Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona
The state of Arizona, home to 5,110 Nurse Practitioners, offers a compelling landscape for those seeking to enter the profession. With an attractive average annual income of $119,910 and a rising need for 10,180 new practitioners by 2030, the state’s healthcare industry is brimming with potential.
- Educational Requirements: Embarking on a Nurse Practitioner career in Arizona requires an RN license, followed by a graduate degree in nursing. This advanced education is crucial for nurses seeking more autonomy in patient management and care.
- Licensure and Certification: After meeting educational prerequisites, an Arizona NP must obtain state licensure from the Arizona State Board of Nursing and a national certification within their specialty area. These credentials help ensure a high level of competence.
- Scope of Practice: Arizona is a Full Practice state, empowering Nurse Practitioners to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate/manage treatments, including prescribing medications, all under the exclusive licensure authority of the nursing board.
- Prescriptive Authority: NPs in Arizona have unrestricted prescriptive authority. They can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, without an agreement with a supervising physician, thus alleviating healthcare delivery bottlenecks.
- Employment and Salary Statistics: Arizona employs 2% of the U.S.’s Nurse Practitioners, who earn an average of $119,910 per year. These stats point to a robust healthcare industry where NPs are valued contributors.
- Job Outlook: The need for 910 new NPs annually until 2030 signals a highly promising job outlook. This rising demand illustrates Arizona’s commitment to high-quality healthcare and the NP’s vital role therein.
- Regulatory Body: The Arizona State Board of Nursing oversees nursing practices in the state, setting regulations, providing licensure, and ensuring adherence to practice standards.
The future for Nurse Practitioners in Arizona is not only promising but also empowering. The state’s full practice environment, competitive salaries, and robust job growth indicate an extraordinary opportunity for those ready to contribute meaningfully to healthcare.
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona
#1 in Arizona
University of Arizona
1401 E University, Tucson, AZ - 85721-0066
(520) 621-2211
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
Total Faculty: 2902
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,736
Book and Supplies: $900
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,861
Percent Admitted: 85%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 65%
About University of Arizona's College of Nursing
The University of Arizona, a public land-grant research university founded in 1885, is a frontrunner in research activities. This institution houses the College of Nursing, which boasts a strong commitment to transforming students' lives and addressing major global health challenges. The College provides financial aid to 90% of its students and is celebrated for practicing transformative healthcare through best practices. Further, it focuses on areas of excellence to revolutionize nursing knowledge, allowing students to customize their educational journey. The Biological Core Laboratory (BCL) of the College offers a state-of-the-art, 1,800 square feet space equipped with cutting-edge equipment for biomarker research, serving faculty and students alike. The college also offers high-tech simulation-based scenarios to prepare students for work in healthcare.
About University of Arizona's Nurse Practitioner Programs
Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The University of Arizona College of Nursing offers an accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program that is ranked 31st among DNP programs in the U.S. by US News and World Report. This hybrid program is flexible, allowing students to earn their doctorate in as little as 2.5 years (full-time). The program provides a broad foundation in advanced care, nursing theories, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement methods. It emphasizes health assessment, health promotion, health-care maintenance, clinical decision-making, and illness management. The program includes at least 1,000 practice immersion hours and a faculty-mentored DNP project. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to take the national certification exam and apply for licensure in their practice state.
Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The University also offers a post-graduate certificate in four nurse practitioner specialty areas. Each certificate program, delivered via the web over four semesters, requires 720 hours of supervised clinical training. These certificates are suitable for individuals already holding Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) licensure and working in the clinical environment. However, students exclusively enrolled in the certificate program are not eligible to receive federal financial aid or College of Nursing scholarships.
Key Student Takeaways
- High Rate of Financial Assistance: With 90% of students at the College of Nursing receiving financial aid, students can focus more on their studies rather than financial constraints.
- Cutting-edge Research Facilities: The Biological Core Laboratory offers a high-tech environment, providing students with a hands-on approach to biomarker research.
- Simulated Learning: The high-tech simulation-based scenarios provided by SIMS offer an authentic learning experience that prepares students for real-world challenges in healthcare.
- Flexibility in Learning: The hybrid format of the College's programs allows students to manage their time effectively between online coursework and on-campus learning.
- Highly Ranked Program: The DNP program's rank by US News and World Report attests to the program's quality and reputation.
#2 in Arizona
Northern Arizona University
- 1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200, Flagstaff, AZ - 86011-4092
- (928) 523-9011
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 998
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,896
- Book and Supplies: $900
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,239
- Percent Admitted: 82%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
About Northern Arizona University's Nursing School
The Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a high research activity institution, based in Flagstaff, Arizona. The establishment, rooted in a rich history since 1899, was the last public university set up in the Arizona Territory, before its admittance as the 48th state. It initially began as a teachers’ college. The NAU School of Nursing, established over 60 years ago, aims to deliver top-notch education to students across all academic levels. The mission is to nurture professionals capable of providing high-quality healthcare services to individuals and diversified communities, equipped to navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape. From traditional classrooms and online nursing programs to simulation labs and clinical experiences in healthcare facilities, NAU School of Nursing utilizes a myriad of environments to optimize student learning. The nursing degrees are offered at various community campus locations, online classrooms, and even Personalized Learning programs.
About Northern Arizona University's NP Program
Post Master’s Graduate Certificate Program
Concentrations:
- Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate (Online)
- Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate (Online)
The NAU offers a Post Master’s Graduate Certificate Program with two main concentrations. The Family Nurse Practitioner program aims to equip students with the skills to deliver primary care to underserved rural populations. This certification is for existing nurses with a Master's degree in Nursing seeking Nurse Practitioner certification either in Arizona or nationally. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, on the other hand, prepares graduates to provide mental health care services.
The minimum credit hours required in both programs are 12, with some programs needing more. The programs prohibit the usage of more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) and the transfer of more than 25% of the units required from another university. Completing a minimum of 38 units is necessary to achieve a minimal grade point average of 3.0 for obtaining a graduate certificate. Both these programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), assuring quality and standardization in education.
Key Student Takeaways
- Accreditation: Both NP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high-quality education and meeting industry standards.
- Flexibility and Accessibility: NAU's nursing degrees and NP programs offer flexibility with online and community campus options and personalized learning programs.
- Diverse Learning Environments: The School of Nursing uses a variety of settings for optimal student learning, including traditional classrooms, simulation labs, and real-world clinical experiences.
- History and Reputation: NAU, established over a century ago, and the School of Nursing, with a 60-year history, carry a reputation of consistently providing excellent education.
- Comprehensive Programs: The NP programs prepare students to provide healthcare services to individuals in different settings, giving them a broad range of career options after graduation.
#3 in Arizona
Grand Canyon University
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
- 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ - 85017
- (800) 800-9776
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 464
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $800
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,683
- Percent Admitted: 81%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
About Grand Canyon University's Nursing School
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is an esteemed Christian institution in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite being a Christian university, GCU embraces students from all backgrounds and is committed to equipping them with the skills to reach their full potential.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions carries a tradition of nearly 35 years of preparing students to embrace different roles in the healthcare sector. Its nursing programs, recognized as the third most popular online nursing program nationwide in 2021, commit to fostering critical thinking, professionalism, accountability, and ethical decision-making in future healthcare leaders.
About Grand Canyon University's NP Program
Master of Science in Nursing
Concentrations:
GCU offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with two key specializations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP). The AGACNP program is designed for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) careers. This program provides supervised clinical practice of 675 hours. Students get to navigate two on-campus experience programs aimed at fusing theoretical knowledge with hands-on opportunities. The AGACNP program complies with the standards defined by professional organizations, including the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and American Nursing Association (ANA).
The MSN FNP program embraces comprehensive classroom instruction, including radiologic interpretation, chronic disease management, coding and billing, public health, and case study analysis. The program offers supervised clinical practice, on-campus experiences, and fosters inter-professional collaboration.
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing:
Concentrations:
- Post-Master’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Adult-Gerontology
- Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate
In addition to MSN programs, GCU provides Post-Master's Certificates for practicing nurse practitioners. Earning the Post-Master’s FNP Certificate from Grand Canyon University ensures alignment with the standards set by reputable entities such as the American Nursing Association (ANA), Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
A distinctive feature of the program is the requirement of in-person experiential learning activities, including a 675-hour supervised clinical/practicum, completed within family health-focused or community-based primary care settings. Additionally, students undergo two separate on-campus experiences, encompassing a total of five days, aimed at preparing them for the National Certification Board exam. The program's multifaceted approach, adherence to high standards, and focus on diverse learning experiences underscore its quality and commitment to fostering proficient primary care providers.
Key Student Takeaways
- Accreditation: The NP programs at GCU comply with the standards established by the ANA, NONPF, ANCC, and AANP.
- Flexibility: The programs are designed to cater to the needs of students with different schedules and preferences; online and on-campus options are available.
- Diverse Learning Opportunities: Both theoretical and hands-on learning approaches are incorporated, ensuring students acquire a broad understanding and practical skills.
- Specialization: GCU offers specialization options in different fields, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
- Reputation: GCU holds a prestigious position as one of the most popular nursing schools nationwide, promising a quality education for aspiring nurses.
