Online ABSN Programs in AZ: Essential Info on Top Degrees
With the demand for nurses soaring in Arizona, plenty of jobs are available in this fast-paced industry. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and have recently discovered an interest in nursing, accelerated nursing programs can help you become an RN in roughly 12 to 17 months. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best online accelerated BSN programs and the learning outcomes, cost, and requirements for each.
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
- Jump To:
- Degree Details
- FAQs
- Salary & Pay
Exploring Arizona’s Options for Online ABSN Programs
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any field, it’s not too late for you to transition to a nursing career. In fact, with accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs, you can become an RN in as little as 12 months by applying your current education to a bachelor’s of science in nursing.
Since you already hold an undergraduate degree, these accelerated programs allow you to pursue a new degree without completely starting over. Many of your general education courses can be transferred to the program of your choice.
The benefit of accelerated BSN programs is they’re often more flexible than other nursing degree paths, giving you the option to take some coursework online while also completing labs and clinicals in the field. EduMed has detailed three top schools that offer hybrid learning options below.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an accelerated BSN program for students with a degree in a discipline other than nursing. Although it is competitive, admission to this program means you can complete your BSN in as little as 12 months. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and meets licensure requirements for the state of Arizona. It also has an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 88.39% and offers a blend of in-person and online learning. But like most accelerated programs, it comprises a rigorous course schedule and requires a full-time commitment.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $45,500
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in non-nursing discipline
- Nursing Information Session completion
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Grade of “C” or higher in all required courses
- Minimum of 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Minimum score of 58.7% on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Completion of all university general studies courses
Core Curriculum:
- Professional Nursing Theory
- Nursing Research and Evidence Translation
- Health Promotion Across the Life Span
- Community and Public Health Nursing in the United States
- Public and Global Health in Nursing
- The Art of Nursing
- Innovation in Nursing
- Nursing Management in Healthcare
- Capstone: The Synthesis of Professional Nursing
Grand Canyon University
The Accelerated BSN program at Grand Canyon University is specifically designed for non-nursing students who want to make a career change. As a fast-paced, 16-month program it requires considerable commitment, but a good portion of the coursework is online. To get the experience you need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN, you’ll still attend in-person labs and receive hands-on training at your assigned learning sites.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $53,550
Admissions Requirements:
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 non-nursing credits
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in transfer coursework
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 in prerequisite coursework
- Minimum HESI A2 scores of 80% in math and reading and 75% in human anatomy and physiology
- Background check
- Fingerprint Clearance Card
Core Curriculum:
- Biochemistry
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Nutrition
- Lifespan development
- Foundations of nursing
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
- Adult nursing
- Behavioral health nursing
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Nursing care of childbearing family
- Leadership, ethics, and policy
- Population health
- Transition to practices
- Capstone
- Labs and clinicals
Creighton University
Nebraska-based Creighton University is a health education leader with a 195,000-square-foot campus in Phoenix. It offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree with two start times: January and August. The program can be completed in just 12 months and is fully accredited by the CCNE. The blended learning experience combines on-campus classroom work, pre-class online lectures, and in-person clinicals to give students a flexible and engaged learning experience. Each term is between two and eight weeks. The accelerated program works with local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community partners to give nursing students a wide range of real-world learning experiences. Students had a 93% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the last five years.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $55,425 (plus fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Foundations and health assessments (concepts and practicum)
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Care management (concepts and practicum)
- Population-based health
- Evidence-base practice
- Professional concepts: leadership, policy and advocacy
- Capstone practicum
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Student Help Center: Common ABSN Questions Answered
As an aspiring nursing student, you likely have a lot of questions about how these accelerated programs work. From the cost of each program to the method for finding the top programs in Arizona, we’ve covered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
How long is an accelerated BSN program in Arizona?
ABSN programs take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete, but they may require you to attend during the summer. Other nonaccelerated programs with durations of 16 to 24 months may have a lighter course load. How long it takes for you to finish the program also depends on what courses you’ve taken previously and the prerequisites required by the specific program you choose.
How many credits can be transferred to my Arizona ABSN program?
While each school has its own policies, you’ll likely be able to transfer 40 to 60 credit hours from your previous degree program into most accelerated nursing programs in Arizona. Unlike RN to BSN programs and LPN to BN programs, ABSNs are specifically for students who are able to transfer credits from a previous bachelor’s degree. If you’re unsure which credits will transfer, make an appointment with an advisor at your preferred college.
How much do ABSN programs in Arizona cost?
Most ABSN programs cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000. Program costs can vary widely and depend on several factors, including how many credit hours you need to take, the length of the program, and whether coursework is completed in-person or online. Additionally, students may pay more if they aren’t residents of Arizona. Although the idea of paying for college can seem overwhelming, there are many online BSN programs with financial aid to help with the cost of attending.
How do I find the highest quality BSN programs?
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to finding a high-quality program, including the accreditation and faculty. Any program you choose should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and be recognized by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. When it comes to the quality of your coursework, classes should be taught by experienced instructors and include a blend of classroom activities, hands-on experience, and clinicals. NCLEX-RN pass rates are also something to consider. The pass rate should be higher than the state and national average, if possible.
Can I get financial aid to pay for my accelerated nursing program in Arizona?
Some of the top online BSN programs in Arizona offer financial aid opportunities for their accelerated programs. Many scholarship programs are limited to students who haven’t already received their undergraduate degree, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity to get help paying for college. If you didn’t use the full amount of grant and loan money for your first degree, you also could be eligible for financial aid opportunities for your second. If you’re looking for financial assistance specifically for accelerated nursing programs in Arizona, the Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing (AzFFN) offers a variety of scholarships for nursing students.
Why Nursing is a Top Career Choice in Arizona
Changing careers after already completing a degree program can be scary, but there are many reasons why you might pursue a degree in nursing through an ABSN program.
Arizona is currently facing a nursing shortage with estimates showing there will be a deficit of nearly 30,000 RNs in 2025. For aspiring nurses, this means there will be plenty of opportunities to find high-paying positions. Plus, practicing as a nurse doesn’t always mean you’ll need a BSN, as you can choose between RN, ADN, and BSN programs, among others.
Not only is nursing an impactful career, but a nursing degree paves the way for many other opportunities. Whether you ultimately decide to continue your education or move into a position such as healthcare administration, you’ll learn plenty of transferable skills as an RN.
