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 quickly transition into professional nursing roles. 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.

2025 Best ABSN Programs in Arizona

Looking for the best Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in Arizona? You're in the right place. At registerednursing.org, we've done the homework to help you find top-notch ABSN programs across the state. Our rankings are based on careful research to guide you toward programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're changing careers or advancing in nursing, our list is a great starting point. Check out our rankings to see which Arizona ABSN programs made the cut. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

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 offers a transformative educational experience, preparing students for a rewarding nursing career. With options in Tucson or Gilbert, the program blends advanced technology, practical simulations, and clinical experiences. The conventional pathway in Tucson spans 24 months with summers off, while the accelerated integrative health pathway in Gilbert takes 15-16 months, offering a hybrid learning model. Graduates enjoy a high NCLEX pass rate and competitive starting salaries. Admissions requirements include meeting academic prerequisites, with details available on the program's admissions page. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a quality education that meets licensure requirements in most states.

  • 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
#2

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ - Public 4-Year - nau.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northern Arizona University's Accelerated BSN program is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree seeking a fast-paced transition into nursing. This intensive 12-month program, available at the Flagstaff and North Valley campuses, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses and completion of the HESI A2 Exam. The program demands a full-time commitment, with clinical experiences across Arizona. Scholarships may be available, offering financial support in exchange for a four-year nursing commitment in Arizona. This program is ideal for career changers ready to dive into nursing with a rigorous, hands-on approach.

  • 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
#3

GateWay Community College

Phoenix, AZ - Public 4-Year - gatewaycc.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

GateWay Community College in Phoenix, AZ, offers a Nursing (RN to BSN) program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This post-licensure program focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient safety, preparing nurses for diverse healthcare environments. With a total of 120 credits required, the program accepts RNs with an active, unrestricted license, offering a pathway to enhance professional skills and knowledge. Admission requires a current RN license and compliance with health and safety standards. The program emphasizes culturally competent care, ethical practices, and the use of healthcare technology, equipping graduates for higher-level nursing roles and further education 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.
#4

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN Prelicensure Clinical Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Accelerated BSN Prelicensure Clinical Nursing Program stands out for its intensive, fast-paced curriculum tailored for individuals aiming to swiftly enter the nursing profession. Located on-campus, this program emphasizes clinical practice, ensuring students acquire essential hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments. It's particularly suited for those holding a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, offering a pathway to transition into nursing. Prospective students should prepare for a demanding schedule, with the program requiring a solid academic foundation for admission. Notably, Arizona State University supports military-friendly initiatives and provides financial aid to eligible students, making this program accessible to a wide range of aspiring nurses.

  • Accelerated program
  • Campus-based learning
  • Clinical experience focus
  • For career changers
  • Financial aid available
#5

Glendale Community College

Glendale, AZ - Public 4-Year - gccaz.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Glendale Community College in Arizona offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed for Licensed Practical Nurses and others with prior nursing education. This program allows students to advance their careers to become Registered Nurses in just 2-3 semesters. With a focus on increasing skills and knowledge, graduates can expect more job opportunities and a significant salary increase. The program requires a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts, a DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card, and passing scores on the HESI Admission Assessment. Personalized advisement is available to guide students through the admission process.

  • 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
  • More acute care job opportunities
  • Specialty area employment options
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

List of Arizona Accelerated BSN Programs

If you're looking to fast-track your nursing career in Arizona, our list of Accelerated BSN Programs is a great place to start. These programs are designed for those who already have a degree in another field and want to become a nurse quickly. Below, you'll find a table with schools across Arizona, highlighting what makes each program unique, where they're located, and links to learn more. It's all the info you need to pick the right program for you.

Jump to City:

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.

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

  • 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
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2025 Affordable ABSN Programs in Arizona

Finding affordable ABSN programs in Arizona is key for students looking to advance their careers without breaking the bank. The table highlights 10 schools across AZ, offering Bachelor's level programs with various highlights to fit different needs. Tuition ranges are included to help you find a program that fits your budget. Whether you're in Phoenix, Tucson, or elsewhere in the state, there are low-cost options available to start your journey in 2025. It's important to choose a cost-effective program that offers the right balance of quality education and manageable expenses.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
  • Accelerated program
  • Campus-based learning
  • Clinical experience focus
  • For career changers
  • Financial aid available
  • $9,600 - $14,500 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $25,800 - $38,600 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
GateWay Community College
  • 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.
  • $1,900 - $2,800 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,200 - $10,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Glendale Community College
  • 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
  • $1,900 - $2,800 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,200 - $10,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of Arizona
  • 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
  • $10,600 - $15,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $31,000 - $46,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Northern Arizona University
  • 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
  • $9,800 - $14,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $15,200 - $22,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

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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