Pima Community College
Pima Community College in Tucson offers three practical entry points into nursing: a Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate, an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) for RN licensure, and a PN exit option built into the AAS pathway. As a community college program, the structure is cohort based and career focused, with competitive or selective admissions for the RN track and clear preparatory course requirements before you apply.
Most core nursing coursework is delivered full time at Pima’s West Campus, and student schedules are set by the department based on clinical site and instructor availability, so you should be prepared for day, evening, or weekend assignments. Pima describes a stackable model where students can move step by step: in the ADN sequence, students may be eligible to sit for the CNA exam after the first semester and the LPN exam after the first three semesters, then continue through to RN eligibility. Qualified ADN students can also pursue concurrent enrollment to complete BSN coursework through Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, or Grand Canyon University while finishing the associate degree.
On-campus training includes Pima’s Health Professions Center at West Campus, a $33 million, 80,000 square foot facility with HyFlex classrooms, skills labs, and a nine-bay Simulation Center using life-sized synthetic human models and mixed reality headsets.
For clinical placement, students should expect to provide their own transportation and meet standard compliance items such as an Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card, toxicology screening, immunizations (including Hepatitis B series, COVID, and annual flu), TB screening, health insurance, and American Heart Association BLS.
On licensure outcomes, Pima Community College’s average weighted NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.8% compared with the 2024 Arizona average of 93.7%. For practical nursing, the average weighted NCLEX-PN pass rate is 93.3% compared with the 2024 Arizona average of 93.8%.
The ADN program at Pima Community College provides students with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and start a career as a Registered Nurse. The program typically spans 5-6 semesters and is highly competitive.
Admission Requirements
- Prerequisites: Students must complete several prerequisite courses with strong grades before applying:
- BIO 201IN or BIO 201IH: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with a grade of "B" or better.
- BIO 202IN: Human Anatomy and Physiology II with a grade of "B" or better.
- MAT 142 or higher: College Mathematics with a grade of "C" or better.
- WRT 101: College Composition with a grade of "C" or better.
- Competitive Admission: Admission is based on academic performance in these prerequisites, and only the most qualified applicants are admitted.
Program Structure
The ADN program follows a cohort model, meaning students progress through the curriculum together as a group. Key components include:
- Core Nursing Courses: Students will engage in both theoretical and practical training. The curriculum includes courses on nursing processes, pharmacology, and specialized labs for clinical skills development.
- Clinical Rotations: Students participate in clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, gaining hands-on experience in patient care under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)
For those interested in advancing their education further, PCC offers a Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) in partnership with universities. This program allows students to work towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while completing their ADN, providing a streamlined pathway to higher education
Pima Community College’s Center for Training and Development offers a licensed practical nursing program that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The program is ideal for students who have obligations outside of school, such as work or children because they offer either weekday classes or classes on evenings and weekends.
After completing this course the student will be given a certificate (non-credit certificate) and will be eligible to take the licensing exam. The course prepares the student to work in a variety of health care settings with classes such as Health Care Fundamentals and Introduction to Practical nursing.
Admission into the program is offered five times each year. To qualify for admission potential students must take the Accuplacer exam and pass with satisfactory scores. Candidates for the program must also obtain a fingerprint clearance card as well as pass a drug test and show documentation of current immunizations and TB skin test.
The program accepts transfer students from other accredited schools that have completed all of the necessary prerequisites. Also with completion of this course and with successful completion of the licensing process, the student has an option to get admitted into the associate degree-nursing program offered by PCC’s Center for Training and development.
PCC offers an ADN-PN step-out option for students who complete the first three semesters of the ADN program. This allows them to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and obtain their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. This flexibility is beneficial for students who may want to begin working sooner while continuing their education towards an RN
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Accreditations
Nursing Programs Accreditations
- Nursing (ADNUR) - Associate degree programs Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission)
Institutional Accreditations
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Nearby Nursing Schools
