Grand Canyon University Introduces New Associate Degree for Aspiring Nurses

Grand Canyon University has announced a new Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing degree. This program is designed to help students complete foundational coursework and prepare for entry into a nursing program. This is the first associates level degree the university has offered.

The AS in Pre-Nursing is a 60-credit, fully online program intended for students who would like to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and ultimately enter the field of nursing. The program does not lead directly to registered nurse licensure but instead focuses on building a strong academic foundation. Credits will transfer seamlessly into GCU's accelerated BSN program.

"The future of healthcare depends on building stronger pathways into nursing," said Dr. Lisa Smith, Dean of GCU's College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions. "Students come to nursing from many different backgrounds and stages of life, so it's important to offer pathways that support those varied journeys. By expanding entry points and flexible learning options, we're helping more students pursue careers in nursing while strengthening the healthcare workforce our communities depend on."

The AS in Pre-Nursing, which comes amidst a critical nationwide nursing shortage, is eligible for federal financial aid. That reduces financial barriers and allows students to prepare for the rigorous nursing program with greater confidence and lower risk.

The new program is one of several ways GCU is working to address this shortage. Graduates of the AS in Pre-Nursing can become well-positioned to transition into GCU's ABSN program, which is designed for students with applicable prior college experience who are seeking to transition into the nursing profession.