Online NP Schools in Arizona

“Online nurse practitioner programs in Arizona play a pivotal role in addressing the state’s growing healthcare needs and the broader national shortage of healthcare providers.”

Lindsay Ann Bouchard, DNP, Director of the DNP Program, University of Arizona

Pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner (NP) in Arizona offers aspiring healthcare professionals a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives while enjoying the autonomy and flexibility associated with the NP role. Arizona is one of the states that grants full practice authority to NPs, allowing them to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and develop individualized care plans without the need for physician oversight. This level of independence has made Arizona an attractive destination for current and prospective nurse practitioners, particularly as the demand for these highly skilled professionals continues to grow.

The growth of the NP profession in Arizona is nothing short of remarkable. According to data from 2022, there were 6,540 nurse practitioners working within the state. However, this number is projected to skyrocket to 11,200 by 2032, representing an astounding 71 percent increase over just a decade, as estimated by CareerOneStop.org (2025). This surge is driven by a variety of factors, including a growing population, increased access to healthcare under expanding coverage options, and the state’s proactive approach to utilizing nurse practitioners to fill crucial gaps in primary care. 

Online NP programs in Arizona are stepping up to meet this demand, offering flexible and accessible educational opportunities for aspiring NPs to balance rigorous training with their existing responsibilities.

NP Openings in Arizona (2022-2032)
Source : CareerOneStop (2025)

Meet the Expert: Lindsay Ann Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN

Lindsay Ann Bouchard

Dr. Lindsay Ann Bouchard serves as the vice chair and director of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing, where she is also an associate clinical professor. Holding a DNP degree in psychiatric mental health from the University of Arizona, a master’s in nursing from McGill University, and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Michigan, Dr. Bouchard brings a wealth of academic and clinical expertise to her roles.

Her research focuses on resilience, compassion fatigue, and mental health, with significant contributions to nursing education and practice, including the pilot of a resiliency course for DNP students and innovative simulation-based education models. A recipient of honors such as the Excellence in Teaching Award and Extraordinary Faculty Award, she is a leader in fostering well-being and advancing nursing education. 

Additionally, Dr. Bouchard has extensive clinical experience in psychiatric-mental health and has collaborated on numerous publications and presentations that address critical issues in nursing and healthcare.

NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Arizona?

Dr. Bouchard: Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Arizona play a pivotal role in addressing the state’s growing healthcare needs and the broader national shortage of healthcare providers. Doctor of nursing practice (DNP)-prepared nurse practitioners are uniquely equipped to help alleviate this gap by improving access to high-quality healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. 

As a pioneer in hybrid models of NP education, the University of Arizona College of Nursing offers an established, innovative, and highly ranked (10th among public nursing schools and 19th overall) pathway for DNP students to experience the flexibility of online education combined with the benefits of in-person clinical intensives and rotations.

NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?

Dr. Bouchard: Aspiring online DNP students in Arizona should focus on the long-term impact of a DNP degree on their careers and the communities they serve. A DNP degree provides opportunities to move into leadership roles, engage in clinical scholarship, drive change in healthcare systems, shape the future of nursing education, and make a difference in patient outcomes. With seven specialty tracks, the University of Arizona College of Nursing’s DNP program offers nurses with many different backgrounds and career goals the tools necessary to make meaningful change. 

Earning a DNP degree is not just an investment in your career but in the future of healthcare, particularly in Arizona, where there is a critical need for skilled providers and leaders.

Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Arizona (Ranked by In-State Tuition)

School Degrees Specializations Programs & Tuition Programs Tuition
(in-state)
Grand Canyon University
  • MSN
  • PMC
  • AGNP
  • FNP
  • Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP – $26,825
  • Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner – $26,825
  • MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – $38,425
  • Show More Programs (+)
  • MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner – $38,425
  • RN-to-MSN Bridge – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's) – $46,585
  • RN-to-MSN Bridge – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's) – $46,585
  • Show Fewer Programs (-)
Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP $26,825
Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner $26,825
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner $38,425
Show More Programs (+)
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner $38,425
RN-to-MSN Bridge – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's) $46,585
RN-to-MSN Bridge – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's) $46,585
Show Fewer Programs (-)
University of Arizona
  • DNP
  • AGNP
  • FNP
  • FNP,AGNP
  • FNP,PMHNP
  • PMHNP
  • PNP
  • PNP,PMHNP
  • BSN to DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – $68,445
  • BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – $72,657
  • BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – $73,710
  • Show More Programs (+)
  • BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – $73,710
  • BSN to DNP Dual Specialty – PNP/PMHNP – $92,664
  • BSN to DNP Dual Specialty – FNP/PMHNP – $93,717
  • BSN to DNP Dual Specialty – FNP/AGACNP – $95,823
  • Show Fewer Programs (-)
BSN to DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner $68,445
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner $72,657
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner $73,710
Show More Programs (+)
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner $73,710
BSN to DNP Dual Specialty – PNP/PMHNP $92,664
BSN to DNP Dual Specialty – FNP/PMHNP $93,717
BSN to DNP Dual Specialty – FNP/AGACNP $95,823
Show Fewer Programs (-)
Northern Arizona University
  • MSN
  • PMC
  • CNS
  • FNP
  • PMHNP
  • Post-Graduate Certificate – CNS – Prescribing (for current CNS's) – $14,820
  • Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – $44,460
  • Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner – $51,870
  • Show More Programs (+)
  • MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner – $59,131
  • MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – $66,690
  • Show Fewer Programs (-)
Post-Graduate Certificate – CNS – Prescribing (for current CNS's) $14,820
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP $44,460
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner $51,870
Show More Programs (+)
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner $59,131
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP $66,690
Show Fewer Programs (-)

NP Practice Authority in Arizona

StateBoard of NursingPractice ActPrescriptive AuthorityDetails & Resources
ArizonaArizona Board of NursingArizona Nursing Statutes, AZ Nurse Practice ActFull practice with current license and DEA registrationNurse practitioners who prescribe  controlled substances will need to apply to the Drug Enforcement Administration for a DEA number as well as utilize the Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP)

How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Arizona?

United StatesArizona
Number of NPs Employed307,3907,540
Average Salary$132,000$132,920
10th Percentile$97,960$84,740
25th Percentile$109,940$115,290
50th Percentile (Median)$129,210$133,790
75th Percentile$149,570$151,650
90th Percentile$169,950$172,610
Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of May 2025
Kimmy Gustafson

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

Among her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.