ACNP Programs in Arizona (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Looking for a nursing career in Arizona that combines on-the-floor excitement with job security? There's never a dull moment in the day of an acute care nurse practitioner working in an intensive care unit or emergency department! You can count on making an excellent salary of around $135,790 annually, and the demand for your skills is estimated to increase by 71 percent within the next decade. Wondering which of the ACNP programs in Arizona is the right one for you? We've evaluated the finest in the state on our list below of the best ACNP programs in Arizona.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Arizona.)
1. University of Arizona - Tucson
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program provides comprehensive preparation with a broad foundation in advanced adult and gerontological care, evidence-based practice, nursing theory, and quality improvement. The program can be completed in as little as two and a half years of full-time study. A part-time option that takes three and a half years is also available. The hybrid format includes a mixture of online didactic coursework, campus-based intensives, and in-person clinical practicum experiences. DNP students attend RISE (Residential Intensive Summer Experience) on campus annually. Additionally, a Clinical Preparation Intensive (CPI) is required before the start of clinical coursework.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice ACNP pathway features a 70-credit curriculum. The rigorous study plan includes classes such as Diagnosis & Management of Chronic & Acute Illness, Adult-Gerontology Traumatic Injury & Emergent Illness, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing, and Population Health for DNPs. In this program, you will complete at least 1,000 clinical practice hours, including extensive direct patient care and a faculty-mentored DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Applicants seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP ACNP program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned from a regionally accredited institution and a current, unencumbered RN license. Candidates must submit both a University of Arizona Graduate College application and a NursingCAS application. Additionally, a curriculum vitae, two professional references, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools are required. Transcripts should reflect a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the most recent nursing degree earned.
Graduate Certificate Program Details: The University of Arizona offers a Graduate Certificate program designed for individuals who already hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license and wish to obtain training to become certified as an Acute Care Advanced Practice Nurse (AC-APRN). The program takes 15 months to complete. Full-time attendance is required during the last three semesters due to the course load and required clinicals.
The Graduate Certificate program is a 35-credit pathway. The curriculum follows the plan of study outlined for the DNP degree, with students completing only specialty-relevant courses and clinicals. A total of 720 clinical hours is required to earn the certificate. Program faculty collaborate with you to help identify clinical sites and preceptors and, when possible, arrange assignments close to your home region.
Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To qualify for entry into the Graduate Certificate program, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and an unencumbered RN license and current APRN certification. Candidates must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended, demonstrating a minimum GPA of 3.0, a curriculum vitae, and one reference from a professional colleague.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I understand that it can be challenging to know what to look for when searching for a nursing program. I recommend searching for schools or programs that have good achievement ratings, as published by reputable sources. For example, the DNP program at the University of Arizona is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its "Best Public Universities: DNP" and "Best National Universities: DNP" categories.• Another factor that indicates the ACNP program at the University of Arizona is a good choice is that graduates have a 100% first-time pass rate on national certification exams!
• The University of Arizona is ranked among the top research universities by the National Institutes of Health. The school was named the 2024 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research!
2. Grand Canyon University - Phoenix
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The RN-to-MSN program begins with prerequisite coursework in classes, including Quantitative & Qualitative Research, Concepts in Community & Public Health, and Pathophysiology. Courses are delivered in a blended format of both online and in-person classes. After completing 24 credits of required bridge coursework, you may apply to transition to the MSN pathway. The MSN component of the RN-to-MSN program combines coursework in clinical diagnosis, advanced health assessment, and procedural skills for the management of acute and chronically ill adults and older adults and consists of 53 additional credits.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: All candidates seeking admission to the RN-to-MSN program must hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing or an Associate's Degree in Science of Nursing and possess a current, unrestricted RN license. Applicants must be currently employed full-time in a hospital with at least one year of experience in adult emergency care, progressive care, ICU, or post-operative care. You must provide a curriculum vitae, a Letter of Intent, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have previously attended. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 is required.
MSN Program Details: GCU also offers an MSN ACNP program in Arizona designed for registered nurses who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis and offers several start dates each year, making it easy to begin pursuing your degree at a time that best fits your personal schedule.
