Accelerated BSN Programs in Arizona

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Arizona College of Nursing in Tempe is designed to help students transition into nursing as quickly as possible, with a focus on intensive, hands-on training. This CCNE-accredited program can be completed in as few as three years, depending on your previous academic background.

The program is highly supportive, offering career services that include resume preparation, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. Moreover, the college has no waiting list, allowing you to start your nursing education as soon as you're admitted​.

Admission Requirements

To apply, you need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 from high school or previous college coursework. Additionally, applicants must take the HESI A2 Admission Exam, with a minimum composite score of 60% required for those with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. If your GPA is lower, you will need a HESI score of at least 75%​.

Prerequisites and Enrollment

Before starting the nursing-specific courses, students may need to complete prerequisite general education courses, which can be taken in the evenings, making it easier for those balancing other commitments. The program starts new sessions every eight weeks, so you can begin at multiple points throughout the year​.

Campus Location and Accessibility

The Tempe campus is conveniently located near major highways (I-10 and Highway 60), making it easily accessible for students from various parts of the East Phoenix Valley, including Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler​.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Chamberlain University in Arizona is designed for students who want to fast-track their nursing careers, allowing them to earn a BSN in as few as three years. This program combines rigorous coursework with extensive hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and a nursing career.

The ABSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Phoenix campus is conveniently located and offers resources such as academic support, NCLEX preparation, and career services. 

Admission Requirements

To apply, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

• GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 from high school or previous college coursework.
• HESI A2 Exam: Applicants must score at least 73 on the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) Admission Assessment (A2) Exam.
• Background Check: A comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting and a drug screen, is mandatory. Any criminal offenses could affect eligibility for admission​
• Prerequisites: There are no specific prerequisite courses required for the ABSN program, which means students from various academic backgrounds can apply. However, students with prior college credits can transfer those credits to potentially shorten the duration of the program.

Clinical Experience

Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and practice sessions in the university's SIMCARE CENTER™. These rotations occur in various healthcare settings where students work alongside experienced nurses and faculty members​.

Enrollment and Scheduling

The program operates on a flexible, student-centric calendar with six start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies at a time that best suits them. This makes the program accessible for those who may need to balance other life commitments.​

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Creighton University’s Phoenix campus is an intensive, full-time program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing. This program allows students to earn their BSN in just 12 months, providing a fast-track option for those looking to enter the nursing profession quickly.

Program Structure and Curriculum

• Duration: The program is completed in 12 months, divided into five eight-week terms, one two-week term, and one three-week term.
• Curriculum: The ABSN curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for nursing practice, including:
  • Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making: Students develop the skills necessary to assess complex clinical situations and make informed decisions.
  • Ethical and Professional Standards: The program emphasizes ethical decision-making and professionalism, grounded in Creighton’s Jesuit values.
  • Clinical Rotations: Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings across Phoenix, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments.
  • Simulations and Labs: In addition to clinical rotations, the program includes extensive use of simulation labs to prepare students for a wide range of patient care scenarios.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution.
• GPA Requirement: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
• Prerequisite Courses: Students must complete prerequisite courses in areas such as General Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Statistics, among others. These courses must be completed within the last 10 years, though some prerequisites can be in progress at the time of application.
• Application Materials: Applicants must submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all institutions attended. A resume is optional.

GCU offers a highly regarded Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree or have completed at least 60 non-nursing college credits. This program is ideal for those looking to transition into nursing quickly, as it enables students to earn their BSN in as little as 16 months.

Admission Requirements:

• Previous Education: Applicants must have either a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited institution.
• GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for all coursework applied to the ABSN program, and a GPA of 3.25 or higher is required in the prerequisite courses.
• Prerequisite Courses: These must be completed with a satisfactory grade before admission and include subjects like Human Anatomy and Physiology, College Mathematics, and English Composition.
• HESI A2 Entrance Exam: Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 80% in Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Math, and 75% in Human Anatomy and Physiology.
• Background Check and Fingerprint Clearance: All students must pass a background check and obtain a fingerprint clearance card specific to Arizona.

Program Structure:

The ABSN program at GCU combines online coursework with hands-on clinical training and simulations. The curriculum is designed to build on the student's previous academic experience, allowing them to dive directly into nursing-specific education from the start. Clinical rotations are integral to the program and are conducted at various healthcare facilities in the Phoenix area, providing students with practical, real-world experience.

Key Features:

• Duration: The program can be completed in 16 months, making it one of the fastest routes to becoming a registered nurse for those who already have a college education.
• Hybrid Format: While theoretical coursework is delivered online, students must attend in-person sessions for skills labs, simulations, and clinical experiences.
• NCLEX Preparation: GCU’s ABSN program places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is evident in the high first-time pass rates achieved by its graduates​.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Grand Canyon University’s Tucson campus is designed for students who want to transition into a nursing career quickly. This 16-month, full-time program is intended for individuals who already have at least 60 college credits or hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

The Tucson campus is located at 3500 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ, which is central and accessible for students in the region, making it a convenient option for those who wish to study in Tucson.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Tucson ABSN program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic: A minimum of 60 college credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Specific prerequisite coursework may be required, depending on the applicant's previous academic background.
• Health and Background Checks: A health screening, including immunizations, and a background check are mandatory before enrollment.
• English Proficiency: For non-native speakers, proof of English proficiency may be required.

Entrance Exam

While the program emphasizes prior academic performance, details on specific entrance exams like the TEAS are not explicitly required but may be recommended as part of the assessment process.

Prerequisites

Applicants must have completed courses in areas such as human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. These are essential to ensure students are prepared for the rigorous nursing curriculum.

Program Format and Clinical Rotations

The ABSN program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are conducted at healthcare facilities in the Tucson area, offering students hands-on experience in diverse medical settings.

Enrollment Deadlines and Start Dates

The program offers three start dates per year, allowing for flexibility in application timing. It is advisable to contact the admissions office for specific deadlines, as they may vary depending on the start date.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated tuition for the ABSN program is approximately $53,550, excluding additional fees for books, supplies, and health insurance. Financial aid options, including scholarships and loans, are available to eligible students.