Best ADN Programs in Arizona

2023 Best ADN Programs in Arizona

In a state like Arizona, where there are 39 ADN programs offered and 23 schools accredited by the ACEN, how does one navigate through the options to find the best schools to apply to? With the focus on active verbs and varied sentence structures, the task may seem daunting. However, fear not, for we have some insights to share.

When it comes to ADN programs in Arizona, it’s essential to consider the average NCLEX passing rate range, typically falling between 74.20% and 97.00%. This passing rate serves as an indicator of a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for licensure.

Additionally, keep in mind that an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) generally takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. This time frame ensures a comprehensive education and adequate preparation for the demanding field of nursing.

So, when seeking out ADN programs in Arizona, ensure you assess the program’s accreditation by ACEN and review their NCLEX passing rates. It’s a prudent approach to finding the best educational path for your nursing career.

2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Arizona

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Arizona?

First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Arizona and then rank the best school based on the following factors:

• Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
• RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
• The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
• Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade

More about our ranking methodology.

#1 Associate Degree in Nursing

Maricopa Nursing - Scottsdale Community College

96.83% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9000 E Chaparral Rd, Scottsdale, AZ - 85256
• 
  (480) 423-6000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.83%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 131
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,070
• Book and Supplies: $1,464
• Percent Received Aid: 46%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,942
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 17%

Scottsdale Community College is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This community college is known to offer perks to its students, such as the latest versions of Windows and Microsoft Office suite; this allows their students to have the latest technology with which to do their assignments.  They also offer academic support services to students in a variety of topics.  Scottsdale Community College offers an ADN program.

Serving approximately 10,000 students a year, the Scottsdale Community College is a student-centered college that focuses on active, engaged, and intellectually rigorous learning. This institution aims to provide high-quality, accessible educational opportunities and innovative teaching and learning and support services. 

The college provides ample opportunities for students to grow and learn beyond the constraints of academia. Students are encouraged to get involved in athletics, student organizations, community partnerships, and many other activities. 

#2 Associate Degree in Nursing

PIMA Medical Institute-Tucson

Online RN to BSN Degree Completion Program

94.48% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2121 N Craycroft Road, Bldg 1, Tucson, AZ - 85712
• 
  (520) 326-1600

Nurse Admin: Cynthia Clark, MSN, MA, PHN, ACHE, CLNC, RN

Title: Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.48%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN

University Information

• Total Faculty: 61
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: $2,592
• Percent Received Aid: 89%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,880
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

The nursing at PIMA Medical Institute, Tucson provides the in-demand, hands-on education that employers expect, and which are needed to become the best healthcare professionals. The Tucson campus houses large classrooms, spacious study areas, high-quality labs, and training facilities to teach students all they need to know about nursing. The campus also has a nursing simulation lab with arena seating that allows students to learn by looking at their peers, conducting discussion sessions, and learning through their mistakes and successes. 

RNs who graduate from PIMA Medical Institute go on to work in different hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, schools, long-term care facilities, in-home health, physicians’ offices, and outpatient clinics. The students are taught the necessary skills, theory, and techniques for caring for patients of all ages. The institute also offers multiple substantial financial aids in addition to the affordable tuition to facilitate accessible education for all.

Undergraduate Programs: The Tucson campus of PIMA Medical Institute offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program which enables students to sit for their NCLEX-RN exams after completion of the degree. The school even goes the extra mile by providing students with the resources, guidance, and supervision of a licensed medical practitioner to find a job once they complete their studies and pass the licensure examination.

#3 Associate Degree in Nursing

Central Arizona College

93.94% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  8470 N Overfield Rd, Coolidge, AZ - 85128-9030
• 
  (520) 494-5444

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.94%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 96
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,580
• Book and Supplies: $1,600
• Percent Received Aid: 91%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,884
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 16%

#4 Associate Degree in Nursing

Yavapai College

92.35% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1100 E Sheldon St, Prescott, AZ - 86301
• 
  (928) 445-7300

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.35%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 107
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,600
• Book and Supplies: $1,160
• Percent Received Aid: 74%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,709
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 32%

Yavapai College is located in Prescott, Arizona.  It also has a campus in Clarkdale, Arizona (Verde Valley); nursing classes are offered at both campuses.  Yavapai College Nursing believes that "nursing is an art and science and that a sound nursing education curriculum integrates knowledge from the sciences and the humanities. The nursing curriculum is based on concepts relating to the client, health, environment, nursing therapeutics, and learning."

#5 Associate Degree in Nursing

Northland Pioneer College

91.72% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2251 E. Navajo Blvd., Holbrook, AZ - 86025-0610
• 
  (800) 266-7845

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.72%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 71
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,428
• Book and Supplies: $1,400
• Percent Received Aid: 80%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $1,672
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 9%

One of the best colleges in the state, Northland Pioneer College boasts a high employment success rate and one of the lowest tuition costs in the entire state. The college is committed to providing excellent education at an affordable price and making it accessible to everyone for the development of the community of Arizona. The college offers multiple financial aid and scholarships in addition to the low cost of attendance. What’s more is that you can earn college credit while in your high school should you choose to study in Northland Pioneer College.

