Arizona’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
The need for registered nurses (RNs) continues to grow, making it the perfect time to become a nurse in Arizona. In 2022, Arizona had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 84.78%, which is greater than the national average of 79.9%. Nationally, there is a projected growth of nurses of 6%, with a projected growth of nurses of 39% in Arizona. This means there will be no shortage of nursing positions in this state.
Arizona is also a great place to live. It is known for its natural beauty, being home to magnificent national parks like the Grand Canyon. Arizona is a state with diverse climates and natural wonders. One of its notable attractions is the Barringer Crater, considered one of the most well-preserved meteor craters globally. The northern part of the state experiences snow, and features pine forests and mountains, while other areas are mountainous. Additionally, Arizona is home to four major North American deserts: Great Basin, Mojave, Chihuahuan, and Sonoran. Its stunning landscapes are filled with opportunities to experience the outdoors through hiking, mountain biking, trail running, camping, exploring, swimming, fishing, and white-water rafting.
Being the home to some of the recognized top-performing schools also makes Arizona a great place to get your nursing education. In addition, affordable healthcare is 2.7% less than average, so it is easier to access healthcare for you and your clients.
The Best Nursing Schools in Arizona
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Arizona to help you determine which college may be the best fit for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Arizona based on the NCLEX pass rate posted on the Arizona Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Arizona ADN Nursing Program
Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College, located in Thatcher, AZ, offers an Associate Degree Nursing program.
Their dynamic program offers in-person classroom, clinical experiences, skills labs, simulations, and online components. In 2022, Eastern Arizona College graduated 72 students and achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time testers. In order to qualify for the nursing program, students are required to pass the ATI TEAS exam before the deadline, achieve a minimum of 75% in the medical dosage calculations course, and obtain a grade of a C or higher in all the necessary prerequisites. Students who wish to also obtain their BSN can do so while completing their ADN courses by enrolling in their concurrent RN-BSN degree program with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or
Grand Canyon University.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,160
Out-of-State: $9,120
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,160 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,120 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
53.15% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
97.22% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,799 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Arizona ADN Nursing Program
Maricopa Community College-Estrella Mountain
Maricopa Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing program at eight of the Maricopa Community Colleges. In 2022, Estrella Mountain College’s nursing program, situated in Avondale, AZ, successfully graduated 81 students who achieved a remarkable 95.06% pass rate on their first NCLEX-RN attempt.
Prior to applying for the nursing program, students must complete their general education and introductory courses and hold an active certified nursing assistant (CNA) license. A passing score on a nursing program admission test is also required to complete an application to the program. The Maricopa Community College nursing program offers a curriculum that is centered on their core values of caring, critical thinking, holism, nursing role development, safe practice, and information management. They also offer a concurrent enrollment program that allows you to fast-track your nursing degree to earn your BSN while taking the courses to obtain your AAS in nursing.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,070
Out-of-State: $7,854
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,070 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,854 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.06% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
8,768 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Arizona ADN Nursing Program
Maricopa Community College-Scottsdale
Maricopa Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at eight of their locations. Maricopa’s Scottsdale campus graduated 103 nursing students in 2022 and achieved a 93.2% NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time testers.
Prior to applying to the nursing program, students must obtain their CNA license, complete their required general education courses at a C or higher, and achieve a passing score on a nursing program admission test. Their nursing program can be completed in four semesters for their traditional track, where they admit students into the program every August and January.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,070
Out-of-State: $7,854
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,070 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,854 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.20% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
2,151 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Arizona BSN Nursing Program
Grand Canyon University-Tucson
Grand Canyon University in Tucson offers a 16-month accelerated nursing program. This program admits students on three different start dates and offers hands-on learning in their labs and clinical rotations.
Their accelerated BSN program is designed for students who do not currently have a degree in nursing but are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The fast-track program builds upon previous education and offers a hybrid learning model where students take online and in-person evening classes. To become a skilled nurse, you will need to complete theory courses online and participate in hands-on nursing skills labs and simulations on-site, as well as clinical rotations. Applicants do not need prior healthcare experience to apply but need to have a non-nursing undergraduate degree to begin the admission process. To be considered, applicants must pass an entrance exam with a minimum score of 80% in reading, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary; 80% in math; and 75% in human anatomy and physiology.
Average Tuition
In-State: $53,550 for the 16-month program
Out-of-State: $53,550 for the 16-month program
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$53,550 for the 16-month program |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$53,550 for the 16-month program |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.21% |
| Admission Rate |
83% |
| Retention Rate |
71% for full-time students and 42% for part-time students |
| Students Enrolled |
63,752 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
78% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Arizona BSN Nursing Program
Grand Canyon University-Sun City
Grand Canyon University Sun City campus offers an accelerated nursing program that is fast-paced and can be completed in 16 months. This program combines online theory courses with in-person, hands-on learning in skills labs, simulations, and clinical rotations.
