nursing Simulation Labs
Immersive simulation enables clearly constructed, well-considered, clinical scenarios that nurture and challenge student development. You will learn to interact with clients in scenarios that are aligned with evidence-based national standards and best practices. The Pre-Licensure Nursing program has designed two fully equipped simulation suites. Each simulation suite is equipped with a control room, nurses’ station, four hospital rooms and debrief rooms.
Once enrolled into the pre-licensure program, you will have access to our up-to-date simulation lab during the third and fourth years of study to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning in a simulated and safe environment that is immediately transferrable to a real-life medical setting.
TTP Nurse Residency Program
If you excel in the clinical program, you can apply for the Transition to Practice (TTP) Nurse Residency program before your last semester. This prestigious and competitive program will pair you in one-to-one mentorships at host healthcare locations. The TTP programs adds to the experience and readiness of newly licensed RNs.
Course Topics in GCU's Pre-Licensure Nursing Degree
The coursework required by GCU Pre-Licensure BSN follows the NCLEX-RN test plan. It includes topics such as:
In addition to these topics, you will have the opportunity to learn how to care for people across their lifespan. This means that while you’re a BSN (pre-licensure) student, you will take courses about working with populations from newborn to the older client.
“The Grand Canyon University faculty is so accommodating, helpful and genuine. The classes allow for individual attention from professors who invest their soul into the curriculum and love to spend extra time helping students succeed. We are a tight-knit community that wants to see people excel at what they love. Everyone is here for the same reasons.”
Taylor Ward
BS in Nursing (Pre-Licensure), Alumni 2015
Career Paths With a Pre-Licensure Bachelor's in Nursing Degree
Pre-Licensure Nursing degree graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. With successful completion of the exam, you can become a registered nurse (RN). Earning a BSN gives RNs additional training and leadership opportunities. These experiences enhance quality of care and can prepare you to pursue more advanced leadership and career opportunities. Additionally, the Pre-Licensure BSN degree enables you to go on to earn a master’s degree in nursing.
If helping people through work as a nurse is your dream, it is time for you to learn more. Join us for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) degree at GCU today.
University and Programmatic Accreditation
For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
Pre-Licensure BSN Program FAQs
Learn more about pre-licensure nursing and earning your BSN by reading through our frequently asked questions.
Courses
Course List
Credit Summary
General Education34-40 credits
Open Elective Credits0-5 credits
Major84 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
University Foundations
Competency
9-12 Total Credits
Effective Communication
Competency
4 Total Credits
Christian Worldview
Competency
11-12 Total Credits
Critical Thinking
Competency
6-8 Total Credits
Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics
Required General Education Courses
Univ-103
4 Total Credits
University Success
Eng-105
4 Total Credits
English Composition I
MAT-144
4 Total Credits
College Mathematics
BIO-201
3 Total Credits
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO-201L
1 Total Credits
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
ENG-106
4 Total Credits
English Composition II
PYS-102
4 Total Credits
General Psychology
MAT-274
4 Total Credits
Probabability and Statistics
CWV-101
4 Total Credits
Christian Worldview
SOC-102
4 Total Credits
Principles of Sociology
NSG-310
3 Total Credits
Introduction to Professional Nursing
Core Courses
CHM-101
3 Total Credits
Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
CHM-101L
1 Total Credits
Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry: Lab
BIO-202
3 Total Credits
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO-202L
1 Total Credits
Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Lab
BIO-205
3 Total Credits
Microbiology
BIO-205L
1 Total Credits
Microbiology: Lab
BIO-322
4 Total Credits
Applied Pathophysiology
BIO-319
4 Total Credits
Applied Nutrition
PSY-357
4 Total Credits
Lifespan Development
NSG-300
4 Total Credits
Foundations of Nursing
NSG-300C
2 Total Credits
Foundations of Nursing: Clinical
NSG-316
4 Total Credits
Health Assessment
NSG-318
3 Total Credits
Introduction to Pharmacology
NSG-320
5 Total Credits
Adult Health Nursing I
NSG-320C
3 Total Credits
Adult Health Nursing I: Clinical
NSG-322
3 Total Credits
Behavioral Health Nursing
NSG-322C
1 Total Credits
Behavioral Health Nursing: Clinical
NSG-324
3 Total Credits
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
NSG-430
5 Total Credits
Adult Health Nursing II
NSG-430C
2 Total Credits
Adult Health Nursing II: Clinical
NSG-432
3 Total Credits
Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
NSG-432C
1 Total Credits
Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family: Clinical
NSG-434
3 Total Credits
Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family
NSG-434C
1 Total Credits
Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family: Clinical
NSG-436
3 Total Credits
Leadership, Ethics, and Policy in Health Care
NSG-440
3 Total Credits
Population Health
NSG-440C
1 Total Credits
Population Health: Clinical
NSG-444
4 Total Credits
Transition to Practice
NSG-444C
3 Total Credits
Transition to Practice Group or Residency: Clinical
NSG-448
3 Total Credits
Evidence-Based Project Capstone
Make an Impact in Nursing
Gain a deeper understanding of the nursing field and prepare for a role as a servant leader. Enroll in a nursing program today at GCU.