Top RN to MSN Programs in Arizona

If you want to work as a nurse in Arizona, obtaining a graduate degree may be a great idea. Earning an MSN degree can help prepare you to provide patient-centered and cost-effective care that makes a true difference in the lives of people. Below, learn about the salary expectations and job outlook for nurses in Arizona.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that the average salary for an RN (registered nurse) per year in Arizona was $70,220 in 2010. This is around $33.76 per hour and is above the national average RN salary, but it should also be observed that the cost of living in Arizona is above the national average. The top 10% of RNs in Arizona earn $93,050 or more while the bottom 10% earn $47,470 or less. This difference is due in part to their location in Arizona and their employer, but mainly due to the level of their education. The top 10% are people who hold at least an MSN or even a doctorate degree.

Some 41,730 RNs worked in Arizona in 2010. The areas with the highest number of nurses were Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale. Indeed, more than half of all nurses in the state work in those three areas. The average salary is slightly higher in those areas as well, with the median annual salary at $72,130. The city where salaries are the highest is Flagstaff, where the mean annual is $75,510 and the next highest paying city is Prescott, where the annual median is $73,160.

The job outlook for RNs is high nationally. According to the BLS, the growth rate until 2018 is predicted to be 22%. In Arizona, however, the unemployment rate is quite high, which means that competition for jobs is strong. Thus, those who hold an MSN degree have the advantage of having a far greater chance of finding employment.

In Arizona, there are numerous MSN programs available, some of which can be achieved online. Furthermore, there are RN and BSN to MSN programs. Once you hold an MSN, you can become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, with a specialty in areas such as leadership, education and research. There are many different opportunities out there, particularly because Arizona recognizes the importance of nurse practitioners who have an MSN degree. Indeed, there has been an official call for increased availability so that the supply of nurses would remain adequate. As nurses in Arizona have a far more comprehensive scope of practice, it is even more important to gain an MSN degree in this state. See also Arizona Nursing Schools with Accredited Options.

Let’s take a look at the best MSN degree programs in Arizona.