BSN Programs in Arizona

The Arizona College of Nursing - Tempe offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in as little as three years. Here are key details about the program:

• Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a high school or college cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. Additionally, a minimum composite score of 60% on the HESI A2 admissions exam is required, although the GPA requirement can be waived if the HESI A2 score is 75% or higher. GEDs are also accepted.

• Prerequisites: The program begins with general education courses, including subjects like Biology, Psychology, and Human Anatomy, over the first year if you enter without transfer credits

• Entrance Exam: Prospective students must take the HESI A2 exam as part of the admission process

• Admission Deadlines: New class sessions start every eight weeks, offering flexibility in start dates throughout the year.

The BSN program is primarily on-campus but offers some night classes for general education courses. Clinical training and labs are a significant part of the curriculum. The program includes extensive clinical experience, with over 600 hours spent in various healthcare settings. These rotations occur in a range of clinical facilities where students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals

The Tempe campus is conveniently located near major highways, providing easy access for students commuting from various parts of the East Valley, including Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler. The campus also offers free onsite parking

This program is designed for students seeking a fast-tracked path into nursing, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice and a schedule that accommodates various starting points throughout the year.

The Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson offers a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accelerated program is designed to accommodate busy students by offering evening general education classes during the first four semesters. The program begins every eight weeks, providing flexibility for enrollment.

Admission Requirements:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 from high school or college is required. Alternatively, a composite score of 60% on the HESI A2 Admission Exam is acceptable, with the GPA requirement being waived if the HESI score is 75% or higher.
• Applicants must complete a background check and health check as part of the admission process.

Clinical Rotations:

• Students will complete over 600 hours of clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities, gaining hands-on experience in different nursing specialties.

Location and Accessibility:

• The Tucson campus is conveniently located about 7 miles from downtown Tucson, making it accessible for students from various parts of the city.

This program is particularly suited for those looking to enter the nursing field quickly while managing other life commitments.

Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. The program is designed for students aiming to become registered nurses (RNs) and is one of the top nursing programs in the state.

Admission Requirements

• GPA: Admission into the BSN program requires a minimum GPA of 3.00 in critical courses, although competitive applicants typically have higher GPAs.
• Background Check: A mandatory background check is required for all nursing students before beginning clinical placements.
• Health Check: Students must complete a health clearance process, including immunizations, TB testing, and a physical examination.
• Prerequisite Courses: Applicants must complete prerequisite courses, which include subjects such as Human Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Statistics. These courses must be completed before applying to the nursing program.

Entrance Exam Requirements

ASU requires applicants to the BSN program to take the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 exam. This test assesses the applicant’s readiness for nursing school and covers subjects such as Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar.

Admission/Enrollment Deadlines

The nursing program has two application cycles per year, with deadlines typically in February for the fall semester and September for the spring semester. Exact dates can vary, so prospective students should verify on ASU's official website.

Program Mode

The BSN program at ASU is primarily an on-campus program. The school also offers an RN to BSN program, which is available online for registered nurses seeking to advance their education.

Clinical Rotation Information

Clinical rotations are an integral part of the BSN program, providing hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. ASU partners with numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, and Dignity Health, to offer diverse clinical experiences.

Campus Location

ASU’s Tempe campus is centrally located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, making it accessible for students from various parts of the region. The campus is well-served by public transportation, including the Valley Metro Light Rail, which connects Tempe to nearby cities like Phoenix and Mesa.

Partnerships and Transfer Options

ASU has partnerships with several community colleges in Arizona, allowing students to transfer credits seamlessly. The university also has agreements with some out-of-state institutions, providing options for dual enrollment and easier transfer for students coming from other states.

Brookline College offers a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. Students who successfully graduate from this program will be trained and ready for a professional career in the high demand field of nursing. The program is a total of eight semesters and it consists of access to such important learning tools as clinical experiences, laboratory activities, and classroom work. Students will work hands on in a variety of environments such as clinics, community health care facilities, and hospitals, gaining important skills that they will use in their nursing career. They will be able to plan, assess, implement, and evaluate in as necessary in certain situations and environments.

Individuals interested in entering into this program must have a high school diploma or GED before submitting an application. They must also take the HESI Admission Assessment Examination and pass it with a score of at least 75%. The applicant must hold a current CPR certificate and agree to a drug screening. The applicant must submit an updated physical and health exam, and have current and up to date immunizations including Hepatitis B, Varicella, rubella, and Tdap. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the Brookline College Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program. This program offers students comprehensive training in the rewarding field of nursing. This nursing program can be completed in as few as three years by offering students the opportunity for year round study. This option is beneficial because it offers Chamberlain College BSN students the edge on the competition by getting them into the work force sooner than students who study in other institutions that provide a traditional four-year program where students take the summer semesters off. Chamberlain also offers smaller class sizes than many other institutions, averaging approximately 25 students per class.

Chamberlain College of Nursing BSN Program offers students with unique opportunities and experiences, such as travel opportunities to earn credits toward their degree program. They also offer simulation labs with cutting-edge technology and hands-on clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Chamberlain program is fully approved by Arizona State BON and it is also an accredited program.

Individuals that are interested in starting a career as a registered nurse through this program should contact a Chamberlain College Phoenix admissions team member to get more information on the enrollment process. Chamberlain College focuses on their students and the success of their students.

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers several pathways for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), including traditional, accelerated, and compressed formats. The primary campus is in Flagstaff, Arizona, with additional options available at campuses in Tucson, Yuma, and Phoenix’s North Valley.

Admission Requirements

To apply for NAU’s BSN program, students must first be admitted to the university and complete specific prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0. These prerequisites include courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. Students are allowed to have up to five prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application, but all must be completed before starting the program.

A key requirement for admission is the HESI A2 entrance exam, which assesses applicants in areas such as anatomy, reading comprehension, and math. This exam is only offered once per application cycle, and scores from other institutions are not accepted.

Application Deadlines

NAU has specific application periods depending on the start term:

• Spring admission: Applications are accepted from July 1 to September 10, with the HESI A2 exam to be completed by September 15.
• Fall admission: Applications open on February 1 and close on March 25, with the HESI A2 deadline being April 1.
• Summer admission (for Accelerated BSN): Applications are accepted from October 1 to November 6, with the HESI A2 exam required by November 16.

Program Location and Accessibility

The main campus in Flagstaff offers a four-season climate and is well-suited for students who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities and small-city living. The other campuses provide flexibility for students across the state, with programs available in urban settings like Phoenix and Tucson, as well as in the more rural Yuma.

Alternative Programs in the Area

Students might also consider other nursing programs in Arizona, such as those offered by Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, which provides a comprehensive BSN program and several advanced nursing degrees.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have completed at least 60 credit hours of college coursework, including specific prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology. The program also requires a background check, health check, and immunizations as part of the admission process. 

Entrance Exam and Prerequisites

Prospective students must submit results from an entrance exam, although specific details on the exam (such as HESI or TEAS) are not clearly outlined on the website. Prerequisites include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other foundational sciences.

Clinical Rotations

The program includes 660 hours of clinical rotations, which are conducted at healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas. These rotations cover a wide range of nursing practices, including adult health, maternal/newborn care, psychiatric/mental health nursing, and pediatrics.

Program Format

The BSN Pre-Licensure program at the Surprise, AZ campus is delivered primarily in person, with certain courses offered in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person labs and clinicals.

The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers students that have an interest in a career in nursing the opportunity to major in Pre-Professional Nursing. This major offers successful graduates of this program a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students must meet certain requirements before they are eligible to enroll in to this program. Candidates must complete all of the required prerequisite courses. They must also currently hold at least a 3.4 cumulative grade point average. All interested individuals will be required to attend an information session, after the session an advisor will review them for eligibility for the program.

The application for the program is available online. Students must fully complete the application, and include a personal statement, a disclosure questionnaire (that accounts for 10% of the admission score), and work history.  Students must also submit all of their post-secondary transcripts to the College of Nursing. Some candidates may be required to complete an over the phone interview or an in person interview. If you are a CNA or LPN, you can submit your current CNA certificate or an LPN License to the college. Admission for the program happens on February 1^st and September 1^st each year. For more information on the enrollment process for the University of Arizona’s BSN program potential candidates should contact an advisor at the Office of Student Affairs.