12-Month ABSN Programs in Arizona: Accelerated Nursing Online
Students in Arizona can fast-track their way to becoming a registered nurse through accelerated nursing degrees offered in their state and across the country.
To become a registered nurse (RN), you need to complete an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You'll then need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and obtain your license.
While associate degrees are shorter, having a BSN can lead to higher-paying roles and help you further your nursing career. Some colleges offer fast track nursing programs online or in-person to help students reach their goals faster. Keep reading to learn more about 12-month accelerated nursing programs in Arizona.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are designed to help students who do not yet hold a nursing license earn their bachelor's degree in a faster time frame. They can then complete licensure requirements to become a certified registered nurse.
Typically, a bachelor's degree takes four years of full-time study. A 12-month ABSN program allows students who have completed the necessary prerequisites to finish their program within a year.
Schools often offer fast-track nursing programs online to those who already hold a bachelor's in another field or those who have completed general education courses. As a result, depending on your education history, this may or may not be the fastest way to become a nurse for you.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInArizona">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Arizona?</h2><p>There are no ABSN programs in Arizona that you can do completely online. All programs require some amount of in-person experience, like labs or clinical practicums.
</p><p>However, several schools offer a bulk of their coursework online, which provides flexibility to busy students. Some also offer the opportunity to complete clinical hours at a site near where you live.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInArizona">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Arizona</h2><p>A handful of schools in Arizona offer accelerated BSN program options, including 1-year accelerated nursing programs. We've highlighted these below.
</p><h3 id="section---1.ArizonaStateUniversity">1. Arizona State University</h3><p>Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers two accelerated options for students looking to earn their BSN.
</p><p>The first is a 12-month accelerated program for students with a bachelor's degree in another field. This program is primarily on campus, and students must complete all healthcare prerequisites before beginning the program.
</p><p>The second is an online concurrent enrollment program. It allows students to earn a BSN while they complete their associate degree in nursing at a local community college at the same time. While your nursing courses from ASU will be online, the courses at your local college may not be.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,223 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 to 24 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> ASU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.NorthernArizonaUniversity">2. Northern Arizona University</h3><p>At Northern Arizona University's College of Nursing, students can choose between three accelerated nursing pathways. The first option is a 12-month on-campus program for students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than the one for which they are applying.
</p><p>The second is a 16-month program for students who have already completed all general education and nursing prerequisite courses. The program takes four semesters, including summer.
</p><p>The final option is an online, concurrent program for students attending Arizona community colleges, and takes roughly two years. NAU is a public research university located in Flagstaff, AZ.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $13,010 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 to 24 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> NAU offers institutional aid, including scholarships for nursing students. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfArizona">3. University of Arizona</h3><p>The University of Arizona offers an accelerated, hybrid BSN program that focuses on integrative healthcare. This public research university is located in Tucson, AZ, but the program holds classes at the College of Nursing campus in Gilbert.
</p><p>It offers courses year-round and takes 15 to 17 months to complete. Students must have all general education and prerequisite courses finished before entering the nursing program.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $13,926 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 to 17 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The University of Arizona offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.OttawaUniversity">4. Ottawa University</h3><p>The concurrent nursing program at Ottawa University allows students to earn their bachelor's degree while earning their associate degree through one of the Maricopa County Community College District schools.
</p><p>Ottawa University, located in Ottawa, KS, is a private, nonprofit school with a secondary campus in Surprise, AZ. Courses through Ottawa are offered online and in short, eight-week terms.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $35,880 per credit
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Two to three years
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Ottawa University accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional student aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.ChamberlainUniversity">5. Chamberlain University</h3><p>Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit nursing school with several campuses across the U.S. It offers an accelerated nursing program through its Phoenix campus.
</p><p>The program allows students to complete their bachelor's degree in as little as three years, including general education and prerequisite courses. Courses are a mix of online and on-campus options.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $20,785 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Three years
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Chamberlain University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAccreditedOnlineASNToBSNPrograms">Other Accredited Online ASN to BSN Programs</h2><p>While there are only a handful of accelerated online nursing programs in Arizona, there are several throughout the U.S. We've highlighted a few additional programs below.
</p><h3 id="section---UniversityOfNevadaLasVegas">University of Nevada, Las Vegas</h3><p>Students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas can complete a BSN in just 16 months. This is an intensive program available to students who have completed all prerequisite courses.
</p><p>UNLV is a public research university. Some courses for this program are available online, but practicums must be completed in person.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $27,411 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UNLV offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfNewMexico">University of New Mexico</h3><p>The University of New Mexico offers several different options for nursing students. UNM is a public university in Albuquerque, NM.
</p><p>The first option is a dual degree program for students enrolled at New Mexico community colleges — and it takes about two to three years to complete. The second option is a 16-month accelerated program for those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $33,060 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months to 36 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UNM offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>To choose the programs listed above, we started by looking at Arizona colleges before expanding our search to nearby states. We focused on:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools are regionally accredited institutions, and all nursing schools are programmatically accredited. Those in Arizona are approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> All programs have strong NCLEX pass rates and are known for offering solid programs.
</li><li><b>Program cost:</b> We focused on programs with lower tuition rates and those with comprehensive financial aid options.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about ABSN programs and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> in Arizona.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInArizona">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Arizona?</h3><p>The cost of an ABSN program in Arizona depends on several factors, including what school you choose, how many credits you need, and what financial aid you qualify for.
</p><p>The public Arizona schools typically cost just under $14,000 per year before financial aid. All students should fill out the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for federal and state aid programs. There are several <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_arizona.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> in Arizona.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIBecomeAnRNIn12Months">Can I Become an RN in 12 Months?</h3><p>It is possible to become an RN in 12 months, but it's not easy. To start, you'll need to have your general education courses complete, as well as health science prerequisites, like microbiology, finished before you begin your nursing program.
</p><p>You'll need to find a program that allows you to complete it in 12 months with full-time study so you can finish within that time frame. Once you've earned your degree, you'll need to take the NCLEX-RN exam right away and obtain your nursing license.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoesAnAcceleratedBSNProgramWork">How Does an Accelerated BSN Program Work?</h3><p>Accelerated BSN programs work in several ways, depending on which program you choose.
</p><p>Second bachelor's programs take advantage of all the courses you took in your first degree, leaving you with just your nursing courses to finish. Concurrent programs allow you to take both associate and bachelor's courses at the same time. Many programs also offer shorter, condensed courses or courses in the summer to help students finish faster.
</p><p>All BSN programs include courses that teach the foundations of nursing practice. They also provide hands-on learning experiences in clinical settings so students get a chance to practice their skills in the nursing field.
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>Start your path toward a nursing career by exploring the accelerated BSN programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions requirements, start dates, and enrollment.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a></p>