Bsn Programs In Arizona
Nursing is an exciting and rewarding profession and the professional designation carries acclaim and respect throughout the world. With the increasing knowledge and labor challenges in the healthcare industry, job openings and career advancement for RNs with a BSN degree are expanding steadily. BSN graduates who pass the NCLEX for licensure can then choose from a variety of practice areas and related disciplines and begin to shape healthcare over the course of their lifetime. In many ways, a BSN degree is the foundation of your nursing career.
Why You Should Care About The Nursing Programs Accreditation
Nursing students who complete their studies at a non-accredited university will not be able to sit for the NCLEX. Therefore, they will face immense challenges in securing stable, well-paying jobs. Why? Because students who do not take the NCLEX are not eligible to work as Registered Nurses.
The two nursing program accrediting organizations are,
Top Nursing Schools In Arizona
Each school has its own benefits and drawbacks. So, depending on what your short and long term nursing goals are, one school can easily seem better than the rest. So, its best to compare each school to determine the best fit for your needs.
With that in mind, we consider these to be the best schools in Arizona, ranked in no particular order:
Annual In-State Tuition: $10,390| NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.03%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Before applying to Northern Arizona Universitys BSN program, its important to know that this is a four and a half year program, meaning nine semesters of study. However, NAU allows nursing students to study via one of their four programs located across the northern part of Arizona. Even with such versatility, NAU still boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate for graduates of the program. Maybe that extra semester is a good thing!
Annual Tuition: $18,880 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 80%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Arizona College has multiple locations across multiple states, but nursing students will likely study at their Tempe location. The highlight of Arizona Colleges BSN program is that its accelerated and should be finished in just three years. After finishing, Arizona College says students will be more than prepared for the NCLEX . Considering the abbreviated program, the price for this school can be much lower than expected, and you can start your nursing career even sooner.
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
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Adn Program Admission Requirements In Arizona
Throughout the state, each school has slightly different admission requirements that students must provide in order to be admitted and be in ‘good standing’. While each one is unique, some common admission elements are:
- Complete all application documents in line with college timelines
- Ensure residency and citizenship requirements are met with appropriate supporting documentation
- Complete new student orientation package
- Complete nursing statement of intent, pre-training/orientation, and health screening
- Submit evidence of negative drug testing and negative at-risk health screening factors
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit documentation supporting a minimum ACT composite of 16, or a total SAT score greater than 790
Bsn Program Admission Requirements In Arizona

Throughout the state’s 10 or so BSN programs, requirements for admission do vary. However, most requirements can be generally summed up as below. Students should ensure they contact the Admissions department during enrollment
- Students have a GPA that exceeds the minimum program standard
- Students have no record of academic dishonesty and otherwise meet university admission criteria
- All transcripts from former institutions have been submitted
- The student is ‘in good standing’ in all respects
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Adn Programs In Arizona
Students beginning their career as a nurse with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing diploma will learn core nursing skills that are expanded upon by clinical placement throughout the duration of the program. Usually lasting 2 years or so, successful nursing graduates will be eligible to test for the NCLEX exam upon graduation. Throughout the state, more than 20 community colleges and private colleges offer an ADN program with the intent to help students qualify as a registered nurse.
Come Study With The Best
For more than 30 years, Eastern Arizona Collegeâs Nursing Program has prepared students for meaningful careers as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants, and provided a foundation for students seeking to continue their education and pursue RN-BSN degrees. Our graduates can be found working almost anywhere â hospitals, communities, schools, and homes – positively impacting the quality of healthcare delivery.
EACâs Nursing Program ranks among the highest rated programs in the nation. We feature concurrent enrollment programs with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University, allowing students to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing while completing an associate degree.
Classes are offered at EACâs Thatcher, Globe, and Payson campuses. This is one of the fastest growing programs in the state, and prospective students are encouraged to make inquiries as soon as possible.
Prospective Students
As one of the fastest growing programs in the state, prospective students are encouraged to make inquiries as soon as possible as space is limited.
Entry into the nursing program requires a separate, prior admission.
