3 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Arizona – 2024

The popularity of RN-to-MSN programs in Arizona is growing because they’re among the quickest and most cost-efficient ways for registered nurses with associate degrees or hospital diplomas to move ahead professionally. As a graduate of one of these programs in Arizona, specialized clinical tracks and advanced administrative options will open to you. Quite a few RN-to-MSN programs in the Grand Canyon State are taught online, so you can balance your education and your life responsibilities. On average, graduates of these programs earn $117,700 annually. Start reviewing your options by learning about the 3 best RN-to-MSN programs in Arizona for 2024.

WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 3 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Arizona (Online & Campus).)

1. Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff

Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Generalist Track (Leadership, Quality, Patient Safety and Strategic Systems Leadership)

Program Details: Northern Arizona University offers one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Arizona, preparing students for leadership roles in nursing. The program offers a generalist track, in addition to the family health and psychiatric mental health specializations. The generalist track prepares you for professional advancement, and the family health specialization emphasizes the care of individuals & families across the lifespan. On the other hand, the Psychiatric Mental Health track trains you to provide evidence-based care to mental health patients of all age groups.

Graduation requires completing around 48 to 51 credits in core MSN and specialty-specific courses. The core courses emphasize clinical practice & prevention, communication, critical reasoning, global & population health, and leadership & professionalism. The core courses also educate you in applied pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced nursing assessment, and healthcare systems.

Admission Requirements: Northern Arizona University RN-to-MSN program is open to registered nurses who have a BSN or an ADN. Applicants must also have completed a course in statistics with a minimum grade of C. To complete the admission process of this RN-to-MSN program in Arizona, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Northern Arizona University RN-to-MSN Students

• Northern Arizona University RN-to-MSN students who are eligible can apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
• Northern Arizona University RN-to-MSN graduates join the nursing school’s large alumni family. They have a ready platform for professional networking across the nation.
• Northern Arizona University is a Hispanic-serving institution that serves a diverse student population.

2. Grand Canyon University - Phoenix

Program Details: If you are looking for high-quality RN-to-MSN programs in Arizona, then Grand Canyon University’s MSN bridge program is an excellent choice. The program builds on your RN degree and experience to prepare you to play impactful roles in patient care. With the convenience of online and on-campus classes, the program prepares registered nurses for career advancement in nursing. Grand Canyon offers several specializations, including patient safety & health care quality, health informatics, nursing leadership, public health nursing, adult gerontology acute care, and family health.

Regardless of the specialization you choose, this RN-to-MSN program in Arizona starts with bridge courses that educate you on topics such as professional dynamics, health assessment, concepts in community & public health, pathophysiology, applied statistics, and nursing research. The bridge courses provide you with a solid grounding in the critical foundations of nursing. After completing the bridge courses, you must complete the courses within your chosen specialization.

Admission Requirements: To be able to apply for Grand Canyon University’s RN-to-MSN program, you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, the school requires applicants to possess an active RN license in Arizona. Also, submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Grand Canyon University RN-to-MSN Students

• Grand Canyon University ranks among the top nursing schools in Arizona as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Grand Canyon University RN-to-MSN students study in a Christian environment where faith-based values of compassion, and service are integrated into every aspect of the RN-to-MSN curriculum.
• Grand Canyon University is a military-friendly school that offers several benefits to RN to MSN students coming from the military.
• Grand Canyon University enrolls a diverse student community, offering RN to MSN students a culturally rich learning environment.
• Grand Canyon University RN-to-MSN students pay a competitive tuition cost. In addition, because the school offers several funding options, eligible students may further be able to reduce the cost of their education.

3. Aspen University - Phoenix

Program Details: Aspen University’s RN to MSN gets counted among the well-known RN-to-MSN programs in Arizona. The school produces nurse leaders who are respected and desired by employers in the region. With four RN to MSN specialties, the school prepares you for the in-demand fields of forensic nursing, informatics, administration & management, nursing education, and public health.

Regardless of the specialty, the curriculum you complete is grounded in the liberal arts. Open to registered nurses who have a diploma or an ADN, the program does not confer upon a BSN degree. Every RN to MSN specialization starts with 21 credits of bridge courses that form a solid foundation for the master’s level and specialty-related courses. The program is offered entirely online with clinical experiences completed within your geographical location.

After completing the undergraduate courses, you take the 36-credit courses in MSN core and your chosen specialty. This RN-to-MSN program in Arizona emphasizes professional behavior, cultural competence, research & evidence-based practice, and leadership & advocacy.

The RN to MSN bridge courses cover topics such as issues & trends in professional nursing, community nursing, nursing research, health assessment, and nursing leadership & management. The MSN core courses teach about healthcare systems, theoretical foundations in nursing, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, legal & ethical issues in healthcare, healthcare informatics, healthcare finance & economics, and healthcare strategic management & planning.

Admission Requirements: For admission into Aspen University RN-to-MSN, you must have an associate degree or diploma from an accredited school. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. To qualify for the program, you must have at least one year of nursing experience. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your resume.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Aspen University RN-to-MSN Students

• Aspen University RN-to-MSN students not only enjoy affordable tuition costs but also the convenience of a flexible schedule. Students can opt for part-time or full-time schedules and take online classes either during the day or night, based on their preference and life schedule.
• Aspen University RN-to-MSN students may be eligible for corporate and military discounts.
• Aspen University RN-to-MSN students study in small-sized online classes where they regularly interact with an expert faculty, comprised of industry leaders and experienced practitioners. Further, students build professional connections with fellow nurses who work in a variety of healthcare settings across the nation.