Nursing Schools in Arizona
The state is home to 49 nursing schools that cater to various educational pathways, from entry-level certifications to advanced degrees. These institutions include community colleges, universities, and specialized nursing schools, providing students with options to obtain credentials such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Prominent institutions for nursing education in Arizona include Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University (NAU). ASU is particularly well-regarded for its comprehensive BSN and MSN programs, offering students robust clinical experiences and research opportunities. The University of Arizona also stands out with its accelerated BSN program, which is ideal for individuals seeking a fast-track entry into the nursing profession. NAU, known for its focus on rural health, offers a range of nursing programs, including an RN-to-BSN pathway designed to help registered nurses advance their education and career prospects.
Community colleges, such as Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima Community College, play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable nursing education. These schools offer ADN programs that are popular for their lower cost and shorter duration, enabling students to enter the nursing workforce more quickly. Additionally, LPN programs are available across several institutions, providing a quicker entry point into the nursing field.
The cost of nursing education in Arizona varies widely depending on the institution and the level of the program. For example, community college ADN programs are typically more affordable, with tuition ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per year. In contrast, BSN programs at universities may cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on residency status and the specific institution. Prospective students should also consider additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, and clinical fees.
The nursing workforce in Arizona is experiencing significant demand, driven by population growth and an aging population that requires increased healthcare services. The state, part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allows nurses to practice in multiple states with a single license, which is an added benefit for those entering the field. Despite this, Arizona has reported shortages in nursing professionals, particularly in rural areas, where access to healthcare is more limited.
In terms of salaries, registered nurses (RNs) in Arizona earn a median annual salary of approximately $91,430, with hourly wages around $44. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn a median annual salary of $66,720, or about $32 per hour. Advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners, command higher salaries, with median earnings of $132,560 annually. These figures reflect the competitive nature of nursing compensation in Arizona, which is aligned with the national average but varies depending on experience, specialization, and location within the state.
Top RN Programs in Arizona
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a large public institution with degree programs for both undergraduates and graduates. The main campus is in Flagstaff, Arizona, with four other campuses throughout the state. The school was established in 1899, with just 23 students. The Flagstaff campus is 6,950 feet above sea level, offering students four-season climate, including snowfall during the winter months. It is a beautiful campus with a diverse student population and several nursing programs to help students on their path to becoming nurses.
The programs offered include BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN programs. The BSN program is designed to take four and a half years to complete and includes hands-on clinical training at various community healthcare facilities. Classes include traditional classroom learning and online classes, giving students a hybrid learning experience that may better suit their schedules. Upon completion of the BSN program, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The MSN graduate program offers two specialty tracks, including Nurse Generalist and Family Nurse Practitioner. The graduate program is completed online. However, students will need to visit the campus several times in their final year for testing.
Established in 1969, Scottsdale Community College is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. The main campus is located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, making SCC the only public community college with a campus located in tribal land. While 948 students enrolled in the fall semester of 1970, SCC currently serves over 10,000 students each semester. SCC has continued to expand and attract students from over 100 different countries and of all ages. The number of programs offered at SCC has also grown. Along with nursing, SCC offers students courses in a wide variety of fields, including the first accredited DJ and Turntablism classes.
Scottsdale Community College offers a pathway to becoming a registered nurse, with a two-year Associates in Appliance Science degree. This is a four-semester program with classes offered in the Fall and Spring. The nursing courses are taught in the Health and Sciences Building and are approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. During the program, students receive hands-on training at local healthcare facilities. Students interested in earning an associate degree in nursing should contact the SCC Advisement Center to learn more about the prerequisites and application requirements.
Paradise Valley Community College is a two-year college founded in 1985 in northeastern Phoenix, Arizona. PVCC was established by the Maricopa County Community College District and was initially named the Northeast Valley Education Center. The present name was adopted the following year. PVCC became an independent college in 1990 and was previously an extension of Scottsdale Community College. PVCC continues to expand, with over 14,000 students and a new building for the study of life sciences. The number of employees has also grown, from 62 total employees in 1987 to over 695 employees today.
Paradise Valley Community College provides multiple pathways to starting a career in the nursing field. This includes a Nurse Assisting Certificate of Completion (CCL) and an Associates in Applied Sciences degree in nursing. The CCL is designed to prepare nursing students for entry-level jobs in the healthcare field. Students receive classroom instruction and clinical labs. After completing the course, students may take a written and practical certification examination to begin working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and is available through eight of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Students require a GED or high school diploma and are welcome to apply with a formal application.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing at its Williams Campus, which is part of the MaricopaNursing consortium.
The Williams Campus is conveniently located in Mesa, AZ, near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, making it accessible for students living in the East Valley and surrounding areas.
Here are the key details about the program:
Admission Requirements:
- Prerequisites: Applicants must complete several general education courses, including Biology (BIO156 or BIO181), Chemistry (CHM130 and CHM130LL), English (ENG101 or ENG107), and Mathematics (MAT140, MAT141, or MAT142) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Additionally, a nurse assistant course with an in-person clinical component is required.
