The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital role registered nurses hold on the health care team. In the face of uncertainty and risk to life, nurses stood their ground and attended to millions and their families. If the commitment and work of nurses have inspired you, then enrolling in an Associate Degree in Nursing program can put you on the fast-track to becoming part of a health care team. Nursing is a trusted profession with a reputation of honesty and ethics. People respect and trust nurses and look to them to deliver accurate and consistent updates on their progress. As part of this trusted profession, you will benefit from career advancement, opportunity to practice in diverse settings, and excellent pay.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing offered at eight of the Maricopa Community Colleges is available to Chandler-Gilbert students. Students will learn the art and science of nursing in various health care settings. They will gain the expertise to provide advocacy and individualized care for diverse populations, demonstrate accountability for legal and ethical behaviors, coordinate care for multiple patients as they collaborate with the healthcare team, function effectively with the interdisciplinary teams, and provide safe and quality care while minimizing risks to patients. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will receive an AAS degree and will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Traditional day and evening schedules are offered to meet the needs of those who need to balance work with study.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 62-75
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
General education courses – College Math, Biology, Chemistry, First Year Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Psychology, Microbiology, Humanities Elective
Core course – Nursing Theory & Science I, Nursing Theory & Science II, Nursing Theory & Science III, Nursing Theory & Science IV
Admission criteria:
- Must attend a scheduled information session before submitting an application for admission
- Meet with a program advisor to map out a plan of study
- Secure admission to Maricopa Community College and obtain a student ID
- Provide confirmation of completing an accredited high school or equivalency
- Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Obtain a clear urine drug screen
- Take and pass the HESI Admission Assessment with a score of 80% or higher in English language and a score of 75% or higher in math
- Submit official transcripts indicating completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Submit immunization records indicating immunity for MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Documentation of influenza is required during flu season
- Complete with Health Care Provider Form – signed by a licensed health care provider
- Must have current Health Care Provider level CPR
Program Cost
The total program cost of $9,404 includes tuition, books, background check, fingerprint clearance, drug screen, fees, uniforms, and equipment.
- Website: https://www.cgc.edu/
- Address: 2626 East Pecos Road, Chandler, AZ 85225
- Phone: (480) 732-7000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.59%
Phoenix College
The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at Phoenix College is also available at seven other Maricopa Community College and is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Theory in the classroom and hands-on skills development in a clinical setting will prepare students to function as a generalist provider of care to clients and family groups. The curriculum provides a foundation for students who plan to further their studies to the bachelor of science in nursing or beyond. Students who complete the requirements with a minimum grade C or higher will be eligible to apply tot eh Board of Nursing to become a registered nurse. Licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants may apply for advanced placement in the program. They must maintain their health care certification throughout the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 62-75
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
General education courses – College Math, Biology, Chemistry, First Year Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Psychology, Microbiology, Humanities Elective
Core course – Nursing Theory & Science I, Nursing Theory & Science II, Nursing Theory & Science III, Nursing Theory & Science IV
Admission criteria:
- Must attend a scheduled information session before submitting an application for admission
- Meet with a program advisor to map out a plan of study
- Secure admission to Maricopa Community College and obtain a student ID
- Provide confirmation of completing an accredited high school or equivalency
- Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Obtain a clear urine drug screen
- Take and pass the HESI Admission Assessment with a score of 80% or higher in English language and a score of 75% or higher in math
- Submit official transcripts indicating completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Submit immunization records indicating immunity for MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Documentation of influenza is required during flu season
- Complete with Health Care Provider Form – signed by a licensed health care provider
- Must have current Health Care Provider level CPR
- Applicants for advanced placement must obtain a passing score on a practical nursing content exam
Program Cost
The program cost of $9,287 includes tuition (74 credits), textbooks, fees, uniform and clinical supplies, immunization, health requirements, fingerprint clearance card, background check, drug screen, and health document tracking.
