Pre-Licensure Nursing Program – BSN

Pre-Licensure Nursing Program – BSN
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Overview

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.

Take Your Next Step in Nursing With a Pre-Licensure BSN Degree

Locations

Campus

Tuition Rate

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

Course Information

Credits: 123

Campus: 15 weeks 

[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
  • OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

  • ACT: 19
  • SAT: 1000*

For high school students. Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status.
* 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 Degree
Nursing students learning how to care for infants in a clinical setting

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 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.

Coursework

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:

Health assessment
Obstetrics
Research
Adult health
Pharmacology
Ethics
Mental health
Informatics
Policy
Pediatrics

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.

Nursing Student Portrait

“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
Careers

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.

Nursing instructor and two students
Accreditation

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.

What is pre-licensure nursing?
What can you do with a pre-licensure BSN?
Is pre-nursing difficult?
What is the difference between a "pre-licensure" and "post-licensure" BSN program?
How does a pre-licensure nursing program prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN?

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

View Course Description

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Effective Communication

View Course Description

Competency

4 Total Credits

Christian Worldview

View Course Description

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Critical Thinking

View Course Description

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics

View Course Description

Required General Education Courses

Univ-103

4 Total Credits

University Success

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Eng-105

4 Total Credits

English Composition I

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MAT-144

4 Total Credits

College Mathematics

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BIO-201

3 Total Credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

View Course Description

BIO-201L

1 Total Credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

View Course Description

ENG-106

4 Total Credits

English Composition II

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PYS-102

4 Total Credits

General Psychology

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MAT-274

4 Total Credits

Probabability and Statistics

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CWV-101

4 Total Credits

Christian Worldview

View Course Description

SOC-102

4 Total Credits

Principles of Sociology

View Course Description

NSG-310

3 Total Credits

Introduction to Professional Nursing

View Course Description

Core Courses

CHM-101

3 Total Credits

Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry

View Course Description

CHM-101L

1 Total Credits

Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry: Lab

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BIO-202

3 Total Credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

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BIO-202L

1 Total Credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Lab

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BIO-205

3 Total Credits

Microbiology

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BIO-205L

1 Total Credits

Microbiology: Lab

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BIO-322

4 Total Credits

Applied Pathophysiology

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BIO-319

4 Total Credits

Applied Nutrition

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PSY-357

4 Total Credits

Lifespan Development

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NSG-300

4 Total Credits

Foundations of Nursing

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NSG-300C

2 Total Credits

Foundations of Nursing: Clinical

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NSG-316

4 Total Credits

Health Assessment

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NSG-318

3 Total Credits

Introduction to Pharmacology

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NSG-320

5 Total Credits

Adult Health Nursing I

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NSG-320C

3 Total Credits

Adult Health Nursing I: Clinical

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NSG-322

3 Total Credits

Behavioral Health Nursing

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NSG-322C

1 Total Credits

Behavioral Health Nursing: Clinical

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NSG-324

3 Total Credits

Research and Evidence-Based Practice

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NSG-430

5 Total Credits

Adult Health Nursing II

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NSG-430C

2 Total Credits

Adult Health Nursing II: Clinical

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NSG-432

3 Total Credits

Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family

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NSG-432C

1 Total Credits

Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family: Clinical

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NSG-434

3 Total Credits

Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family

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NSG-434C

1 Total Credits

Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family: Clinical

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NSG-436

3 Total Credits

Leadership, Ethics, and Policy in Health Care

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NSG-440

3 Total Credits

Population Health

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NSG-440C

1 Total Credits

Population Health: Clinical

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NSG-444

4 Total Credits

Transition to Practice

View Course Description

NSG-444C

3 Total Credits

Transition to Practice Group or Residency: Clinical

View Course Description

NSG-448

3 Total Credits

Evidence-Based Project Capstone

View Course Description
Three nurses in purple slacks, helping a young patient in a chair

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.

  • 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.