Phoenix Nursing Schools
The top Phoenix nursing schools have accredited programs at the associate level, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees for Registered Nurses (RNs) and new nurses. When you decide to look for nursing schools in Phoenix Arizona, understand the criteria that you should look for. For instance, a person should start by looking for nursing schools in Phoenix Arizona in general. In order to find the right school for you, you will need to do some research. However, you have a head start by using our list. Next, you should read about each school and compare the statistics of the schools.
For example, a person can compare the nursing schools in Phoenix AZ based on their student-to-instructor ratio. A person should look at the graduation rate as well as the acceptance rate. An individual should also make sure that he or she meets the admissions requirements. Reputation might also be a factor a person should consider. Price is also a factor to consider.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in Phoenix
To rank the best nursing schools in the Phoenix, AZ metro area, TopRNtoBSN editors focus on accredited accredited nursing schools in Arizona. We found colleges and universities offering nursing degrees at all college levels, from associate to doctoral. Then, we ranked the top nursing schools in Phoenix according to reputation, cost, salary potential, and variety of offerings.
1. Arizona State University
The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University offers a variety of nursing programs that are ranked among the best nursing schools in Phoenix AZ. The school offers several nursing-related programs at the baccalaureate level, including its BSN program, which are all available online. At the master’s degree level, Arizona State provides MS degrees in nursing practice and nursing education. It also offers doctorate level (APRN) programs in Family Nursing, Adult-Gerontology, Acute Pediatric, and Psychiatric and Mental health Nurse.
Arizona State University (Arizona State) is a public university with multiple campuses operating throughout the greater Phoenix area. Arizona State’s student body is one of the largest in the nation, with more than 100,000 students studying on one of the university’s five academic campuses and online. ASU’s faculty includes more than 4,600 academic scholars.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Programs: traditional BSN, post-baccalaureate BSN, online RN to BSN program, MSN, APRN
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
2. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing & Health Care Professions (Grand Canyon) is recognized as one of the best nursing schools in Phoenix AZ. Many of the nursing programs offered by Grand Canyon are available entirely online and include the ability to earn a nursing degree in about a year. Additionally, Grand Canyon University offers graduate and doctoral level nursing programs, including several fast-track options like the RN to BSN program or the accelerated BSN program option. Grand Canyon’s various nursing level programs have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Grand Canyon University (Grand Canyon) is an urban-based, for-profit higher learning institution that was established in 1949. As a non-denominational Christian school, Grand Canyon serves more than 110,000 students, with about 24,000 students attending classes online. Grand Canyon University is organized into nine schools/colleges.
Accreditation: CCNE
Programs: BSN program, MSN, DNP
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
3. Arizona College of Nursing
Arizona College of Nursing (ACN) is considered one of the most affordable and best nursing schools in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, the school has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that students can complete in only three years. This BSN degree program from Arizona College of Nursing includes traditional course and lab work, plus several opportunities to work with patients in clinical settings through predetermined clinical rounds. Coursework for this accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program includes ethical & legal standards in nursing, mental health theory, human development, biology, and introduction to psychology, to name a few.
The Arizona College of Nursing, established in 1991, is a higher learning institution dedicated to providing quality nursing education on the school’s ten campuses across five states (Arizona, Utah, Florida, Nevada, and Texas). ACN operates three campuses in Arizona in Tucson, Tempe, and Phoenix.
Accreditation: All of the school’s campuses are accredited by the CCNE and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Programs: BSN program
More: For more info visit the nursing school.
4. Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College (GCC) is ranked among the best nursing schools in Phoenix, AZ, offering a variety of nursing programs. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program requires 62 to 75 semester credits to meet program requirements, depending on the exact path of study. Classes for this AAS nursing degree include chemistry, biology, human anatomy, nursing theory, microbiology, and introduction to psychology, plus practicum experiences that provide real-world applications. Graduates can apply for an RN license after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Additionally, the Paramedic to AAS in Nursing Bridge Program offers a path for paramedics to become nurses.
GCC Practical Nurse Program is a two-semester program leading to a certificate in Practical Nursing. A graduate who passes the NCLEX-PN examination can then become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Additionally, there is a 12 credit Veterans to LPN Bridge Course. After completing the course, veterans with a military healthcare designation can sit for the NCLEX-PN to become LPNs.
The college operates as a two-year higher learning institution, with an early high school for high-performing students. Gateway Community College serves more than 15,000 students vying for the more than 100 certificate and degree options offered by GCC. Additionally, it is one of ten member schools that form the district of Maricopa County’s community colleges.
