Online BSN Programs in Arizona: Finding Top Degrees
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can open doors to greater career opportunities, higher salaries, and more advanced roles in nursing. Earning your BSN online — or through a hybrid program — offers flexibility and potential cost savings. EduMed gives you an in-depth look at Arizona’s top online BSN programs, covering admission requirements, costs, and career benefits.
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How They Work: Online BSN Programs in Arizona
Online BSN programs in Arizona combine online coursework and in-person labs and clinicals to maximize flexibility and ensure you get the hands-on training you need to succeed in the real world. But how do they work, and could this pathway help you earn a degree and advance your career?
When researching online BSN programs in Arizona, it’s important to ask the right questions. Start with these basics, and then work to narrow the field to 3-4 solid options.
- Does the program meet Arizona’s state RN licensing requirements?
- Does the program have a good NCLEX-RN pass rate compared to others?
- Do I have a solid vision of my career after a BSN?
- Am I comfortable taking some or all of my nursing coursework online?
- Do I need to travel for clinicals?
With these questions in mind, let’s review some of Arizona’s most popular BSN programs with online components.
University of Arizona–Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online RN to BSN program with speed and flexibility in mind. The program offers 5-week courses and allows students to transfer credits from previous college coursework.
Students can choose an emphasis, or area of focus, with options including business economics, cognitive studies, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, real estate studies, or supply chain management. These are in addition to the required nursing coursework needed to complete the program.
Duration: 4 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $11,020/academic year (plus fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Minimum grade of C in microbiology or equivalent
- Unrestricted RN license or equivalent
- General bachelor’s admissions requirements
Core Curriculum:
- Digital fluency and information literacy
- Composition and communications
- History and government
- Anthropology
- Sustainability
- Science and math
- Role development in nursing
- Health care ethics and medical law
- Health assessments
- Nursing research
- Aging, family health, community health
- Chronic illness and disability nursing
- Leading and managing in nursing
- Capstones
- Electives
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Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University offers multiple tracks for students in their online RN to BSN:
1) Concurrent enrollment options for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) students also looking to complete a bachelor’s degree.
2) Mid-track AAS students.
3) Traditional RN to BSN students.
Students can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited college or university. Students located in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, or Washington are not eligible for this program due to state regulations.
Duration: 1 to 2 semesters following AAS degree
Mode: Online
Cost: $11,688/academic year (plus fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Northern Arizona University and School of Nursing applications
- Official transcripts
- Current RN license or plans to attain one within three months
- Meeting with admissions advisor
Core Curriculum:
- Health assessment
- Palliative care
- Gerontology
- Nursing as a discipline and profession
- Family nursing
- Information technology and healthcare policy
- Public health nursing roles
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Nursing leadership
- Practicums
Arizona State University (ASU)
Arizona State University offers students who already have some nursing education the chance to complete their RN to BSN program online.
Students in the process of completing an ADN can also enroll in the online RN to BSN through ASU’s concurrent enrollment program. Once enrolled, you’ll complete a variety of online classes, including nursing theory, nursing management, community nursing, and more.
You will also complete a nursing capstone project as one of the final portions of your degree. There are no clinical components to the degree, meaning it can be completed entirely online.
Duration: 14 to 24 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $6,104/academic year (plus fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Active RN license or passing score on NCLEX
- U.S. residency (some state restrictions apply)
- Minimum 2.50 transfer GPA
- Minimum C grade in prerequisite English and math courses
Core Curriculum:
- Nursing Research and Evidence Translation
- Professional Nursing Theory
- Health Promotion Across the Life Span
- Community and Public Health Nursing in the United States
- Innovation in Nursing
- Nursing Management in Health Care
- The Art of Nursing
- Capstone: The Synthesis of Professional Nursing
- Public and Global Health in Nursing
- Writing for Healthcare Management
FAQs from BSN Students in Arizona
Before you apply to a BSN program in Arizona, it’s natural to have questions regarding duration, prerequisites, and more. Here are detailed answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from Arizona nursing students.
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Arizona?
A BSN typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Part-time study will take longer, and students who enter their BSN with transfer credits from previous college courses may be able to finish faster.
Ultimately, the duration of your Arizona BSN program depends on the school, your transfer credits (if any), whether you’re a full- or part-time student, and your mode of learning (i.e., in person, online, or hybrid). If you plan to enter with transfer credits, check your school’s policy on how many will be accepted.
Can I work while pursuing a BSN in Arizona?
Practically all pre-licensure Arizona BSN programs are full time programs, and most discourage students from full-time employment while pursuing their degrees.
On the other hand, RN to BSN programs in Arizona (like the one at Arizona State University) allow RNs to continue to work while earning their degrees. You’ll need to consider your course schedule and study needs when deciding whether or not to work during your BSN studies.
Are there specific prerequisite courses I need to take?
Most Arizona BSN programs—including both pre-licensure and RN to BSN paths—require some prerequisite coursework to be completed for admission into the nursing programs.
Specific courses vary from program to program, but typically include statistics along with nursing-related subjects like biology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology.
Depending on the program, you may be able to complete your prerequisite courses through the school itself before your BSN start date. Or, if you’ve already taken classes elsewhere, credits from some or all prerequisite courses can transfer to your BSN program.
Are online BSN programs in Arizona accredited?
Quality online BSN programs in Arizona are accredited in the same way and by the same accrediting agencies as campus-based programs. That includes both institutional and programmatic accreditation.
It’s important to understand exactly what accreditation is and why it’s important, as accreditation gives your degree legitimacy to future employers and grad schools. So if you can’t confirm a BSN program’s proper accreditation, you’ll probably want to scratch that program off your list.
How can I pay for my BSN program in Arizona?
Qualified students in Arizona BSN programs have access to a variety of financial aid options. Common resources also include scholarships and grants from external organizations as well as nursing programs, work-study opportunities, and tuition reimbursement from employers.
Additionally, active military personnel, veterans, and eligible family members should explore the educational and training benefits provided by the VA.
Arizona BSN Career and Salary Outlook
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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