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,
Nursing Pathway With Concurrent Enrollment To Nau
Concurrent Associate Degree / Baccalaureate Degree / Nursing
Introduction
The CAC/NAU CEP is designed for qualified associate degree nursing students who are interested in earning their Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree while pursuing their Associates degree in Nursing at Central Arizona College. When followed in sequence, this program enables students to complete their BSN degree concurrently in the same semester as graduating with their AAS degree. Students enrolled in the CEP will follow the traditional course of study for all CAC students pursuing their AAS degree in Nursing, but at the same time they will also be enrolled in required NAU nursing courses. Because NAU courses are taken online or in hybrid format, all NAU courses using a hybrid format will be offered in the Coolidge/Casa Grande area.
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.
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Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
If choosing the right nursing school came down to one factor, then nobody would care about the rest. With that in mind, you shouldnt choose a nursing school just because it has a high NCLEX pass rate or a high acceptance rate. Consider multiple factors prior to choosing your school, including:
You should also check to see that schools are offering exactly what youre looking for. Remember, the program you choose could alter the trajectory of your future nursing career.
Schools Licensing Requirements And Resources

From advancing their careers to increasing potential income, professionals enroll in online nursing programs in Arizona for various reasons. Four main nursing types exist in Arizona: certified nursing assistant , licensed practical nurse , registered nurse , and nurse practitioner . Each requires education, which learners can often pursue through online nursing schools in Arizona.
Online nursing programs in Arizona offer the same quality education as on-campus programs, only students complete courses at their own pace. These online programs also meet Arizona nursing licensure requirements as long as the program meets accrediting standards.
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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
The Situational Judgement Test
The College of Nursing requires applicants to complete an online situational judgement test. This test, called Casper assesses non-academic attributes and inter-personal skills essential for success in nursing.
The situational judgement test involves a series of video-or text-based scenarios and asks test-takers what they would do and why they would do it. The test assesses for communication, collaboration, equity, professionalism, problem solving, empathy, motivation and ethics. There are no wrong answers.
To take the test, applicants must create an account and reserve a test date. Government-issued photo identification is required.
This test must be completed by applicants in the year for which they are applying. Applicants who do not complete the test by the document deadline will be ineligible for admission.
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How Do Online Nursing Degree Programs Work
Most nursing students possess no previous nursing experience. Since every nursing license requires a combination of education and experience, nurses with insufficient experience must earn it through in-person clinical hours. Most online nursing programs in Arizona are hybrid programs, combining in-person and online education. Students complete courses online and clinical experience in person.
Some degrees in Arizona allow for entirely online learning. For example, an RN with sufficient experience may enroll in an entirely online RN-to-BSN program. Other nursing types, such as NPs, require significant in-person experience.
Although most online nursing programs in Arizona require some in-person study, students choose online programs because of their flexibility. Nursing students with busy personal lives or those who must work while earning their degree take advantage of flexible online programs. Keep in mind that accredited online programs follow the same admission requirements as on-campus programs.
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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Why Attend Online Nursing Programs In Arizona
Projections show Arizona holds one of the nation’s largest growth rates for all nursing types. Arizona also offers one of the region’s lowest costs of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the mean salary for RNs in Arizona beats the national mean wage .
Perhaps the best reason to attend an online nursing program in Arizona is your ideal location. Many in-state programs meet Arizona nursing licensure requirements, so completing a program in Arizona sets you up for a career in the state.
Accredited Yes We Are
Learn more about our accredited nursing school in Phoenix, Arizona
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , the accreditation authority for nursing schools in the United States, accredits Chamberlain Universitys Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, the Master of Science in Nursing degree program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certificate program. For the most recent accreditation information, visit .
Chamberlain University is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Accredited Nursing Schools in Arizona – Approvals
Are you looking for accredited nursing schools in Arizona? Chamberlain is authorized to operate and grant degrees by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 W. Adams, Suite 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602.542.5709. Chamberlain College of Nursing has full approval to offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program in Phoenix from the Arizona State Board of Nursing, 1740 W. Adams, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602.771.7800.
Chamberlain Phoenix Nursing Program FAQs
You can transfer relevant credits from other coursework. Our Phoenix campus welcomes transfer students from all across the country and gives them a head start on their BSN degree.
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Arizona Nurse Salaries And Employment Trends
Arizona pays all four nursing types a higher mean wage than the national average. Arizona’s mean wages also compete with other states in the region, though nurses can find higher mean wages elsewhere.
Projections show significant growth for every nursing type in Arizona. According to Projections Central, projections for each type are the highest in the nation and outpace other states in the region with high projected growth. One factor influencing the potential growth of nursing jobs in Arizona is the national nursing shortage. National projections show a significant shortage of RNs in Arizona. Wages for all nursing types could increase significantly during this time to attract qualified nurses.
Note that projections do not necessarily reflect real growth and no amount of education guarantees a specific salary or a position as a nurse in Arizona.
How To Become A Nurse In Arizona