Accreditation: ACEN
Programs: Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Nurse Assisting (NA), Medication Assistant course, a certificate in Practical Nursing, Veteran to LPN Bridge Course, AAS (RN), Paramedic to RN
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
5. Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College’s Nursing Department has one of the best nursing schools in Phoenix. It offers a number of nursing programs that lead to a Registered Nurse license. Additionally, the college offers an AAS nursing degree program, a concurrent enrollment option, and an advanced placement option for transfer students with experience and other licenses. In addition, the school also offers a nursing assistant program that can lead to a Certified Nursing Assistant license in the state.
Glendale CC is a two-year institution of higher education that was founded in 1965. The college’s urban campus serves more than 19,000 students, including those studying for certificates and degrees online. And this college offers coursework for the first two years of general education at Northern Arizona University.
Accreditation: ACEN
Programs: AAS
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
6. Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College offers an AAS nursing degree program that requires degree candidates to complete 62 to 75 credits units. To meet the program requirements students must maintain a minimum of a C average within the program. A Nurse Assisting certificate is also available. MCC is one of the best nursing schools in Phoenix AZ, with its nursing degrees accredited by the ACEN. Coursework for this associate’s degree in nursing includes fundamental chemistry, physiology, several years of nursing theory & science, and also an introduction to psychology.
Furthermore, Mesa is a member school of the largest of all community college districts across the nation in Maricopa County. Established in 1965 as a branch facility of another college, Mesa Community College now serves nearly 26,000 students. MCC operates several locations in the Phoenix and Mesa area, which provide students with more than 200 certificate and degree program options.
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
Programs: AAS, Nurse Assisting certificate, Paramedic to AAS in Nursing Bridge Program (more)
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
7. Paradise Valley Community College
Among the best nursing schools in Phoenix, AZ Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in the nursing degree that requires nursing students to complete 64 to 74 credits units to meet program requirements. The school also offers a fast track Nurse Assisting certificate that takes two semesters. In addition, Paradise Valley Community College offers a Paramedic to RN degree program. The nursing programs offered by Paradise Valley Community College have accreditation from ACEN. Additionally, students graduating from PVCC’s associate degree in nursing are eligible to sit for the national nursing (RN) exam.
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is a community college in Phoenix that was established in 1985. The school operates several campuses to serve more than 14,000 students in Cave Creek and the Black Mountain area residents. Paradise Valley Community College was initially developed as an academic extension of Scottsdale Community College.
Accreditation: ACEN and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
Programs: Nurse Assisting certificate, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing Program
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
8. Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is among the best nursing schools in Phoenix and is a member school of the MCCD. SCC offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing that prepares degree candidates to take the national RN exam. Students enrolled in Scottsdale’s AAS nursing degree must complete 62 to 75 credits units to meet program requirements. The coursework for this four-semester nursing degree requires students to take 12 to 18 to maintain full-time student status.
Scottsdale Community College opened in 1969 as a public two-year higher learning institution. The school’s urban campus in Scottsdale serves more than 9,300 students who participate in athletics as the Fighting Artichokes. Additionally, the school holds the distinction of having its campus situated upon tribal land.
Accreditation: ACEN
Programs: AAS
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
9. Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University is among the best nursing schools in Phoenix and offers several nursing programs from its Phoenix campus. The university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is presented in a three-year accelerated format, with evening and weekend options for added flexibility. Additionally, the baccalaureate degree in nursing is available without wait lists. Other nursing program options include an RN to BSN degree, an RN to MSN degree, and several other graduate levels, and doctoral level nursing programs. The online BSN degree is only available to residents in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The nursing program also hosts trips to Brazil and Kenya through its Global Health Education Program.
Chamberlain University (Chamberlain) was established in 1889. Furthermore, the school maintains multiple campuses in many states, as well as through its distance learning programs. This for-profit higher learning institution operates with two colleges or schools.
Accreditation: CCNE
Programs: BSN program, MSN
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
10. Carrington College
The Carrington College campuses in Phoenix and Mesa are among the best nursing schools in Phoenix. Both locations offer an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing. Students enrolled in Carrington College’s two-year nursing degree program typically complete the program in about 24 months. This AAS nursing degree from Carrington is available in Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson. In addition, the school offers an RN and an LVN to RN degree program on those four Arizona campuses.
Carrington College (Carrington) is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1967. Although based out of California, Carrington College operates nineteen locations across the nation. Carrington College serves more than 5,100 students in total. As a for-profit institution of higher education, Carrington College’s academics focus on the dental, medical, criminal justice, and veterinary care industries.
