Searching for accelerated nursing programs in Arizona? Some of the accelerated nursing programs in Arizona are the best options for you.
If you’re looking for an accelerated nursing program in Arizona, this article will help in your search.
It will give you information about the accelerated nursing programs in Arizona, as well as their admission requirements and tuition costs.
It will also provide a brief overview of what each program has to offer so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Requirements for Becoming a Certified Nurse in Arizona
To become a certified nurse in Arizona, you’ll need to meet the requirements below:
- Complete a state-approved nursing program.
- Pass the national licensing exam.
- Apply for your license with the Arizona State Board of Nursing (ASBN).
You will also need to include proof of completion from an accredited school or college, such as your official transcript or diploma.
The ASBN requires continuing education courses if you want to renew your license in Arizona every two years, so make sure you stay up-to-date on all changes.
How Much Do Registered Nurses Earn in Arizona?
Registered Practice Nurses (RPNs) in Arizona make an annual average salary of $88,488.
This is nearly twice as much as the national average family income in the US. So, nurses are one of the highest-paid health professionals in the US. Furthermore, nurses may earn an additional $12,375 working overtime at a job.
Moreover, nurses with a Bachelor’s degree (BScN) earn even way more than this; with their starting annual salaries beginning at $100,000 or more.
Thus, nurses are comfortable earners. However, the job they are known to do is particularly stressful and will require these soft skills (not exhaustive):
- Patience.
- Empathy.
- Patient caregiving.
- Attention to the minutest detail.
- Patient management system.
- Ability to cope with stress, and
- Work under extreme pressure with little supervision.
Where Do Nurses Work?
Nurses can work in almost any healthcare setting – like hospitals, diagnostic centers, blood banks, or as assistants to physicians.
The List of Accelerated Nursing Programs in Arizona
Arizona is a good choice for studying accelerated nursing programs. We were completely blown away by the quality each of these eleven schools brought.
These schools in our list have the best accelerated nursing programs in Arizona, and arguably, the US.
If you live around the area, you may do well to go through our list of accelerated nursing programs in Arizona below. We have ranked these schools based on reputation, reviews, and NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Let’s dive in.
University of Arizona College of Nursing
- Location: Tucson, Arizona.
- Tuition: $32,432 for residential students, and $82,476 for non-residential students (total accelerated BSN tuition for two years).
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100 percent.
The University of Arizona College of Nursing offers an undergraduate accelerated BSN program to Arizona residents. The school has a rolling admissions process.
Students who decide to enroll in the UA College of Nursing’s Accelerated BSN Program will be able to complete the program in only 19 months (as opposed to the usual 24-month timeframe), making it easier for them to enter into their chosen nursing field as soon as possible.
Arizona residents are given priority when applying for this on-campus accelerated BSN program at UA, but anyone who applies must pass a background check and drug screen before being accepted into the program.
The CCNE accredits this college’s nursing programs, which means they meet high standards set forth by national organizations such as ACEN (Accreditation Council for Education in Nursing) and ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center).
Northern Arizona University School of Nursing
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Tuition: Fall semester tuition starts at $761 per hour. Learn more.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5 percent.
NAU offers two accelerated nursing programs in Arizona: one for registered nurses, and another for licensed practical nurses. The RN to BSN program includes a summer session that you can take in Flagstaff or online.
If you already have your RN license, the LPN to BSN program is a good option if you’re interested in earning a degree but don’t want to commit full-time hours or relocate.
Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The cost of these programs varies based on whether it’s a 12- or 24-month track, whether you’re taking classes on campus or online, and whether you’re paying by semester or all at once (the latter being more expensive).
The total cost of both programs ranges from $28,000 – $38,000, depending on your chosen options.
Applications are accepted throughout each year; however, due dates will vary depending on when classes begin each term so check with admissions before applying.
Arizona State University
- Location: Tempe, Arizona.
- Tuition: $5,500 per semester.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.08 percent.
Arizona State University offers a BSN program for those who already have an RN license or bachelor’s degree. The online option is asynchronous and the on-campus option is synchronous, which means you can still work a full-time job while earning your degree.
ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is accredited by CCNE and its BSN program has a reputation as being one of the best accelerated nursing programs in Arizona.
ASU also offers several accelerated nursing programs with both on-campus and online options, some of which are available to current nurses as well as those who have already earned their bachelor’s degrees.
Chamberlain College of Nursing
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Tuition: $590 per credit hour. Estimated at $51,000 (or less) in total tuition cost.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.12 percent.
Chamberlain College of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the country.
It offers degree programs that can be completed on-campus or online; all students have access to a full range of resources including career services for job seekers and alumni networking opportunities for current students and graduates.
The college also maintains close ties with other academic departments within ASU to ensure that students take advantage of interdisciplinary experiences throughout their career development process from undergrad through graduate school graduation. Furthermore, Chamberlain College of Nursing is one of the popular choices to study accelerated nursing programs in Arizona.
University of Phoenix
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Tuition: $320 per credit hour.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.5 percent.
The University of Phoenix is a for-profit university with campuses in 40 states. The University of Phoenix has a campus in Phoenix, Arizona, and offers online programs as well as some programs at its campus.
The Accelerated Nursing Program at the University of Phoenix is designed for working adults who want to earn their Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) degree in two years instead of four or more years to complete an RN program before moving on to get their BSN degree.
Students must have completed at least one year (or equivalent) of college coursework before applying to the accelerated BSN program.
This may be satisfied by earning a non-nursing major or completing up to 60 semester hours from an accredited institution before acceptance into this accelerated nursing program in Arizona.
Creighton University – Phoenix Campus
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Tuition: $18,024 per semester.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.30 percent.
Creighton University is another popular option to study an accelerated nursing program in Arizona. The curriculum is corrosive as it promises to teach students everything about nursing practice, adult health education, and pharmacology.
Additionally, Creighton’s average NCLEX-RN average pass rate for first-time takers is 91.3 percent – which is very high. For context, the pass rate set by NCLEX is 80 percent.
The program can be completed in as little as 15 months (or over 1 year). Students must apply directly to Creighton’s online RN-to-BSN program – no separate application is required because admission decisions are made automatically upon completion of one’s prerequisites for entry into a bachelor’s degree program at Creighton.
Completing this pathway will not impact your current licensure status if you are currently licensed as an RNS/RNN or RNII/RNIII nurse; however, it will allow a nurse who completes this pathway to earn their BSN while maintaining their current license type.
Brookline College
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Tuition: $46,150 (total program cost).
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71.13 percent.
Brookline College is a private school with campuses in Phoenix and Tucson, that offers accelerated nursing programs that are accepted by all 15 Arizona hospitals.
The on-campus program is offered at both locations. Brookline’s Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) includes an internship and takes a minimum of 16 months to complete.
Brookline’s accelerated nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
They require clinical hours before graduation, they’re open even if you don’t meet admissions requirements like grades or age limits; and in addition, they offer flexible class schedules so you can work full-time while taking classes.
The only downside to Brookline College’s accelerated nursing program in Arizona is its tuition cost.
It is one of the most expensive accelerated nursing programs in Arizona. In terms of graduate NCLEX pass rate, Brookline College does quite well with an average pass rate of 71 percent.
Aspen University
- Location: Phoenix Campus, Arizona.
- Tuition: $4,050 per year.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 62.42 percent.
Not all that shiny is great, isn’t it? Aspen University has the worst NCLEX pass rate for first-time takers on our list of accelerated nursing programs in Arizona – 62.42 percent.
This means that a whopping 37.58 percent of graduate students fail to score above the 80 percent pass mark. To put this into context, say 100 Aspen graduates sit for an NCLEX exam the first time, then at least 25 of them fail.
However, this doesn’t make Aspen University an entirely bad choice. But we have ranked them last on our list of accelerated nursing programs in Arizona for this reason.
Appen University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completion program.
The on-campus program is designed for students who have already completed an associate degree and are looking to get their bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible.
The online accelerated nursing program is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to work while they earn their nursing diplomas.
Both programs take two years to complete and can be completed during the summer or fall/spring semesters. There are no prerequisites for either type of student interested in applying here.
Online Accelerated Nursing Programs in Arizona:
Online accelerated nursing programs in Arizona allow students to earn their RN degrees while maintaining a busy schedule.
The curriculum is asynchronous, meaning you can complete your studies at your own pace. Online programs often have a lower tuition rate than traditional programs.
The best way to find out if an accelerated program is right for you is by talking with someone who has already completed one. You can also contact the school directly and ask about its policies on transfer credits and other services like tutoring or financial aid assistance.
Western Governors University
- Tuition: $13,900 – $25,600.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97 percent.
Western Governors University is a non-profit university that offers a practical nursing program designed for working adults.
The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Program Education (COA), and it’s flexible — you can work at your own pace, with access to course materials 24/7 so you can study when it works for you.
It’s also affordable. The cost of tuition per credit hour at WGU is less than half what other public universities charge in Arizona.
And because WGU is competency-based, your degree will be awarded based on how well you demonstrate mastery in each subject area, not how many hours or years pass before graduation.
Brigham Young University, Idaho
- Tuition: $9,626 per year.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97 percent.
The bachelor of science in nursing program at Brigham Young University is offered through the College of Nursing. This program requires students to complete their prerequisites before applying to the program.
You can expect to spend about four years studying for your BSN if you enter as a freshman and transfer from an associate’s degree program, but if you don’t have any previous nursing experience it could take up to six years.
Students who do not have any college credits but still want to enter into this accelerated nursing track must complete both prerequisite courses and general education requirements within two years. The school does not offer financial aid for undergraduate students.
What to Consider Before Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program in Arizona
If you want to become a registered nurse and need to accelerate the process, you can find accelerated nursing programs in Arizona in your area that may help.
If you’re interested in studying nursing at an accelerated rate, there are several options for students who want to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree in less time than it would normally take.
These programs often require two years of college education or military service before enrollment, but they provide accelerated learning opportunities that allow students to complete their coursework through online education while working full-time jobs or caring for family members.
Many community colleges and universities offer this type of program on their campus or through distance learning options through a virtual classroom environment.
Accelerated BSN programs typically take between 15 to 18 months to complete instead of 32 to 36 months if taken at traditional rates.
However, many students choose these types of programs so they can begin working as registered nurses sooner rather than later.
Employment Outlook for Nurses With BSNs in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Commerce anticipates a higher-than-average job growth rate for nurses with BSNs, at 20% by 2024. That’s faster than the national average of 16%.
Nurse practitioners in Arizona earn an average salary of $100,000 per year.
Wrapping It Up
Arizona is one of the most challenging states to become a nurse, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.
Nurses in Arizona are in high demand, which means that your career options and salary potential are excellent.
If you’re ready to make a difference as a nursing professional in this growing field, consider one of the accelerated nursing programs in Arizona listed in this article.