What Arizona Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Arizona's growing healthcare demands have made accelerated BSN programs an essential pathway for career changers entering the nursing profession. Designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, these second degree BSN tracks offer an intensive and fast-paced curriculum that leads to licensure in as little as 12 to 18 months. With a focus on clinical readiness and academic rigor, these programs prepare students to transition into professional nursing roles quickly. Whether you’re pivoting into healthcare or seeking a more purpose-driven career, Arizona's accelerated BSN options offer a streamlined path to the RN credential.
2026 Best ABSN Programs in Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - gcu.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Grand Canyon University's ABSN program revolutionizes nursing education through a comprehensive 16-month hybrid model designed for career-changing professionals. Students leverage online coursework complemented by immersive in-person clinical experiences, targeting individuals holding 60+ collegiate credits. The program distinguishes itself with a unique servant leadership approach and Christian worldview integration, ensuring graduates are not just technically proficient but holistically prepared. Rigorous admission standards, including a 3.0 GPA requirement, guarantee high-quality cohorts. Offering three annual start dates, the program provides flexible pathways into nursing, with comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. Clinical rotations across Phoenix healthcare networks enable students to develop practical skills in diverse medical environments.
- 16-month program duration
- Hybrid online and in-person
- Requires 60+ college credits
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Focus on Christian worldview
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on clinical rotations
- Servant leadership emphasis
- Three start dates annually
- Accredited nursing program
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - Public 4-Year - arizona.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arizona's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring nurses seeking a high-quality education. Students can choose between two dynamic learning models: a 24-month conventional pathway in Tucson or a streamlined 15-16 month accelerated integrative health pathway in Gilbert. Boasting a remarkable 93% NCLEX pass rate and potential starting salaries around $70,000, the program emphasizes practical simulations and immersive clinical experiences. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the curriculum leverages advanced technology and supportive faculty to develop well-rounded nursing professionals. Prospective students must meet academic prerequisites, with entrance exam requirements detailed on the program's admissions page.
- 93% NCLEX pass rate
- $70K starting salary
- 24-month conventional pathway
- 15-16 month accelerated pathway
- Hybrid learning option
- Accredited by CCNE
- High-demand nursing skillset
- Supportive faculty
- Practical simulations
- Exceptional clinical experiences
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - Public 4-Year - nau.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northern Arizona University's Accelerated BSN offers a dynamic 12-month pathway for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders seeking a rapid nursing career transition. Located in Flagstaff and North Valley, the program demands full-time engagement and comprehensive clinical experiences across Arizona. Prospective students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses and successfully complete the HESI A2 entrance exam. The curriculum prepares students comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN licensure, with unique opportunities for scholarship support contingent on a four-year nursing commitment within Arizona. This militarily-friendly program targets motivated career changers ready to immerse themselves in an intensive, hands-on nursing education model.
- 12-month intensive program
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Requires non-nursing bachelor's degree
- 3.0 GPA prerequisite minimum
- HESI A2 Exam required
- Full-time commitment needed
- Clinical experiences statewide
- Scholarships available
- Four-year work commitment in Arizona
- Flagstaff and North Valley campuses
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN Prelicensure Clinical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arizona State University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing transforms career changers into skilled healthcare professionals through an intensive campus-based program. Tailored for individuals holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree, this prelicensure clinical nursing track emphasizes comprehensive clinical immersion and hands-on learning experiences. Students benefit from rigorous coursework that prepares them for the complex healthcare landscape, with opportunities to develop critical nursing skills in real-world medical settings. The program's accelerated format allows motivated students to complete their nursing degree efficiently, typically within 12-16 months. Military-friendly and offering financial aid options, ASU provides a strategic pathway for those committed to launching a dynamic nursing career with comprehensive professional preparation.
- Accelerated program
- Campus-based learning
- Clinical experience focus
- For career changers
- Financial aid available
GateWay Community College
Phoenix, AZ - Public 4-Year - gatewaycc.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
GateWay Community College's RN to BSN program offers a strategic educational pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking professional advancement. Comprehensive coursework spans 120 credits, emphasizing critical domains like leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient safety. The program uniquely prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings by integrating culturally competent care principles and advanced technological applications. Prospective students must possess an active, unrestricted RN license and meet rigorous health and safety compliance standards. With a strong focus on ethical practices and professional development, graduates gain sophisticated skills that position them for expanded nursing roles and potential advanced educational opportunities.
- 120 total credits required.
- Active, unrestricted RN license needed.
- Focus on leadership and evidence-based practice.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare environments.
- Emphasizes culturally competent care.
- Includes health and safety compliance.
- Covers ethical practices in nursing.
- Utilizes healthcare technology and informatics.
- Pathway to advanced nursing roles.
- Opportunity for further education.
List of Arizona Accelerated BSN Programs
Flagstaff, AZ
Northern Arizona University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month intensive program
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Requires non-nursing bachelor's degree
- 3.0 GPA prerequisite minimum
- HESI A2 Exam required
- Full-time commitment needed
- Clinical experiences statewide
- Scholarships available
Glendale, AZ
Glendale Community College
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 2-3 semesters to RN
- For LPNs and prior nursing students
- 55% salary increase potential
- DPS Fingerprint Clearance required
- HESI Admission Assessment needed
- Personalized nursing advisement
- High school diploma or GED required
- Official transcripts needed
Phoenix, AZ
GateWay Community College
- Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credits required.
- Active, unrestricted RN license needed.
- Focus on leadership and evidence-based practice.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare environments.
- Emphasizes culturally competent care.
- Includes health and safety compliance.
- Covers ethical practices in nursing.
- Utilizes healthcare technology and informatics.
Grand Canyon University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 16-month program duration
- Hybrid online and in-person
- Requires 60+ college credits
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Focus on Christian worldview
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on clinical rotations
- Servant leadership emphasis
Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN Prelicensure Clinical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated program
- Campus-based learning
- Clinical experience focus
- For career changers
- Financial aid available
Tucson, AZ
University of Arizona
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 93% NCLEX pass rate
- $70K starting salary
- 24-month conventional pathway
- 15-16 month accelerated pathway
- Hybrid learning option
- Accredited by CCNE
- High-demand nursing skillset
- Supportive faculty
2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in Arizona
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Arizona State University |
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Glendale Community College |
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GateWay Community College |
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Northern Arizona University |
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University of Arizona |
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Grand Canyon University |
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Suppose you’re considering nursing schools in Arizona. In that case, our comprehensive state guide is your go to resource for navigating the full range of educational pathways from entry-level programs to advanced degrees. Whether you’re new to the field or advancing your career, this guide delivers clear, up-to-date information on program options, licensure requirements, and job prospects to help you make confident, informed decisions.
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