Arizona is known as the “Sunniest Place on Earth” with over 300 sunny days per year. But beyond its consistency in weather, it’s also a reliable state for nurses to find consistent work and decent paychecks. According to the latest statistics, Arizona is expecting a massive 39% increase in nursing positions by 2030 — one of the largest increases in the US. Nurses at every level can expect to take advantage of this level of job growth, but nurses with higher-level degrees such as a Master of Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can expect even more growth in their fields.

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Arizona

Rankings help prospective nurses compare programs and make informed decisions. Our ranking of the Best Nursing Schools in Arizona uses NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion, reflecting program effectiveness. Registerednursing.org has analyzed state data to highlight top performers. Learn more about our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates have risen steadily over the past three years, indicating improving program outcomes statewide.

  • 2024: 93.86%
  • 2023: 91.31%
  • 2022: 84.78%

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

ADN programs show a slightly higher average pass rate than BSN programs, with all program types exceeding 89%.

  • ADN: 95.56%
  • BSN: 90.83%
  • Accelerated BSN: 89.16%
  • MSN: 91.89%

Biggest Improvements

These schools posted the largest gains in pass rates, with improvements exceeding 24 percentage points.

  • Pima Medical Institute-Mesa: +31.38% (64.45% to 95.83%)
  • Brookline College-Phoenix: +31.29% (63.89% to 95.18%)
  • Cochise County Community College District: +24.52% (69.23% to 93.75%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

These schools maintained average pass rates above 96% across three years of data.

  • Eastern Arizona College: 98.92%
  • Estrella Mountain Community College: 97.03%
  • Northland Pioneer College: 96.29%
  • Scottsdale Community College: 96.18%
  • Mesa Community College: 96.17%
#1

Eastern Arizona College

Thatcher, AZ - Public 4-Year - eac.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Eastern Arizona College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) program prepares you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. This on-campus program in Thatcher, Arizona, combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences to build essential nursing skills. You'll study anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, and nursing ethics, developing the competence to provide safe, effective care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and home health. EA's nursing program is ACEN-accredited and ranked #1 in Arizona by registerednursing.org. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, you'll receive personalized support. The program can be completed in four full-time semesters (plus prerequisites) and offers fall and spring start dates. An ATI TEAS entrance exam is required. Transfer options to RN-to-BSN programs are available through partnerships with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University. Start your nursing journey at EA and join a community of healthcare professionals making a difference.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 4-Semester program
  • Starts fall/spring
  • $87 application fee
  • Prepares for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
  • ACEN accredited through Spring 2029
  • Thatcher campus location
  • Career paths include nurse anesthetist
#2

Estrella Mountain Community College

Avondale, AZ - Public 2-Year - estrellamountain.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing at Estrella Mountain Community College prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. This four-semester program, part of the Maricopa Nursing consortium, blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Students develop nursing skills, patient care techniques, and critical thinking. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure and find careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The Concurrent Enrollment Program offers a path to earn both an AAS and a BSN simultaneously, saving time and money. The program includes health, safety, and background check requirements to ensure professional readiness. It is a practical, fast-track option for aspiring nurses.

  • 4-Semester program
  • Eligibility for RN licensure
  • Concurrent Enrollment Program available
  • Requires CPR certification
  • Requires background check
  • Requires fingerprint clearance card
#3

Northland Pioneer College

Holbrook, AZ - Public 4-Year - npc.edu

Associate - Registered Nursing (AAS)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northland Pioneer College's Registered Nursing (AAS) program is a two-year, accredited degree that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career in professional nursing. The curriculum blends classroom theory with hands-on labs and clinical experiences every semester, covering areas like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. You'll benefit from small class sizes and personalized tutoring from experienced faculty. NPC's program is notably affordable, costing a fraction of comparable Arizona programs. Graduates enjoy high job placement rates and can easily transfer to a BSN program at Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, or Grand Canyon University. With strong NCLEX pass rates and pathways for LPNs and paramedics, NPC offers a supportive and practical route to becoming a registered nurse.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Arizona State Board of Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 2-Year program
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • 94% job placement rate
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
#4

Mesa Community College

Mesa, AZ - Public 4-Year - mesacc.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at Mesa Community College prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum combines general education prerequisites with nursing theory and clinical practice courses. Students study human anatomy, microbiology, psychology, and nursing science across four core nursing courses. Clinical experiences are provided in acute care, long-term care, and community settings, giving students hands-on patient care skills. Graduates are eligible to take the national RN licensure exam and can pursue employment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Admission is competitive and cohort-based, requiring completion of prerequisite courses, a passing score on a nursing admission test, a Level One fingerprint clearance card, health declaration, and a drug screen. The program is designed for full-time students and offers a pathway to further education through articulation agreements with BSN programs.

  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Cohort-based structure
  • $98,029 median earnings
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required
  • Health Declaration form required
  • Timed urine drug screen required
  • Clinical experiences in varied healthcare settings
  • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
#5

Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale, AZ - Public 4-Year - scottsdalecc.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing at Scottsdale Community College prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends nursing theory and science with hands-on clinical experiences in acute care, long-term care, and community settings. You'll learn person-centered care, professionalism, leadership, and evidence-based practice aligned with Nurse of the Future Competencies. The program covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing theory across six full-time semesters. Upon graduation, you're eligible to sit for the national RN licensure exam. The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Many students continue on to a BSN through university transfer pathways. With a strong local job market and a median RN salary of $81,600, this degree offers a solid foundation for a rewarding healthcare career.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Average Salary $81,600
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Clinical experiences in varied healthcare settings
  • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
  • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required
  • Health and safety requirements include drug screening
  • Aligned with Nurse of the Future Competencies
#6

GateWay Community College

Phoenix, AZ - Public 4-Year - gatewaycc.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

GateWay Community College's Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). The curriculum covers nursing theory, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology, with clinical experiences in acute, long-term, and community settings. Students learn to provide patient-centered care, collaborate with healthcare teams, and integrate technology for safe outcomes. The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for RN licensure. The cohort-based structure fosters teamwork and support. Prerequisites include biology, chemistry, and math courses. With a full-time sequence spanning six semesters, students gain hands-on skills in diverse clinical environments. The program also offers a pathway to a BSN through university transfer.

  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
  • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required
  • Health and physical requirements for clinicals
  • University transfer pathway to BSN
  • Cohort-based program with limited spaces
  • Minimum grade of C required in all courses
#7

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - gcu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program prepares you to become a registered nurse through a comprehensive, practice-focused curriculum. You'll dive into health assessment, adult health, behavioral health, pediatrics, obstetrics, pharmacology, informatics, and evidence-based practice — all aligned with NCLEX-RN competencies. The program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care and leadership development. You'll gain hands-on experience in immersive simulation suites and clinical rotations across hospitals, outpatient centers, and community settings. A capstone project sharpens your research and evidence-based skills. With 123 credits and up to 90 transferable, the program offers flexibility. GCU's College of Nursing is accredited by CCNE and features a 97.17% NCLEX first-time pass rate (2024). The campus-based format includes 15-week semesters and a Transition to Practice Nurse Residency. Graduates pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and more, with a strong foundation for advanced nursing degrees.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Exams: ACT, SAT
  • 123 total credit hours
  • 97% licensure pass rate
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • Capstone required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • 97.17% NCLEX first-time pass rate
#8

Arizona Western College

Yuma, AZ - Public 2-Year - azwestern.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arizona Western College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. This two-year, campus-based program combines classroom instruction with hands-on simulation training and clinical practice in real healthcare settings. You'll learn essential nursing skills, from patient assessment to critical care, and gain experience in areas like medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health. The curriculum emphasizes safe, competent care and includes NCLEX preparation. With a low faculty-to-student ratio of 1:10 in clinicals, you receive personalized guidance. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure and can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program is ACEN-accredited and offers concurrent enrollment options with universities for further education. Start your journey in fall or spring with a supportive learning environment.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • $14,220 total program tuition
  • $100 per credit
  • 2-Year program
  • 66 total credit hours
  • Apply by 2026-03-01
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
#9

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ - Public 4-Year - nau.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northern Arizona University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares you for a compassionate, high-demand career in healthcare. The program blends science with empathy through rigorous coursework, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and diverse clinical placements across Arizona. You’ll study at campuses in Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix, Yuma, or online, with tracks including Traditional, Accelerated, and RN-to-BSN. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from expert faculty who support you from orientation through NCLEX preparation. NAU is nationally recognized for its focus on rural and Indigenous health, partnering with tribal communities to address healthcare disparities. With NCLEX pass rates consistently above 90% and CCNE accreditation, you’ll graduate ready for roles in hospitals, clinics, public health, and beyond. Whether you’re entering nursing for the first time or advancing your career, NAU’s BSN offers a supportive, community-centered path to making a difference.

