GCU Online BSN Program Review 2023

Wondering if GCU’s online BSN program may be a good fit for you? 

Then we’re here to help!

In this post, we collected alumni reviews and researched all the info you need to help you decide if you should enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

GCU ranks as one of our top online BSN programs, but are several types of nursing degrees you can earn with GCU. In fact, they also rank as one of our top online MSN programs.

Clearly, GCU is a solid choice when it comes to nursing education, but is this school right for you? Read on to find out.

Why Enroll in GCU’s Online BSN Program?

Nurses with all kinds of educational backgrounds are in demand right now. However, the more advanced your education, the more healthcare facilities will want to hire you, which also means they’ll be willing to pay you a higher salary.

For example, if you want to work in a Magnet Hospital that provides a higher level of care to patients, you’ll probably need to get your BSN.

Fortunately, getting an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing from GCU allows you to obtain these credentials faster, more flexibly, and more affordably than a lot of other programs.

The school has various degree tracks depending if you’re a new student, a working RN, or a student with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree.

Finally, the university’s high NCLEX pass rates indicate that you will be well-prepared to ace your NCLEX once you earn your degree.

Graduate Reviews of the BSN Program at GCU

Some former students left some positive reviews on GradReports. Here are a few of them:

“I had a great experience at GCU. My team was always supportive, professors answered my questions quickly and gave me good advice on how to do my job perfectly. The good news for foreign nurses is that an English language test is not required. I am very satisfied with the process and the result of studying at this university.”

-Lana Nesterenko (May 23, 2022)

There are also reviews for their RN to BSN program. Here is one of them:

“I graduated from the RN to BSN online program at GCU in 2017. I had nothing short of a great experience. I’ve read many complaints in the reviews. I can’t think of one single complaint, other than the occasional lazy instructor. I worked 2 jobs and was able to maintain my grades. The only time I felt stressed is when I waited until the last minute to write a paper. Otherwise, I highly recommend this program and University. The course was very user friendly and I’m happy to be starting the MSN in Education program in a couple of weeks. I pray that I have another great experience.”

-T. Coleman (March 11, 2020)

4 Pros of GCU’s Online BSN Program

There are several reasons GCU stands out from other online BSN programs. We discuss a few of them below.

1. Multiple Degree Tracks

GCU’s online BSN program offers three different pathways for you to earn your degree. They include:

• Pre-licensure BSN
• RN to BSN
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

The Pre-licensure track is designed for students with no prior nursing experience who would like to pursue a career as a nurse. It will prepare you to pass the NCLEX so you can become a licensed RN.

The RN to BSN program caters to nurses who already hold their RN license but would like to earn a more advanced degree. BSN nurses are more employable than ADN nurses because of their advanced knowledge.

Finally, the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is for students who already hold a non-nursing degree but would like to transition into the nursing field.

2. High NCLEX Pass Rate

According to their website, GCU has an impressive NCLEX pass rate. 

In fact, the overall first-time pass rate for graduates from GCU for 2020 was 96.17%. Meanwhile, the national average was 86.58% and the Arizona Board of Nursing’s average 91.44%.

So, if you’re looking for a BSN program that will prepare you to pass the NCLEX, GCU may be one of the best choices. 

3. Earn Your Degree Faster

While the Pre-licensure BSN typically takes about four years to complete (the same as a traditional, in-person university), the other two tracks can be completed in far less time.

The RN to BSN pathway can be completed in as little as 12 months, and most classes are five weeks long.

Meanwhile, the ABSN track can be completed in as little as 16 months, allowing you to get your degree and advance or start your career as quickly as possible.

Finally, you’ll get a free Lopes Credit Evaluation to determine how many of your previous credits are eligible to be transferred toward the completion of your nursing degree.

4. Flexibility

All of the theory courses and didactic teaching for this degree are completed online. 

You will need to complete practicum hours in person. However, you can complete these in a clinical setting of your choice. This means you can do your practicum in your local community.

Since the RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses, you’ll also have lots of schedule flexibility. This permits you to continue working as a nurse while you get your degree.

Cons of GCU’s Online BSN Program

As with any degree program, GCU also has some drawbacks we should mention. One reviewer on GradReports wrote:

“Their RN to BSN is not designed for full time working nurses. Extremely difficult, and you always have a research paper on Sundays. Aside from, writing 3 assignments per week and at least 4 “peer interactions”.”

-Lilly (October 18, 2021)

Given the program’s impressive outcomes in terms of things like NCLEX pass rate, it’s not surprising that this program may be a little more challenging than others.

So, if you’re just looking to get a diploma with your name on it, GCU may not be the best choice for you. However, if you want to step out of your comfort zone, push yourself, and learn the information you need to advance the nursing profession, this might be a perfect choice.

Conclusion

While you may need to put in some extra work compared to other online BSN programs, the education and skills you’ll gain will likely be worth the extra effort. You’ll be well-prepared to pass the NCLEX and work in Magnet Hospitals.

Of course, it’s always important to consider all of your options when choosing to enroll in any online degree program.

If you want to find a program tailored to your specific needs and interests, you can search for other online BSN programs here.