LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona: Online & On-Campus

If you’re a licensed practical nurse in Arizona looking to move up the nursing career and earnings ladder, going from LPN to BSN nurse is a smart choice. While Arizona doesn’t have specific LPN to BSN bridge programs like other states do, there are still several sensible pathways to get there.

The first path to a bachelor’s in nursing for practical nurses is to enroll in an LPN to RN nursing program and then a separate RN to BSN program afterwards. The second path is to earn your ADN and BSN at the same time through one of the state’s many concurrent enrollment nursing programs where community colleges and universities partner together. In these programs, students take in-person nursing classes and training at a community college while taking upper-level coursework primarily online from a university. As an LPN, you may be able to shorten their degree path by transferring some of your previously earned credits.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll be on your way to earning your bachelor’s, getting your RN license, and qualifying for better career and pay opportunities. Ready to learn more? Take a closer look at some of the top LPN to BSN programs in Arizona below and get other key information you need to get started on your school search.

Best LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona for 2023

When you’re searching for the best LPN to BSN program, there are plenty of factors to consider. In particular, timelines, locations, costs, features, and courses vary based on the college and program you choose. At the end of the day, however, chances are you want a program that’s reasonably priced and that you can be confident will prepare you for RN licensure. Therefore, we’ve spotlighted three of the best LPN to BSN programs in Arizona that meet these criteria. Learn more about each program below, and see if one has the features you’re looking for.

FAQs About LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Arizona?

When enrolled in an LPN to BSN program, you can expect to gain various skills to make you a more effective nurse. For instance, most of your early coursework will focus on the theoretical understanding of the biological and behavioral sciences, as these are common themes when taking on higher-level nursing jobs.

For example, Chamberlain University offers a BSN program that teaches skills such as how to:

• Think critically
• Remain organized in chaotic environments
• Research and conduct initial patient assessments
• Develop rapport with patients to provide them with optimal care

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science pre-licensure program teaches skills such as:

• Interpersonal communication
• Leadership
• Basic care administration
• Creative problem solving

How long does it take to complete an LPN to BSN program in Arizona?

The amount of time it takes to complete an LPN to BSN program varies. Most bachelor’s degree programs take around four years to complete, while LPN to BSN programs are specialized and allow students to obtain their degrees in a shorter time span of anywhere from one to three years. The average time for an LPN to BSN program in Arizona is three years, butthe University of Arizona’s states program can be completed in as little as two years.

How much do LPN to BSN programs in Arizona cost?

The overall cost of any LPN to BSN program varies based on the type of college and program. For instance, remote programs tend to cost less than traditional programs, and accelerated programs may be less expensive than traditional programs. Private colleges and universities tend to cost more, while state universities and community colleges usually offer programs that are more affordable.

What are the admission requirements for LPN to BSN programs in Arizona?

Each school has its own requirements, but here is a list of some of the most common requirements for an LPN to BSN program:

• Proof of Completion: Applicants must provide proof of a completed practical nurse program from an accredited institution in the U.S. This can be done by submitting an official practical nursing school transcript.
• Licensing: Applicants must possess an active or inactive unrestricted LPN license from the U.S. or a jurisdiction associated with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) free of active discipline measures.
• Work Experience: Most schools will also require students to have worked a minimum of 2,080 hours within the last two years as an LPN. Employer verification is required.
• Letters of Reference: Students may be required to submit professional letters of reference to attest to their nursing skills.
• Entrance Exam: You may need to complete a nursing entrance exam.

What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Arizona?

If you are wondering what to look for in an LPN to BSN program in Arizona, consider the following:

• Cost: Although the cost may not be a factor, if it is, you need to check the cost per credit hour of your chosen college.
• Approval: You should also take the time to make sure the program is approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing. If not, your credits will not transfer to other colleges, and you may be unable to take the NCLEX exam.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Check the NCLEX pass rates for any schools you’re interested in attending.t This is a good indicator of how effective the coursework and faculty are.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Arizona?

If you need financial assistance to earn your BSN in Arizona, you have several options. For instance, you can apply for federal aid by filling out the Free Application for Student Aid ( FAFSA). You can also apply for loans and grants through programs such as Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN), Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP), and Advanced Education Nursing Traineeships (AENT). You may qualify for U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HRSA/HHS) awards and loan forgiveness programs. Another way to earn money for college is by applying for the work studies program. You may also qualify for Federal Direct Loans or Parent PLUS Loans. There are also various grants and scholarships you may be eligible for. Check out our financial aid guide for more information.

Inside Look at Online LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona

When you’re enrolled in an online LPN to BSN program in Arizona, your courses will occur online. Hybrid programs allow you to do most of your coursework off campus but may require you to attend class on campus occasionally. Traditional programs require students to complete most of their coursework on campus. All three of these programs will require hands-on clinical training at a healthcare facility in your area.

Concurrent nursing programs may incorporate online and hybrid elements and are ideal for students wishing to upgrade their education from an LPN to a BSN. Students of concurrent programs take in-person courses and receive training at community colleges to earn their associate in nursing while also working towards their bachelor’s in nursing at the university level at the same time.

Courses that students can complete online includes classes such as:

• The fundamentals of nursing
• Nursing health assessment
• Human growth and development
• Theory of clinical practice

While you may be able to complete most of your coursework online in a concurrent program, some courses must be taken in person. This is where the clinical aspect comes into play. Students are required to work in various healthcare settings to practice what they’ve been learning. They may also complete classes that include an in-person laboratory component as well. Our online LPN to BSN programs page offers more information on what to expect in an LPN to BSN program.

Common Questions About Online LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona

How to Go From an LPN to a BSN Nurse in Arizona

Going from being an LPN to BSN in Arizona requires that you take the following steps:

1. Possess an existing or previous practical nursing license from somewhere in the United States.
2. Complete at least one of the following:

• Practice at least 960 hours as a nurse in the past five years
• Obtain a nursing degree or graduate from a nursing program within the past five years.
• Complete at least one Arizona board-approved refresher course within the past five years.
• Obtain an advanced nursing degree in the past five years
• Graduate from a board-approved BSN program. To complete the BSN program, you must have passed both the SBTPE (State Board Test Pool Exam) and LPN exams.
• Take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

LPN to BSN Salary and Employment Trends in Arizona

Upgrading your credentials can lead to higher salaries in many industries. The nursing sector is no exception. There are plenty of potential career paths to take when venturing into this sector. Taking the LPN to BSN track can offer graduates more opportunities as well as income. Let’s look at how much you can make by committing to this transition in Arizona.

How much more can I make going from an LPN to BSN in Arizona?

LPNs in Arizona earn between $56,000 and $60,000 annually, while RNs earn a median salary in Arizona of $73,000 to $78,000 annually. Moving from an LPN to a BSN puts you on a track of earning significantly more money. It’s important to recognize that the amount you make also depends on which city you choose to work in. For instance, Lake Havasu City-Kingman tends to offer lower wages for nurses, while Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale tends to offer the highest salaries for RNs.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021

What’s the job market like for BSN nurses in Arizona vs. LPNs?

When compared to jobs for LPN nurses, there are more positions available for RNs. Notably, there will be 20,000 more jobs available for RNs in Arizona between 2020 and 2030. Although earning a BSN does not immediately make you an RN, it does put you on the path to doing so. Once you pass your NCLEX exam, you are officially considered an RN.

Source: Projections Central