Best Arizona RN-to-BSN Degree Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Michael Hanson / The Image Bank / Getty ImagesIf you are a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), you can open even more career doors with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program can apply your existing experience and degree to earn your BSN faster — possibly in just one year.
Explore the top RN-to-BSN programs in Arizona with this helpful guide. Professionals planning to pursue master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees or advancements in their current roles can benefit from this in-depth research.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-BSN programs, making it easier for you to find your ideal program. We center our methodology on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and availability of program offerings.
At a Glance: The Top Arizona RN-to-BSN Programs
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- Brookline College
- Grand Canyon University
- University of Arizona
Learn more about key factors to consider when choosing a program, or head straight to our full ranking of the best Arizona RN-to-BSN programs.
How Do Arizona RN-to-BSN Programs Work?
RN-to-BSN programs use an accelerated timeline, allowing an enrollee to earn a BSN degree in approximately a year — roughly half the time that it would take to complete a traditional BSN. Programs for full-time students may take less time, while other programs use a slower pace. Some RN-to-BSN programs in Arizona are available entirely online.
These programs build on RN knowledge and your continuing professional education. Some RN-to-BSN programs in Arizona have specific prerequisites that an ADN may not have covered, requiring you to complete these classes before enrolling.
Featured Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to an Arizona RN-to-BSN Program
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to apply to your top choices among the various RN-to-BSN programs in Arizona. Talk to a workplace mentor or former school advisor for how to best present your background and experience. Alert your references ahead of time and mention anything you would like them to emphasize in their letters.
Admission Materials
RN license, transcripts, completed application with an essay or personal statement, at least two references, typically at least one year experience as an RNGPA Requirement
Most programs prefer a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Why Is Arizona RN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
During the accreditation process, an independent organization evaluates schools and programs to determine that graduates can safely practice nursing within their specific scope of practice. This guide only lists accredited RN-to-BSN programs in Arizona.
While unaccredited programs may promise faster or cheaper degrees, most employers will not consider hiring their graduates. Accredited programs will also not accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs, making time spent in these programs wasted with little recognition.
Learn More About the Best Arizona RN-to-BSN Programs And Schools
Arizona State University understands how pivotal nurses are to the new and changing health care system. More and more employers require a BSN at the very least in order to ensure their staff is able to take on leadership, educational and management positions. The BSN program ensures that professional nurses will have the theoretical knowledge foundation as well as clinical competencies they need in order to be able to work in the full plethora of health care settings. Graduates understand the particular needs of the communities of Arizona, as well as how these are changing. The curriculum covers all the essential elements of entry level nursing professions, and it prepares students for further education in specializations such as administration, teaching, and nursing research. Students are mentored by highly experienced faculty staff to prepare them to be the best nurses in their field.
- Campus: Tempe, AZ
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $9,208 for in state students, $22,461 for out of state students
- Miminum Time Commitment: 8 semesters for traditional BSN
- Online Availability: Yes for RN to BSN
- Degree Requirements: High school or GED, bachelor’s degree for RN to BSN
- Programs: BSN, RN to BSN
- School Site:Tuition and Financial Aid
At Northern Arizona University, students take part in affordable program that is high quality and very rigorous. Graduates from the school have made fantastic positive differences in Arizona’s communities. This is because the faculty is committed to ensuring the needs of the student are at the heart of all operations. Professors act as mentors who work hand in hand with their students. Indeed, the hands-on learning facilities, research opportunities and various creative pursuits that the school offers are what sets it apart from other schools.
- Campus: Flagstaff, AZ
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $8,454
- Miminum Time Commitment: 4 years for BSN, 12 months for accelerated option
- Online Availability: No
- Degree Requirements: High school or GED, GPA, TOEFL if applicable, bachelor’s degree for accelerated BSN
- Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN
- School Site:Tuition and Financial Aid
Brookline College offers a BSN program that prepares students to become true health care professionals. During the program, they will learn the foundations of liberal arts, as well as the critical elements required in a nursing degree. Graduates are able to plan, assess, evaluate and implement care in a range of health care settings. These include community health agencies, hospitals and clinics. The program takes 10 semesters to complete, making it one of the more extensive programs in the state. The curriculum includes pre-professional education and general education, delivered in classrooms and clinical settings. Students are able to look into and research the various issues faced by nursing professionals in Arizona, thereby developing the competencies and skills they need to be professionals themselves.
- Campus: Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson, AZ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Tuition: $85,000
- Miminum Time Commitment: 4 years
- Online Availability: No
- Degree Requirements: High school or GED
- Programs: BSN
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
Grand Canyon University founded its College of Nursing some 25 years ago. Since then, they have consistently offered their students the opportunity to take part in rigorous clinical and academic preparation to become nurses who follow Christian values in education. The BSN program can be completed in three different ways to ensure that all members of the health care workforce have the opportunity to become the best they can be.
Students learn how to assess individual patients, while at the same time work with families and entire communities. Additionally, they learn about health patterns and how they can use these in various clinical settings. Furthermore, they will learn how to create nursing diagnoses, evaluate and plan interventions and become some of the most important professionals in health care.
- Campus: Phoenix, AZ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $16,500
- Miminum Time Commitment: 20 months (36 credit hours) for fast track RN to BSN. Five additional semesters for BSN.
- Online Availability: Some
- Degree Requirements: High school or GED, GPA, TOEFL if applicable
- Programs: BSN, Fast track RN to BSN
- School Site:Tuition and Financial Aid
At the College of Nursing of the University of Arizona, students receive an education that is both supportive and challenging. They become part of a true community, building on the skills of previous and existing students, who all have different viewpoints, experiences and cultural backgrounds. Students must demonstrate their motivation and their integrity in delivering service to other people. Students who are accepted to the program will receive world class education in return, becoming some of the most respected members of the health care workforce upon graduation.
- Campus: Tucson, AZ
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE, AACN
- Tuition: $9,114
- Miminum Time Commitment: 4 semesters
- Online Availability: No
- Degree Requirements: Prerequisite courses, GPA of 3.0, interview
- Programs: BSN
- School Site:Tuition and Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona RN-to-BSN Programs
How do I prepare for RN to BSN programs?
RN-to-BSN programs occur at a fast pace, so make sure that you will be ready to study and concentrate while balancing other responsibilities. Some RN-to-BSN programs in Arizona have prerequisites — research any additional courses you may need to complete.
What do you learn in RN to BSN programs?
RN-to-BSN programs cover most of the topics enrollees encountered in ADN programs but in more depth. They also tend to cover more of the theory of nursing and nursing leadership skills than ADN programs. Graduates from RN-to-BSN programs possess the knowledge they need to pursue graduate school.
Is RN to BSN worth it
Whether an Arizona RN-to-BSN program is worthwhile depends on your goals and resources. Many RN-to-BSN graduates benefit from more career options, as many employers prefer or require BSNs for higher-level positions. A BSN also prepares each graduate to apply for MSN programs and become an advanced practice nurse.
Which BSN nurses make the most?
How much nurses make depends on their experience, geographic location, responsibilities, and other factors. The highest-paid RNs in the country work in California, Hawaii, Oregon, the District of Columbia, and Alaska, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average RN salary in California is $124,000.
