Best Nursing Schools in Arizona

2025 Best Nursing Schools in Arizona

Finding the right nursing school in Arizona is crucial for your future career, and one of the best ways to measure a program's quality is by looking at NCLEX-RN pass rates. At registerednursing.org, we've ranked the best nursing schools in Arizona based on these pass rates to help you make an informed decision. NCLEX-RN pass rates are a key factor in our rankings because they show how well a school prepares its students for the licensing exam. Choosing a school with higher pass rates can give you a better chance of passing the NCLEX-RN on your first try, which is a big step toward becoming a registered nurse. Learn more about how we rank schools at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Campus Immersion offers a BSN program tailored for future nurses, combining rigorous academic preparation with the convenience of online learning. Ideal for students managing other responsibilities, this program emphasizes foundational nursing skills, patient care excellence, and understanding healthcare systems. Prospective students need a high school diploma or GED, with certain prerequisites, but no ACT or SAT is required for admission. The program is noted for its affordability and financial aid opportunities, making nursing education accessible. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a strong focus on achieving high pass rates, ensuring readiness for diverse nursing roles in healthcare.

• Online program flexibility.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Competitive cost with aid.
• High school diploma required.
• Covers essential nursing practices.

#2

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - gcu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career. This campus-based program integrates evidence-based practices with holistic care, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations effectively. Through a curriculum rich in clinical practice and simulation, students develop critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills essential for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes leadership, patient safety, and comprehensive nursing education, requiring specific admission criteria. With a focus on quality care and clinical reasoning, GCU's BSN program stands out for its immersive learning experiences and commitment to nursing excellence.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Hands-on clinical practice
• Immersive simulation experiences
• Focus on critical thinking
• Ethical nursing practices
• Leadership development
• Patient safety emphasis
• Holistic nursing practices
• Diverse community care

#3

Brookline College-Tempe

Tempe, AZ - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Brookline College-Tempe offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for a career as a Registered Nurse in just 36 months. This campus-based program combines general education with specialized nursing courses, including online learning, laboratory activities, and clinical experiences, to provide a comprehensive understanding of nursing care. Accredited by the CCNE, the program emphasizes NCLEX-RN exam preparation, ensuring students are ready for licensure. With no wait-list for enrollment, faculty coaching support, and diverse clinical learning opportunities, students receive a well-rounded education. Financial aid is available for qualifying students, and job placement support is offered post-graduation. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are required for admission.

• 36-month program length
• Campus-based learning
• CCNE accredited
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Financial aid available
• No wait-list for enrollment
• Faculty coaching support
• Diverse clinical learning opportunities
• Job placement support
• Continuing nursing education

#4

Brookline College-Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Brookline College-Phoenix stands out with its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, offering an accelerated pathway to nursing in just three years. This program uniquely blends online coursework with essential hands-on training through simulation labs and clinical rotations, focusing on critical areas like health assessment and pharmacology. Prospective students should note that while the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, it does not explicitly require ACT or SAT scores for admission. The college's commitment to accessibility is evident through its financial aid options for eligible students. Accredited by the CCNE, Brookline ensures a quality education that meets the standards for aspiring nurses.

• Accelerated 3-year program.
• Combines online and hands-on learning.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Financial aid available.
• CCNE accredited.

#5

Pima Medical Institute-East Valley

Mesa, AZ - Private 2-year - pmi.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pima Medical Institute-East Valley in Mesa, AZ, provides an Associate Degree in Nursing, a comprehensive 20-month program designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful nursing career. This program emphasizes practical patient care, anatomy, and pharmacology through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, a critical step towards becoming a Registered Nurse. With no concentration specified, the curriculum broadly covers essential nursing practices and soft skills, including effective communication. Financial aid is available, making this program accessible to aspiring nurses looking for a direct path into the healthcare field.

• 20-month program length.
• On-campus delivery method.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Hands-on training included.
• Financial aid available.
• Covers anatomy and pharmacology.
• Teaches patient care skills.
• Focuses on communication skills.
• Eligible for licensure in Arizona.
• Career opportunities in healthcare.

*IPEDS 2023 dataset, accessed via NCES Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Arizona Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you’re just starting out in the nursing field, you’ll want to start with an entry-level degree. The three typical routes for entry-level nurses are and Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here are the differences:

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to start out in the nursing field, you’ll want to consider nursing diploma or ADN degree programs. These options take about a year or two to complete and will equip you with all the necessary training needed to start your new career. If you’re already working as an LPN, you may want to consider an LPN to RN bridge program. These types of programs work with your existing training to allow you to graduate with either an ADN or BSN in a much shorter amount of time than if you were to enter with no training at all and allow you to become licensed as an RN.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Arizona include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Arizona.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

If you’re looking for more training than an associate degree or nursing diploma can offer, your safest bet is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Like the previously mentioned options, a BSN can be achieve in a number of different routes. If you have no previous schooling and no previous nursing experience, you’ll need to enroll as a 4-year student. However, if you have previous nursing experience and an ADN, you may be eligible to finish your degree in under three years through an RN to BSN program. No nursing experience? No problem! An Accelerated BSN (ABSN) can be a great option for students who have a bachelor’s degree majoring in a field other than nursing.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Arizona typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

An Arizona RN to BSN is the perfect option for nurses that are already licensed as RNs and have a few years of experience under their belt. Completing this bridge program allows you to receive your BSN in around half the time that it would take you as a traditional BSN student. To enroll, you’ll need an associate’s degree in nursing and an RN license.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Even students who have no nursing experience at all can find a shorter route to a BSN; if you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, you can complete an Arizona ABSN program in as little as a year!

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Whether you’re already working as a nurse and looking to expand your horizons, or you’re a student with no experience at all aiming higher than entry-level nursing, graduate-level nursing education such as Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, or the highest-level degree you can receive as a nurse, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there are plenty of options located in Arizona. To get started you’ll need either a BSN or MSN, and hold an active and unencumbered RN license.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Arizona:

• Arizona Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Arizona MSN Program
• Arizona Accelerated MSN Program
• Arizona RN to MSN Programs
• Arizona Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Arizona DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Arizona

Following graduation, the next step you’ll need to take before working as a nurse is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed as an RN. The process following the exam is an application and fee submitted to the Arizona State Board of Nursing and keeping to date with any continuing education required of you by the state to maintain your license.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Arizona

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Arizona State Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

The answer is simple — you won’t be able to get licensed. When a nursing school is accredited, it means that the state board has approved it and it’s curriculum. As licensure is handled by the board, seeking accredited schools is essential. As you begin your search, make sure that all nursing programs you apply to are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).