Nursing Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is a vibrant hub for education and career opportunities, offering various esteemed institutions dedicated to shaping skilled and compassionate nurses.

Delve into the diverse and flexible nursing programs at top nursing schools in Phoenix, Arizona each catering to their students' unique educational needs and career aspirations. From cutting-edge university programs to community college options, nursing students are surrounded by top-notch facilities, experienced faculty, and ample clinical placements.

Whether you're pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN,) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Phoenix has a program for you.

Nursing Schools in Phoenix, AZ

1. Arizona College of Nursing - Phoenix

The Arizona College of Nursing in Phoenix is committed to producing skilled and compassionate nurses. With a comprehensive 3-year BSN degree program and hands-on clinical training, students gain the knowledge and expertise necessary for successful careers in healthcare. Its program is accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).

• BSN: accelerated 36-months program, 120 credit hours (50 general education credits, 70 core nursing credits), 630 clinical contact hours), tuition fee of $38,511 for residents

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers diverse nursing programs focusing on cutting-edge research and evidence-based practice. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and extensive clinical experiences in Phoenix's top healthcare facilities. The university's commitment to innovation and leadership prepares graduates to excel in a dynamic healthcare landscape. ASU's nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

• BSN:
  • Traditional Pre-Licensure: full-time upper division program, can be completed in a 16-month year round schedule or 24-month academic year schedule
  • Accelerated Program: full-time, 12 months
  • Online RN to BSN: offered online in 7.5 week sessions, can be completed in 14 to 24 months
• MSN Programs: 24 months, 4 months to 48 months, fully online, 30 credit hours
  • RN to MS: 36 credits
  • Nursing Education: 33 credits
  • Aging: 30 credits
  • Healthcare Innovation: 34 credits
• DNP Programs: 
  • Executive Health Systems Leadership: 50 credit hours, 2.5 to 3.5 years, online
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 67 credit hours, 2.5 to 3.5 years, hybrid
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 69 credit hours, 2.5 to 3.5 years, hybrid
  • Nurse Anesthesiology: 86 credit hours, 36 months, hybrid
  • Nurse-Midwifery: 69 credit hours, 36 months, hybrid
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 64 credit hours, 2.5 to 3.5 years, hybrid
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 68 credit hours, 2.5 to 3.5 years, hybrid
  • Post-Master's DNP: 35 credit hours, 1.5 to 2.5 years, hybrid
• PhD Programs: The innovative hybrid PhD program prepares individuals for a leadership role in research, education, and health policy, focusing on the generation and application of research and theory. 
  • Nursing and Healthcare Innovation
• Graduate Certificate Programs: Tailored for proficient healthcare practitioners, graduate certificate programs are crafted to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills essential for transitioning into another healthcare domain or delving into research.
  • Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Care Coordination
  • Clinical Research Management
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Innovation Leadership
  • Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

3. Brookline College

Brookline College's Phoenix nursing programs emphasize practical skills and real-world experiences. With small class sizes and personalized attention, students receive a quality education in a supportive environment. The college's dedication to preparing graduates for licensure exams ensures a strong foundation for rewarding and successful nursing careers. Brookline College's nursing program is CCNE accredited.

• LPN: 48 weeks accelerated program, 48 credits
• BSN: entry-level nursing, can complete in 24 to 30 months, no wait list, year-round enrollment

4. Carrington College - Phoenix

Carrington College in Phoenix provides hands-on nursing education, preparing students to become competent and compassionate healthcare professionals in as little as two years. With a focus on practical training and NCLEX preparation, students gain the skills necessary to meet the demands of the nursing field. The college's flexible scheduling options cater to students' diverse needs and commitments. Carrington also offers an online RN to BSN program, and these nursing programs are ACEN accredited.

• ADN: 24 months
• BSN: To qualify for the online program, applicants must have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a board-approved and accredited institution. This includes a minimum of 72 semester credits. Additionally, applicants need to be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).
• RN to BSN: 15 months, fully online

5. Chamberlain University College of Nursing

Chamberlain University's College of Nursing in Phoenix offers a student-centric approach to nursing education. The college's BSN program focuses on holistic patient care and leadership development. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, advanced simulation labs, and experienced faculty, preparing them for success in their nursing careers. MSN and DNP programs are available online, and Chamberlain is CCNE accredited.

