Online LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona: Review & Compare
Ready to advance your nursing career? LPN to BSN programs offer a direct path for practical nurses to move up to becoming RNs. Built for working professionals, these transitional programs leverage the work you completed in your LPN program to help meet the requirements for a BSN degree — saving time and money. This guide will introduce you to online LPN to BSN programs in Arizona today, providing you with valuable information on admissions requirements, costs, completion times, and much more.
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Inside Popular Online LPN to BSN Degrees in Arizona
Online LPN to BSN programs offer convenience and flexibility to earning a nursing bachelor’s, especially for practical nurses who have to juggle their studies with busy working and life schedules.
It’s important to know, however, that “online” does not mean “fully-online” when it comes to LPN to BSN programs. That’s because all of these programs include clinical practice requirements that must be completed in person, typically at medical facilities in or near the school’s or student’s local community.
Factors to consider as you explore your online LPN to BSN program options include:
- State approval and proper accreditation. Choose programs that are approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency.
- Curriculum content that corresponds to your academic needs and career goals.
- Online content delivery format that best fits your learning preferences and busy schedule. Online delivery may be synchronous or asynchronous.
- Availability of student support services such as academic and career counseling, and clinical placement assistance.
To get you started on your program search, below are spotlights of three online LPN to BSN programs available in Arizona today. These spotlights will give you a feeling of what how these programs work and what you can expect to find from other programs as well.
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Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Northern Arizona University
NAU’s Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) allows students to simultaneously earn their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. Accredited by the Commission in Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program includes a hands-on summer component where students connect with faculty and peers before official program start. Students complete AAS coursework at a community college while taking NAU BSN courses online/hybrid. The program’s 90/30 structure means students can earn 90 credits at lower community college rates and just 30 through NAU, offering significant cost savings.
Duration: Four years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost:$11,688/year
Admissions Requirements:
- Nursing program admission at community college
- NAU nursing prerequisite requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in certain courses
- CEP information session at community college
Core Curriculum:
- Health assessments
- Palliative care
- Gerontology
- Nursing profession
- Family nursing roles
- Informatics and health policy
- Public health nursing roles
- Leadership
- Research and evidence-based practices
- Practicum
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Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers the AAS-BSN Nursing CEP allows students to take seven core BSN courses while completing AAS coursework at MaricopaNursing. After completing the AAS and passing NCLEX, students complete three final courses for their BSN. The 123-credit program takes 2 to 3 years in a hybrid format, with impressive NCLEX pass rates of 94.75% (2023). Students learn advanced clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving while gaining hands-on experience.
Duration: Two to three years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $33,465 (online)
Admissions Requirements:
- MaricopaNursing pool acceptance
- MaricopaNursing and GCU prerequisite requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in all MaricopaNursing and GCU courses
- Online or NCEP information session attendance
Core Curriculum:
- Professional dynamics
- Health assessment
- Statistics
- Family centered health
- Community and public health
- Research
- Management
- Healthcare trends and issues
- Ethics
- Capstone and practicum
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an Online RN to BSN program with concurrent enrollment. Students can earn both an ADN and BSN simultaneously, combining in-person RN coursework at a community college with online BSN courses through ASU. The 120-credit program consists of nine classes lasting 8 to 15 weeks each, covering research, nursing theory, public/global health, and management. Graduates develop strong clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for diverse healthcare settings amid ongoing industry changes. The program emphasizes practical experience and adaptability to healthcare reforms and technological advances.
Duration: One to two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $6,104/year resident, $12,173 non-resident
Admissions Requirements:
- Enrollment in ADN program at a regionally accredited community college
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
Core Curriculum:
- Research and evidence
- Nursing theory
- Health promotion across the life span
- Community and public health
- Nursing management
- Writing for health care
- Public and global health
- Capstone
Student Support: FAQs About Online LPN to BSN Programs
As you consider your online Arizona LPN to BSN program options, it’s inevitable that questions will come up regarding exactly how online programs work. For help in that regard, here are the answers to five FAQs from prospective LPN students in Arizona.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Arizona?
