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Top Arizona RN to BSN Programs

As the demand for registered nurses with BSN degrees continues to grow, RNs around the country are thinking about going back to school to build upon their educational credentials. Aside from the fact that hospitals and other healthcare employers are beginning to require nurses to hold bachelor's degrees, the opportunities for career advancement and increased pay offers nurses a real incentive to earn their BSN. To meet the growing demand for BSN degree holders, many colleges and universities offer online RN to BSN programs to make the process of earning that degree quicker and easier than ever before, allowing RNs to continue working while they earn their degrees. However, finding the right online program can be arduous, as there are many based in Arizona. To help you with that process, we've compiled a list of the top online RN to BSN programs in the state.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Arizona

Choosing an RN to BSN program shouldn't be taken lightly. While searching for the top RN to BSN programs in Arizona, consider the following:

  • Acceptance rate
  • Retention rate
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Experience of the instructors
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Length of continuous operating time of the program
  • Cost of living in the area
  • Percentage of students who find jobs after graduating (gainful employment data)
  • Class sizes
  • Institutional accreditation and/or awards
  • Internship opportunities

Testing and Certification

After students complete their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), they're required to pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they become a fully licensed RN. It's for this reason that RN to BSN students aren't required to take the same exam again after completing their bridge program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Arizona

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public, four-year research institution located in the Phoenix metropolitan area that offers students a 39 semester credit-hour RN to BSN program that can be completed online in as little as 14-24 months. ASU boasts one of the top nursing schools in the country and is staffed with acclaimed instructors. During the program, students take courses like Innovation in Nursing, Public and Global Health in Nursing, Health Promotion Across the Life Span, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Phoenix Children's Hospital
  • University Medical Center Phoenix
  • Mayo Clinic Hospital

Tuition:

Both Arizona residents and out-of-state residents can expect to pay approximately $20,358 for tuition. This figure does not account for additional fees such as parking, immunizations, books, etc.

2. Brookline College

Brookline College is a private college located in Phoenix, Arizona that offers a 30 semester credit-hour RN to BSN program that can be completed in just 15 months. BC's RN to BSN program is delivered in an online/in-person hybrid format. During the program, students will take courses like Health Assessment, Evidence-based Practice, Community-based Nursing Practice, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospitals
  • Valleywise Health Medical Center
  • OASIS Hospital

Tuition:

Both in-state and out-of-state students can expect to pay roughly $9,990 in tuition fees to attend BC's RN to BSN program. Additional fees like books, supplies, parking, etc. aren't included in this figure.

3. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona that offers students a 30 semester credit-hour, online RN to BSN program. The program is tailored to meet the needs of the working RN adult learner. With GCU's five-week course offerings, the program can be completed in as little as 15 months. During the program, students will encounter courses like Professional Dynamics, Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Health Care, Intro to Nursing Research, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Valleywise Health Medical Center
  • Phoenix Children's Hospital
  • Mayo Clinic Hospital

Tuition:

Both in-state and out-of-state students can expect to pay about $14,100 in tuition fees. Additional fees like books, parking, medical insurance, etc. are not included in this figure.

4. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is a public research university located in Flagstaff, Arizona. NAU offers students a 30 semester credit-hour, online RN to BSN program that in most cases can be completed in a little over a year. They also offer a Mid-AAS program for those enrolled in their associate's degree nursing program, where students are able to work on their bachelor's degree concurrently.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Flagstaff Medical Center
  • Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona
  • Veterans Affairs Administration

Tuition:

Arizona residents can expect to pay approximately $21,510 in tuition fees, while out-of-state residents will pay about $29,790. Neither figure includes additional fees like medical insurance, books, supplies, etc.

5. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit university with its headquarters based out of Phoenix, Arizona. The institution offers a 33 semester credit-hour RN to BSN program that students can complete in approximately 14 months. While enrolled, students will take courses like Promoting Healthy Communities, Influencing Quality Within Healthcare, Healthcare Policy and Financial Management, and others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Mayo Clinic
  • OASIS Hospital
  • Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospitals

Tuition:

Tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is approximately $11,550. This does not include additional fees.