MSN Programs in Arizona
By EveryNurse Staff on January 16, 2023
As a working nurse, the ability to pursue an advanced degree often leads to expanded career opportunities, a higher salary, and the chance to impact the next generation of nurses. In Arizona, completing an MSN program not only means that a nurse can teach aspiring health care professionals, but they may also take on a role within the industry that incorporates policy-making, administration, budgets, economics, and advocacy.
Schools With MSN Programs in Arizona
- Arizona State University offers campus-based CCNE accredited graduate studies for nurses interested in pursuing a career related to Community Health, Master of Healthcare Innovation, Nurse Education, and Clinical Research Management (which is also offered through online instruction). Students will attend classes at the College of Nursing & Health Innovation in downtown Phoenix.
- With the U.S. News and World Report ranking the school as one of the best graduate nursing programs in the nation, Northern Arizona University (located in Flagstaff) attracts a great deal of interest. One of the requirements to apply to the program includes possessing a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program; or an associate degree in nursing from an accredited program and with a bachelor’s degree in another field. The master’s nursing programs (to obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner – FNP) or nurse generalist degree) at the University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Midwestern University offers an MSN program on its Glendale campus, where students may earn an AANA/CANAEP-accredited Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. Before applying, registered nurses must exhibit a minimum of two years of critical care registered nursing experience in Adult ICU, Pediatric ICU, Emergency Room, and PACU. It should be noted that neonatal intensive care unit experience does not meet the University’s requirement. Nurses must also possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing, which was granted by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
- Brookline College offers both online and campus-based instruction in Phoenix, Arizona for nurses with an interest in teaching. The school’s program for Master of Science in Nursing Education is for online learners, which prepares nurses to become an educator within academic or health care settings. Registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), have a current, unencumbered RN license, and have an interest in nursing education qualify for this flexible program.
- Nurses interested in becoming a midwife may want to pursue the ACNM-accredited MSN+DNP degree program in Nurse-Midwifery offered at Frontier Nursing University. The school provides online instruction for registered nurses who possess a previous educational background from a nationally (CCNE or NLNAC) accredited nursing program offered by a regionally accredited educational institution. One year of nursing experience is expected of applicants, where the Admissions Committee will consider other significant experience in health care (such as working as a doula, childbirth educator, and/or lactation consultant) for nurses with less than one-year nursing experience.
Arizona MSN Checklist
- Gain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Arizona.
- Apply to and earn an MSN degree (or complete an RN-MSN program).
- Fulfill school requirements, such as completing the required number of supervised clinical experience hours, when applicable.
- Apply for licensure with the Arizona Board of Nursing (~$200 fee). The Board must receive official sealed transcripts directly from the nurse’s educational institution.
- Gain certification from a national certifying body recognized by the Board.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Arizona.
Level Up Your Career
Arizona MSN Salary & Job Outlook
Graduates of an MSN program in Arizona are qualified to seek job opportunities as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), which includes jobs as advanced nurse practitioners or nurse midwives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses with an MSN degree stand to make the following median annual salaries regarding common nursing careers in Arizona: medical and health service manager ($101,020), nursing instructor and teacher ($71,420), nurse practitioner ($97,030), and nurse midwife ($103,980).
Additional Arizona Program Ranking
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