Online Nursing Schools in AZ: Your Guide Top Options
With thousands of new nursing jobs projected in Arizona, now is the perfect time to start or advance your nursing career. From certified nursing assistants to doctoral-level nurses, opportunities are growing across the state. This guide explores top online nursing programs and the steps to becoming a licensed nurse in AZ. Let EduMed help you find the right program for your goals and take the next step in your nursing journey.
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Inside Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Arizona
Because the nursing profession is so broad, students can choose from multiple paths to get the education they need, from an associate degree to a PhD. This variety can help you meet your current goals, but it also means finding the right degree can be confusing.
To help, we researched some of the most popular nursing degree programs in Arizona, including which components can be completed online and which ones must be completed in-person. Even if a degree is online, it most likely has an in-person clinical component to meet state licensure requirements. We also looked at the average cost of these degrees, timeframes, and more to help with your research.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
If someone doesn’t have a nursing degree, their career path most likely will start with an undergraduate program. These programs serve as a good introduction into nursing and an associate or bachelor’s degree are key steps on the path to becoming an RN. Other programs, like the CNA and LPN training, take less time to complete.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified nursing assistant programs are a great way to dip your toe into nursing, no matter your previous education level. CNA programs are often quick and cost-effective introductions to the nursing field, with some course components offered online. Students complete in-person clinical hours to gain hands-on nursing experience.
Example: Northland Pioneer College
- Cost: $73 per credit hour in-county | $91 per credit hour in-state | $410 per credit hour out-of-state
- Length: One semester
- Mode: Hybrid
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
If students want a good entry-level program that’s a bit more comprehensive than a CNA program, they may want to consider licensed practical nurse degrees. Like CNAs, these degrees are quick with a relatively low barrier to entry. Unlike CNAs, they offer more career opportunities after graduating.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN program, which takes two years to complete, is designed for those with no previous nursing experience who want to get the foundational knowledge needed for an entry level position. These programs in Arizona are entirely focused on nursing core classes and hands-on clinical work.
Example: Eastern Arizona College
- Cost: $98 per credit in-state | $398 per credit out-of-state
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students who have never studied nursing before can enroll in a traditional BSN program to get a well-rounded education that includes nursing coursework and general education classes. These Arizona nursing programs, which take four years to finish, also require that students participate in clinicals to get hands-on experience.
Example: Arizona State University
- Cost: $547 per credit
- Length: 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN degrees, which take one to two years to complete, are for students who have earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into the nursing field. These programs focus on nursing-specific coursework since students can transfer their previous general education classes.
Example: Grand Canyon University
- Cost: $850 per credit hour
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
If you’re already a nurse, a graduate degree can take your career to the next level. Master’s, doctorates, and graduate certificates allow students opportunities to specialize in specific areas of nursing or explore different leadership and teaching opportunities in the field. Typically, successful candidates have work experience, as well as a nursing degree, before applying.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Arizona master’s degrees in nursing help current nurses get advanced knowledge so they can enter a specialization or pursue a leadership role, as well as help those with a non-nursing degree train to become an advanced practice nurse or registered nurse. Nurses who enroll in an MSN program may be able to complete their degree in about two years.
Example: Arizona State University
- Cost: $749 per credit hour
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
For those who want to earn the highest level of education in the field, DNP programs focus on evidence-based clinical practice and leadership skills. Graduates can go on to become managers in a healthcare setting or provide advanced care to patients. Those interested in becoming researchers or teachers will want to pursue PhD programs, which focus on nursing research and how studies are conducted.
Example: Arizona State University
- Cost: $12,479
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Postgraduate certificate programs are for those who have already earned a master’s or doctorate in nursing and want to get a credential to specialize in a subsection of the field. These programs usually can be completed in about two years; specializations offered by nursing schools in Arizona include nursing informatics, healthcare policy, neonatal nursing, and nurse midwifery.
Example: The University of Arizona
- Cost: Varies by program and credits
- Length: 4 semesters
- Mode: Online
Bridge Degree Programs
Nursing bridge programs are designed for those who already have a degree in nursing, but would like to expand their skill set, opening new job opportunities and higher salaries. Bridge programs allow nurses to complete advanced degrees faster by building off their previous education and current skills.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs are for licensed practical nurses who want to further their education and move up to a registered nurse position. These Arizona nursing programs, known as bridge programs, take two to four years to finish. Students generally earn credit for their previous education and experience.
Example: Central Arizona College
- Cost: $75 per credit
- Length: 2.5 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
Registered nurses who want to continue their education can enroll in a bridge program to get a more advanced education. RN to BSN programs take about one year, focus on higher level nursing concepts, and generally do not require clinicals.
