ADN Programs Tucson, AZ

The registered nurse workforce comprises of bachelor’s level and associate level nurses. Both are licensed at the same level and their roles may be similar with some overlap. According to health care employers, there is a huge gap in capabilities. This understanding along with an emphatic call for an increase in the BSN workforce saw a surge in BSN qualified nurses in the past decade. The gravitation towards the BSN among prospective nurses has not slowed interest and enrollment in the Associate Degree in Nursing program. Your decision must be guided by short-term and long-term objectives. Most acute care roles today require a BSN degree as graduates are better prepared to work in the complex health care environment. Research has proven better healthcare outcomes in hospitals where the percentage of BSN nurses on the team is greater than ADN nurses. Long-term facilities hire more than 60 percent of ADN graduates, but many provide incentives for employees to continue their education towards the BSN degree and above. As the future of healthcare moves towards prevention and promotion of health, it might be in your best interest to include the pursuit of the BSN in your short-term planning to meet the challenges of these new nursing positions.

PIMA Community College

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing offered by PIMA Community College provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the complex healthcare industry. They will use the acquired knowledge and skills to contribute to community health in various health care settings. Through the clinical experiences at community health care facilities, they have opportunities to serve unique socio-economic and culturally diverse populations. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse. They will be able to interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues, use the best current evidence to deliver optimal care, demonstrate accountability for the delivery of legal and ethical care, and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers. Applicants must complete the preparatory coursework and other prerequisites to gain access to the competitive admission program.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 74-76
Duration: 5-6 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Core Courses – Nursing Process I, Nursing Process II Transition to Associate Degree Nursing, Drug Calculations, Introduction to Pharmacology, Nursing Process III, Nursing Process IV, Nursing Trends and Issues, Human Nutrition and Biology Nutrition, Microbiology, Human Development and Relations Developmental Psychology, Success in Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, English Composition

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the program prerequisites with passing scores posted on the transcripts before applying to the program
  • Complete the HESI Admission A2 exam through the PCC Nursing Department – scores are valid for one year
  • Submit a completed Nursing Program Application
  • Submit documentation of immunization – hepatitis B, varicella, influenza, MMR, Tdap
  • Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card
  • Pass a urine toxicology screening exam
  • Provide proof of negative TB test or negative chest x-ray
  • Must have and maintain health insurance throughout the program
  • Must have current CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level throughout the program

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $87 per credit for resident students or $1,305 per semester for students completing 15 or more credits. Other costs include a background check, CPR course, course fees, uniforms, shoes, clinical supplies, textbooks, immunizations, toxicology screening, licensing, and review course. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.pima.edu/academics-programs/degrees-certificates/health-sciences/nursing/nursing-adn-aas/index.html
Address: 4905 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85709-1010
Phone: (520) 206-4500
Toll-Free: 1-800-860-PIMA
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.91%

PIMA Medical Institute

The Associate Degree Nursing program at PIMA Medical Institute seeks to develop in students the personal traits and professional skills to function as competent entry-level nurses. The curriculum covers 1664 clock hours of theory and practical instruction in the classroom and at community health agencies to support the development of knowledge and real-world experiences of caring for patients as a member of the health care team. The program has full approval from the Arizona Board of Nursing, so graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. It is not nationally accredited so it may limited future educational options for graduates.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Clock hours: 1664
Duration: 5 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
General education courses – English, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Mathematics

Core Courses – Introduction to Health Care, 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 Life Span, Acute Care Nursing Across the Life Span, Professional Transition I, Sociology of Health, Pharmacology for the Complex Patient, Nursing Caer for the Complex Patient, Health Care Informatics, Nursing Care in Challenging Situations, Role Development of the Graduate Nurse

Admission criteria:

  • Submit the application for admission to PMI
  • Meet with an admissions representative to discuss career interests and goals
  • Pass the entrance assessment
  • Submit proof of high school graduation – a high school diploma, transcript, or GED
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Complete the required vaccinations
  • Submit official transcripts of courses eligible for transfer
  • Provide proof of negative TB test or negative chest x-ray
  • Must have and maintain health insurance throughout the program
  • Must have current CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level

Program Cost:

The program cost of $51,657 includes textbooks, lab supplies, uniforms, technology fee, and tax. Other costs include background check, CPR course, immunizations, drug screen, and licensing fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://pmi.edu/programs/associate/nursing
Address: 2121 N. Craycroft Road, Building 1, Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 800-477-PIMA
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76.83%

Carrington College

Carrington College prepares nursing students for a rewarding career in nursing. The 1530-clock hour program includes classroom lectures, skills lab, and clinical activities in the local health care facility. Courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence and requires a passing grade of 75% or above to progress. Nursing courses with a clinical component require a satisfactory final clinical evaluation and passing theory grade for progression. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse although Carrington does not guarantee success for each student. They should be able to collaborate with patients, family members, and members of the health care team to provide safe, patient centered care, communicate effectively with patients and team members, use evidence-based knowledge to guide actions and promote recovery, examine their role in safe healthcare deliver, and demonstrate behaviors consistent with the legal and ethical framework of nursing.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Clock hours: 1530
Duration: 96 weeks
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
General education courses – English Writing and Composition, College Algebra, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Chemistry for Health Care Professionals, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Microbiology with Lab

 

Core Courses – Fundamentals and Medical Surgical Nursing I, 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:

  • Secure admission to Carrington College
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED – official transcript required
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Pass the nursing entrance exam – Kaplan exam at or above the 35th percentile
  • Attend a Registered Nursing information session
  • Provide negative TB test results – not more than 12 months old
  • Provide documentation of immunization 2 MMR, hepatitis B or waiver, varicella, Tdap, influenza
  • Submit to drug screening and background check
  • Must have valid health insurance

Program Cost:
The program cost of $51,078 includes textbooks, ebooks, tuition, supplies, and fees. Other costs include a background check, CPR course, immunizations, drug screen, and licensing fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://carrington.edu/program/registered-nursing/
Address: 201 N Bonita Ave., Ste 101, Tucson, AZ
Phone: (877) 344-3316
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 70.91%

 

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.