  • CCNE accredited
  • 7 concentration options
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 90% licensure pass rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Immersive simulation labs for hands-on training
  • Focus on rural and Indigenous health
  • Multiple campus locations across Arizona
  • Small class sizes for personalized learning

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northern Arizona University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and have completed prerequisites. Offered at the North Valley campus, this intensive program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and a career in nursing. The curriculum includes immersive simulation lab training and diverse clinical placements across Arizona's communities, with a special focus on rural and Indigenous health. You'll learn from supportive faculty in small class settings, gaining skills in culturally responsive care. Graduates pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, public health, and beyond. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and boasts NCLEX pass rates consistently above 90%.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • 90% licensure pass rate
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Prior bachelor's degree required
  • Offered at North Valley campus
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#10

Glendale Community College

Glendale, AZ - Public 4-Year - gccaz.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Glendale Community College's Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing prepares students for the RN licensure exam. The curriculum blends nursing theory with clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care, and community settings. Students learn patient-centered care, teamwork, technology integration, and evidence-based practice, guided by Nurse of the Future Competencies. The program spans six semesters full-time, requiring 62-75 credits. Admission requires prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and math, plus a nursing entrance exam. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, the program offers clinical rotations and a cohort structure for hands-on learning. Graduates are ready for diverse registered nurse roles.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Cohort-based structure
  • 2.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
  • Clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings
  • Aligned with Nurse of the Future Competencies
  • Requires Level One Fingerprint Clearance
  • High school diploma or GED required
*Federal data source: IPEDS 2025, administered by NCES.

Arizona Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you’re just starting out in the nursing field, you’ll want to start with an entry-level degree. The three typical routes for entry-level nurses are and Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here are the differences:

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to start out in the nursing field, you’ll want to consider nursing diploma or ADN degree programs. These options take about a year or two to complete and will equip you with all the necessary training needed to start your new career. If you’re already working as an LPN, you may want to consider an LPN to RN bridge program. These types of programs work with your existing training to allow you to graduate with either an ADN or BSN in a much shorter amount of time than if you were to enter with no training at all and allow you to become licensed as an RN.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Arizona include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Arizona.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

If you’re looking for more training than an associate degree or nursing diploma can offer, your safest bet is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Like the previously mentioned options, a BSN can be achieve in a number of different routes. If you have no previous schooling and no previous nursing experience, you’ll need to enroll as a 4-year student. However, if you have previous nursing experience and an ADN, you may be eligible to finish your degree in under three years through an RN to BSN program. No nursing experience? No problem! An Accelerated BSN (ABSN) can be a great option for students who have a bachelor’s degree majoring in a field other than nursing.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Arizona typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

For RN bridge programs visit:

An Arizona RN to BSN is the perfect option for nurses that are already licensed as RNs and have a few years of experience under their belt. Completing this bridge program allows you to receive your BSN in around half the time that it would take you as a traditional BSN student. To enroll, you’ll need an associate’s degree in nursing and an RN license.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Even students who have no nursing experience at all can find a shorter route to a BSN; if you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, you can complete an Arizona ABSN program in as little as a year!

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Whether you’re already working as a nurse and looking to expand your horizons, or you’re a student with no experience at all aiming higher than entry-level nursing, graduate-level nursing education such as Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, or the highest-level degree you can receive as a nurse, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there are plenty of options located in Arizona. To get started you’ll need either a BSN or MSN, and hold an active and unencumbered RN license.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Arizona:

See Related Articles

Getting an RN License in Arizona

Following graduation, the next step you’ll need to take before working as a nurse is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed as an RN. The process following the exam is an application and fee submitted to the Arizona State Board of Nursing and keeping to date with any continuing education required of you by the state to maintain your license.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Arizona

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the Arizona State Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

The answer is simple — you won’t be able to get licensed. When a nursing school is accredited, it means that the state board has approved it and it’s curriculum. As licensure is handled by the board, seeking accredited schools is essential. As you begin your search, make sure that all nursing programs you apply to are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Cities With Nursing Programs in Arizona

List of Nursing Schools in Arizona

We've gathered a list of nursing schools in Arizona. Below is a table that shows each school's city and state, highlights of their nursing programs, and direct links to the program pages. This makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit. Whether looking for an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree, these programs offer different paths to a nursing career. Check the table to see what each school provides and click through for more details.
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Avondale, AZ

Estrella Mountain Community College

  • Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Semester program
    • Eligibility for RN licensure
    • Concurrent Enrollment Program available
    • Requires CPR certification
    • Requires background check
    • Requires fingerprint clearance card

Coolidge, AZ

Central Arizona College

  • Associate - Nursing (AAS)

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN, Arizona State Board of Nursing accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 98% licensure pass rate
    • 83% job placement rate

