2021 - Best Nursing Schools in Arizona

The College of Nursing of the University of Arizona ranks among the best in the state because of its exceptional NCLEX pass rates, variety of degrees offered, and alumni employment status. 

University of Arizona College of Nursing has a plethora of programs and approaches to prepare competent nurse leaders who can provide quality healthcare in every kind of setting. They have a 12-month Integrative Nursing Fellowship to prepare students for the future of healthcare care, partnerships with different community healthcare centers, including senior residential communities, and a rural health professions program. In addition to that, they also have a community cancer connections project, a joint collaboration with the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence, and a chance to work with the Stroke Resource Center of Southern Arizona. Needless to say, studying at the University of Arizona, College of Nursing opens up a wide variety of opportunities and allows students to take part in numerous projects that help them learn in different kinds of environments.

Undergraduate Programs: There are two types of BSN degrees available for nursing students at the University of Arizona. The Conventional BSN degree at Tucson is nationally renowned and highly ranked. It prepares students to lead a life as a professional nurse by giving them access to simulations, clinical practice and prepares them to pass their NCLEX-RN exam. 

The BSN Integrative Health Program at Gilbert, however, is one of its kind. The degree teaches students to clinically treat patients through various methods that include lifestyle enhancement, nutrition, biomedical therapies, and more. This program blends conventional health care with complementary approaches to mind-body-spirit wellbeing.

Graduate Programs: The Master of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Arizona is one of the leading online nursing masters in the entire state. This 15-month program allows nurses to expand their careers as nurse leaders and change-makers through various pathways such as Clinical Systems Leadership, Nursing Education, and Global Nursing Leadership.

The College of Nursing also offers a variety of very rigorous and practical DNP Programs that utilizes a mixture of online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and on-ground practicum and clinical placements.

In addition to these, students can also choose to expand their skills and knowledge to develop advanced clinical practice skills and research competencies by taking on the DNP/Ph.D. Dual Degree. Similarly, they can prepare themselves to provide advanced clinical care to rural and medically underserved patients through the Rural Health Professions Program and Rural Telehealth Certification Program. 

What's more, is that the University of Arizona also offers several postgraduate DNP-FNP Certifications for a number of specialties and skillsets.

Although it is a Christian University, the Healthcare and Nursing Degree Programs at Grand Canyon University welcome students of all backgrounds and denominations without any discrimination. 

The variety of nursing degrees and pathways at Grand Canyon University are taught by exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced faculty at small classes. The classes are available online, or offline with clinical postings in between. The students also receive instructions from practicing nurses and experts on clinical patient care, healthcare management, professional development in nursing practice, and leadership.

GCU also has ample opportunities for financial aid and scholarship to facilitate quality education for those who are unable to fund their tuition. Similarly, the city of Phoenix, where the university is located, is among the best to reside in as students because of its job growth, housing affordability, wage growth, and more. 

Undergraduate Programs: The RN to BSN degree allows practicing RNs to complete their bachelor's degree in 12 months via online or evening classes. The program is designed to meet the needs of RNs and to maximize the strengths that they already possess. There are also various scholarship opportunities for this program. 

Graduate Programs: College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers a Bridge (Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner) for RNs who are ready to advance their career to the role of primary care provider. This degree is online with two on-campus experiences designed to provide hands-on skill development in key areas.

There is also a fast-track option for RNs enrolled in the BSN program to get both BSN and MSN degrees in 30 months. 

School of Nursing in North Arizona University offers a challenging and rewarding program that allows students to learn in multiple learning environments so that they can practice in a variety of care settings. 

The nursing degrees are available in several of the campuses, online classrooms, and Personalized Learning. The students learn from highly-skilled instructors who recognize and develop students' talents. They also practice their clinical skills in high-fidelity simulation labs, and they get clinical experiences in multiple healthcare facilities in the area. The nursing curriculum of North Arizona University is based upon professionalism and professional values, clinical practice and prevention, critical reasoning, communication, global health, and leadership. 

In addition to being one of the nation's leading schools for American Indians, the School of Nursing in North Arizona University also has an outstanding alumni association.

Undergraduate Programs: The school of nursing offers both a traditional BSN program and an Accelerated BSN program to prepare students to pass their NCLEX-RN and become professional nurses. There is also a one-of-a-kind American Indian Program designed to give quality education to Native American students of federally recognized tribes. 

For nurses seeking to simultaneously earn their BSN along with an ADN degree, the Concurrent Enrollment Program is a great option to save both time and money. Similarly, North Arizona University also has an RN-BSN program offered through traditional online pathways and personalized learning online pathways to allow nurses to refine their nursing knowledge and abilities.

Graduate Programs: The various MSN, FNP, and DNP degrees at North Arizona University promote excellence in nursing education and practice by integrating emerging healthcare trends and quality skill development training into the curriculum. The programs have online or personalized learning pathways.

Chamberlain University is dedicated to graduating extraordinary healthcare professionals who will significantly impact the global healthcare scenario. As an institution that purely educates quality healthcare professionals, Chamberlain University has implemented a Chamberlain Care Student Success Model, a customized program of tools, resources, and support to prepare the students to succeed as healthcare professionals.

The Nursing School in Phoenix allows students hands-on experience with their SIMCARE CENTER, which is a simulation center that features various aspects of simulation care. The center gives students the chance to practice fundamental nursing skills on high-tech patient manikins before moving on to real-life patients in various healthcare settings. The nursing school has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the country and has no waitlists when it comes to admissions.

Undergraduate Programs: The three-year-long BSN program at Chamberlain University College of Nursing is available at 23 locations across the country. In addition to that, the School of Nursing in Phoenix has a BSN Evening/Weekend option that allows students to work around their schedule while obtaining the degree in three years' time. 

