Online ABSN Programs in Arizona: Comparing Top Schools
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and have recently discovered an interest in the nursing profession, accelerated nursing programs can help you become an RN in roughly 12 to 17 months. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best online accelerated BSN programs in Arizona and break down learning outcomes, cost, and requirements for each.
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Inside Popular ABSNs in Arizona (Online)
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you don’t have to start from scratch to become a registered nurse. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are designed specifically for career changers, allowing you to leverage your previous education and earn a BSN (sometimes in as little as 12 months).
These programs are structured to streamline your transition into nursing by:
- Accepting transferable general education credits from your first bachelor’s degree.
- Condensing nursing coursework into an intensive, fast-paced format.
- Blending online and in-person learning, often with hybrid options for added flexibility.
- Including hands-on labs and clinical rotations to prepare you for RN licensure and real-world practice.
Because ABSN programs build on your existing academic foundation, they offer a faster, more efficient pathway into nursing than traditional four-year degrees. Below, we highlight three top Arizona schools offering hybrid ABSN options to help you get started.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an accelerated BSN program for students with a degree in a discipline other than nursing. Although it is competitive, admission to this program means you can complete your BSN in as little as 12 months.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and meets licensure requirements for the state of Arizona. It also has an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 88.39% and offers a blend of in-person and online learning.
But like most accelerated programs, it comprises a rigorous course schedule and requires a full-time commitment.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $45,500
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in non-nursing discipline
- Nursing Information Session completion
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Grade of “C” or higher in all required courses
- Minimum of 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Minimum score of 58.7% on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Completion of all university general studies courses
Core Curriculum:
- Professional Nursing Theory
- Nursing Research and Evidence Translation
- Health Promotion Across the Life Span
- Community and Public Health Nursing in the United States
- Public and Global Health in Nursing
- The Art of Nursing
- Innovation in Nursing
- Nursing Management in Healthcare
- Capstone: The Synthesis of Professional Nursing
Grand Canyon University
The Accelerated BSN program at Grand Canyon University is specifically designed for non-nursing students who want to make a career change. As a fast-paced, 16-month program it requires considerable commitment, but a good portion of the coursework is online.
To get the experience you need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN, you’ll still attend in-person labs and receive hands-on training at your assigned learning sites.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $53,550
Admissions Requirements:
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 non-nursing credits
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in transfer coursework
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 in prerequisite coursework
- Minimum HESI A2 scores of 80% in math and reading and 75% in human anatomy and physiology
- Background check
- Fingerprint Clearance Card
Core Curriculum:
- Biochemistry
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Nutrition
- Lifespan development
- Foundations of nursing
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
- Adult nursing
- Behavioral health nursing
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Nursing care of childbearing family
- Leadership, ethics, and policy
- Population health
- Transition to practices
- Capstone
- Labs and clinicals
Creighton University
Nebraska-based Creighton University is a health education leader with a 195,000-square-foot campus in Phoenix. It offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree with two start times: January and August.
The program can be completed in just 12 months and is fully accredited by the CCNE. The blended learning experience combines on-campus classroom work, pre-class online lectures, and in-person clinicals to give students a flexible and engaged learning experience.
Each term is between two and eight weeks. The accelerated program works with local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community partners to give nursing students a wide range of real-world learning experiences. Students had a 93% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the last five years.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $55,425 (plus fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Foundations and health assessments (concepts and practicum)
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Care management (concepts and practicum)
- Population-based health
- Evidence-base practice
- Professional concepts: leadership, policy and advocacy
- Capstone practicum
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Student Help Center: Arizona ABSN FAQs
As an aspiring nursing student, you likely have a lot of questions about how these accelerated programs work. From the cost of each program to the method for finding the top programs in Arizona, we’ve covered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
How long is an accelerated BSN program in Arizona?
ABSN programs take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete, but they may require you to attend during the summer. Other nonaccelerated programs with durations of 16 to 24 months may have a lighter course load.
How long it takes for you to finish the program also depends on what courses you’ve taken previously and the prerequisites required by the specific program you choose.
How many credits can be transferred to my Arizona ABSN program?
While each school has its own policies, you’ll likely be able to transfer 40 to 60 credit hours from your previous degree program into most accelerated nursing programs in Arizona. Unlike RN to BSN programs and LPN to BN programs, ABSNs are specifically for students who are able to transfer credits from a previous bachelor’s degree.
If you’re unsure which credits will transfer, make an appointment with an advisor at your preferred college.
How much do ABSN programs in Arizona cost?
Most ABSN programs cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000. Program costs can vary widely and depend on several factors, including how many credit hours you need to take, the length of the program, and whether coursework is completed in-person or online. Additionally, students may pay more if they aren’t residents of Arizona.
Although the idea of paying for college can seem overwhelming, there are many online BSN programs with financial aid to help with the cost of attending.
How do I find the highest quality BSN programs?
Any program you choose should be accredited by the (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It should also be approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
When it comes to the quality of your coursework, classes should be taught by experienced instructors and include a blend of classroom activities, hands-on experience, and clinicals. NCLEX-RN pass rates are also something to consider. The pass rate should be higher than the state and national average, if possible.
Can I get financial aid to pay for my accelerated nursing program in Arizona?
Yes, some of the top online BSN programs in Arizona offer financial aid opportunities for their accelerated programs. Many scholarship programs are limited to students who haven’t already received their undergraduate degree, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity to get help paying for college.
If you didn’t use the full amount of grant and loan money for your first degree, you also could be eligible for financial aid opportunities for your second.
If you’re looking for financial assistance specifically for accelerated nursing programs in Arizona, the Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing (AzFFN) offers a variety of scholarships for nursing students.
Why Nursing is a Top Career Choice in Arizona
Changing careers after already completing a degree program can be scary, but there are many reasons why you might pursue a nursing degree in Arizona:
- Arizona is currently facing a nursing shortage with a substantial number of RNs leaving the workforce by 2027.
- Opportunities for high-paying positions will be plentiful after you graduate. This includes jobs at hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
- You can choose from a variety of program types to get started, including RN/ADN and BSN programs, among others.
- You will make a difference in the lives of Arizona residents, improving their health outcomes and access to care.
Not only is nursing an impactful career, but a nursing degree paves the way for many other opportunities. Whether you ultimately decide to continue your education or move into a position such as healthcare administration, you’ll learn plenty of transferable skills as an RN.
Expert Insight
Remember that you can also become a travel nurse and work at healthcare facilities across Arizona. You don’t necessarily have to travel out of state as a travel nurse. You can stay in your home state and simply travel to far-away cities, unpopulated regions, or rural counties. These areas may have an even greater need for nurses.