This nursing program is meant for students who already have a non-nursing undergraduate degree but wish to pursue a career in nursing. Applicants will need to complete an entrance exam and receive an 80% in reading, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary; 80% in math; and 75% in human anatomy and physiology.
Average Tuition
In-State: $53,550 for the 16-month program
Out-of-State: $53,550 for the 16-month program
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$53,550 for the 16-month program |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$53,550 for the 16-month program |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.89% |
| Admission Rate |
83% |
| Retention Rate |
71% for full-time students and 42% for part-time students |
| Students Enrolled |
63,752 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
78% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Arizona BSN Nursing Program
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers several tracks to earn your nursing degree. Their traditional BSN program may be completed in a 16-month year-round schedule or a 24-month academic year schedule. The ASU accelerated BSN clinical nursing program is a full-time, 12-month program for students pursuing their BSN in nursing.
Their online RN to BSN program is available to students who have earned their Associate Degree in Nursing and have a current RN license in good standing. This program offers courses that are 7.5-week sessions and can be completed in 14 to 24 months. They also offer a concurrent enrollment program pathway that is available to students enrolling in or already enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing program, with admission standards higher than the minimum university standards. To be admitted into the nursing program, students must be in the top 10% of their high school graduating class OR have an overall high school GPA of 3.8 in ASU competency courses OR have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 in ASU competency courses AND either a 25 ACT or 1230 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,348
Out-of-State: $29,438
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,348 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,438 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.12% |
| Admission Rate |
88% |
| Retention Rate |
88% |
| Students Enrolled |
79,232 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
77% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Arizona
When choosing a nursing program in Arizona, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs that consistently have a high NCLEX-RN pass rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are thinking about continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the
credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Arizona
A study conducted by WalletHub showed that Arizona was ranked 8th in the nation for being one of the best states to work as a nurse. In addition, its Mayo Clinic ranked the number one hospital in Arizona for 2022-2023, being known for its safe, innovative, and integrated care.
There is currently a high demand for nursing positions in Arizona, and this is expected to continue with a projected 39% increase in RN employment from 2020-2030. The state anticipates an average of 5,930 RN job openings each year during this period. Arizona is a great place to become a nurse, with a mean wage of $86,740, which is above the national average of $81,220.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Arizona
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Arizona is $86,740 and employs 56,040 nurses. Arizona employs 6,240 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a median annual salary of $121,410.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who left the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Arizona Cities for RNs |
| Prescott, AZ |
$89,660 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ |
$87,410 |
| Yuma, AZ |
$85,670 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Arizona
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Each candidate must complete a program approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Arizona has 44 fully approved nursing programs, including ADN and BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Arizona, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Arizona:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and complete a criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Arizona, you need to renew your RN license every four years. To be eligible for renewal, you must have practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years OR graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the past five years OR completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher course in the past five years OR obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Arizona:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Arizona (or another compact license state).
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles: Nurse Practitioner, Certified Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Certified Registered Anesthetist.
- APRNs are required to submit a separate application from their RN application to renew their APRN license, and this must be renewed every four years. To be eligible for renewal, APRNs must meet the following requirements:
- Practiced as an APRN nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years.
- Hold an active Arizona RN license OR current RN license with multistate privileges in another compact state.
- Hold an active national certification.
- If you hold an active DEA license, you must have completed a minimum of three hours of opioid-related, substance use disorder-related, or addiction-related continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Arizona
Is Arizona a good place for nurses to work?
Arizona is a great place to work. With an RN growth rate predicted at 39% for 2020-2030, there will be plenty of jobs to choose from compared to other states.
Is Arizona a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Arizona is a compact state. You can practice nursing in Arizona if you hold an active RN compact license in another compact state. Likewise, you can practice nursing in another compact state with an active Arizona compact nursing license.
What are the requirements for RNs in Arizona?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every four years. To renew your license, you must have practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years OR graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the past five years OR completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher
course in the past five years OR obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years.
Do you need continuing education credits to renew your Arizona RN license?
No. Arizona does not require continuing education credits to renew your RN license. However, if you are an APRN with a DEA license, the Arizona State Board of Nursing does require a minimum of three hours of opioid-related, substance use disorder-related, or addiction-related continuing education.
How much does an Arizona RN license cost?
It costs $100 to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in Arizona and $160 every four years to renew your RN license in Arizona.
