What Arizona Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

The University of Arizona offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) with an Integrative Health Emphasis at its Gilbert campus. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person learning, completing in 15–16 months. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, whole-person wellness, and nurse self-care. Students complete over 600 clinical hours at top Arizona hospitals and clinics, with placements arranged by the college. High-tech simulation labs and virtual reality scenarios enhance clinical judgment. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX and RN careers in diverse settings. The program is CCNE-accredited, boasts a 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate, and has a strong alumni network of over 10,000. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Entrance exam requirements are not specified.

• 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

Grand Canyon University’s Accelerated BSN (ABSN) in Phoenix blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations, allowing completion in as few as 16 months. Designed for students with at least 60 college credits or a bachelor’s degree, the program emphasizes servant leadership and a Christian worldview. Admission is based on a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite completion, with no ACT or SAT required. Multiple start dates each year provide flexibility, and the program’s accredited curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Military-friendly status and hands-on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings are additional highlights, making it a strong choice for career changers.

• 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

Northern Arizona University's Accelerated BSN, housed in the Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing, is tailored for students with a prior bachelor's degree who have completed prerequisites. Offered at the North Valley campus, the intensive curriculum integrates nursing science with culturally responsive care, emphasizing service to rural and Indigenous populations. Students train in high-fidelity simulation labs and diverse clinical settings, preparing for roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health. With CCNE accreditation and strong NCLEX outcomes, graduates are ready for licensure and advanced practice. The program offers three start dates annually (fall, spring, summer) and requires the HESI entrance exam. Small class sizes ensure personalized mentorship from expert faculty.

• 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

ASU's Campus Immersion delivers a 12-month, full-time Accelerated BSN for those with a prior bachelor's degree. The curriculum stresses evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, innovation, interprofessional communication, and informatics. Hands-on clinical placements across Arizona prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers in diverse healthcare settings. Two start dates (fall/spring) are available across Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, and West Valley campuses. Admission is competitive, requiring prerequisite courses, GPA review, and TEAS scores; ACT/SAT are not required. This accelerated path from ASU's Edson College enables swift entry to nursing.

• 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