Gonzaga University

About Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University is an accredited institution offering nursing education programs designed to prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice. The nursing profession continues to experience significant demand nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 3.1 million registered nurses were employed across the United States as of 2022, with the field projected to add roughly 193,100 openings per year through 2032 due to retirements, population growth, and an aging patient population requiring increasingly complex care.

Nursing Programs at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University currently offers 5 nursing programs, including BSN, DNP, MSN, and RN-BSN degree options. Program availability may vary by term and delivery format.

• BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 48-month program
• DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice, online, $38,880 total, 36-month program, 82% grad rate
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner: online, $24,300 total, 30-month program, 82% grad rate
• MSN — Nursing Administration: online, $19,440 total, 24-month program, 82% grad rate
• RN-BSN: online, $16,200 total, 18-month program, 82% grad rate

Accreditation and Quality

Gonzaga University holds accreditation from CCNE, which signals that the institution meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education quality as evaluated by independent professional reviewers. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports that the national average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is approximately 87–89 percent — a useful benchmark when comparing schools.

Admissions

No specific acceptance rate or admission rate percentage for the nursing program is published on Gonzaga’s official nursing program or admissions web pages. Minimum GPA (academic performance thresholds): Applicants are admitted as freshmen, and once enrolled, they must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better during their first two years. Additionally, they must achieve a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in all nursing prerequisite courses and associated labs.

Clinical Training and Hospital Partnerships

Gonzaga University has a clinical access score of 19/100, indicating minimal hospital affiliation or placement support. However, the university has partnerships with several hospitals, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Children’s Hospital, and Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Medical Center. Students in online programs must arrange their own clinical sites.

Schedule and Format Flexibility

Graduate-level nursing programs, including RN-to-MSN, MSN, Second Master’s, and DNP (post-baccalaureate and post-master’s), are offered online. The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is not explicitly mentioned as available online or hybrid. Gonzaga’s graduate nursing programs operate on the standard semester schedule: Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks, Summer is 12 weeks.

What to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School

When evaluating a nursing school, consider factors such as accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical partnerships, student support services, and career placement. Ensure the program holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), in addition to regional institutional accreditation.