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GCU Launches Online Pre-Nursing Degree to Fast-Track Future Nurses

Dreaming of a nursing career? GCU's new online pre-nursing degree cuts costs and time, with a 94.67% NCLEX pass rate backing its success. Start your journey today.

The image shows a poster with two photos of nurses on the left side and text on the right side. The...
The image shows a poster with two photos of nurses on the left side and text on the right side. The text reads "Nurses Week 2020: Compassion, Expertise, Trust" and there is a logo at the bottom right corner.

GCU Launches Online Pre-Nursing Degree to Fast-Track Future Nurses

Grand Canyon University (GCU) has launched a new Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing degree. The fully online programme aims to prepare students for further study in nursing, offering a flexible route into the profession. The AS in Pre-Nursing is a 60-credit course designed to build a strong academic foundation. While it does not lead directly to registered nurse licensure, its credits transfer seamlessly into GCU’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programme. Students can also access federal financial aid, helping to reduce costs.

GCU has expanded its nursing education network, opening 12 accelerated BSN sites nationwide. These sites use a hybrid model, blending online coursework with in-person skills labs and clinical placements. The university’s nursing programmes have already shown strong results—during the 2025-2026 academic year, 4,116 students graduated from its BSN, RN to BSN, and accelerated BSN courses. The university’s nursing graduates have also performed well in exams. In 2025, GCU students achieved a first-time pass rate of 94.67% on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), significantly higher than the national average of 86.71%. Dr. Lisa Smith, Dean of GCU’s College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions, explained that the new programme aims to create clearer pathways into nursing while supporting students with different backgrounds and goals.

The AS in Pre-Nursing programme provides a fully online route for students preparing for a BSN. With financial aid options and a direct transfer pathway, it offers a structured start to a nursing career. Further details about the degree are available on GCU’s website.

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