ADN Programs Phoenix, AZ

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 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 is 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

The approximate cost of the program is $9,404. It includes tuition, fees, 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. Students must cover the cost of CPR certification, graduation, and NCLEX registration.

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 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)
  • Applicants for advanced placement must obtain a passing score on a practical nursing content exam

Program Cost

The cost of the program is $9,287. It includes tuition for up to 74 credits, course fees, 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.

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.

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 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

The cost of the program is $9,220. It includes tuition for up to 74 credits, course fees, 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.

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 – no 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 $49,125. Books and supplies will cost an additional $2,206