- Entrance Exam: The HESI A2 exam is required as part of the admission process. It assesses academic readiness in areas such as math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, learning style, personality style, and critical thinking. A minimum score must be achieved to be eligible for admission.
- Background and Health Check: A background check and health clearance are required before beginning the program to ensure eligibility for clinical placements.
Program Format and Clinical Rotations:
The AAS Nursing program is primarily on-campus and includes clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities in the region, providing hands-on experience in different clinical settings.
For more information, prospective students should visit CGCC’s official website or contact the nursing program directly.
The Chamberlain College of Nursing-Arizona in Phoenix is one of eight campuses that are part of Chamberlain College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Inc. The Phoenix campus is conveniently located in a major metro area right off highway 17. The school is a for-profit institution and offers low tuition rates compared to other nursing schools in the region. They even charge the same tuition fees whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. The Chamberlain admissions representatives can also assist students in exploring financial aid options. Over 80% of the students at this school receive financial assistance, such as loans, grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
The Chamberlain College of Nursing-Arizona may be a small school; however, it does offer accredited programs for those interested in a career in nursing. These programs include a CCNE-accredited BSN degree program, along with an MSN program with four specialty tracks. The BSN program is designed to be completed in just three years when classes are taken year-round. No perquisites are needed to enroll in this program. Clinical labs are completed on site, allowing students to learn and work alongside the faculty and their peers. The school also offers small class sizes, with a 10:1 student to teacher ratio.
GateWay Community College was established in 1968 and originally located in downtown Phoenix as the first technical college in the state of Arizona. GCC is one of 10 accredited colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District and the only college in the district served by the Valley Metro Light Rail, making it a convenient destination for students already living in the greater Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa region. GCC recently integrated the Maricopa Skill Center to increase the number of available courses. Combined with the Maricopa Skill Center, GCC currently offers over 160 different programs providing degrees and certificates.
GateWay Community College provides a wide variety of programs in various fields, including many healthcare-related programs. The nursing programs include an Associates in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree and certificates of completion in nurse refresher and practical nursing. A transition course is available for licensed practical nurses wanting to become registered nurses. GCC also provides continuing education programs for healthcare and nursing as well as a practical nurse bridge for military veterans with a nursing background. Students interested in any of the nursing programs offered at SCC are required to attend an information session, where they will receive enrollment guidance and more information about the programs being offered.
Glendale Community College (GCC) is located in Glendale, Arizona. This community college is among the largest in all of Arizona and it has over 19,000 students enrolled. Glendale opened its doors in 1965 and the main campus is 147 acres. This school offers many different associate's degree programs for students to pursue. There are also many certificate programs and industry-specific training options that will appeal to prospective students. The credits that are earned at Glendale Community College can be transferred to several major Universities. This is one of the largest community colleges in the entirety of the United States.
Nursing opportunities at this school are vast and many different programs are available to students. Enrolled students can pursue an LPN, ADN, or CNA education. The nursing programs offer smaller class sizes than those at the nearby universities while also managing to keep the costs lower. GCC is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The entire nursing program is also fully approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. There are many courses that will appeal to nurses that are continuing their education, as well as those who are new nursing students. This program also offers the ability to earn a bachelor's degree while earning an associate's degree through the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP).
Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix offers several nursing programs through its College of Nursing and Health Care Professions. These include the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Accelerated BSN (ABSN), and various graduate-level programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Creighton University’s Phoenix campus is an extension of the prestigious Jesuit university based in Omaha, Nebraska. Located in the heart of Phoenix, this campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive and hands-on educational experience. The Phoenix campus is particularly known for its healthcare programs, which are designed to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region.
Pima Community College (PCC) in Tucson, Arizona, is a well-established institution known for its robust healthcare programs. The college offers a variety of nursing pathways, including the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which is designed to prepare students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). PCC's nursing programs are accredited and recognized for producing competent and skilled healthcare professionals.
Available Programs
The University of Arizona is a public university with significant enrollment numbers. Over 43,000 students enrolled last year. The school was founded in 1885, making it the first university established in the Arizona Territory. The main campus includes over 179 buildings covering over a mile of land in central Tucson. The university is affiliated with two local academic medical centers – the Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix and Tucson. Students also have access to one of the biggest health sciences libraries in the state. The Arizona Health Sciences Library is on the main campus and serves the University of Arizona College of Nursing, along with other health and sciences colleges.
The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers a BSN program and an accelerated MSN program. These programs are offered both on campus and online, offering more flexibility for students. The UA College of Nursing is also home to the Integrative Nursing Facility Fellowship. Students receive training through both simulation and clinical work at affiliated hospitals and care facilities located on or near the campus. For those that want to apply for the BSN program, the UA College of Nursing also offers a pre-professional nursing major. It includes prerequisite courses and helps prepare students for the BSN program.