University of Arizona
As a large public research university, UA offers a full nursing degree ladder, including BSN, Accelerated BSN options, MSN and DNP pathways (including BSN to DNP), and PhD study, along with Family Nurse Practitioner preparation. At the prelicensure level, the conventional Tucson BSN is a two-year, in-person professional program (fall and spring with summers off). The Gilbert BSN-IH is a 15 to 17 month accelerated, hybrid option with year-round coursework and a published maximum cohort size of 72. Both pathways list 120 total credit hours and more than 1,000 clinical and simulation hours.
Coursework is organized to move from foundations and assessment into acute and chronic illness management, childbearing family nursing, mental health nursing, population health and community nursing, and leadership and management, with a clinical preceptorship toward the end of the program. The BSN-IH pathway builds in integrative health content and nonpharmacologic approaches, while still covering core nursing foundations, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice.
Clinical learning for University of Arizona nursing students is centered on two locations. In Tucson, BSN coursework is based on the University of Arizona Health Sciences Campus at 1305 N Martin Ave, with simulation-based learning built into the early nursing sequence and used alongside clinical placement. Students who choose the Integrative Health emphasis complete the accelerated BSN-IH in downtown Gilbert at the UA College of Nursing Distance Campus (92 W Vaughn Ave), which also has an advanced simulation lab.
NCLEX outcomes are strong and stable. Based on state Board of Nursing data, the program’s average weighted NCLEX-RN pass rate is 93.5%, closely tracking the Arizona state RN average of 93.7% for 2024.
For day-to-day logistics, the Tucson site places you near central Tucson and the university’s medical district, with typical commutes coming from Midtown and nearby neighborhoods. The Gilbert site is positioned for students living in the East Valley and is a practical option for commuters from Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and nearby Phoenix-area suburbs.
The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers students the Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN). This program is highly competitive and academically challenging. The program takes about 15 months. This program is for highly motivated individuals that demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a distinguished level of scholarship. For this program, the college seeks out students, who will contribute to and benefit from a diverse and vigorous learning environment, as well as students who will offer competence and service to others.
Potential candidates must complete all of the required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. They must also hold a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Eligible candidates will hold a Baccalaureate degree before applying to the program. Students must fully complete the online application and questionnaire and some students may be required to complete an interview in-person.
The annual deadline to apply to the MEPN program is January 15th. All prerequisites must be met by this date. The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing works with a Tucson healthcare agency to offer sponsored positions in the MEPN program. This will allow students the opportunity to receive tuition remission in exchange for work. Students interested in enrolling in this program should contact the Office of Student Affairs for more information.
The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers students that have an interest in a career in nursing the opportunity to major in Pre-Professional Nursing. This major offers successful graduates of this program a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students must meet certain requirements before they are eligible to enroll in to this program. Candidates must complete all of the required prerequisite courses. They must also currently hold at least a 3.4 cumulative grade point average. All interested individuals will be required to attend an information session, after the session an advisor will review them for eligibility for the program.
The application for the program is available online. Students must fully complete the application, and include a personal statement, a disclosure questionnaire (that accounts for 10% of the admission score), and work history. Students must also submit all of their post-secondary transcripts to the College of Nursing. Some candidates may be required to complete an over the phone interview or an in person interview. If you are a CNA or LPN, you can submit your current CNA certificate or an LPN License to the college. Admission for the program happens on February 1st and September 1st each year. For more information on the enrollment process for the University of Arizona’s BSN program potential candidates should contact an advisor at the Office of Student Affairs.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Accreditations
Nursing Programs Accreditations
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levels Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levels Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nurse Anesthesia (ANEST) - Institutions and programs at the master's degree, post master's certificate or doctoral degree levels Accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
Institutional Accreditations
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Nearby Nursing Schools
