Arizona Second Degree Accelerated BSN Programs
Introduction to Second Degree BSN in Arizona
Current holders of Bachelor’s degree that want to earn their bachelor’s in nursing have different options for pursuing their degree. Prospective students may choose to pursue their degree online or at a traditional, in-person school. Online programs allow students to complete their exams and coursework when it is convenient for them, which makes them a popular option for students who work full-time.
The average accelerated BSN (ABSN) program in Arizona takes students approximately 15 months to complete. These programs generally include three semesters: fall, spring, and summer. During this time, you will take a variety of courses and use your new nursing skills during clinical practice.
ABSN Curriculum Overview
The actual class requirements for each accelerated BSN program vary. However, all students typically take the same courses. Prior to starting an Accelerated BSN program, you have to complete a series of prerequisite courses. A couple of the more basic courses include biology and anatomy; these courses prepare you for nursing coursework in the program. You will also take lower-level nursing courses such as pharmacology, advanced physiology, and nursing skills. These courses are similar to the courses taken by Associate’s degree students. After you complete this coursework, you move onto more advanced nursing classes.
Advanced nursing classes are designed to prepare you for work in a variety of fields. You might take classes in mental health, obstetrics, pediatrics, and senior care. In addition, you’ll have to take classes that prepare you to work as a leader in the nursing field. You may be expected to take courses in nursing communication and management skills.
The final part of an Accelerated BSN degree is your clinical experience. In clinical experience, you will work in various wings of a healthcare facility. You will have to practice and demonstrate your experience in all of the nursing techniques you’ve learned. Clinical rotations not only give you hands on experience working as a nurse, but it will also expose you to various practice settings so you can decide what area you like working in best.
Career Outlook for RNs in Arizona
According to AZ Central, Arizona is expected to have one of the worst nursing shortages in the country by 2030. This finding is corroborated by O*Net as it expects there to be close to 14,000 new nursing jobs between 2010 and 2020, at a growth rate of 31%. This is higher than the national average of 26 percent.
The median salary for registered nurses in Arizona is $68,450 per year, as reported by O*Net. The salary range for registered nurses starts at $47,120 per year and goes up to $102,990 per year (O*Net, 2017).
Nursing Licensing Requirements in Arizona
Nurses in Arizona are licensed by the State Board of Nursing. You can become licensed in Arizona by endorsement or examination. You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn your license in Arizona. Once you have earned your nursing license, it must be renewed every two years.
Arizona is a compact state; this allows Arizona nurses to apply for a multi-state license in Arizona and work as a nurse in many other states, including New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Nebraska. Per the Nurse Licensure Compact, Arizona nurses can apply for a standard Arizona nursing license and use it to practice in other compact states.
