Online MSN Programs in Arizona: Reviewing Top Schools
Earning an MSN program in Arizona has never been more convenient with online, hybrid, and in person options. In the guide below, we take a closer look at three popular MSN programs with online components, review what to expect after you earn your degree, and answer common questions about the master’s in nursing. Take your first steps toward earning an MSN in Arizona.
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A Closer Look at Online MSN Programs in Arizona
If you want to increase your pay and take on greater clinical or leadership responsibilities, an MSN degree can help you reach those goals. Arizona offers several respected colleges and universities that make earning an MSN convenient and attainable.
Programs vary widely in format and structure. Some are fully online, while others use a hybrid model that blends online coursework with in-person labs or clinical requirements. Depending on your chosen concentration, on-campus components may be required to build hands-on skills and advanced clinical competencies.
Common MSN concentrations include:
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
- Mental health nurse practitioner
- Family nurse practitioner
- Nurse leadership and administration
- Nursing education
- Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner
Here are three MSN programs in Arizona worth exploring. Each differs in cost, curriculum, admission requirements, and time to completion. Use these program details to help you find the best fit.
Arizona State University
The fully online MSN program affiliated with Arizona State University (ASU) emphasizes leadership courses and advanced medical and healthcare competencies as part of its offerings. Patient safety and evidence-based practice are at the forefront of the courses, which are taught by experienced healthcare professionals and academic experts in medical science.
The program also includes two supervised practicums and an applied project capstone course at its end. With what you learn in the program at ASU, you may be able to launch a career as a charge or lead nurse, chief nursing officer, or a director of nursing at a hospital or healthcare facility.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online and asynchronous
Cost: $22,275
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Submit resume
- U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
- Valid unencumbered RN license
- Meet health and safety requirements
Curriculum:
- Evaluating Research for Practice
- Individual and Innovation Leadership
- Patient Safety and Health Care Quality
- Theoretical Foundations for Advance Practice Nursing
- Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion
- Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across Lifespan
- Clinical Prevention and Population Health Practicum
- Collaboration for Improving Patient Safety and Health Care Quality Outcomes
- Health Care Evidence, Informatics and Analysis
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University of Arizona
For non-nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree who are interested in the health care field, the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers a 15 month accelerated MSN degree that prepares students to enter the nursing profession. In a shorter time frame than other programs, you are able to learn more about patient-centered care and how to be a patient advocate through leadership at a healthcare facility.
While there are some prerequisite requirements, some students may be able to take proficiency tests or offer transcripts that could qualify them for transfer credits. This program is perfect for students who would like to re-career into nursing and become a leader in health care.
Duration: 15 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,056
Admissions Requirements:
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A Non-Nursing Bachelor-level (or higher) degree
- Pass either the HESI A2 Exam with a 75% or the ATI TEAS Exam with a 75.3%
- Prerequisites and transcripts
Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
- Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Concepts & Competencies Across the Lifespan
- Provider of Care: Practice Competencies
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Professional Nursing Seminar
- Nursing Informatics: From Concepts to Practice
- Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice
- Concepts & Competencies for Complex Health Problems
- Providing Integrated Care in Diverse & Behavioral Health Settings
- Leading and Managing in Organizational Systems
- Population and Community Health Nursing
Northern Arizona University
Among all the MSN degree programs in Arizona, Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a completely online MSN program. You can also choose between two emphasis points for your degree: Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Classes include in-depth dives into evidence-based practices, social cause of health challenges, communications skills for both nursing providers and to families, and critical reasoning skill development.
Online courses include access to technical support teams, library resources, and tutoring as needed. Careers as a leader on nursing units or for entire hospitals and clinical centers are a possibly with a BSN degree from NAU.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $11,430 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree in nursing
- 3.0 GPA or higher cumulative
- Current RN license in good standing
- Complete prerequisites
- Provide transcripts
Curriculum:
- Advanced Nursing Theory
- Global Health
- Leadership and Management
- Clinical Practice
- Nursing Research
- Informatics
FAQs: What It Takes to Earn Your MSN in Arizona
Although the process of an online MSN course seems pretty straightforward, you probably still have some questions about the programs themselves or about what to expect after you graduate. Here are some common answers to questions from prospective students like you.
What are the advantages of taking an online or hybrid MSN course?
Advantages of taking an online or hybrid MSN course include:
- You can complete coursework online or in-person when it’s most convenient.