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Bsn Program Length In Arizona
The typical length of a BSN program in Arizona is 4 years however, each institution has the capability to offer programs that capitalize on a student’s former experiences. Two methods that are often employed in this regard are the RN-to-BSN track and the Accelerated BSN track. While criteria vary by the individual and the program chair’s discretion, either option usually takes about 2 years or half the time of a full BSN undertaken by a freshman student.
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Getting A License In Arizona
The good news is that Arizona has fewer requirements to become a registered nurse than most other states. However, you still must:
- Take and pass the NCLEX
- Complete a criminal background check
- Complete the Arizona nursing application
Nursing students should also know that Arizona has one of the nations highest NCLEX pass rates. The best way to prepare for the NCLEX is by applying for, then completing, a BSN.
> > Related: The Complete Guide to Nursing in Arizona
Lpn To Adn/bsn Programs
Typically, students can choose between the LPN to ADN pathway to earn an associate’s degree in nursing, or the LPN to BSN pathway, which culminates in a bachelor’s degree. The LPN to ADN is the quickest and most common route. Pima Community College, with multiple locations throughout the greater Tucson area, offers an LPN to ADN program which can be completed in 3 semesters . While there are no campus-based LPN to BSN programs in Arizona, national online options do exist. LPN to RN program requirements typically include:
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
- Current, active LPN license
- Graduate of an accredited LPN program
- Up-to-date immunizations
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Tuition And Costs Of Bsn Programs In Arizona
Tuition costs vary between states and between each institution. While a portion is paid by the taxpayer and from other government subsidies, tuition costs are definitely on the rise. While financial aid is available to most, it is important to consider the cost of tuition for the BSN programs that you’re considering applying to. Phoenix’s Arizona State University BSN program has in-state tuition costs that average about $977 per credit hour, depending on the program track in question.
Msn Admission Requirements In Arizona

With rigorous training at the undergraduate level, nurses may wish to carry on their studies and pursue a master’s degree – known as an MSN. Admission to the University of Arizona’s two MSN tracks is highly competitive. Candidates who wish to apply are advised to use the following information as a minimum entry requirement as criteria can change with demand.
- Graduate with a BSN
- NCLEX in good standing and without disqualifying incidents
- Minimum 3.0 GPA at the undergraduate level
- Record of all official transcripts
- Prerequisite course load consisting of Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Human Lifespan Development, and Human Nutrition
- 3 professional letters of reference, mailed directly to Admissions
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Estrella Mountain Community College
Estrella Mountain Community College, part of the Maricopa County Community College District , provides students with the quality district-wide associate’s degree nursing curriculum that MCCCD is known for. EMCC’s program offers small class sizes, affordable tuition, and the ability to earn a BSN degree concurrently through the Concurrent Enrollment Program .
What To Look For In A Bsn Program In Arizona
BSN students should be prepared to engage in a scientifically rigorous and culturally diverse learning environment. With experienced teachers and instructors who themselves have professional accreditation and acclaim, nursing students can take advantage of rich learning opportunities both in the classroom and in clinical rotation. Students should ensure that their teachers are members in good standing in the nursing profession and that the program itself is in good standing from an accreditation and licensure perspective.
Northern Arizona University is home to a renowned BSN program. The school offers a traditional program on a four-year timeline, as well as an RN-to-BSN option and an accelerated option for those who already have an undergraduate degree in another field. Demand is high, with as many as 600 applicants for 150 spaces every year.
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Advantages Of Adn Programs
Offered in a variety of disciplines, students that graduate with an diploma may go on to explore further education options at the bachelor’s degree level or take advantage of immediate career options. With lower tuition costs, it is often the case that AAS diploma graduates often have a lower debt-load when they are done school and enter the workforce. Often ideally suited for students who enjoy more hands-on workforce activities with only the minimum of theoretical ‘book learning’, the ADN nursing degree offers lots of flexibility on a short timeframe.
Welcome To Wildcat Nursing
Whether you are a prospective student, alumnus or supporter, thank you for your interest in our College of Nursing! As a member of the College for 30 years, I have experienced the exciting growth of our college community through our academic programs, collaborative partnerships, and research initiatives and am excited for what the future holds.
