According to the Arizona Public Health Association, there is a shortage of 560 primary care providers in the state at the very moment. An additional 1,941 will be needed by the year 2030 due to population increase, chronic disease rates, and provider retirements, to name a few.
As with physicians, DNPs may help alleviate the healthcare shortage by providing quality care in rural and underserved areas. Fortunately, there are scholarships available to defray the high tuition costs, such as the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Program. Delivered through Arizona State University, this scholarship will cover the tuition, program, and book costs of 22 students at the said institution. There are also loan programs for those with unmet financial needs as well as those who plan to teach within 12 months of graduation.
If you’re looking to serve the Grand Canyon State, whose residents number 7.5 million as of publishing, then here are several programs to choose from:
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DNP Programs in Arizona
Bachelors and masters-prepared nurses may obtain their terminal degree through any of the DNP programs offered by the following Arizona universities:
Arizona BSN to DNP Programs
There are two hybrid BSN to DNP programs in Arizona:
Arizona State University
- Tempe, Arizona
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 84-85
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $12,940 base tuition per year plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $27,810 base tuition per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
ASU’s BSN-DNP program is open to nurses who wish to become advanced practitioners in the fields of acute and primary pediatric care, acute adult-gerontology care, family nursing, emergency nursing psychiatric-mental health, or women’s health. A track in innovation leadership is offered as well.
University of Arizona
- Tucson, Arizona
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 50-86
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $53,114.00 to $106,765.30
Program Overview:
With a mix of online coursework, on-campus sessions, and clinical practice, UoA’s BSN-DNP program provides nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to care for special populations. Specialties offered are AGACNP, FNP, PNP, PMHNP, CRNA, CNM, and Executive Leadership. Full-time students may complete their DNP degree in 2.5 years.
Arizona MSN to DNP Programs
Similarly, there are two MSN-DNP programs that are taught through a combination of online and in-person sessions:
Arizona State University
- Tempe, Arizona
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 84-85
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $12,940 base tuition per year plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $27,810 base tuition per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
Master’s degree graduates from recognized and accredited institutions may also obtain their DNP at ASU. The same tracks are offered (advanced practitioner and advanced practice tracks). Regardless of the concentration, all students are taught to integrate research into practice while innovating approaches that improve health outcomes.
University of Arizona
- Tucson, Arizona
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 35
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $37,128.10
Program Overview:
Building on the traditional MSN program, UoA’s post-masters DNP is open to MS-prepared nurses, NPs, CRNAs, CNMs, and CNSs who are not looking to specialize in another track. Available on a part-time or full-time basis, it explores the concepts of healthcare policy, leadership, and quality improvement. The program may be completed in 1.5 years.
Online DNP Programs in Arizona
Online DNP programs in Arizona are usually available to Masters-educated nurses who wish to obtain their terminal degree.
Arizona Online MSN to DNP Programs
There are seven MSN-DNP programs in Arizona that may be completed through distance education:
A.T. Still University
- Mesa, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $850 per credit for 33 credits — $28,050 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Designed for nurses who wish to take on leadership roles and/or care for underserved communities, ATSU’s DNP program focuses on evidence-based practice and strategic organizational leadership. On top of core courses and clinical practice hours, students need to complete a DNP project course that demonstrates their understanding of the courses. The program may be completed in 1.75-2 years.
Benedictine University
- Mesa, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 40 credits — $42,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Benedictine’s DNP in Executive Leadership is designed for working professionals who wish to enhance their career opportunities. The flexible, cohort-based program features courses in information management, financial management, and transformative nursing leadership. It also promotes hands-on learning through clinical practical experiences and a DNP project.
Chamberlain University
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30-36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $806 per credit for 30 credits — starts at $24,180 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Chamberlain’s Arizona branch offers an online DNP for Masters-educated nurses who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills. The online coursework is taught by doctorally-prepared nurse leaders in classes with 13 students or less. Specialization tracks offered include Healthcare Systems Leadership, Educational Leadership, or Advanced Practice Leadership. The program may be completed in 2 years.
Grand Canyon University
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 39
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $740 per credit for 39 credits — $28,860 plus other fees
Program Overview:
GCU’s DNP program is for masters-prepared nurses who want to achieve the highest level of nursing practice. Students also have the option to specialize in Educational Leadership, which can help enhance their skills in teaching, curriculum development, and student assessment. Online courses, which are delivered through the university’s e-learning platform, range from 8 to 16 weeks in length.
Midwestern University
- Glendale, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 56 quarter credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $16,836 per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
Midwestern’s DNP is a comprehensive, engaging program that builds on the student’s educational and professional experience. With an average class size of 8 and lessons delivered through innovative online strategies, it is ideal for working professionals who wish to excel as leaders or educators. The program may be completed in 18 months.
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 74-79
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $11,970 per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
NAU’s online DNP provides MSN-educated nurses with the competencies they need to become efficient leaders in rural and underserved areas. With a focus on evidence-based practice and policy improvement, the program requires the completion of the assigned coursework, 1,000-hour clinical practice, and an oral defense.
University of Phoenix
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 31
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $810 per credit for 31 credits — $25,110 per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
Created for working nurses, UoP’s DNP program is for aspiring managers who wish to improve their leadership strategies and deliver better care. The flexible curriculum features courses that run for 8 weeks long, with the Applied Project being incorporated into the first course. As such, students may obtain their degree in as little as 20 months.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Arizona
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The University of Arizona’s BSN-DNP program may be completed in 2.5 years.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN-DNP programs offered by the University of Arizona and Midwestern University are considered the shortest as they may be finished in 1.5 years/18 months.
Best DNP Programs in Arizona
According to the US News and World Report, the best DNP program in Arizona is offered by the University of Arizona, which is ranked 19th nationally. Coming in second is Arizona State University, which is ranked the 26th-best DNP program in the country.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Arizona
For residents, Arizona State’s BSN-DNP program is cheapest with its base tuition of $12,940 per year plus other fees. As for non-residents, the University of Phoenix’s BSN-DNP program is the most affordable with its starting cost of $53,114.00.
Chamberlain’s online MSN-DNP, meanwhile, is the cheapest for both residents and non-residents at $24,180 plus other fees.
Arizona Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
Even if there are no direct entry RN to DNP programs in Arizona, ADN-educated nurses in the state may still obtain their terminal degree by pursuing any of these paths:
- RN-BSN followed by BSN-DNP
- RN-MSN followed by MSN-DNP