- Experiential learning hours are often arranged for you and may be completed at facilities near you.
- Many schools offer part-time and asynchronous learning, ideal for students who want flexible course times.
- Many schools offer technical support as needed in order to make your distance learning experience run smoothly.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my MSN program in Arizona?
Yes, there are several sources — both national and based in the state — that can provide financial aid to students who qualify. The first step to figuring out how to pay for college is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The college you choose should also have links to additional school-specific scholarships on its financial aid web page.
The Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing also offers scholarships to graduate students looking to further their nursing careers through higher education, and there are several scholarships available from national sources that are strictly for nursing students.
What are some of the roles that I can obtain once I have an MSN degree?
Roles you can fill once you have an MSN degree include:
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists
- Public health nurse leaders
- Forensic nurse examiners
- Nurse researchers
- Nurse administrators
You can also open additional career doors if you specialize in areas such as nursing education or nurse informatics as part of your MSN degree. Some nurses, like those want to become nurse anesthetists, also go on to get their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP).
Expert Insight
As a nurse with an MSN, you do not have to specialize if you are content in your current role as an RN. You can simply earn an MSN because your employer offers more pay to nurses with an advanced degree. Or maybe it increases your odds of becoming a nurse manager in your department. What is your ultimate professional goal? Figure that out first, then earn your MSN accordingly.
What are some of the accreditations I should look for in an MSN program in Arizona?
You should look for a MSN program that is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, while the entire college or university could be accredited by a group such as the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation ensures that your program meets professional and educational standards. Also, accredited schools are more respected by employers.
Your MSN program should also meet the Arizona State Board of Nursing requirements and be listed on the website for schools that meet or exceed standards. The website is updated frequently, so if you haven’t checked your school of choice lately, check again before enrolling.
Would I benefit from a “direct entry” MSN program?
It’s possible, but you have to meet some specific parameters to quality for this distinctive type of program. Direct-entry MSN programs are for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
If you are wanting a full career change, this would be the place to go as you as you can jointly become a professional nurse and get your advanced degree. If you are seeking a 100% online course, though, it isn’t possible as all direct-entry courses will feature a hybrid mix of online courses and on-campus or on-the-job clinicals.
Available MSN Program Types in Arizona
There are some key differences in the way that colleges and universities administer their MSN programs, offering several different pathways and meeting the needs of students who may need a less traditional route to their advanced degree. Here is a look at the individual types of programs that most institutions offer.
Traditional MSN
Traditional programs are designed for registered nurses who have a BSN but want to earn a master’s degree. The curriculum is designed to help students build upon prior nursing knowledge.
Direct-Entry MSN
A direct-entry MSN program will allow you to use the general credits from your non-nursing bachelor’s degree to get your RN license and MSN degree—all in one program.
Accelerated MSN
If you want to get your master’s degree as quickly as possible, a “fast-track” or accelerated option focuses on helping students attend courses in less time.
Expert Insight
Accelerated programs consist of course schedules that are fully compacted along with a required number of in-person clinical training hours. If you choose to work during your program, speak with your manager about schedule flexibility. Even if your accelerated program is primarily online, there still may be days that you need to keep open for scheduled exams and virtual meetings.
RN to MSN Bridge
You can still earn an MSN through this accelerated program for nurses with associate degrees. In the course of this program, your work experience and general education will count as credit towards both a BSN and MSN.
Dual Master’s
Some programs allow you to earn two advanced degrees at once. A common dual choice is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and an MSN.
- Grand Canyon University
- Benedictine University
Career Info for Arizona MSN Holders
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Arizona | $84,740 | $133,790 | $172,610 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $78,090 | $139,690 | $168,430 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $94,600 | $133,890 | $173,110 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $69,280 | $134,630 | $172,590 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $104,000 | $126,970 | $166,750 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $92,730 | $124,470 | $191,350 |
| Tucson, AZ | $99,910 | $132,230 | $176,310 |
| Yuma, AZ | $90,110 | $126,430 | $170,610 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 11,200 | 4,660 | 71.30% | 860 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Rating the Top Online MSN Programs in Arizona
Below, we have ranked MSN programs in Arizona by what we believe are their strongest traits; they are based on data gathered from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). To be featured, schools need to have at least one online component in their programs and have accreditation, counseling, and career placement as focal points. Schools are weighed by the amount of distance education, tuition rates, financial aid capabilities, and student-to-faculty ratios.