Example: Northern Arizona University
- Cost: $11,688 per semester
- Length: 1-2 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to MSN
RN to MSN programs are for registered nurses who want to fast-track their career and focus on a specialization by earning a graduate degree. They can also be good options for those looking to enter nursing education or healthcare leadership roles. These programs are intense and cover both bachelor’s and master’s level content.
Example: Grand Canyon University
- Cost: $590 per credit
- Length: 1-2 years
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If you want to become a nurse practitioner but only have a bachelor’s degree, you can look into BSN to DNP programs. These programs cover both master’s and doctoral level coursework and often provide the opportunity to focus on a specific area of nursing, such as gerontology nursing or family nursing.
Example: Northern Arizona University
- Cost: $1,370 per semester
- Length: About 4 semesters
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to nursing, you may be eligible for a direct-entry MSN. In these programs, students enter nursing at the master’s level, meaning there are more leadership opportunities and chances to specialize. Since these courses may not be as in-depth as they would be if they were taken in a traditional nursing program, this might be a better option for those who studied in related fields, like biology or chemistry.
Expert Insight
The first portion of a direct-entry online MSN program focuses on RN coursework, granting you eligibility to take the NCLEX midway through your program. Afterwards, you can complete the MSN coursework. Some schools may even allow you to take a break for a year or two between the RN and MSN coursework.
Example: Arizona State University
- Cost: $18,207
- Length: 1-2 years
- Mode: Hybrid, though limited online components
Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses in Arizona
Before applying for nursing roles, you must get your nursing license. The Arizona State Board of Nursing is responsible for awarding nursing licenses, and they have set protocols candidates must follow. These include getting an accredited nursing degree, passing relevant nursing exams, and applying for state licensure.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
One of the first things to look for in a nursing school in Arizona is whether it has been accredited, because it ensures you will receive a quality education. Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which means they have been evaluated for their curriculum, research, faculty, and student outcomes. Arizona nursing programs also need a seal of approval from the Arizona State Board of Nursing so graduates can qualify for their license.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
If you want to become a registered nurse (RN), you must first pass the NCLEX exam. Since passing the NCLEX examination is required to receive an Arizona nursing license, you want to choose a nursing school that has a high pass rate. That tells you that the curriculum is truly preparing students for the rigors of the nursing profession and the expectations the state has for its nurses. Searching for programs that offer additional NCLEX prep resources is also a good idea.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Once you have passed the NCLEX and graduated from an approved nursing program, it’s time to apply for your license. Arizona state licensing requirements include completing a background check, submitting official school transcripts, and providing proof of citizenship. Other eligibility requirements can vary based on the specific nursing license type. For reference, Arizona’s board licenses CNAs, RNs, APs, CMAs, LHAs, and school nurses.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Most nurses must renew their license every four years, though some licenses may require alternate renewal applications. As part of the renewal application, an Arizona nurse must submit proof of 960 hours of nursing practice in the last five years, that they graduated or obtained a nursing degree, and that they completed a refresh course approved by the Arizona nursing board. Nurses must also pay a renewal fee of $160.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
While not a requirement, nurses can pursue specialty certifications, such as a certificate in psychiatric nursing or an advanced degree in nursing management. A specialty can make nurses more competitive applicants, especially for more advanced roles, jobs with higher salaries, or roles in healthcare organizations known for excellent work/life balance. Sometimes, going back to school for a specialty also opens up access to more scholarships. Typically, a nurse will discover a passion for a specific nursing specialty through their day-to-day work or when networking with other nurses.
Expert Insight
“Nursing specialty certification is a great way to showcase your expertise and dedication to a particular field of nursing. I decided to earn certification in my specialty while working at a hospital. This translated into a pay raise. My certification also helped me as I transitioned into education roles as it proved I had the knowledge and expertise to provide education on topics related to that specialty.”
Career & Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses in Arizona
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $69,930 | $96,890 | $123,480 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $69,930 | $89,000 | $111,570 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $71,200 | $98,160 | $124,130 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $80,090 | $100,980 | $137,110 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $64,720 | $85,770 | $102,430 |
| Tucson, AZ | $62,890 | $95,960 | $122,080 |
| Yuma, AZ | $58,100 | $92,010 | $97,390 |
Source: Registered Nurses, 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 | 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.
Ranking the Best Online Nursing Programs in Arizona
Still on the hunt for the best online nursing programs? Our rankings have you covered. These rankings were determined based on the percent of the program that can be completed online, the average tuition price, and the percent of students who are attending with some form of financial aid. Our team also considered the variety of nursing specializations and degrees offered, as well as the student to faculty ratio. All ranked degrees are approved by the state’s nursing board.