Graduate Programs: The flexible MSN degree at Chamberlain College of Nursing offers students the option to attain their degree while continuing to work. The completely online course offers two pathways; an Accelerated MSN option and an Accelerated MSN with Clinical Nursing Leadership option. There are nine Online MSN Program Specialty Tracks for students to choose from, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as well as Healthcare policy, Nurse Educator, and more.

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. 

At the Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) nursing programs, students learn the practical and technical skills along with the clinical training to become a registered nurse with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Students are prepared to work in a number of healthcare settings including physician offices, hospitals, nursing homes among others.

EMCC is located in Avondale, AZ and is part of the Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program (MCCDNP). Its nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

EMCC offers the following nursing programs:

• Registered Nurse (AAS)
• Students planning to earn their BSN and transfer to ASU through the Alliance for RN to BSN or to NAU’s RN to BSN program

Mesa Community College is located in Mesa, Arizona, but has five campuses throughout the city.  Students in the RN program at Mesa Community College may also be enrolled Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP), which partners the student with a local university.  The student takes courses at both the community college and university concurrently, allowing them to earn both their RN and BSN degrees within one to two semesters of each other.

The Nursing Program at Mesa Community College prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become competent nurse assistants, LPNs, or RNs. The graduates go to work in a variety of acute, long-term, and community-based healthcare settings. The college also has additional programs such as nurse refresher programs for LPNs, and RNs, Nursing Continuing Education (NCE) courses, as well as innovative bridge programs for paramedics and veterans interested in pursuing a nursing career.

Mesa Community College also provides multiple financial aid opportunities such as federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options along with affordable tuition. 

Paradise Valley Community College is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Paradise Valley Community College is teamed up with ten community colleges in Maricopa County, forming the Maricopa Community College District (MCCD), all of which offer the RN degree.

PVCC has always aspired to create an inclusive learning environment that promotes positive social change and community engagement for residents of the area. The college helps students experience active and engaged learning, provides them with the opportunities to enhance their critical, creative, and entrepreneurial thinking, and an environment where they can apply their education to meaningful societal issues.

At PVCC, nursing students gain clinical experiences in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings and through simulation labs.

Maricopa Community Colleges are a group of 10 colleges, among which 8 colleges provide Associate Degrees in Nursing to students aspiring to become Registered Nurses. The colleges feature small class sizes, affordable tuition, world-class faculty, and innovative programs that aid in the individualized holistic development of students. The colleges also allow for a smooth transition to a bachelor's degree for students who want to complete their bachelor's as soon as they are done with their ADN degree in any of the colleges. 

Nursing students at Maricopa Community Colleges are able to provide advocacy and individualized care for diverse populations. They can also coordinate nursing care in collaboration with healthcare team members and utilize evidence-based practice to meet individual needs across the healthcare continuum. The graduates are able to provide safe, quality healthcare while minimizing the risk of harm to both patients and providers.

The following are the top colleges of Maricopa Community Colleges that offer high-quality ADN degrees.

The campus at Glendale Community College offers the Nursing Associate in Applied Science (AAS). Different course schedules are offered throughout the various campus with options for full-time, accelerated, part-time, and online enrollment. Nursing degrees and certificate options throughout the district include:

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

Clinical experiences are setup at inpatient and outpatient settings and the aim of the nursing program is to provide clinical experience within reasonable driving distance from the college you attend. During your clinical experience, nursing students work directly with patients, nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals. You will receive hands-on experience in all major specialty areas in community agencies, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.

Glendale Community College is accredited the ACEN, and GCC’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

GateWay Community College is located in Phoenix, Arizona.  Their nursing program graduates more nurses per year than any other nursing school in the entire state of Arizona.  Their program is also unique because one semester allows the student to take the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification exam, and if enrolled in the fast track program, two semesters will allow the student to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, all while pursuing an RN degree.

Gateway Community College offers multiple certificates such as Fast Track Practical Nursing, Nurse Assisting, and Nursing Refresher, in addition to the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing Program.

The college also has more than 50 student clubs that allow students to gain leadership skills and participate in various events. The clubs help students become a part of a community and learn in a friendly and inclusive environment.

Undergraduate Programs at Maricopa Community Colleges: These Community Colleges offer an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing Program that allows graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam and practice as Registered Nurses. Graduates are employed in a variety of acute, long-term, and community-based healthcare settings. 

The Colleges also offer a Concurrent Enrollment program and the RN program. The Concurrent Enrollment program allows students to pursue an AAS degree in nursing while providing an affordable, concurrent, or simultaneous course of study to complete their BSN degree at a University in Arizona.

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.

Nursing students at Coconino Community College are provided with the knowledge and skills required to work successfully in a variety of healthcare environments. The college itself is very welcoming to all cultures, identities, beliefs, experiences, and ideas while also providing affordable quality education to those who seek it. 

The nursing program features small class sizes taught by highly accredited faculty and training in specialized labs and multiple healthcare centres. After completion of their education from Coconino Community College, graduates are eligible to sit for their licensing exams and work as professionals of the healthcare fraternity. Alternately, they can also transfer to a University to further advance their education and emerge as nurse leaders and policy makers. The courses and the facilities are designed to prepare students for a successful career as a registered nurse who can manage client care and practice evidence-based care.

To make finding a job easier for its graduates, the college has a close-knit relationship with both its alumni and potential employers. The students are encouraged to foster a good relationship and connect with the alumni to help them get the guidance and support they need. The career program allows students to look at employers’ job listings, and find jobs that suit them, easily.

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing program prepares students for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of healthcare facilities including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community healthcare settings.

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.