The MSN program features online coursework, two on-campus intensives, and in-person clinicals. The 53-credit curriculum includes classes such as Translational Research 7 Population Health Management, Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning (with Skills Lab), and Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology. The study plan also includes clinical courses, each with a clinical practicum component. In this program, you will complete a minimum of 675 clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively between students and faculty and held at local, affiliated healthcare facilities.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an Associate's Degree in Nursing and a non-nursing Bachelor's degree and an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. Applicants are required to provide a Letter of Intent and a recent curriculum vitae that lists all professional experience, including a minimum of one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse in an acute care setting, such as an ICU, adult emergency care, post-operative care, or progressive care. Additionally, you must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you previously earned a master’s degree in nursing and you want to advance your knowledge and skills in the adult gerontology specialty, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Grand Canyon University is an excellent option. The program focuses on both chronic and acute care, preparing you to sit for the national certification exam to become an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The Post-Master’s Certificate program is a 37-credit pathway that is offered in a hybrid format. Online classes are combined with two campus-based experiences, which include classroom instruction and simulated lab learning, as well as 675 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program at GCU, candidates must have a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae or professional resume, a Letter of Intent, and official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are searching for an ACNP program in Arizona that prioritizes Christian values, Grand Canyon University is worth considering. The university incorporates faith-based principles into its curriculum to promote compassion and empathy in healthcare approaches.• Grand Canyon University’s ACNP program is taught by industry-leading faculty with decades of experience. With the knowledge and insight they bring to the program, you will receive a high-quality education designed to prepare you for academic and professional success!
• At GCU, you will have a personal academic advisor who assists you from the time you are admitted to the program until you graduate. Your advisor will be a valuable source of information and support throughout your academic journey, ensuring you have access to the necessary resources.
3. Arizona State University - Phoenix
Programs Offered: DNP and Graduate Certificate
DNP Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
This Pediatric ACNP program in Arizona is designed to prepare you to provide client-centered care that meets the psychological, social, and physical needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adult patients experiencing acute and chronic health problems. The program is offered in a hybrid format. You will visit campus for up to one week for orientation at the start of the program and attend lectures, simulations, and other scheduled activities two to three times each semester.
Earning a DNP at Arizona State University requires the completion of 85 credit hours. Students with a previously earned master’s degree in nursing may transfer up to 30 credits toward the degree, provided approval is obtained from the program director. In this pathway, you will take classes such as Developmentally Based Care of the Well Child, Advanced Human Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Applied Pharmacotherapeutics for Pediatrics, and Biostatistics: Principles of Statistical Inference. Post-baccalaureate students complete a total of 1,125 residency and clinical hours. Students entering the program with a previous MSN may be required to complete only 600 hours of clinical experience. Clinicals are arranged by program faculty as close to the student’s geographic location as possible. However, if appropriate sites or preceptors are unavailable near your home, travel to the Phoenix area may be required.
DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the DNP program at Arizona State University must have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical practicums will be completed. Candidates must submit a graduate admission application, three professional letters of recommendation, a Goals Statement, a professional resume, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Candidates with at least one year of clinical experience are preferred. Finally, an interview with the program faculty is required before an official offer of admission is made.
Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Graduate Certificate program for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialty at ASU is an advanced nursing practice program designed for board-certified nurses who wish to add the Acute Care PNP certification to their list of specialties. The program features online coursework with two to three campus visits required per semester to complete intensives.
To earn the certificate, students must complete a minimum of 20 credit hours. A GAP analysis is performed for each student to identify any deficiencies in required courses, which may result in the need to take additional classes. All Graduate Certificate students must complete 600 hours of direct patient care clinical experience. Clinicals are completed under the supervision of certified nurse practitioners or physician preceptors in various clinical settings.
Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate program at Arizona State University, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution, hold a current, unrestricted RN license in Arizona or a Compact State, and be nationally certified as a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. In some cases, certified Family Nurse Practitioners working in a pediatric setting may be considered for admission. One year of clinical experience working in a pediatric acute care setting is preferred for all applicants.
Candidates are required to submit a graduate admission application, a Goal Statement, an admission essay, three professional letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. An interview with program faculty is also required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• When you pursue your degree or certificate at Arizona State University, you will have opportunities to work with scientists and world-renowned faculty. Learning from these mentors and experts means you will gain the experience and insight you need to succeed as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and become a competitive candidate for any job you seek in this role!• U.S. News & World Report, known for ranking excellence and innovation among the nation's top institutions, ranks many Arizona State University programs in the top 10, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
• At Arizona State University, you can participate in study abroad opportunities. The university has more than 300 global education programs in 65 countries!