Accreditation: ACEN
Programs: AAS
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
11. Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC)
Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) is a public community college located in the city of Chandler, Arizona. The college was established in 1985 and is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. The Nursing program at Chandler-Gilbert Community College offers both a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a one-year Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. The ADN program prepares students to become registered nurses. And the LPN program prepares a student to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to be a licensed practical nurse. Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
The ADN program provides courses in health assessment, pharmacology, mental health nursing, community health nursing, and medical-surgical nursing. In addition, the program offers clinical experiences in a variety of medical settings. The LPN program provides students with theory and clinical instruction in medical-surgical nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and home care nursing. The program also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and clinics.
Accreditation: ACEN
Programs: LPN, ADN
More: Visit the nursing school for more info.
How is the Job Market for Nurses in Phoenix?
When a person considers if he or she wants to apply for nurse jobs in Phoenix Arizona after his or her degree, a person should look into what the job market is for nurses in Phoenix. Fortunately, murse jobs in Phoenix Arizona, and the surrounding region are plentiful. A person will be able to find a job at a major hospital in the city, one of the many nursing homes, or at one of the many doctor’s offices. Additionally, there’s room for advancement in the field of nursing in general as well as with nursing jobs in Phoenix Arizona.
A person could look for nurse jobs in Phoenix AZ and the surrounding area and earn a lucrative salary. There are nursing jobs in Phoenix AZ in various specialties of nursing as well. For instance, a person could choose to specialize in neonatal or oncology nursing and find specific nursing jobs in phoenix AZ for that specialty.
A person can find registered nursing jobs in Phoenix AZ. These registered nursing jobs in Phoenix AZ are in various specialties and in a variety of locations. Registered nursing jobs in Phoenix AZ are highly in demand when a person considers that Phoenix has major hospitals. A person could also choose to grow from his or her initial registered nursing jobs in Phoenix AZ and take on roles as a director of nursing in a healthcare facility, including both registered nurse jobs in Phoenix Arizona in nursing homes and hospitals.
What Can a Nurse Practitioner Do in Arizona?
A person may also want to consider the option of continuing his or her nursing education and becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioner jobs in Phoenix Arizona are also in demand. Phoenix Arizona Nurse practitioner jobs are available in various specialties. Nurse practitioner jobs in Phoenix Arizona are available when a person joins a group of doctors or other nurse practitioners.
On the other hand, nurse practitioner jobs in Phoenix AZ are also available for people who would rather open their own practices and be their own bosses. There are nurse practitioner jobs in Phoenix AZ available for those who want to become self-employed. In fact, nurse practitioner jobs in Phoenix AZ are possible as a self-employment option because Arizona doesn’t require nurse practitioners to work underneath a physician.
What is the Average Nursing Salary in Phoenix?
Another factor a person may want to consider when becoming a nurse in Phoenix is salary. The average nurse salary in Phoenix AZ for registered nurses is $78,330 per year. This nurse’s salary in Phoenix AZ is the same as $41.66 per hour or $7,222 per month. This is a lucrative salary. The nurse salary in Phoenix AZ also increases if a person chooses to continue his or her education to include a specialty certification. Generally, a nurse’s salary in Phoenix AZ is higher when a person has a specialty.
Certain places also tend to pay more. For instance, hospitals tend to offer a higher nurse salary in Phoenix AZ than at other places. A registered nurse’s salary in Phoenix is higher than in most places in the country. However, a person can earn a master’s degree and increase their RN pay even more. Even if a person doesn’t decide to become a nurse practitioner, the registered nurse salary in Phoenix AZ is higher if a person has a master’s degree.
What is the Nurse Practitioner’s Salary in Phoenix
When a person considers the nurse salary in Phoenix AZ, a person should take into consideration that the nursing salary in Phoenix AZ is higher if a person becomes a nurse practitioner or midwife. The average nurse salary in Phoenix AZ is several thousand higher for a person who has a master’s and takes on one of these roles.
Furthermore, a nurse practitioner’s salary in Phoenix is usually around $116.340 per year. The average nurse practitioner salary in Phoenix AZ is higher if a person has a specialty, which will vary from specialty to specialty. It also tends to be higher if a person opens his or her own practice or works in a doctor’s office.
Your Nursing Career in Phoneix
So, if you are interested in a nursing career in Phoneix, you need to find the right program for you. Prospective students should look at accredited nursing schools in Phoenix. You will need to have a degree from an accredited school in order to take the NCLEX, which is the nursing test necessary for an individual to practice as a nurse.
Related:
