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2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Arizona

By OnlineU Writers • Updated 11/11/2024

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Our 2024 list of the top online nursing programs in Arizona showcases accredited programs and steps to becoming a nurse in the state. For inclusion on our list, the colleges with the best online nursing degrees are based on the following criteria:

  • The nursing school has a primary location in Arizona.
  • The school offers an online nursing degree at the bachelor's level.
  • The nursing school has publicly available for 2023, which is sourced from government data. Pass rates are listed for the baccalaureate degree level.
  • Either all or the vast majority of coursework is completed online. Many of the best online nursing programs still require some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Arizona

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
School NCLEX Pass Rate Online Enrollment
Northern Arizona University 96.65% 5,570
Arizona State University, Online 92.31% 66,946

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Becoming a Nurse in Arizona

There are several ways to become a nurse in Arizona. In general, you need to earn a nursing degree and then pass the appropriate National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn a license. The type of nurse you can become depends on your education and experience. 

Arizona is part of a nursing compact that includes many other states. The compact licensure allows for nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states with the same nursing license. 

Experts expect demand for nurses in Arizona to grow in coming years as more people leave the profession in the wake of COVID-19 burnout. Arizona also has because of a lack of qualified instructors. This nursing shortage might lead to opportunities for qualified nurses.

Read on for details on how to become different types of nurses in the Grand Canyon State. Each of them involves or certification from the Arizona State Board of Nursing. 

To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

Nursing Degrees by State

How To Get a CNA Certificate or LNA license in Arizona

Arizona has two levels of nursing assistant: certified nursing assistant (CNA) and licensed nursing assistant (LNA). CNA applicants must complete an approved nursing program and pass the nursing assistant state exam to receive their certifications and be registered on the CNA maintained by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Certification is free of charge, and CNAs must practice eight hours every two years to maintain their registration on the registry.

LNA license requirements are the same as the CNA requirements, but with the addition of a $50 licensing fee and a background check costing $50. The Arizona Board of Nursing has more oversight over LNAs. The LNA license must be renewed every two years and costs $50 to renew. To renew a license, LNAs must have practiced a minimum of 160 hours within the previous two years.

How To Get an LPN License in Arizona

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) applicants must pass the that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) maintains. LPNs have a more limited scope of practice than registered nurses (RNs), but the requirements for an Arizona LPN license are the same as those for an RN applicant. LPNs benefit from being able to practice in other compact states without having to apply for a new license.

LPNs earn mean yearly wages of $61,920 in Arizona, which is much higher than the national median salary of $48,070 for LPNs. LPN certificate programs are more commonly found at community colleges than universities, which tend to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

How To Get a Registered Nurse (RN) License in Arizona

There are two primary ways to get registered as a nurse in Arizona. U.S. nurses need a diploma, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a BSN from an accredited program. After completing an approved program, students become eligible to schedule their NCLEX-RN examination. Applicants must pass this exam to obtain their Arizona nursing license. 

Graduates from out of state must submit their transcripts to the Arizona State Board of Nursing to receive a . If they're already licensed as RNs in another compact state, applicants need not apply for an Arizona RN license unless they are making Arizona their primary state of residence. RNs from a state outside the compact will need to prove that they passed the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Exam, they have a previous license in another state, and they hold an accredited degree in nursing. 

Additionally, applicants will have to have met one of the following criteria within the past five years:

  • Practiced for 960 hours or more

  • Graduated from a nursing program

  • Completed an Arizona Board-approved nursing refresher

  • Obtained an advanced nursing degree

In order to complete licensure, applications must submit an online application with fees, provide proof of citizenship, nationality, or immigrant status documentation, and submit a fingerprint card.

Once you have an RN credential, you might be interested in how to become a neonatal nurse, a pediatric nurse, or a travel nurse who takes temporary assignments around the country.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) License in Arizona

The Arizona State Board of Nursing recognizes the following roles as advanced practice nurses (APRNs): registered nurse practitioner (RNP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Arizona APRN license applicants must have their school fill out a letter outlining their completed courses, the type of degree, and the length of their program. 

Temporary certificates are available when applying for an APRN license and are good for six months from the issue date. Temporary certificates expire if the applicant fails the national certifying exam.

Arizona applicants who want prescription power must complete question 20 on the application and submit proof of at least 45 contact hours in pharmacology or clinical management of drug therapy in the previous three years. They also need to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number.

Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs

Lise Vedel, Graduating 2026

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

I am quite pleased with my choice to enroll at Chamberlain University. On January 8, 2024, I started the Bachelor program at this university thanks to my employer. The professors demonstrate expertise and provide support, while the students exhibit diversity and friendliness. Despite the initial challenges, I have gained valuable knowledge from my classes and now feel at ease using the platform. I plan to expedite my academic progress by enrolling in additional courses during the next two months.... Read More

Review Date: 2/21/2024

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Lise Vedel, Graduated 2026

Connie Nicely, Graduated 2022

Attended: Aspen University

Fantastic program! I enjoyed being able to do my online education at my own pace while working. All of the advisors and professors were helpful and encouraging. I also learned so much from the other students. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to further their education.

Review Date: 1/5/2022

Attended: Aspen University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Connie Nicely, Graduated 2022

Marie, Graduated 2020

Attended: Purdue Global

This PG online RN-BSN programs worked very well for my busy schedule. It was flexible and I was able to complete it at my own pace. I started on the traditional track and from a casual suggestion from one of the instructors I switched to the Exceltrak and I gained so much momentum in completing my courses, I think I averaged one course (credit) per week, maybe even, if rarely I was able to complete two. Most of the assignments offered flexibility so that the content I explored was related to what... Read More

Review Date: 5/3/2021

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Marie, Graduated 2020

Vivian, Graduated 2019

Attended: Chamberlain University

The BSN program was online and easy to manage with a full time job. I was hesistant but the teachers were understanding. Grading was posted in a timely fashion. No extra credit. If you take the time with assignments you will do fine! Rarely any quizzes/tests which is a plus. You can email/text/call the professor for questions. You can try to have classes with your friends is available.

Review Date: 3/22/2019

Attended: Chamberlain University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Vivian, Graduated 2019

Pre Nursingstudent, Graduated 2019

Attended: Colorado Christian University

Hello Everybody, I love CCU and some of the professors, I have only had one terrible professor in my A&P 2 course. In 2016 it was 6 weeks until we received any FA that was already on our accounts and this is a huge problem because by the time it posted to my bank account it was 7 weeks at that point after the semester started. This has actually been going on for a while and I do not really understand what is going on. Like someone mention in their review already on here this forces you to use a credit... Read More

Review Date: 1/31/2017

Attended: Colorado Christian University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Pre Nursingstudent, Graduated 2019

La Toya Turner, Graduated 2017

Attended: Herzing University

I felt possible at Herzing. The instructors were helpful, encouraging and insightful. The student labs were a big plus and helpful to my success. I enjoyed being able to network with my classmates as well as learn from their experiences. The classes were challenging and the instructors pushed us to think beyond the box, for this I was able to use the knowledge acquired in my everyday practices.

Review Date: 9/21/2017

Attended: Herzing University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

La Toya Turner, Graduated 2017

Angeline, Graduated

Attended: Jacksonville University

Thus, for my experience at Jacksonville University Online (JUSON) has been great I have been able to incorporate the theoretical knowledge into work. The Professor are always available for virtue hours if needed and your emails are responded to in an proper time. If you need help there are study groups rooms that can be arrange or you just post your question on the discussion board. I would Personally recommend JUSON to anyone.

Review Date: 12/17/2013

Attended: Jacksonville University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Angeline, Graduated

MbART, Graduated 2022

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

I am in the process of getting my BSN. I have just about a year left. YAY!!! I absolutely love this program and the learning process. I am creating a future career that will help many in their time of illness. This is by far the best experience of education thus far.

Review Date: 11/23/2020

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

MbART, Graduated 2022

SG, Graduated 2022

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

This school is amazing! I have been here for little over a year and I have learned so much already. It is an accelerated program, so it is up to the student to manage time and use all available resources the school provides in order to succeed. Overall, I am very pleased with the education I have received thus far!

Review Date: 11/23/2020

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

SG, Graduated 2022

Sofia Valadez, Graduated 2024

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

Chamberlain has had such a great impact on my learning and goals of becoming a registered nurse. There are so many resources available to help you succeed and have come in handy when I was struggling with content. I would recommend this school to those who are determined on becoming a nurse and who have may not have luck in other programs, I am forever grateful!

Review Date: 3/28/2023

Attended: Chamberlain College of Nursing

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Sofia Valadez, Graduated 2024

dunia assad, Graduated 2017

Attended: Herzing University

great program and a great college to attend. staff is always there for assistance and support. program is very organized and does prepare students for what is out in the real world. 

Review Date: 9/22/2017

Attended: Herzing University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

dunia assad, Graduated 2017

Stephanie Rust, Graduated 2010

Attended: Augustana University - SD

The instructors in this program truly care about your success. If you find that you are struggling to grasp a concept, they will work with you. I left this program feeling like the instructors were more like family members than just a professor that I have worked with. They measure their success based on your success. They are always available to talk about school or anything else you have going on. They celebrate your success with you and stand by you when you experience a failure. Bottom line,... Read More

Review Date: 5/23/2019

Attended: Augustana University - SD

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Stephanie Rust, Graduated 2010

Camille Stephens, Graduated 2009

Attended: Georgia State University

Georgia State University is a great university right in the heart of Atlanta. The nursing program equipped me with the knowledge needed to be a successful nurse. The professors were knowledgeable and caring. There is an enormous selection of clinical sites that GSU students were allowed to come for hands on experience. The cost of the degree was affordable. The NCLEX pass rate is exceptional for the nursing program.

Review Date: 12/14/2017

Attended: Georgia State University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Camille Stephens, Graduated 2009

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