Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN)

The Central Arizona College RN to BSN Program is designed to support registered nurses in advancing their education and career opportunities through a flexible online learning experience. The program prepares nurses to meet the evolving demands of healthcare by emphasizing leadership, evidence-based practice, patient safety, healthcare policy, and community health.

RN to BSN Degree Map

Program Information

Program Description

The Central Arizona College Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program provides licensed registered nurses the opportunity to advance their education through a flexible, asynchronous online learning format with targeted practicum experiences. Built upon previous nursing education and clinical experience, the program prepares nurses to meet the challenges of contemporary healthcare through leadership, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, healthcare technology, and community-focused care.

Students explore patient safety, healthcare policy, legal and ethical decision-making, clinical judgment, leadership and management, research utilization, effective communication, and informatics. Graduates are prepared to evaluate person-centered care, apply clinical judgment in complex healthcare environments, lead quality improvement initiatives, utilize healthcare technologies effectively, and promote positive health outcomes for diverse populations across a variety of healthcare settings

Our Mission

We are committed to:

Teaching safe, evidence-based nursing practice.
Reaching out to a culturally diverse population within our community.
Understanding trends in nursing education and healthcare dynamics.
Empowering student learning through innovation and technology.

Advance Your Nursing Career

100% Online Didactic Coursework • Designed for Working Nurses • Evidence-Based Curriculum • Leadership Focused

RN to BSN Program Anticipated Cost Estimate (2026-2027)

Anticipated Cost Estimate (2026-27)

Cost Item	Calculation	Amount ($)	Notes
300-400 Level Courses	40 credits x $140	$5,600.00	NUR coursework
100-200 Level Courses	12 credits x $90	$1,080.00	General education courses
Drug Screen (14 Panel)	Flat fee	$135.30	Required
Background Check	Flat fee	$33.90	Required
Immunization Subscription (if needed)	Subscription + service fee	$35.29	Optional
Textbook costs	Book 1: $21-$90 Book 2: $14-$83	$173 maximum	There are used options available depending on the edition.

Estimated Tuition Total: $6,680.00 Estimated Required Fees Total: $169.20 Estimated Textbook: $173 maximum Estimated Total Program Cost (Tuition + Required Fees + Books): $7,022.20 Estimated Total Program Cost Including Optional Immunization Subscription: 7,057.49

Notes: Two required textbooks need to be purchased. All other textbooks are open-access online resources with no cost to students. Tuition and fees are estimates and subject to change.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon completion of the RN to BSN Program, graduates will be able to:

Determine effectiveness of person-centered care provided for diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of healthcare settings including public health settings. (Evaluate)
Apply a clinical judgment framework to inform practice and make quality leadership and management decisions. (Apply)
Incorporate legal, ethical, and leadership principles to guide professional nursing practice within various healthcare systems. (Analyze)
Analyze evidence, research, and nursing knowledge to implement quality improvement processes to improve patient outcomes and system effectiveness. (Analyze)
Develop an approach for using effective communication in all aspects of professional nursing practice. (Create)
Determine how to integrate information technology and patient care technologies in various aspects of professional nursing practice. (Analyze)

Application & Admission Information

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

Hold a current, unencumbered Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Submit unofficial transcripts with the application and arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the Central Arizona College Registrar.
Have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Complete a background check and drug screening prior to starting the RN to BSN courses.
Have a current AHA CPR Healthcare provider card.

Apply to the RN to BSN Application

RN to BSN Application

Important Information

Shortly after admission, instructions for completing the required background check and drug screening will be provided.
A clear background check and negative drug screening are required prior to beginning RN to BSN coursework.
Save a copy of your DocuSign application and all application materials for your records.
All required documentation must be uploaded and attached before the application can be submitted.
Students must satisfy all financial obligations to the College prior to applying.
Incomplete applications or missing documentation may not be considered for admission.

RN to BSN Information Session(s)

The Nursing Division is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Nursing Information Session for our RN to BSN program. Please join us at one of our sessions to learn more about our new RN to BSN program.

Upcoming Information Sessions

November 2, 2026
- RN to BSN- Nursing Information Session
  - Topic: RN to BSN- Nursing Information Session Zoom Meeting
  - Time: 5:00PM – 6:00PM
  - No registration or sign up necessary. Meeting ID:

November 24, 2026
- RN to BSN- Nursing Information Session
  - Topic: RN to BSN- Nursing Information Session Zoom Meeting
  - Time: 5:00PM – 6:00PM
  - No registration or sign up necessary. Meeting ID:

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines December 7th, 2026 by 6:00PM

Accreditation

Accreditation Information

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program-Effective August 19, 2026, this BSN nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires in Fall 2028. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000

Search ACEN Programs

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Contact Information

Career and Transfer Resources

Career & Transfer Resources

Transfer Center

Many students who start their college career at Central Arizona College plan to continue on for a bachelor’s degree. If you plan to transfer, our Transfer Center has many resources to help you make the most of your time at CAC and plan for a smooth and successful transfer.

Career Center

The Career Center is where students can find up-to-date resources in career assessment, resume development, interview preparation, and internships and more.

Next Steps / Book Information

Related Occupations

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources.