As licensed health care professionals, registered nurses provide therapeutic and clinical care to support the restoration of health. They work directly with physicians, other nurses, and patients and their families to develop, implement and assess patient care plans, educate, and counsel. Their responsibilities include the assessment of patients to determine their specific needs, maintenance of medical records, development of patient care plans, administration of medication and treatments, advocating for patients, and offering counsel on health maintenance and disease prevention.
The Associate Degree Nursing program covers general education, science, and nursing courses that will prepare students for practice in community agencies, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The program qualifies graduates to take the National Council Licensure Exam to become registered nurses. However, the employment rate for nurses at this level has decreased due to higher educational standards for entry-level nurses. Hospital employers are choosing to hire more nurses with a Bachelor of Science degree because studies show they are better prepared to meet complexities in health care. Adults considering the associate degree are encouraged to consider the Concurrent Enrollment Program in Arizona to obtain the AAS and BSN at the same time or to continue the nursing career path to the BSN through ADN to RN bridge programs.
Gateway Community College
The Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares adults to become providers of care, advocates, and educators in their communities. The curriculum covers competencies in the art and science of nursing. Students who successfully complete the requirements will receive an AAS degree and will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The program is delivered in several formats to meet the needs of the modern student. The traditional day program begins in the Fall semester and offers daytime hours for the classroom and clinical sessions. Students enrolled in this option will complete the requirements in four semesters. The full-time evening program meets two nights a week in the classroom and over the weekend, evenings, and nighttime for the clinical sessions. The schedule is designed to be completed in 24 months. The accelerated degree option lets students complete the requirements for the AAS degree in just 16 months. Classes might meet in the summer months, during the day and evening hours, and on the occasional weekend.
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:
- Attend a mandatory pre-nursing information session for details related to the program
- Attend a nursing advisement session
- Follow the enrollment steps and apply for admission to Maricopa Community College. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Sign the statement of high school graduation
- Complete a student information form and request that all high school and college transcripts be sent directly to the Admissions Office Gateway College
- Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Provide evidence of pass the HESI Admission Assessment with a score of 80% or higher in the English language composite score and a score of 75% or higher in math
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen during the registration process
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Must be able to perform the required physical activities during the clinical portion of the program – a licensed health care provider must complete the Health Care Provider Form
- Provide documentation of immunization records – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. The student must provide documentation of obtaining a flu vaccine during the flu season
- A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level)
Program Cost
Tuition and fees cost $97 per credit for Maricopa County residents. Other costs for textbooks and electronic resources, fingerprint clearance card, background check, drug screen, clinical placement registration, uniform and clinical supplies, immunization, health requirements, and health document tracking must be covered by the student. Students must also cover the cost of CPR certification, graduation, and NCLEX registration.
- Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/
- Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Phone: (602) 286-8000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.11%
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. The ACEN accredited program includes instruction in the classroom and clinical experiences at a variety of health care settings.
Students will acquire knowledge and ethical principles that will aid their success in practice. They will learn the value of patient-centered care, professionalism, leadership, communication, teamwork, collaboration, evidence-based practice, informatics and technology, quality improvement, and systems-based practice. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the national exam to obtain a registered nurse license. Applicants holding licensure as a Nursing Assistant and/or Licensed Practical Nurse must remain in good standing with the Board for the program’s duration.
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:
- Attend a mandatory pre-nursing information session for details related to the program
- Attend a nursing advisement session
- Follow the enrollment steps and apply for admission to Maricopa Community College. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Provide high school diploma/transcripts or GED completion or sign Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion on the nursing application page
- Complete a student information form and request that all high school and college transcripts be sent directly to the Admissions Office Gateway College
- Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Provide evidence of passing the HESI Admission Assessment with a score of 80% or higher in the English language composite score and a score of 75% or higher in math
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen during the registration process
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Must be able to perform the required physical activities during the clinical portion of the program – a licensed health care provider must complete the Health Care Provider Form
- Provide documentation of immunization records – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. The student must provide documentation of obtaining a flu vaccine during the flu season
- A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level)
- Applicants for advanced placement must obtain a passing score on a practical nursing content exam
Program Cost
Tuition and fees cost $97 per credit for Maricopa County residents. Other costs include textbook and electronic resources, fingerprint clearance card, background check, drug screen, clinical placement registration, uniform and clinical supplies, immunization, health requirements, 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: 91.60%
PIMA Medical Institute
The Nursing program at Pima Medical Institute prepares students for a career in healthcare as a registered nurse. Students will develop hard and soft skills necessary to function as entry-level providers of care. They will learn anatomy and physiology, nutrition, growth and development, nursing theory, and patient care across the lifespan. Hands-on activities will commence in the first semester through skills lab sessions using mannequins and equipment typically found in hospitals and other medical settings. Students will learn how to record patients’ histories, administer treatments and medications, monitor patients, development and evaluate patient care plans, educate patients and their families, collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals, and advocate for patients. 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
- Obtain a minimum score of 25 points on the Wonderlic SLE exam
- Obtain 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
- Provide documentation of any health care certificates
- Provide documentation of any health care experience –points will be awarded for experience
- Complete the interview form
- Take the HESI A2 exam – completed at the applicant’s expense. This step is offered to candidates who amass a score of 30 or greater in the application process. The minimum scores 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
- Have a negative 2-step TB test
- 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 cost of the program is $42,545 based on an estimated completion time of 80 weeks. Books and supplies will cost an additional $3,074.
- Website: https://pmi.edu/
- Address: 957 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202
- Phone: 800-477-PIMA
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.65%
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College offers the Associates of Applied in Nursing program as part of the consortium of Maricopa Community College Nursing Programs. There are several pathways for adults who want to become a registered nurse. The traditional 4-semester program prepares students to sit for the licensure exam to become a registered nurse. A fast-track Concurrent Enrollment Program lets students earn the AAS and BSN at the same time through a partnership with NAU. Applicants for the CEP must complete the prerequisite and co-requisite and meet the GPA requirements to enroll. The honors cohort is available to students who are candidates for the Arizona President’s scholarship. It will let students move from a high school diploma to an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing in less than 5 years. Licensed practical nurses and paramedics can apply for advanced placement and complete the requirements in significantly less time than it takes to complete the traditional 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:
- Attend a mandatory pre-nursing information session for details related to the program
- Attend a nursing advisement session
- Follow the enrollment steps and apply for admission to Maricopa Community College. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Provide high school diploma/transcripts or GED completion or sign Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion on the nursing application page
- Complete a student information form and request that all high school and college transcripts be sent directly to the Admissions Office at Glendale College
- Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Provide evidence of pass the HESI Admission Assessment with a score of 80% or higher in the English language composite score and a score of 75% or higher in math
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen during the registration process
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Must be able to perform the required physical activities during the clinical portion of the program – a licensed health care provider must complete the Health Care Provider Form
- Provide documentation of immunization records – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. The student must provide documentation of obtaining a flu vaccine during the flu season
- A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level) from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Glendale Community College, or American Emergency Response Training
- Applicants for advanced placement must obtain a passing score on a practical nursing content exam
Program Cost
Tuition and fees cost $97 per credit for Maricopa County residents. Other costs include textbook and electronic resources, fingerprint clearance card, background check, drug screen, clinical placement registration, uniform and clinical supplies, immunization, health requirements, 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: 94.87%
Carrington College – Phoenix East Campus
The AAS Nursing program at Carrington College prepares adults for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The campus-based course includes instruction in the classroom, lab, and a clinical rotation at various health care facilities. Students enrolled in the program will learn how to collaborate with patients, family, and members of the health care team to deliver safe and quality care using the nursing process, use critical thinking and clinical judgment to deliver patient-centered care to promote and restore health, communicate effectively with patients and team members, create an environment to promote and demonstrate caring, use evidence-based knowledge to guide actions, take accountability in the professional nursing role, and examine their role as part of the health care team. Courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence, and a minimum grade of 75% is required for progression. Students must obtain a satisfactory grade of the clinical component to obtain the degree. Failing three or more courses (including general education courses) will result in dismissal.
Program Outline
Lecture hours: 795
Lab hours: 240
Clinical hours: 495
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 96 weeks – not including breaks
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:
- Attest to the completion of high school or high school equivalency
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) with a score of 15 or above
- Attend an interview with an enrollment services representative
- Submit a written statement outlining reasons for choosing the career path
- Pass the nursing entrance exam – Kaplan at or above the 35th Each attempt will cost $40. Only two attempts are allowed.
- Attend a Registered Nursing Information session
- Submit to drug screening and background check – including fingerprinting
- Provide negative 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.
- Provide proof of MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap immunization and yearly influenza
Program Cost
The cost of the program is $59,794 and includes cost for ooks and supplies.
- Website: https://carrington.edu/
- Address: 2149 W Dunlap Ave., Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
- Phone: 602-427-0660
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.84%
How Much Does An ADN Earn In Phoenix?
The average registered nurse salary for associate degree graduates in Phoenix is $56,340 annually. Although Phoenix registered nurses are some of the highest paid in the state, they overall pay rate for nurses in Arizona is almost 35 percent less than other parts of the United States.
There is a severe shortage of nurses in the state, so many nurses are forced to work overtime hours. The overtime of of 1.5 times their standard hourly rate could give nurse salaries a much needed boast.
The cost of living in Phoenix is one factor that contributes to the higher pay rate for nurses working in that city. Nurses employed in Phoenix earn 3 to 4 percent more than nurses employed in other parts of the Grand Canyon State.
How Long is the ADN in Phoenix?
An associate degree program typically requires a commitment of 4 to 5 semesters for full-time students. Core nursing requirements may be completed in one year if you fulfil the general education, prerequisite and science requirements before admission.
What Is the Easiest Nursing Program to Get into In Phoenix?
Don’t be put off by the long list of requirements for entry into the Maricopa Colleges’ nursing program because they boost the simplest admissions process. Recently, the Colleges, including Gateway Community College and Phoenix College added a new requirement for entry – current nurse aide certification. While obtaining nurse aide certification may be one more task on your list, the training and experience as a nurse aide will be beneficial to your success in nursing school.
How Much Does an ADN Cost in Arizona?
Arizona is one of the most affordable states to acquire your nursing education. The average cost of completing a two-year nursing degree program is $11,270 including the cost of tuition, fees, books, equipment and general supplies. The cost of private institutions such as Carrington College is approximately $60,000. Financial aid will help to lower your final costs.
How To Become a Registered Nurse in Phoenix?
To become a registered nurse in Phoenix, Arizona or any other state, you must complete the educational requirements. In Arizona, you must have a minimum associate degree in nursing to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. Upon successful completion of the nursing program, you may apply to the Board of Nursing to take the exam and for licensure as a registered nurse after you’ve passed the exam.
Nurse play a pivotal role in public health. It is important that you have a clean criminal record and the physical and mental capacity to perform in the role of a registered nurse.
See Arizona RN Requirements and Training Programs for more details on acquiring a registered nurse license in Arizona.
Can You Be An RN With an Associate Degree in Arizona?
There has been much talk of making the BSN the minimum educational requirements for entry to nursing. To date, there have been no policies in place to move forward with this intention. As such, you still have the privilege of entering the nursing sector in Arizona with just two years of study in the associate degree program.
Can International Students Study Registered Nursing in Arizona?
Maricopa Colleges in Arizona offer a safe space for prospective international students to pursue their nursing career goals. Students will benefit from a dedicated team of advisors who are ready to guide them through application process. There are no application fees, affordable tuition, and transfer of credits from international colleges and universities. Counselors are available to help students secure accommodation, plan their arrival, prepare the I-20, navigate the immigration requirements, and connect with other students. If you plan to enroll as an international student, you might also enquire about scholarship opportunities to help with the program expenses.