Online MSN Programs in Arizona: Reviewing Top Schools
Completing 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 an MSN today.
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A Closer Look at Online MSN Programs in Arizona
If you want to increase your pay and have more responsibilities, an MSN degree may be the way to go. There are multiple quality college and university choices throughout Arizona that can make earning an MSN a reality.
The courses themselves run the gamut of styles, from completely online to hybrid. Some programs include specific on-campus classes and labs depending on the concentration you choose to pursue. Concentrations range from pediatric nurse practitioner to mental health nurse practitioner to nurse leadership. With the wide range of programs, it’s possible to find a program that fits your schedule and budget while still providing the education you need for more specialty or leadership roles.
Here are three programs available for MSN students in Arizona, including details on costs, classes being offered, admission requirements, and total program duration.
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
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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 AZ
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?
As an MSN student, you can complete coursework online when it’s most convenient, and the clinicals and experiential learning hours are done at local health facilities near you. This is ideal for students who want the best in-person clinical experiences as well as flexible course times. If you are a practicing RN and need to take courses online, even on a part-time basis, many schools are able to offer options so you can complete your degree when it makes the most sense for you. Schools also 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?
There are a number of exciting, advanced health jobs that are out there for a nurse who earns a master’s degree. These include nurse midwives, public health nurses, forensics nurses, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse educators. You can also open additional career doors if you specialize in areas such as education or nurse informatics as part of your MSN degree. If you get additional licensure, you can also work as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. Some nurses also go on to get their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP), which requires an MSN to pursue.
What are some of the accreditations I should look for in an MSN program in Arizona?
There are both state and national accreditations that make a program more legitimate — and more respected by employers. The program itself should 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. Other accreditations to consider include the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Western Institute of Nursing, while the entire college or university could be accredited by a group such as the Higher Learning Commission.
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 any subject but don’t have professional nursing experience. 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 educators offer.
Traditional MSN
Traditional programs are designed for students who need to earn a master’s degree but have experience with nursing, including an RN license in some cases.
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 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.
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, with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and an MSN being a common dual choice.
- 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 Degrees in Arizona
Below, we have ranked MSN programs in Arizona by what we believe are their strongest traits. The programs were 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.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northern Arizona University
- Northern Arizona University’s Nursing (MSN) program offers a specialized Strategic Systems Leadership emphasis in partnership with OpusVi, providing engaging, real-world applicable learning experiences driven by expert instructional design.
- The program’s Leadership, Quality, and Patient Safety emphasis includes the essential advanced practice courses (pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment) required for clinical nurse practitioner degrees, streamlining progression toward advanced clinical roles.
- NAU’s MSN Advanced Practice program prepares nurses for primary care delivery in underserved rural populations, with eligibility for Arizona state prescribing privileges and national certification as Family or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Arizona State University’s RN to MSN bridge program offers a flexible, fully online format that allows working nurses to complete coursework asynchronously from any location except three restricted states, accommodating varied clinical schedules.
- The program enables students to transfer up to 75 credit hours from their associate degree or prior coursework, significantly reducing time and cost to complete the master’s degree.
- Faculty consists of award-winning nursing professionals with real-world experience who provide expert instruction and mentorship, enhancing the quality of education and leadership preparation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Arizona
- The University of Arizona Nursing (MSN) MEPN program offers an accelerated 15-month curriculum designed for non-nursing degree holders to quickly become registered nurses, addressing urgent workforce needs efficiently.
- Students benefit from hands-on clinical education that fosters valuable practical experience and strong cohort connections in a condensed timeframe at the Gilbert campus.
- The program features recent graduates transitioning into faculty roles, highlighting a pathway for career growth and direct mentorship from professionals actively engaged in advanced nursing practice.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
