Best Nursing Schools in Arizona: Top Online & Campus Programs for 2023

The University of Arizona College of Nursing has trained nurses since the school was established in 1957. The BSN program boasts a 96.36 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate. And it’s no wonder: The school offers multiple programs to contribute to student success, including academic advising, academic success coaching, and writing coaching services. In addition, The University of Arizona is the home of Arizona Nursing Inclusive Excellence (ANIE), which is a program designed to help underrepresented groups learn professional skills and obtain mentoring from faculty members and other nursing students.

In addition to its BSN program, The University of Arizona also offers several graduate degrees. Master’s students can enroll in the online master of science in nursing program or the accelerated master’s entry to the profession of nursing program, and doctoral students can earn a doctor of philosophy (PhD) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University offers a traditional BSN degree and an accelerated program. In the traditional program, students complete their studies in 16 or 24 months, depending on if they take classes in the summer or just the regular academic year. In the accelerated program, students complete their studies in 12 months. Although both programs are designed for those who don’t have previous nursing experience, the accelerated program is specifically for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline.

For those who want to earn a graduate level degree, Arizona State University offers a general MS program, an MS program that focuses on nursing education, and a PhD in nursing and healthcare innovation. Also, graduate certificates are available for those who want to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner or a women’s health nurse practitioner.

Arizona College of Nursing offers a three-year BSN program that provides a comprehensive education through classroom learning, simulations, case studies, guest speakers, field trips, and practical patient care through clinical experiences.

Students start with general education classes, such as biology, human development, cultural diversity and global health, and psychology. During the second year, they move on to learn about the tenets of nursing care, such as health assessments, legal and ethical nursing care, patient safety, and interprofessional communication. In last year of the program, students take advanced classes that include community health nursing, maternal health, pediatric health, and leadership for patient safety.

Throughout their studies, students participate in simulation labs where they become accustomed to different healthcare environments, such as delivery rooms, nursing homes, and acute care facilities. Students are required to complete 630 clinical hours to graduate..

Grand Canyon University offers an online accelerated BSN program, which takes 16 months to complete. In this online nursing program in Arizona, students learn nursing fundamentals and theories remotely and then immerse themselves in simulation experiences on campus. As a result, students gain critical thinking skills, become effective at communicating with patients and peers, and understand diverse patients’ cultural differences. Students also do clinical rotations that provide experience in the real world of healthcare.

To be admitted into this online nursing program in Arizona, prospective students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in their previous bachelor’s degree program, a 3.25 GPA in nursing prerequisite classes, a high score on the HESI A2 entrance examination, and a background check. Students can enroll in the fall, spring, or summer sessions.

Pima Medical Institute offers an entirely online RN to BSN program that trains students to work in long-term-care facilities, hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and community health organizations. Students gain an understanding of nursing theories and concepts, leadership principles, and the legal, political, financial, and clinical trends that nurses face today. Specific courses in this online nursing program in Arizona include nursing informatics, transcultural nursing practice, healthcare management, integrated health assessment, and community-oriented nursing. Students also participate in an externship at a partner medical facility. The program takes 16 months.

To help students succeed in this online nursing program in Arizona, Pima Medical Institute offers various student support services, including academic planning resources, tutoring, childcare assistance, and even a food bank for students dealing with food insecurity. Also, the school has job placement services that teach students valuable resume and job interview skills and help students find employment after graduation.

Mesa Community College has an associate in applied science nursing degree program that requires 62 to 75 credit hours. During this online nursing program in Arizona, students learn to provide professional nursing care based on legal and professional standards, understand the macro and micro issues that impact patient care, work effectively with members of a medical team to achieve the best patient outcomes, and use evidence-based practices. During the clinical part of the program, students get hands-on training that helps them understand the duties of a nurse and the challenges and stresses that come with the job. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of the program’s prerequisite courses, and a passing score on a nursing program admissions examination.

Mesa Community College also offers a one-semester certificate in nurse assisting program. This online nursing program in Arizona includes classwork and labs to prepare students to work as nursing assistants.