Overview of Nursing Colleges in Arizona
- There are 32 nursing schools in Arizona. The CCNE accredits 11 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 23 schools in Arizona.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Arizona is between 85.50% and 96.69%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Arizona is between 87.06% and 93.49%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Arizona can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Online Nursing Schools for Arizona Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Colleges in Arizona
Like most of the nation, Arizona is also looking forward to a rise in the demand for nurses; the number of RNs working in the state is predicted to rise from 21,620 to 29,190 from the year 2018 to 2028. The RNs are paid $80,625 annually on average, where those with 1-4 years of experience gain $57,530, and those with more than 20 years of experience earn $104,290 annually.
The state is also an ideal destination for Nurse Practitioners as those with even minimal experience can earn up to $100,000 annually, and those with more than 20 years of experience are paid more than $150,000 per year. There are currently 4,790 NPs working in the state, and the number is expected to rise by a whopping 50.9% from 2018 to 2028. The state calls for 200 NPs and 2,110 RNs annually to work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, community care centers, clinics, home care, and more.
On top of that, Arizona's state practice and licensure laws have granted Nurse Practitioners permission for Full Practice. The Full Practice permits NPS to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances.
Arizona is also one of the 33 states implementing the eNLC (Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact). The eNLC, also known as a multistate license, allows nurses (LPNs and RNs) who hold the nurse compact license to work in multiple states without obtaining the nursing license in each individual state. However, the eNLC is not available for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, so they are required to hold an individual state license should they wish to practice in different states.
Arizona's multiple nursing colleges provide quality nursing education at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. The best of those institutes are mentioned below.
About Nursing Colleges in Arizona
In our Arizona RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Arizona RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Arizona, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Best Nursing Colleges in Arizona
- 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 Colleges with the Most Degree Types
- Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix: 8
- Chamberlain University: 5
- University of Arizona: 5
- Grand Canyon University: 4
- PIMA Community College – West Campus: 2
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus: 2
- Arizona State University: 2
- Maricopa Nursing – Glendale Community College: 2
- Northern Arizona University: 2
- Maricopa Nursing – Chandler-Gilbert Community College: 2
Arizona RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 19 | 11 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 90.36% | 90.08% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 85.50% to 96.69% | 87.06% to 93.49% |
Best Ranked Nursing Colleges in Arizona
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing colleges for both Arizona and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 17 ADN degree programs and 5 BSN degree programs in Arizona. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Arizona to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best BSN Nursing Colleges in Arizona
University of Arizona
Pass Rate
- 1401 E University, Tucson, AZ - 85721-0066
- (520) 621-2211
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.93%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 2902
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,736
Book and Supplies: $900
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,861
Percent Admitted: 85%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Northern Arizona University
Pass Rate
- 1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200, Flagstaff, AZ - 86011-4092
- (928) 523-9011
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.10%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 998
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,896
Book and Supplies: $900
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,239
Percent Admitted: 82%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Grand Canyon University
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Pass Rate
- 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ - 85017
- (800) 800-9776
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.40%
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 464
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $800
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,683
Percent Admitted: 81%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Chamberlain University
Pass Rate
- 2149 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ - 85021
- (602) 331-2720
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.16%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $600
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 80%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,249
Percent Admitted: 63%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 80%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Best ADN Nursing Colleges in Arizona
Maricopa Nursing - Scottsdale Community College
Pass Rate
- 9000 E Chaparral Rd, Scottsdale, AZ - 85256
- (480) 423-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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%
PIMA Medical Institute-Tucson
Online RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
Pass Rate
- 2121 N Craycroft Road, Bldg 1, Tucson, AZ - 85712
- (520) 326-1600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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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
Central Arizona College
Pass Rate
- 8470 N Overfield Rd, Coolidge, AZ - 85128-9030
- (520) 494-5444
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.10%
- 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%
Yavapai College
Pass Rate
- 1100 E Sheldon St, Prescott, AZ - 86301
- (928) 445-7300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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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%
Northland Pioneer College
Pass Rate
- 2251 E. Navajo Blvd., Holbrook, AZ - 86025-0610
- (800) 266-7845
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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%
Additional Listings of the Top Nursing Colleges in Arizona
Grade
|
University
|
Arizona Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.30 | PIMA Community College - West Campus | 6 | ADN |
87.70 | Cochise College | 7 | ADN |
86.70 | Coconino Community College | 8 | ADN |
83.30 | PIMA Medical Institute-Mesa | 9 | ADN |
74.20 | Mohave Community College | 10 | ADN |
80.14 | Brookline College-Phoenix | 7 | BSN |
Online Nursing Programs in Arizona
Today, there are very few disadvantages to earning an online RN degree. With advances in online learning coupled the need to educate more nurses because of the nursing shortage, many nursing schools offer online nursing programs.
For nurses needing to complete clinicals, nursing programs usually help a nurse to find one.
Be sure to choose an accredited program that meets quality standards set by either the ACEN or CCNE accrediting agencies. An accredited online RN Nursing program will help ensure that your units pass can transfer to another accredited college and help you in gain employment. Learn more about online RN programs.