The nursing programs at this college give the students the advantage of learning in small classes that facilitate personal tutoring from the highly experienced instructors. The students are instructed in high-quality labs and multiple hospitals that allow for hands-on practice and clinical experience, every semester. Their holistically-oriented faculty members provide the students with planned experiences and individualized, up-to-date evidence-based instruction. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) program prepares nurses to work as LPNs in various healthcare settings. This affordable program also provides students the option to choose to become a Registered Nurse by applying for and the Associate of Applied Science degree in their second year of study.

Their two-year Registered Nursing program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and excel in the field of professional nursing. In addition to the traditional RN program, the college also offers a LNA to RN program, a LPN to RN program, and a Paramedic to Nursing course to facilitate smooth transition of working nurses to higher studies while they continue to work.

#6 Associate Degree in Nursing

Maricopa Nursing - Chandler-Gilbert Community College

90.97% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2626 E Pecos Rd., Chandler, AZ - 85225-2499
• 
  4807327000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.97%
• Programs: Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

The Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) Maricopa Nursing Program is accredited by the ACEN and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. CGCC offers the following nursing programs:

• Practical Nursing
• Registered Nurse (AAS)
• Students planning to earn their BSN and transfer to ASU may be able to enroll into the Maricopa-ASU Partnership Program (MAPP).

CGCC school of nursing provides a “learner-centered educational environment that supports the mission of Maricopa Nursing, a district-wide curriculum with a variety of coursework committed to preparing future nurses in a dynamic, multicultural world.”

During your clinicals, nursing students will work directly with patients, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. You will receive hands-on experience in community agencies, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. Clinical experiences are offered in a number of inpatient and outpatient settings.

Nursing Programs Offered by Arizona Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 32
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 7
• Practical Nursing: 3
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Nurse Educator: 1
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Nursing Administration: 0

Arizona Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix: 8
• University of Arizona: 5
• Chamberlain University: 5
• Grand Canyon University: 4
• PIMA Community College – West Campus: 2
• Maricopa Nursing – Glendale Community College: 2
• Northern Arizona University: 2
• Maricopa Nursing – Chandler-Gilbert Community College: 2
• University of Phoenix-Online Campus: 2
• Arizona State University: 2

Additional Arizona ADN Programs

ADN Programs in Arizona

ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Arizona Nurses

Arizona ADN students have access to a variety of financial aid resources to help fund their education. These resources include loans, grants, and scholarships. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to obtaining financial aid across all sources. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

• Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans.
• Grants are financial awards that do not need to be repaid. They are usually based on financial need and may come from federal, state, or institutional sources.
• Scholarships are merit-based awards that do not need to be repaid. They can be awarded by schools, organizations, or individuals and are often based on factors such as academic achievement, community involvement, or leadership skills.

ADN Programs in Arizona often provide students with additional financial aid resources specific to nursing education. These may include state-funded grants and scholarships or private nursing scholarships.

ADN Scholarships for Arizona Nurses

• Arizona Nurses Foundation Scholarships
  The Arizona Nurses Foundation offers multiple scholarships for nursing students enrolled in an accredited program in Arizona. Eligibility criteria include being an Arizona resident, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrating financial need. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: June.
• Promise for Nursing in Arizona Scholarship
  This scholarship is funded by the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future and is awarded to students pursuing a nursing degree at an accredited institution in Arizona. Award Amount: Up to $7,500. Application Deadline Month: April.
• Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships
  Students enrolled in an ADN program at a Maricopa Community College may be eligible for various scholarships offered through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: Varies.
• Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation Scholarships
  Arizona State University offers multiple scholarships for students pursuing a nursing degree through the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: February.
• Northern Arizona University School of Nursing Scholarships
  Northern Arizona University provides several scholarships for students enrolled in their nursing program.

Find ADN Programs in Your State

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Arizona Resources for ADNs

Individuals pursuing ADN programs in Arizona have access to numerous state and organizational resources that can help guide them through their nursing education journey. These resources offer valuable information on nursing programs, educational institutions, and job prospects within the state. Here are some key resources for those seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Arizona:

• The Arizona State Board of Nursing: This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of nurses in the state, ensuring adherence to high standards of care and professionalism.
• Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA): The AzNA is a professional organization that supports nurses by offering continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the nursing profession in Arizona.
• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Arizona: This tool allows prospective students to find and compare colleges offering ADN programs in Arizona based on various factors such as location, size, and cost.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Arizona: The BLS provides data on employment, wages, and job outlook for registered nurses in the state, helping aspiring nurses make informed career decisions.
• Arizona Action Coalition: This coalition works to advance the nursing profession by promoting educational opportunities, leadership development, and collaboration among healthcare professionals in Arizona.

• About the Author
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Krystina Ostermeyer

Krystina is an RN with a varied background. She has worked on a telemetry unit, an allergy/immunotherapy clinic and is currently working in diabetes education, pursuing her Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) certification. She has traveled the long road to her bachelor’s degree – she began her nursing career as an LPN, graduating from a local university. She pursued first her ADN, then BSN from Excelsior College.

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