2 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Arizona – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you a BSN-educated nurse in Arizona wondering whether you should go for your DNP? Healthcare in the Grand Canyon State is growing more complex every day, and as a professional with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, you’ll be well-positioned to stay on top of those changes. A DNP can help unlock the door to advanced clinical practice roles and lucrative top-management positions at healthcare systems in Phoenix, Tucson, and other Arizona cities. On average, graduates of one of the BSN to DNP programs in Arizona earn $130,090 a year. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the 2 best BSN to DNP programs in Arizona for 2025.


WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 2 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Arizona (Online & Campus).)

1. The University of Arizona - Tucson


Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Executive Health Systems Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesiology, Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: Whether you desire flexible schedules or a well-rounded doctoral education, the University of Arizona’s BSN to DNP, prepares you with evidence-based skills through the flexibility of a hybrid coursework. Counted among the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Arizona, the program accelerates your career as a registered nurse to advanced practice within as little as 2.5 years. With several in-demand specialties, you can choose to complete your doctorate in direct patient roles of adult gerontology, family health, nursing anesthesiology, nurse-midwifery, pediatrics, or psychiatric mental health. Alternatively, if you are more interested in indirect patient care, then you can opt for the executive systems leadership track.

The DNP-NP coursework in adult gerontology, family health, pediatrics, or psychiatric mental health, requires completion of 64 to 67 credits. On the other hand, if you choose to complete your doctorate in nursing anesthesiology, you must complete 89 credits, whereas the BSN to DNP-midwifery coursework comprises 69 credits. The shortest out of all the BSN to DNP tracks is the health systems leadership track, comprising 50 credits.

While all other BSN to DNP tracks are offered blending online and on-campus classes, the leadership curriculum is offered entirely online, except for the Residential Intensive Summer Experience, which requires a campus visit, once a year. Aside from this, all University of Arizona’s BSN to DNP tracks are offered with part-time and full-time enrollment options.

Admission Requirements: As one of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Arizona, it is expected the admission process is highly competitive, so it is preferred that you highlight all aspects of your application. To qualify for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be current and unencumbered. Further, to fulfill the admission requirements, you are required to submit professional references, transcripts, and your resume.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential The University of Arizona BSN-to-DNP Students

• University of Arizona’s DNP program ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• University of Arizona nursing school organizes the clinical site and preceptor for your clinical training. Also, the school goes all out in ensuring the clinical placement is within your community.
• University of Arizona’s BSN-to-DNP program reports a low attrition rate signifying that the majority of students are happy to continue with the program and are satisfied with their learning experience.


2. Arizona State University - Phoenix


Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Innovation Leadership, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: Known for its innovative research and excellence in education, Arizona State University offers one of the sought-after BSN-to-DNP programs in Arizona. Through a blend of online and on-campus classes, the nursing school prepares you for several clinical roles, including, pediatrics, adult-gerontology care, family health, psychiatric mental health, neonatal care, pediatrics, and women’s health. Also, if you are inclined towards a non-clinical role, then you may want to consider completing your doctorate in innovation leadership.

The clinical BSN to DNP tracks comprise around 84 to 85 credits in core and track-specific courses. The required core courses which are common to all the BSN to DNP tracks teach you the principles of evidence-based care, healthcare outcome management, systems thinking in a healthcare environment, and innovation in leadership. Further, the doctoral courses make you proficient in healthcare policy & innovation, clinical residency & management, and the dynamics & principles of information in healthcare.

On the other hand, the BSN to DNP leadership track focuses on the analysis of organizational cultures in healthcare, professional relationships in healthcare, and the theories of innovation in healthcare. All the BSN to DNP tracks end with a DNP project where you’ll solve a healthcare issue related to your field of practice. Also, to fulfill the graduation requirements, you are required to complete at least 1,125 hours of clinical training.

Admission Requirements: To apply to this BSN-to-DNP program in Arizona, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the school requires you to submit your official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal goal statement, and a copy of your current and unencumbered RN license.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Arizona State University BSN-to-DNP Students

• Arizona State University nursing school has been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report in several categories. Ranking among the top DNP programs and #1 for innovation in the nation are some of the recently won accolades of the nursing school.
• If you are interested in gaining a global perspective in advanced practice nursing then, Arizona State University nursing offers several study abroad trips and internships, that you may want to participate in.
• Arizona State University offers you a ready networking platform, the ASU Mentor Network where you can connect with other nursing professionals across the world. Through this network, you’ll not only build meaningful connections but also learn valuable insights from experienced advanced practice nurses.


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