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN ARIZONA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.03 |
| Weekly | $1,921 |
| Monthly | $8,330 |
| Annual | $99,900 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.03 | $1,921 | $8,330 | $99,900 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.35 | $2,174 | $9,420 | $113,040 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.15 | $2,566 | $11,120 | $133,430 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.44 | $2,858 | $12,380 | $148,600 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $85.38 | $3,415 | $14,800 | $177,580 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN ARIZONA?
| Hourly | $65.28 |
| Weekly | $2,611 |
| Monthly | $11,320 |
| Annual | $135,790 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ARIZONA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Flagstaff | $65.88 | $2,635 | $11,420 | $137,030 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | $66.37 | $2,655 | $11,500 | $138,050 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale | $65.48 | $2,619 | $11,350 | $136,200 |
| Prescott | $66.12 | $2,645 | $11,460 | $137,520 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas | $63.00 | $2,520 | $10,920 | $131,050 |
| Tucson | $63.71 | $2,548 | $11,040 | $132,510 |
| Yuma | $67.55 | $2,702 | $11,710 | $140,510 |
ACNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Arizona ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $135,790 | $131,620 | +$4,170 | +3.17% |
ACNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$29,690 | -17.94% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$16,500 | -10.83% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$13,150 | -8.83% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$12,770 | -8.60% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$12,690 | -8.55% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$11,730 | -7.95% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$10,520 | -7.19% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$4,530 | -3.23% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$4,310 | -3.08% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$2,510 | -1.81% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$2,340 | -1.69% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$920 | -0.67% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$50 | -0.04% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$1,490 | +1.11% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$1,780 | +1.33% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$1,870 | +1.40% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$2,610 | +1.96% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$4,330 | +3.29% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$4,680 | +3.57% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$4,860 | +3.71% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$4,920 | +3.76% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$5,240 | +4.01% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$5,800 | +4.46% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$6,550 | +5.07% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$6,620 | +5.13% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$8,110 | +6.35% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$8,210 | +6.44% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$8,430 | +6.62% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$9,220 | +7.28% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$9,470 | +7.50% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$9,860 | +7.83% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$9,930 | +7.89% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$10,830 | +8.67% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$11,150 | +8.95% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$11,240 | +9.02% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$11,690 | +9.42% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$11,860 | +9.57% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$11,980 | +9.68% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$12,170 | +9.84% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$13,160 | +10.73% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$13,610 | +11.14% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$14,230 | +11.71% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$15,440 | +12.83% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$16,000 | +13.36% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$16,270 | +13.61% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$19,580 | +16.85% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$19,620 | +16.89% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$22,730 | +20.10% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$23,090 | +20.49% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$29,540 | +27.80% |
ACNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ARIZONA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $135,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $119,190 | +$16,600 | +13.93% |
| Registered Nurse | $91,430 | +$44,360 | +48.52% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $80,710 | +$55,080 | +68.24% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $66,720 | +$69,070 | +103.52% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,950 | +$94,840 | +231.60% |
ACNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ARIZONA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $231,890 | -$96,100 | -41.44% |
| Veterinarian | $153,480 | -$17,690 | -11.53% |
| Optometrist | $150,690 | -$14,900 | -9.89% |
| Podiatrist | $144,310 | -$8,520 | -5.90% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $135,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $133,800 | +$1,990 | +1.49% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,210 | +$3,580 | +2.71% |
| Radiation Therapist | $101,750 | +$34,040 | +33.45% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,960 | +$36,830 | +37.22% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $97,510 | +$38,280 | +39.26% |
| Occupational Therapist | $93,600 | +$42,190 | +45.07% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,460 | +$43,330 | +46.86% |
| Audiologist | $92,220 | +$43,570 | +47.25% |
| Chiropractor | $78,260 | +$57,530 | +73.51% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Arizona?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Arizona?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Arizona?
| $65.28 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Arizona?
| $2,611 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Arizona?
| $11,320 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Arizona?
| $135,790 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Arizona?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +71.25% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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