APRN Programs in Arizona
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Arizona offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Arizona Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Arizona RN Licensing Requirements
The state of Arkansas has strict requirements candidates must meet in order obtain licensure as an RN.
Those applying for licensure in Arkansas through an endorsement must have completed an approved nursing program in a different state. International students who completed a program similar to a program in Arkansas may also apply for licensure. However, they must have proof of eligibility for licensure in the country they graduated from. They must also prove that they can read, write, and speak English through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. This does not include English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and England.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Arkansas Nurses Association
University Tower Building
1123 S. University, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: (501) 686-2700
Fax: (501) 686-2714
RN License by Exam
The first and most direct path to obtaining licensure is through examination. Candidates need to register for the NCLEX-PN exam through Pearson VUE. In addition to completing the exam, candidates must also complete the following steps:
Complete a State-approved nursing program:
In order to become eligible for state licensure through the state of Arkansas, candidates must have completed high school as well as a preparation program approved by the state. Applicants who have completed a program in a different state have the possibility of being eligible for licensure if the Arkansas State Board of Nursing believes they are qualified. Nursing programs must have been approved by the Department of Higher education and hold accreditation from a recognized body.
Complete online application for licensure:
Every candidate must apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. They must also gain permission to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before taking the exam. This should be completed about two months before graduation from a nursing program.
Complete a criminal background check:
First-time applicants must complete a background check at both the state and federal levels. When this has been completed, the applicant must also submit a fingerprint that will be forwarded to the Arkansas State Police. Licenses may be denied on the basis of disciplinary history or criminal background.
RN License by Endorsement
One can obtain licensure through endorsement if they already have a license in one of the other 50 states. Out of state candidates have the opportunity to work using a temporary permit while they are working on gaining their endorsement.
Candidates who have had their license for less than five years will need to provide documentation stating they have practiced for 1,000 hours or completed a program in an approved accredited university.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who are educated abroad also have an opportunity to obtain licensure as long as they provide transcripts that reflect a similar education.
RN Salaries in Arizona
According to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the prospects for BSN graduates were better in the southern parts of the country. This does not mean that by attending a school in the south automatically guarantees you a job. It also does not mean that you won’t be able to find a job by not attending school in the south. The participants in the survey were college deans who indicated that 82% of their graduates had job offers right after graduation. Healthcare is a necessity. However, like every other industry, it has been affected to some degree by the broken economy. There are some nurses who will refuse to relay retirement. There is a long-term need for professional nurses that will never cease.
Arizona Registered Nursing Salaries
Below is a table of the hourly mean RN Salary and the annual median wage in all the metropolitan areas in the state of Arizona. By looking at this table, you will notice that the annual median wage in Fayetteville metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage. However, Little Rock has the highest number of employed RNs.
The average salary for a nurse in Arizona is $67,760 with about 5 to 9 years or experience. The top nursing salaries go to Nurse Anesthetists who get paid on average $155,180 with 5 to 9 years of experience.
Registered nurses that have a bachelor's degree typically earn more than registered nurses who only have an associate's degree or higher level diploma as well as those without any college education at all. In addition to salaries being impacted by educational attainment levels, they also vary based upon geographic location within the state of Arkansas with some areas having significantly lower wages than others due to the shortage of jobs available in these regions.
City | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
Arizona Nonmetropolitan | 2,050 | $40 | $83,240 |
Lake Havasu City | 1,220 | $34 | $70,410 |
Phoenix | 38,380 | $39 | $81,390 |
Prescott | 1,440 | $39 | $82,040 |
Sierra Vista | 550 | $35 | $72,530 |
Tucson | 9,150 | $37 | $76,660 |
Yuma | 1,170 | $40 | $82,160 |
Arizona Nursing Salaries by Experience
Occupation | Employment | 1 to 4 Years | 5 to 9 Years | 10 to 19 Years | 20+ Years |
Registered Nurses | 55,520 | $57,530 | $67,760 | $92,920 | $104,290 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 80 | $134,460 | $155,180 | $198,800 | - |
Nurse Midwives | 90 | $85,340 | $95,750 | $142,250 | $193,700 |
Nurse Practitioners | 4,790 | $89,770 | $100,830 | $131,930 | $156,240 |
LPN / LVN | 7,440 | $43,020 | $48,920 | $62,480 | $67,040 |
Nursing Assistants | 15,830 | $26,810 | $29,340 | $38,000 | $40,710 |
Projected Employment Needs for Arizona Nurses
Occupation | 2018 | 2028 | Change | %Change | Avg. Annual Openings |
LPN / LVN | 3,350 | 4,320 | 970 | 29 | 390 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 100 | 150 | 50 | 50 | 10 |
Nurse Practitioners | 1,670 | 2,520 | 850 | 50.9 | 200 |
Nursing Assistants | 1,440 | 1,760 | 320 | 22.2 | 210 |
Nursing Instructors | 410 | 520 | 110 | 26.8 | 50 |
Registered Nurses | 21,620 | 29,190 | 7,570 | 35 | 2,110 |