• BSN: 36 months accelerated program, six start dates in a year, hybrid learning, 122 credit hours
• MSN Programs: 
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: 8 semesters, online learning, 36 months, 8-week classes that start at 6 different times in a year
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 8 semesters, less than 36 months, full-time study, fully online learning, get support finding a preceptor, transfer up 6 semester hours
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 30 months of full-time study, fully online, will accept six semester hours as transfer credits
• DNP: 24 months full-time study, consists of 32 to 40 credits, 512 clinical hours, no campus visits since it is fully online, the three elective focus areas center around leadership
• Graduate Certificates
  • Public Health: 2.5 semesters, fully online

6. Creighton University - Phoenix

Creighton University's College of Nursing in Phoenix emphasizes a values-based education, integrating ethics and compassion into nursing practice. The university's accelerated BSN program prepares students to deliver patient-centered care and address healthcare challenges. Students can access various clinical opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded nursing education. Creighton University is CCNE accredited.

• Accelerated BSN: 12 months, two start dates January and August, 58 credits

7. GateWay Community College

GateWay Community College's nursing program in Phoenix offers an accessible pathway to a nursing career. The ADN program equips students with essential nursing skills and prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam. The ADN program is ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) accredited.

• Associate Degree in Nursing: 62 to 75 credits required
• RN to BSN: allows credit transfers within 62-75 range, 120 credits required for completion,
• Graduate Certificates
  • Fast Track Practical Nursing: 2 semesters or less
  • Nurse Assistant: 2-4.5 credits required
  • Nurse Refresher: 2 semesters or less, 10 credits required

8. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions prepares nursing students to meet evolving healthcare needs. It offers various nursing programs to meet each individual's needs and lifestyle. With a focus on servant leadership and evidence-based practice, students develop the skills to deliver excellent patient care. Grand Canyon University's programs are CCNE accredited.

• ABSN: 16 months, 123 credit requirements, 90 transfer credits allowed, $850 per credit
• RN to BSN: $340 per credit, 14 months, 5-week classes, 90 credit transfers allowed, 120 credit requirements
• DNP Programs: 39 credits, 8 weeks, up to 3 doctoral credits allowed for transfer, $725 per credit
  • Doctor Of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor Of Nursing Practice With An Emphasis In Educational Leadership
• Graduate Certificate Programs: 
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis In Adult-Gerontology Certificate: 37 credits, 16 weeks, transfer up to 12 credits, hybrid format, $725 per credit
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate: 37 credits, 16 weeks, transfer up to 12 credits, hybrid format, $725 per credit
  • Nursing Education Certificate: 20 credits, 8 weeks, $575 per credit
• MSN Programs: most courses are 8 weeks in length 
  • Health Care Informatics: 36 credits
  • Nursing Education: 36 credits
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis In Adult-Gerontology: 53 credits
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 53 credits
  • Public Health Nursing: 40 credits
• Dual MSN/MBA Programs: 74 credits, 36 months to complete, $640 per credit
  • Master Of Business Administration & Master Of Science In Nursing: Nursing Leadership In Health Care Systems
  • Master Of Science In Health Care Administration

9. Paradise Valley Community College

Paradise Valley Community College offers an ADN program in Phoenix, providing a solid foundation for future nursing careers. The college's state-of-the-art simulation labs and experienced faculty enhance students' clinical and critical thinking skills. This ACEN-accredited program's affordable tuition and flexible schedules make it an excellent option for aspiring nurses.

• Associate in Nursing (AAS): 62 to 75 credits required, full-time status is 12-18 credits per semester

10. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a comprehensive online nursing program with various degree options, including RN to BSN and MSN programs. Students receive a well-rounded nursing education focusing on evidence-based practice and leadership. The university's flexible online options cater to the needs of working professionals, making it convenient for students to pursue their nursing aspirations. The University of Phoenix's nursing program is CCNE accredited.