Earning your bachelor’s through an online LPN to BSN program in Arizona will expand your nursing knowledge and skill set, preparing you for higher-level responsibilities as a registered nurse. Specific topics covered in coursework include:
- Advanced clinical assessment
- Advanced pharmacology
- Communication and collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Cultural diversity
- Evidence-based practice
- Nursing leadership and management
Knowledge and skills in all of these areas will be developed through both didactic coursework and participation in hands-on clinical experiences working with patients as part of a healthcare team.
How much do LPN to BSN programs in Arizona cost?
Investing in an LPN to BSN program in Arizona offers several cost-effective pathways, with concurrent enrollment programs providing particularly attractive options. While traditional university programs can exceed $40,000 total, innovative partnerships between community colleges and universities have created more affordable alternatives. For example, ASU offers a budget-friendly concurrent program at $6,104 annually.
Fortunately, many financial aid options are available to help offset costs. Students may qualify for federal and state grants, loans, and work-study programs by completing the FAFSA. Additionally, Arizona nursing students can apply for scholarships from organizations like the Arizona Nurses Association and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Some employers and healthcare facilities also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees advancing their nursing education.
Will earning my LPN to BSN degree online impact my ability to get licensed?
Earning your LPN to BSN degree online will not impact your ability to get licensed as long as you attend a reputable, accredited program. Accredited online programs follow the same curriculum as traditional in-person programs, ensuring you meet the educational and clinical requirements for RN licensure in Arizona. The key difference is that online programs allow you to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling in-person clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities.
To become a licensed RN in Arizona, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet the Arizona State Board of Nursing requirements. As long as your program is properly accredited—such as by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)—your online degree will hold the same weight as one earned in a classroom setting.
What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Arizona?
When choosing an LPN to BSN program in Arizona, several key factors can help ensure you select a program that meets your needs and sets you up for success.
Cost is an important consideration, as tuition varies widely between private universities, state schools, and online programs. Be sure to compare the cost per credit hour and explore financial aid options like scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs. Accreditation is also crucial. Without program and school accreditation, your credits may not transfer, and you could face obstacles when applying for the NCLEX-RN exam.
NCLEX pass rates are another critical factor. Schools with high pass rates demonstrate strong faculty, effective coursework, and thorough preparation for licensure. Researching these factors will help you choose a high-quality, accredited LPN to BSN program that fits your budget and career goals while ensuring a smooth path to RN licensure in Arizona.
How long does it take to complete an online LPN to BSN program in Arizona?
The length of an online LPN to BSN program in Arizona varies based on the school, program structure, and whether you enroll full-time or part-time. While traditional BSN programs take about four years, online LPN to BSN programs offer a faster pathway, typically ranging from one to three years.
However, some accelerated options allow students to earn their degree in as little as one to two years. Factors like course availability, clinical rotation scheduling, and transfer credits can affect completion time.
Salary & Career Details for LPN vs. BSN in Arizona
Nationally, the number of jobs for practical nurses is expected to grow 5.3% through 2032, and 5.6% for registered nurses. If you live and work in Arizona, demand should be even higher. LPN openings are expected to increase 25.5% through 2032, with registered nurses an estimated 21.9%. This means job security for both LPNs and RNs looking for career opportunities in Arizona.
LPNs often transition to work as RNs to enjoy a higher salary. In Arizona, LPNs earn a median annual wage of $65,500, while RNs earn a significantly higher median wage of $88,310. The difference in the 90th percentile is even greater, with top-earning LPNs making $77,190, while RNs can earn $109,750 or more each year. Read through the charts below for more information on transitioning to work as an RN in Arizona.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Arizona | $54,060 | $65,500 | $77,190 |
| Registered Nurses | Arizona | $70,060 | $88,310 | $109,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Arizona | 6,540 | 8,210 | 1,670 | 25.50% | 730 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.