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.

2027 Best ABSN Programs in Arizona

Looking to fast-track a nursing career in Arizona? Accelerated BSN programs let you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in as little as 12 to 18 months. But not all programs are created equal. At registerednursing.org, we rank the best ABSN programs in Arizona based on key factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, and affordability. Our goal is to help future nurses find a program that fits their needs and gets them quickly to the bedside. To see exactly how we evaluate schools, check out our methodology here: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ - Public 4-Year - arizona.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Arizona's Accelerated BSN with Integrative Health Emphasis at Gilbert campus is a hybrid 15-16 month program combining online and in-person learning. The curriculum covers evidence-based care, whole-person wellness, and nurse self-care. You'll complete over 600 hours of clinical experience at top Arizona hospitals and clinics, with placements handled by the college. High-tech simulation labs and virtual reality scenarios sharpen clinical judgment. Graduates pursue careers as registered nurses in diverse healthcare settings. The integrative health focus sets this program apart, addressing mental, physical, and spiritual health. Personalized faculty support and a network of 10,000+ alumni provide strong community. Accredited by CCNE, with a 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate. Make an immediate impact in nursing.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Complete in graduate in 15-16 months
  • 93% licensure pass rate
  • $88,000 median earnings
  • 600 clinical hours
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs
  • Virtual reality experiences
#2

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 Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program in Phoenix, AZ, offers a fast-track to a nursing career, completing in as few as 16 months. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations, designed for those with 60+ college credits or a bachelor's degree. With a focus on servant leadership and a Christian worldview, students gain hands-on experience and foundational nursing knowledge. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and a rewarding career in nursing.

  • 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
#3

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 at the Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing is for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and have completed prerequisites. Offered at the North Valley campus, this fast-paced curriculum blends nursing science with culturally responsive care. You'll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation labs and through diverse clinical placements, preparing for roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health. The program emphasizes serving rural and Indigenous communities, addressing health disparities with empathy. Small class sizes ensure personalized mentorship from expert faculty. With CCNE accreditation and strong NCLEX pass rates, graduates are ready for licensure and advanced roles. Start in fall, spring, or summer.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Designed for students with prior degree
  • North Valley campus location
  • Small class sizes
#4

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 BSN is a 12-month, full-time prelicensure program designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, innovation, interprofessional communication, and information technology. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at various healthcare settings across Arizona. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. The program offers two start dates per year (fall and spring) and is available at multiple ASU campuses including Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, and West Valley. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses and a competitive application process that considers GPA and TEAS scores. This accelerated pathway allows students to transition into nursing quickly while benefiting from ASU's renowned Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 12-Month program
  • Full-time enrollment
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • Priority for second degree students
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics.

List of Arizona Accelerated BSN Programs

Jump to City:

Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Designed for students with prior degree

Phoenix, AZ

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

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 12-Month program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX

Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Complete in graduate in 15-16 months
    • 93% licensure pass rate
    • $88,000 median earnings
    • 600 clinical hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2025. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2027 Affordable ABSN Programs in Arizona

Exploring the path to becoming a registered nurse in Arizona just got simpler. The table below lays out ten ABSN programs across the state, from Phoenix to Tucson, with details on what each offers. For many future nurses, cost is a major factor. That's why focusing on affordable options matters. High-quality education shouldn't come with a sky-high price. By comparing program highlights and tuition ranges, we can spot the best value. This table makes that comparison easy, so take a look and see which program aligns with both goals and budget.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Arizona
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Complete in graduate in 15-16 months
  • 93% licensure pass rate
  • $88,000 median earnings
  • 600 clinical hours
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • $10,900 - $16,300 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $31,900 - $47,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Arizona State University
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 12-Month program
  • Full-time enrollment
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • $9,800 - $14,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $26,500 - $39,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Northern Arizona University
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Designed for students with prior degree
  • $10,100 - $15,100 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $16,000 - $24,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Grand Canyon University
  • 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
  • $14,800 - $22,200 (Undergraduate)
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2025, 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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