Best Arizona RN-to-BSN Degree Programs

If 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.