No matter what your career goals are in the nursing field, you can find it here whether it is entering the workforce, advancing your career or becoming an advanced practice nurse.
Our Bachelors of Science in Nursing, the first degree program offered by the College, has been transformed to a 4 semester upper division program with first time licensing exam pass rates that far exceed the national average. If you have a degree in another field, our Masters Entry to Professional Nursing program prepares you to become a registered nurse. If you are already a nurse but want to advance your career, our Master of Science in Clinical Systems Leadership is an online program for working professionals with either an Associates or Bachelors degree in nursing.
No matter what your career goals are in the nursing field, you can find it here whether it is entering the workforce, advancing your career or becoming an advanced practice nurse.” ~ Ki Moore, Dean
It is really an exciting time to be a Wildcat Nurse and again, whether you are just starting your journey with us, or reconnecting, welcome.
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Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each individual student depending on various factors including,
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
Getting An Arizona Nursing License
Arizona requirements for nursing licensure are as follows for candidates by application and those from another state by endorsement:
Along with a completed application, the applicant must have ready:
- Possess a diploma, associate degree, or Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a state approved institution
- NCLEX exam with a passing score
- Certificate of completion – sent directly to Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Official transcripts – sent directly to the Board of Nursing
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Fingerprint documentation
Nurses from other states may apply for endorsement to practice in Arizona. They should be prepared to submit the following information:
- Current license from the former state of practice
- NURSYS documentation for verification of former state license
- Passing score on either the NCLEX-RN or State Board Test Pool Exam
- Fingerprint documentation
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or equivalent documentation
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Tuition And Costs Of Adn Programs In Arizona
There are a variety of factors that determine tuition costs for nursing students. Some schools offer a yearly cost, some offer tuition information per credit hour. In specialized programs like the ADN, costs may or may not be included along with tuition. To complicate matters even more, there is often a different pricing structure for in-state students financial aid is also available. For example, Glendale Community College gives in-county students a tuition-credit-hour cost of under $100 plus applicable fees for the college and the nursing program, as well as supplies, equipment, and uniforms.
Tour Our Tucson Nursing College

Get a taste of nursing college campus life for yourself and take the first step toward gaining a valuable nursing degree.
Our classes start about every eight weeks, six times per year, so you can start nursing college sooner.
Contact us to learn more about Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson and schedule a campus tour.
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Advantages Of Bsn Programs
The choice to pursue a BSN degree concerns more than the institution you attend. Some nurses find that university provides the knowledge, network, and confidence to improve your world, in addition to the skill sets that an AAS degree provides. For freshmen or those returning to school after time in the workforce, a BSN provides a bevy of experiences and opportunities for nurses.
Medical Billing And Coding
Since much of the U.S. healthcare system relies on insurance, its vital that doctors offices are able to communicate with payors. Medical billers and coders help translate treatment plans performed by doctors into standardized languageor codethat can be understood by insurance carriers and other physicians through electronic health records. A Medical Billing and Coding program in Tucson may be a good fit for someone who wants to work in healthcare without needing to interact with patients frequently.
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Top 10 Best Nursing Schools In Arizona
When it comes to places to enjoy a long nursing career, its tough to beat Arizona. With some of the hottest temperatures around the year and plenty of affordable housing, Arizona is an excellent state to put your roots down.
But before you can begin your nursing career in Arizona, you need to become a registered nurse . And to get the best jobs, its smart to get a bachelors degree in nursing , at the very least. To maximize your chance of a job in Arizona, its best to study in the state to gain valuable connections and complete state-specific requirements.
This is a nurse panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Coduvell Gaines, BSN, RN, BA, CBC
- Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Arizona nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.
Beverly Mccord Endowed Chair In Aging
The Beverly McCord Endowed Chair in Aging will be a senior scientist with a nationally funded program of research focused on healthy aging. The Endowed Chair will build interdisciplinary research teams that span the University of Arizona Health Sciences and be a leader for strategic initiatives that explore environmental, genetic, and human factors that drive healthy aging. Learn More & Apply
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