The first step towards becoming a nurse in Arizona is earning an on-campus or online nursing degree from an accredited nursing college. Aspiring nurses must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam. According to the Arizona State Board of Nursing , individuals who pass the test can expect to receive their license in the mail 3-5 months after registering for the exam.
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Jump To Another State
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
What You Will Learn
In USask’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you will learn all aspects of health and well-being across a persons life span as you study nursing, health and the health-care system through the creation and integration of knowledge from research, education and practice. The nurse of the twenty-first century uses advanced technology to provide nursing care to individuals, families, groups and communities.
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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.
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.
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Prior Nursing Program Disclosure
If you have attend, but not graduated, from another nursing professional program a letter from the Nursing program administration must be included in the application via NursingCAS. This includes attendance at any associates, nursing assistant, licensed profession nursing, bachelors or masters pre-licensure programs. The letter must include all of the following information: institution, program name/type, dates of attendance, reason for non-completion and a statement indicating if there were any behavioral or clinical safe practice concerns.
English Language Proficiency *
The language of instruction at the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing is English. A high level understanding and functionality in English is essential for safe client care in health professions in Saskatchewan.
For students to understand, communicate, and be successful in programs at the university, an acceptable level of academic English is required. You may be asked to provide proof of English proficiency.
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Nursing Licensure In Arizona
As part of the Nurse Licensure Compact , Arizona accepts multi-state licenses from other NLC member states. Likewise, other NLC members accept multi-state licenses from Arizona RNs. So, an RN license earned in Arizona essentially works in all other NLC member states.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners regards Arizona as a full-practice state for NPs. Before applying for prescriptive authority, NPs must complete educational courses. AZBN approves nursing programs, licenses all nursing types, and handles license renewals. Nurses can access all requirements for each nursing type online.
Online Nursing Degree Programs In Arizona

Licensure for every nursing type requires both education and experience. Many online nursing programs in Arizona meet these requirements. By earning an online degree, you also maximize your income potential and increase your employability. Online schools offer these benefits in addition to flexibility and lower tuition.
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University Of Arizona Nursing Jobs
relevancedateIndeed Privacy Policy Phoenix, AZ$16.69 – $27.00 an hourPart-time
Posted30+ days ago· |
Phoenix, AZ 85032+1 locationFull-time +1 |
Tucson, AZ 85711Full-time +1 |
Tucson, AZ 85719$19 – $21 an hour |
Tucson, AZ 85719$62,038 – $87,281 a year |
State Requirements By Nursing Type
Nursing licensure in Arizona requires education, experience, and proof of competency. Specific requirements for each category depend on the nursing type.
Arizona Licensure Requirements
- Exams: Final exam through program
- Renewal Frequency: Every two years
- Continuing Education: N/A
Arizona Licensure Requirements
- Education: Approved program or diploma
- Additional Clinical Hours: Fulfilled in program
- Renewal Frequency: Every four years
- Continuing Education: None required
Arizona Licensure Requirements
- Education: Diploma, ADN, or BSN
- Additional Clinical Hours: Completed in program
- Renewal Frequency: Every four years within 30 days of renewal date
- Continuing Education: None if minimum practice met
Arizona Licensure Requirements
- Education: Graduate degree in nursing
- Additional Clinical Hours: None required
- Exams: Related national certification exam
- Renewal Frequency: Renewed at same time as RN license
- Continuing Education: None required by AZBN
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Application And Admission Information
Application and Advising Process:
Turn Application Packet in by Deadline:
Past student have used study resource: HESI A2 Practice Exam app
Deadlines: