9 Best BSN Programs in Arizona in 2023

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Arizona involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered one of the best launching points.

Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for a BSN in Arizona, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.

Best BSN Programs in Arizona

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Arizona State University 

Arizona State University in Tempe presents a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $12,814. The program is ACEN accredited and holds a commendable NCLEX pass rate of 92%, ensuring students receive a quality education and preparation for their nursing careers. With its comprehensive curriculum and accreditation, Arizona State University's BSN program provides a promising pathway for aspiring nurses to excel in the healthcare field.

2. Northern Arizona University 

Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff provides a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $14,636. ACEN accredits the program and reports a notable NCLEX pass rate of 94%, reflecting its commitment to producing competent nurses.

3. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona in Tucson offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $15,601. The program maintains ACEN accreditation and showcases an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 94%, indicating its commitment to providing high-quality nursing education.

4. Grand Canyon University – Tucson 

At Grand Canyon University's Tucson campus, aspiring nurses can enroll in the BSN program, which offers an estimated annual tuition of $21,176. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 98% and ACEN accreditation, the program provides students with a quality education and prepares them for successful nursing careers.

5. Grand Canyon University – Sun City 

Start your nursing journey with the BSN program at Grand Canyon University's Sun City campus. This ACEN-accredited program demonstrates an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 96%, preparing students for successful careers in nursing. With an estimated annual tuition of $14,636, it offers an affordable and promising opportunity for aspiring nurses.

_{*Costs as reported by Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.}

What Is a BSN?

A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in:

• Administration
• Research
• Teaching
• Consulting

Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.

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Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023

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BSN Coursework

Typical BSN coursework includes:

• Biology, including a lab and lecture course
• Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
• Nutrition
• Pathophysiology
• Sociology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Assessment
• Nursing Pharmacology
• Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
• General Psychology

Can BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patent care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.

Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Home Care Agencies
• Physician Office
• Educational Services
• Government Agencies
• Schools
• Community Centers
• Hospices
• Dialysis Centers
• Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings

BSN Prerequisites and Requirements

BSN programs generally require:

• Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
• Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
• Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
• CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
• Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.

BSN Salary Expectations in Arizona

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Arizona in 2022 earned:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $41.70
• Annual Mean Wage: $86,740

Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.

RN salary in Arizona is 3% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
• Annual Mean Wage: $89,010

With the highest-paying states being:

1. California: $133,340
2. Hawaii: $113,220
3. Oregon: $106,610
4. Massachusetts: $104,150
5. Alaska: $103,310

The BLS collected the Arizona RN wage data from over 56,040 nurses.

How to Choose a Nursing School

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

1. Cost
2. High NCLEX Pass Rate
3. Location
4. Academic Reputation
5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
7. Flexibility of Schedule
8. Curriculum
9. Campus and Surroundings
10. Nursing Clinicals Location
11. Availability of Online Courses

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Arizona?

Arizona is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.

Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Arizona?

Many schools in Arizona offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.

Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?

While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.

Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.