#4 in Arizona
Chamberlain University
- 2149 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ - 85021
- (602) 331-2720
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $600
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 80%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,249
- Percent Admitted: 63%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
About Chamberlain University's Nursing School
Chamberlain University, a private for-profit healthcare and nursing institution, offers an extensive range of programs across various locations in the United States and online. With its origins rooted back over 130 years, Chamberlain University has been shaping nursing graduates and healthcare professionals, maintaining its reputation for educational excellence.
In addition to a university-wide accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Chamberlain University holds multiple program accreditations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), assuring adherence to the highest educational standards. These accreditations demonstrate commitment to maintaining academic integrity and ensuring a high-quality education for all nursing students, including those considering Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs.
About Chamberlain University's NP Program
Concentrations:
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Chamberlain University's Master's in Nursing program offers three main concentrations. The program's faculty is composed entirely of doctoral-prepared professionals. 90% of students receive financial aid, emphasizing the university's commitment to accessibility and student support.
The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program equips students to manage the physical, mental, and social effects of aging. Graduates are skilled in managing chronic and acute conditions and performing check-ups, tests, medication prescriptions, and developing preventive care plans.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program promotes confidence in students to sit for the national board certification exam, boasting a 3-year pass rate of 86.72% for 2020-2022. Students enjoy the flexibility of 100% online coursework, individualized faculty support, and practical application of theory. The program includes a practicum experience that hones hands-on skills in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various conditions in diverse patient populations.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to manage patients' mental health needs and sit for national certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This track, the second-largest in the US, ensures relentless support, dedicated faculty, and 100% online coursework, and it can be completed in just 2.5 years.
Concentrations:
- Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
In addition to the Master's programs, Chamberlain University also offers Nursing Certificate Programs in AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and PPMHNP) These graduate certificates, featuring 100% online coursework, serve as a pathway for nurses holding a master's or doctoral degree in nursing seeking to specialize or change their career direction.
The AGACNP and AGPCNP Graduate Certificate programs are designed to enhance the practice of adult-gerontology acute and primary care nurse practitioners. The programs span 5.5 and 5 semesters, respectively, and include practicum experiences.
The FNP Graduate Certificate program mirrors the FNP Master's program, offering the same specialty courses, content, instruction, and assessment. The program takes five full-time semesters, with 625 hours of clinical practicum and 25 hours of faculty-supervised laboratory work.
Lastly, the PMHNP Graduate Certificate program offers a specialized pathway for those seeking to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. The program takes five full-time semesters and includes practical immersion and intensive review sessions. This comprehensive suite of NP programs and certificates positions Chamberlain University as a leading institution for aspiring Nurse Practitioners.
#5 in Arizona
Arizona State University
College of Nursing and Health Innovation
- University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ - 85287
- (855) 278-5080
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 3324
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,348
- Book and Supplies: $1,300
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,666
- Percent Admitted: 88%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
About Arizona State University's Nursing School
Arizona State University (ASU), located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a public research university founded in 1885. It is one of the largest in the United States by enrollment. The university champions a new model of an American research university, committed to excellence, access, and impact. ASU's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation was established in 1957 and has grown to provide first-class education for over 5,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Recognizing nursing as a critical component of modern healthcare teams, the college offers a curriculum centered on evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, innovation, interprofessional communication, and information technology. Students are also given the opportunity to engage in meaningful research with faculty who are national leaders in advancing research and discovery.
About Arizona State University's NP Program
Graduate Certificate
Concentrations:
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
ASU presents a distinguished Graduate Certificate NP Program with a spectrum of concentrations. Tailored for board-certified and doctorate-level nurses seeking specialization, this program is a gateway to holistic, client-centered care for diverse age groups. The program’s hybrid structure blends in-person and online learning, requiring occasional campus visits for orientation and immersions, thereby offering a balanced educational experience. A standout feature is the practicum experiences in varied health shortage areas, providing students with enriching multicultural experiences a.
ASU, a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, is accredited to offer this program, highlighting its adherence to quality and standards. The university’s accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education further underscores its commitment to excellence in nursing education.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentrations:
- Advanced Nursing Practice (Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner), DNP
- Advanced Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner), DNP
- Advanced Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner), DNP
- Advanced Nursing Practice (Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), DNP
- Advanced Nursing Practice (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner), DNP
- Advanced Nursing Practice (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner), DNP
Similar to the Graduate Certificate Program, ASU's Doctor of Nurse Practice Program is delivered in a hybrid model (combining in-person and online learning). The program aims to develop leaders at the highest level of nursing practice. The curriculum integrates systems-level thinking, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice, preparing students to translate research into practice and lead multidisciplinary teams. The program includes 1,125 practicum hours, exceeding the minimum requirement set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Arizona State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and its DNP program exceeds the American Nurses Credentialing Center's recommended practicum hours, showcasing its commitment to quality education. The program allows flexibility in coursework, including the possibility of incorporating credit hours from a previously awarded master’s degree, subject to approval.
