There are plenty of employment opportunities for aspiring nurses in the state of Arizona. More than 80,000 nurses currently work in the state, according to the Arizona State Board of Nursing (ASBN). In addition, those interested in higher level nursing positions can continue their education at one of many nursing schools in Arizona. Read on to explore academic options, learn more about the state's nursing field, and understand the requirements for earning an Arizona nursing license.
- Top Nursing Schools in Arizona
- Search Nursing Schools
- State Licensing Requirements
- Nursing by the Numbers
- Resources & Associations
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Top Nursing Schools in Arizona
Methodology +
BEST 2-YEAR NURSING SCHOOLS
The top nursing programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ration
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
2-Year Schools
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Cochise County Community CollegeLocation
Douglas, AZ
Graduation Rate23%
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GateWay Community CollegeLocation
Phoenix, AZ
Graduation Rate17%
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Yavapai CollegeLocation
Prescott, AZ
Graduation Rate19%
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Eastern Arizona CollegeLocation
Thatcher, AZ
Graduation Rate36%
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Paradise Valley Community CollegeLocation
Phoenix, AZ
Graduation Rate18%
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Scottsdale Community CollegeLocation
Scottsdale, AZ
Graduation Rate16%
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Northland Pioneer CollegeLocation
Holbrook, AZ
Graduation Rate5%
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Central Arizona CollegeLocation
Coolidge, AZ
Graduation Rate18%
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Phoenix CollegeLocation
Phoenix, AZ
Graduation Rate12%
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Mesa Community CollegeLocation
Mesa, AZ
Graduation Rate14%
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Estrella Mountain Community CollegeLocation
Avondale, AZ
Graduation Rate13%
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Glendale Community CollegeLocation
Glendale , AZ
Graduation Rate15%
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Mohave Community CollegeLocation
Kingman, AZ
Graduation Rate12%
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Pima Community CollegeLocation
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate11%
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Arizona Western CollegeLocation
Yuma, AZ
Graduation Rate16%
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Coconino Community CollegeLocation
Flagstaff, AZ
Graduation Rate6%
Browse Nursing Schools in Arizona
Aspiring nurses have many choices when it comes to their education. Whether interested in a community college or four-year university, Arizona nursing schools offer accredited programs to meet just about every career goal. Use the search tool below to explore and filter through high quality schools based on your specific needs, preferences, and goals.
Nurse Licensure in Arizona
Nurses must be licensed in order to practice in every state in the country. However, each state sets its own standards and requirements for licensing and renewal. ASBN is the government agency that regulates nursing education and practice for registered nurses, certified midwives, nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse practitioners in Arizona. ASBN also oversees all licensing requirements for these professions, from application to renewal and reinstatement. Below is an overview of first-time licensure requirements for registered nurses in Arizona.
Eligibility Requirements
- Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. (Arizona graduates must submit a Certificate of Completion from an approved program.)
- Register for NCLEX exam and include a $200 registration fee
- Earn a passing score on NCLEX exam
- Submit a paper application with $300 fee to Arizona State Board of Nursing by mail only
- Provide citizenship documentation
- Submit a fingerprint card with a full set of fingerprints to the Arizona State Board of Nursing for the purpose of obtaining State and Federal criminal record checks along with $50 fee
RN License Renewal in Arizona
Registered nurses in Arizona are required to renew their license every four years at a fee of $160 fee. Renewals are accepted up to six months before the official renewal date or within 30 days following the due date. After 30 days, ASBN enforces a late fee.
To qualify for renewal, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Practiced as a nurse for a minimum of 960 hours in the past five years
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the past five years
- Completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher course in the past five years
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years
Reactivating an inactive license requires a paper renewal application. To have a paper copy mailed to you, send a self-addressed stamped envelope with $.90 postage to ASBN along with a written request. There is no fee to reactivate an inactive license. However, reinstating a license to active status requires an application and $150 fee.
Getting a License as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Arizona
Although most nurses in Arizona are RNs and LPNs, there are also advanced and specialty positions available. Registered Nurse Practitioners (RNP), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNW), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) all play important roles in the field of nursing. Like RNs and LPNs, these nurses must meet specific licensing requirements to ensure they have the proper training and experience. In addition to the licensure requirement discussed in the previous section, advanced practice nurses must complete the following steps:
- Hold a current Arizona registered nursing license in good standing
- Show proof of National Certification as an APRN
- Meet all requirements for clinical experience in their specialty area beyond preparation as an RN
- Hold at least a master's degree in advanced practice nursing from an accredited program or have at least 960 practice hours within the past five years as an APN
Arizona Nursing Numbers: RNs and Beyond
With a projected growth of 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, nurses are in high demand across the US. The numbers of registered nurses, certified midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners are growing steadily in Arizona as of January 2016 and are expected to continue. Take a look at the salary and employment numbers below:
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Arizona
| Area | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Prescott | $35.30 | $73,420 |
| Yuma | $35.23 | $73,280 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale | $34.88 | $72,550 |
| North Arizona nonmetropolitan area | $32.97 | $68,570 |
| Tucson | $32.04 | $66,650 |
| Southeast Arizona nonmetropolitan area | $29.65 | $61,660 |
| Lake Havasu City - Kingman | $28.85 | $60,020 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Arizona vs. National Numbers
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Resources for Arizona Nurses
Arizona Association of Midwives
This organization offers professional educational programs for midwives and educates the general public about these health care professionals. In addition, AAM facilitates the peer review process required by the state of Arizona and the National Association of Registered Midwives (NARM).
Arizona Emergency Nurses Association
The Arizona Emergency Nurses Association (AENA) provides member access to the Journal of Emergency Nurses. AENA also provides educational and networking opportunities for emergency nurses.
Arizona National League for Nursing
Formed in 2010, the Arizona National League for Nursing (ANLN) is a member organization that provides a quarterly newsletter and annual conferences with nationally-known speakers.
Arizona Nurses Association (ANA) is a member organization that advocates for nursing policies in the state. ANA includes the Arizona Nurses Foundation, a charitable arm that provides scholarships.
Arizona Nurse Practitioner Association
As a local chapter of the Arizona Nurses Association and an affiliate of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, ANPA works to advance the practice and professional stature of nurse practitioners through legislative impact, education, and community outreach.