Grand Canyon University to open accelerated nursing program site in Chandler

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon University announced it is opening an accelerated nursing program site in Chandler this fall.

The program will be offered at the One Chandler Corporate Center near Chandler Boulevard and McClintock Drive starting in September.

GCU’s accelerated nursing bachelor of science is designed for students without previous nursing college education who are interested in the field.

Dr. Lisa Smith, dean for GCU nursing, told KTAR News 92.3 on Tuesday the 16-month program will help address the state and national nursing shortage.

“It has been a national shortage for a number of years and certainly the pandemic has accelerated that and really heightened the shortage,” she said. “That shortage really hurt Arizona overall.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is expected to grow 6% over the next decade, with over 200,000 openings for registered nurses through 2031.

The Chandler location will be GCU’s sixth accelerated nursing program site, joining two others in the Valley, one in Tucson and one each in Utah and Nevada.

“We were looking at the growth that has occurred over the last couple of years and what is projected in the East Valley, and looked at that as a great opportunity to address the needs,” Smith said.

“There are also new health care institutions being built, as well. That will help to place those students and give them clinical experience while they’re in school.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Colton Krolak contributed to this report.

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