Key Student Takeaways
- World-Class Faculty: ASU faculty members are national leaders in advancing research and discovery, providing unique learning opportunities.
- Research Opportunities: ASU provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research, enhancing their professional profiles.
- Hybrid Learning: The blend of in-person and online learning allows students flexibility as they pursue their programs.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: ASU offers financial aid including scholarships and grants, making quality education more accessible.
- Practical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience through practicum experiences, preparing them for real-world situations.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: ASU embraces an interdisciplinary approach to nursing education, integrating systems-level thinking, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice into its curriculum.
See our Ranking Methodology
8 Steps to Become an NP in Arizona
- Earn an RN Degree – All Nurse Practitioners (NPs) must first become RNs. Getting your RN through an ADN or BSN program is your first step. Be sure to earn your RN or BSN from a university that is accredited by the ACEN or CCNE. Your credentials are more likely to be accepted by your NP program if you earned your RN from an accredited school. Find the best ranked Arizona nursing schools and Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona
- Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – Our practice tests and NCLEX-RN exam study guide are just the tools you need to help you prepare for test day.
- Earn Your MSN or DNP – To become an NP you can either get your masters or doctorate. Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs take about 2 years while Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs take about 4 years. You will choose a population foci such as gerontology, family, neonatal when you start your program:
- Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – If you earn your MSN you will need to between 500-600 clinical hours depending on your population focus. To earn your DNP you need 1000 hours.
- Become Board Certified – Your certifying body to become an NP depends on your population foci:
- National Certification Corporation: For Women’s health and neonatal NPs.
- The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: Family and adult-gerontology NPs.
- The American Association of Critical Care Nurses: Adult-gerontology NPs.
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center: Adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric NPs.
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: Pediatric NPs.
- Obtain Licensure – Licensure is done on a state-by-state basis. Contact the Arizona state board of nursing Arizona state board of nursing (BON) for more information.
- Obtain a DEA Number – DEA registration is required in order to prescribe medication in Arizona. Once you are licensed, apply for your NPI number which is free. Then you use this to apply for your Arizona Controlled Substances Registration and then your DEA registration so that you can prescribe medications.
- Maintain Active Certification and Licensure – Your certifying body and BON in Arizona will tell you what is required to maintain certification and licensure. Usually this requires a certain amount of continuing education (CE) credits as well as clinical practice. You may also have to fill out an application and pay a fee every 2-3 years.
Time It Takes to Become an NP in Arizona
How much time it takes to become an NP in Arizona really depends on your background. Depending on the path you take it will be 2 to 4 years of education before you can become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. If you’re already an RN it can take as little as 2 years by earning your MSN. If you are not an RN some direct entry programs are as short as 2 years as well. If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can do a DNP program in 2-3 years and become and NP while also earning your doctorate.
Here are examples of how long it will take you to become an NP depending on what degree you are starting with:
| Starting Degree | How Many Years to Become an NP |
| Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2-3 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field | 2 – 3 years |
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) | 1 – 2 years |
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona
BSN to MSN
If you are getting your MSN after having your BSN in the state of Arizona, you can expect to spend 2 years earning your degree to become NP. If you have your RN, but not your BSN, you can complete a program that is similar in length and will give you an MSN. General requirements to enter and complete your BSN to MSN program in Arizona include:
- A 3.0 GPA or the equivalent of a B average
- Must be licensed as an RN in Arizona
- Complete about 50 credits of classroom work
- Complete 500 to 800 hours of supervised clinical experience depending upon the University
Direct Entry MSN Programs
Direct Entry MSN programs or accelerated MSN programs give people who are not nurses but have a bachelors degree in something else the opportunity pursue nursing. These programs prepare you to be an NP without having you repeat non-nursing college courses that you have already taken. There are a handful of these Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona. Direct entry programs take between 2 and 3 years to complete. After the program you will be an RN and an NP. General requirements to enter and to complete your accelerated MSN program in Arizona include:
- A 3.0 GPA or the equivalent of a B average
- Completion of pre-requisites such as anatomy and physiology, developmental psychology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and more
- Complete about ## credits of classroom work
- Complete on average 500 to 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience depending upon the University
MSN to NP Certificate
If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can complete a certificate program to train you to be an NP. This may be the right path for you if you have your MSN in something like nursing education, nursing administration, or if you are a clinical nurse specialist. In general MSN to NP certificate programs take about one year and to enter and to complete your NP to Certificate program requires the following:
- You must be an RN in Arizona to be eligible to apply for these Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona
- Typically you are not required to take the GRE again for these programs
- You will have to submit an application with your resume, references, past transcripts and more
- Complete 500 to 700 clinical hours depending on the school and your population focus
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP programs are the doctorate level programs that prepare nurses to be NPs. In these programs you will be trained to provide nursing care at the expert level and will also be able to teach in most universities. DNP programs are becoming more popular as the entry pathway into becoming an NP. Program length varies from 3 to 5 years depending on whether or not you already have your masters. The eligibility requirements vary a little between the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs.
BSN to DNP: These programs are for bachelor’s level trained nurses.
- You must be a licensed Arizona nurse and have had a GPA of at least 3.0 (B average) or better.
- The BSN to DNP programs will take about 5 years depending on the university.
- Your application will need to include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts, and more.
- You will need to complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences.
- Some programs will require you to have nursing experience.
MSN to DNP: These programs take into account that you are already a nurse trained at the master’s level. Depending on the program you may be required to already be an NP in Arizona.
- All programs will require you to have your Arizona RN license.
- These programs will take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
- Like the BSN to DNP programs you need to submit an application with letters of recommendations, past transcripts, and more.
- You do not have to take the GRE however, as it is assumed that you already had to take it for your MSN.
- At the end of your DNP education you will not only be an NP but you will also have completed the highest level of clinical nursing education available.
Where Nurse Practitioner Work in Arizona
As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology, neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
- Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health, military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
- Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
- Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
- Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
- Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.
List of Campus & Online NP Programs
| University | Offered as | City/State |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Hybrid, Online | Tempe, AZ |
| University of Arizona | Campus, Online | Tucson, AZ |
| Grand Canyon University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
| Northern Arizona University | Campus, Online | Flagstaff, AZ |
| University of Phoenix-Online Campus | Campus, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
| Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Campus, Hybrid | Phoenix, AZ |
| Chamberlain University | Campus, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
Cost of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona
Nurse practitioner programs in Arizona vary in price depending on the school; however, they usually fall within the following ranges:
• RN to MSN nurse practitioner program: $22,000 – $235,000
• BSN to MSN nurse practitioner program: $19,000 – $1750,000
• Direct entry MSN nurse practitioner program: $23,000 – $220,000
• BSN to DNP nurse practitioner program: $27,000 – $255,000
• MSN to DNP nurse practitioner program: $18,000 – $170,000
• Post-master’s certification nurse practitioner program: $9,800 – $84,000
Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in Arizona
CareerOneStop projects that demand for Nurse Practitioners in Arizona will grow 30 percent in the next 10 years. On average graduates from Arizona accredited nurse practitioner schools earn more than $100,000 annually.
Here are the average Salaries for NP specialties across the country:
| Population Foci | Average Annual Salary |
| Nurse Practitioners – General | $133,210 |
| Home Health NP | $144,759 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $116,334 |
| Neonatal | $108, 804 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health | $111,122 |
| Pediatric Acute Care | $121,332 |
| Pediatric Primary Care | $121,332 |
| Women’s Health | $123,332 |
Online & Campus NP Programs
Arizona
University of Phoenix-Online Campus
- 3157 E. Elwood Street, Phoenix, AZ - 85034-7209
- 866-766-0766
Family Nurse Practitioner
Northern Arizona University
- 1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200, Flagstaff, AZ - 86011-4092
- 928-523-9011
Family Nurse Practitioner
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- 411 N Central Avenue - Ste 520, Phoenix, AZ - 85004
- 855-278-5080
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Chamberlain University
- 2149 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ - 85021
- 602-331-2720
Family Nurse Practitioner
Arizona State University
- University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ - 85287
- 855-278-5080
Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Arizona
- 1401 E University, Tucson, AZ - 85721-0066
- 520-621-2211
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Grand Canyon University
- 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ - 85017
- 800-800-9776
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Arizona Organizations and Associations for Nurse Practitioners
- Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners – Arizona
- Coalition of Arizona Nurses in Advanced Practice
- Arizona Nurses Association
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Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology
- About the Author
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Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who works in an OB/GYN clinic in the Boston area. She completed a Direct Entry MSN program at Boston College in May 2017 after obtaining a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Biology from the University of New Haven, so she has special awareness of how confusing the many paths to nursing can be! She is passionate about enhancing and clarifying the nursing role globally as well as combatting human trafficking from a public health standpoint. In her free time Lauren enjoys writing and traveling.