Flagstaff, AZ

Coconino Community College

  • Associate - Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • $244 per credit
    • 4-Semester program
    • Apply by 2026-09-04
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 90% licensure pass rate

Northern Arizona University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 90% licensure pass rate
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 7 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 90% licensure pass rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Ranked #1 most affordable online RN-to-BSN in Arizona
    • Ranked #2 RN-to-BSN program in Arizona

Glendale, AZ

Glendale Community College

  • Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
    • Clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings
    • Aligned with Nurse of the Future Competencies

Holbrook, AZ

Northland Pioneer College

  • Associate - Registered Nursing (AAS)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Arizona State Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2-Year program
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 94% job placement rate
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

Kingman, AZ

Mohave Community College

  • Associate - Nursing - Registered Nursing - RN - A.A.S.

    Campus Based - Website

    • National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 2.9 GPA minimum
    • 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX

Mesa, AZ

Carrington College-Mesa

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 23-Month program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Military benefits accepted
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online post-licensure program
    • Completed in 15 months
    • Builds on existing RN experience
    • Focuses on leadership skills
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles
    • Financial aid available
    • Conferred by Sacramento campus

Mesa Community College

  • Associate - Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Cohort-based structure
    • $98,029 median earnings
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required
    • Health Declaration form required
    • Timed urine drug screen required

Pima Medical Institute-East Valley

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • High-fidelity mannequins training
    • Clinical externships with real patients
    • Approved by Arizona Board of Nursing
    • Career services support available
    • Pathway to RN to BSN program
    • Extensive hands-on lab training

Pima Medical Institute-Mesa

  • Associate - Nursing Associate Degree Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 20-Month program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Extensive hands-on training and labs
    • Simulation with high-fidelity mannequins
    • Clinical externships with real patients
    • RN to BSN pathway available
    • Career services support available
    • Work in hospitals, clinics, schools
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible learning platform
    • Approximately 1-year program length
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Leadership and management focus
    • No additional licensing required
    • 42 Nursing credits transferred
    • Experienced field expert instructors
    • Advanced career opportunities

Phoenix, AZ

Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix

  • Bachelor's - 3-Year BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in in as little as three years
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Convenient Night Classes for Gen Ed Courses
    • New sessions start every 8 weeks
    • Advanced Simulation Facilities
    • Personalized attention

Brookline College-Phoenix

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Year program
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • VR clinical simulations

GateWay Community College

  • Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
    • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required
    • Health and physical requirements for clinicals
    • University transfer pathway to BSN

Grand Canyon University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Exams: ACT, SAT
    • 123 total credit hours
    • 97% licensure pass rate
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available

Prescott, AZ

Yavapai College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Arizona State Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 4-Semester program
    • 40.5 total credit hours
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: ACT, SAT, TEAS
    • 3.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Full-time clinical nursing program
    • Multiple start dates per year

Scottsdale Community College

  • Associate - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Average Salary $81,600
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Clinical experiences in varied healthcare settings
    • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
    • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required

Tempe, AZ

Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe

  • Bachelor's - BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in in as little as three years
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Night classes for gen ed
    • Starts every 8 weeks
    • Advanced simulation facilities
    • Personalized attention

Arizona State University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Prepares for National Council Licensure Examination
    • Military benefits accepted
    • Financial aid available
    • Prelicensure and RN to BSN pathways
    • Traditional BSN: 4 semesters, 3 starts per year
    • Accelerated BSN: 12-month, year-round program
    • RN to BSN online: complete in as little as 14 months

Brookline College-Tempe

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in in as few as three years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • Cohort-based structure

Thatcher, AZ

Eastern Arizona College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 4-Semester program
    • Starts fall/spring
    • $87 application fee
    • Prepares for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
    • Ranked #1 nursing school in Arizona

Tucson, AZ

Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson

  • Bachelor's - Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 3-Year program
    • 6 start dates per year
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 92% job placement rate
    • 2.8 GPA minimum

Carrington College-Tucson

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 23-Month program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Military benefits accepted
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online post-licensure program
    • Complete in 15 months
    • Advanced nursing skills development
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Designed for working RNs

University of Arizona

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 93% licensure pass rate
    • $88K High Starting Salary
    • 600 clinical hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Top nursing program in Arizona
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Integrative Health - Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Complete in 15-16 months
    • 93% licensure pass rate
    • $88,000 median earnings
    • 600 clinical hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Top-ranked nursing program in Arizona
    • Hybrid online and in-person learning

Yuma, AZ

Arizona Western College

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • $14,220 total program tuition
    • $100 per credit
    • 2-Year program
    • 66 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-03-01
*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2025 institutional survey.

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