• RN to BSN: 14 months, transfer up to 87 credits, 120 credits required for completion, $350 cost per credit
• MSN Programs
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 48 credits required, 11 core courses, $540 cost per credit, online learning
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 60 credits required, 22 core courses, $698 cost per credit, online learning

Nursing Program Types in Phoenix, AZ

Many nursing degrees, certificates, and diplomas are available for prospective students in Phoenix, Arizona. Part-time and full-time online programs may be available depending on your chosen school. However, the most common programs obtained by nursing professionals include:

• LVN Programs: 12-18 months, leading to LVN career.
• ADN Programs: 24 months, leading to an RN career.
• BSN Programs: 48 months, leading to an RN career.
• RN to BSN Programs: Nine to 48 months, leading to an RN career.
• MSN Programs: 48 months, leading to APRN careers.
• DNP Programs: 48-60 months, leading to APRN and administration careers.

Studying in Phoenix, AZ

Studying nursing in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a dynamic and enriching experience. Here's what to expect:

• Renowned Nursing Programs: Phoenix is home to many prestigious universities and colleges that offer comprehensive nursing programs. These institutions provide both a strong academic foundation and cutting-edge clinical training, preparing nursing students to excel in their nursing careers.
• Multicultural and Diverse Learning Environment: Phoenix embraces its diverse population, and nursing schools in the city reflect this inclusivity. Students can interact with people from various cultural backgrounds, fostering cultural competence and preparing them to care for diverse patient populations.
• High-Quality Clinical Opportunities: Phoenix's robust healthcare landscape and community boasts top-notch hospitals, clinics, medical centers, healthcare facilities, together with a strong set of policies and trends. Nursing students have access to various clinical placements, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in different healthcare settings and specialties.
• Supportive Faculty and Mentorship: Nursing faculty in Phoenix are experienced professionals who are passionate about nursing education. They provide mentorship and guidance to students and create a supportive learning environment that encourages academic and professional growth.
• Emphasis on Evidence-Based Practice: Phoenix nursing programs prioritize evidence-based practice, equipping students with the latest research and clinical guidelines to make informed decisions in patient care. Nursing graduates are well-prepared to provide high-quality, up-to-date, evidence-based nursing care.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Phoenix's healthcare landscape encourages interprofessional collaboration and allows nursing students to work alongside students from other healthcare disciplines. This teamwork fosters a better understanding of different roles and responsibilities within the healthcare team.
• Cutting-Edge Simulation Labs: Many nursing schools in Phoenix have state-of-the-art simulation labs, providing students with realistic scenarios to practice nursing skills in a safe and controlled environment. These labs enhance students' confidence and competence before entering clinical settings.
• Thriving Student Life: Phoenix offers a vibrant student lifestyle with numerous recreational activities, cultural events, and outdoor adventures. From exploring the city's scenic desert beauty to enjoying its diverse cuisine, nursing students have opportunities to relax and rejuvenate outside their academic pursuits.
• Career Opportunities: With its expanding healthcare industry, Phoenix offers abundant job opportunities for nursing graduates. Graduates can explore various nursing roles and specialties, including critical care, pediatrics, mental health, and more.
• Networking and Professional Development: Phoenix hosts nursing conferences, workshops, and events that provide networking opportunities for nursing students. These events allow students to connect with healthcare professionals and potential mentors, opening doors to future career prospects.

Phoenix provides a comprehensive and supportive learning environment. It enables students to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become competent and compassionate nursing professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do Phoenix nursing schools prepare students for licensure exams?

Nursing programs in Phoenix incorporate comprehensive exam preparation into their curriculum. Faculty provide review sessions, practice exams, and resources to help students prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or other licensure exams.

To increase your chances of passing the exam, explore this useful NCLEX study guide at https://allnurses.com/resources/next-gen-NCLEX-RN-identifying-prioritization-delegation-r8/.

What clinical specialties are available for nursing students to explore in Phoenix?

Phoenix's healthcare community allows nursing students to explore various clinical specialties, such as critical care, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, and more. Students can gain exposure to different areas of nursing to find their career interests.

What support services are available for nursing students in Phoenix?

Phoenix nursing schools offer various support services, including academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services. These resources are designed to help nursing students succeed academically and professionally.