MSN Degrees Online in AZ: A Guide to Discover Top Programs

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.

Providing Answers to Common Questions About Online MSN Programs

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 Paths 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.

• Arizona State University
• Grand Canyon University

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.

• University of Arizona
• Alverno College

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.

• Grand Canyon University
• University of Arizona

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.

• University of Arizona
• University of Phoenix

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

Salary & Career Expectations for Nurse Practitioners in Arizona

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.