- Website: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/
- Address: 1202 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
- Phone: 602-285-7777
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 78.99%
PIMA Medical Institute
PIMA Medical Institute offers prospective nursing students an exciting opportunity to develop nursing skills from the commencement of the program. From the first semester, students will engage in activities designed to develop hard and soft skills in the mock hospital setting on campus. The school’s modern lab is outfitted with equipment typically found in health care facilities students will become familiar with their use and have the confidence needed during the scheduled clinical rotations later on in the program. The program is approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing so graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 20 months
Course titles:
General education and core courses – English, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Mathematics, Introduction to Healthcare, Foundations of Human Potential, Strategies for RN Success, Human Development, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Pharmacology for Health Promotion and Maintenance, Nursing’s Role in Health Promotion, Nutrition, Family Centered Care Across the Lifespan, Acute Care Across the Lifespan, Professional Transition I, Sociology of Health, Pharmacology for the Complex Patient, Nursing Care for the Complex Patient, Healthcare Informatics, Nursing Care in Challenging Situations, Role Development of the Graduate Nurse
Admission criteria:
- Schedule and attend an interview with an admission representative
- Achieve a minimum score of 25 points on the Wonderlic SLE exam – includes reading comprehension, general knowledge, and critical thinking demonstration
- Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the PMI math test
- Submit high school transcripts or GED – points will be awarded for math and science courses
- Submit college transcripts – points will be awarded for math and science course and completed college degree
- Credentialed Health Care workers will receive points with submission of documents
- Applicants who are currently employed in health care will receive points
- Submit a completed interview form
- Applicants who amass a score of 30 points or greater will be invited to take the HESI A2 exam – completed at the applicant’s expense. The minimum scores for admission are Mathematics – 65%, Reading – 85%, Vocabulary – 85%, Grammar – 85%, Overall – 80%
- Submit a writing sample outlining factors contributing to interest in nursing
- Attend an interview with nursing faculty. Available by interview only to candidates who pass the HESI A2
- Complete a background check and obtain clearance
- Attend an orientation session
- Provide proof of immunization – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, seasonal flu vaccine
- Submit a negative 2-step TB test report
- Must have current Healthcare Provider for Professional Rescuer level – AHA
- Provide proof of health insurance – must be maintained throughout the course
- Complete fingerprinting and application for the fingerprint clearance card
- Complete a physical exam by a licensed health care provider and obtain a certificate of satisfactory health
Program Cost
The program cost of $52,793 includes registration, textbooks, uniforms, and technology fee.
- Website: https://pmi.edu/
- Address: 957 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202
- Phone: 800-477-PIMA
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.72%
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College is one of eight Maricopa Community Colleges offering the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program. The school offers several points and entry and modes of completing the requirements to become a registered nurse. The traditional program is structured to be completed in four semesters – students will be eligible to apply for licensure after completing the AAS degree. Through the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP), students will be placed on the fast-track to become a registered nurse – a GCC/NAU partnership lets students earn the AAS and BSN degrees at the same time. This CEP not only saves time but also money and gives students the comfort of completing the degrees at GCC. The third option is the Honors Cohort that is available to students eligible for the Arizona President’s scholarship. Students in this cohort commence in the fall semester and have the option to complete an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in 5 years. The final option is through advanced placement available for LPNs and Paramedics.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 62-75
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
General education courses – College Math, Biology, Chemistry, First Year Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Psychology, Microbiology, Humanities Elective
Core course – Nursing Theory & Science I, Nursing Theory & Science II, Nursing Theory & Science III, Nursing Theory & Science IV
Admission criteria:
- Must attend a scheduled information session before submitting an application for admission
- Meet with a program advisor to map out a plan of study
- Secure admission to Maricopa Community College and obtain a student ID
- Provide confirmation of completing an accredited high school or equivalency
- Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Obtain a clear urine drug screen
- Take and pass the HESI Admission Assessment with a score of 80% or higher in English language and a score of 75% or higher in math
- Submit official transcripts indicating completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Submit immunization records indicating immunity for MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Documentation of influenza is required during flu season
- Complete with Health Care Provider Form – signed by a licensed health care provider
- Must have current Health Care Provider level CPR
- Applicants for advanced placement must obtain a passing score on a practical nursing content exam
Program Cost
The program cost of $9,287 includes tuition (74 credits), textbooks, fees, uniform and clinical supplies, immunization, health requirements, fingerprint clearance card, background check, drug screen, and health document tracking.
- Website: https://www.gccaz.edu/
- Address: 6000 West Olive Avenue, Glendale Arizona 85302
- Phone: (623) 845-3000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.86%
Carrington College – Phoenix East Campus
Carrington College’s registered nursing program leads to an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. The program goal is to prepare students to step into the role of a registered nurse with confidence in their ability to deliver health care that includes taking medical histories, completing diagnostic tests, recording and monitoring vital signs, administering medications and more. Instructors will rely on classroom lectures and interactive sessions combined with clinical activities to deliver the content in a way that will serve students throughout the career as a nurse. The content provides a foundation for continued studies in the field. General education courses will focus on communication skills, mathematics, English composition, social sciences, and science. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam to practice as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Clock hours: 1530
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 96 weeks
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition I, College Algebra, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Chemistry for Health Care Professionals, Interpersonal Communications, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Microbiology with Lab
Core course – Fundamentals and Medical Surgical Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Community and Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing IV, NCLEX-RN Review, Manager of Care
Admission criteria:
- Provide documentation of completing high school or equivalency
- Must be at least 16 years of age – applicants under 18 must obtain parental consent
- Attend an interview with an enrollment services representative
- Pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) with a score of 15 or above
- Pass the nursing entrance exam – Kaplan at or above the 35th
- Submit a written statement outlining reasons for choosing the career path
- Attend a Registered Nursing Information session
- Submit to drug screening and background check – including fingerprinting
- Submit TB test results from a two-step test, QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test, or PPD. Applicants with a positive test must submit a chest x-ray.
- Must submit immunization records – MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap immunization and yearly influenza
Program Cost
The cost of the program is $49,125. Books and supplies will cost an additional $2,206
- Website: https://carrington.edu/
- Address: 2149 W Dunlap Ave., Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
- Phone: 602-427-0660
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76.47%