[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Arizona’s rapid population growth and popularity as a retirement location make the state a great place to begin a nursing career. This guide explores the best nursing programs in Arizona for prospective registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), how to earn an Arizona nursing license, and average salaries for nurses in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Arizona and Nursing School Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]Accreditation is important[/hen-ui-link]. This guide lists only accredited schools and nursing programs in Arizona.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Arizona, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Arizona[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The appropriate program should fit your professional background and career goals. You should also consider factors like tuition, the program’s National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, and the program’s acceptance rate. The program’s format should suit your learning style and schedule.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Arizona[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A popular destination for retirees, Arizona’s population is rapidly growing. The state is known for access to outdoor recreation and national parks, a strong arts and dining scene, and vibrant culture. Arizona is also a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] state, and nurses who are licensed in another NLC state may apply for Arizona [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/rn-lpn-endorsement-faq” target=”_blank”]licensure by endorsement[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of nursing jobs in Arizona [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]is projected[/hen-ui-link] to grow 35% from 2018-28 — the fastest rate in the country. However, Arizona is [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]projected to experience a surplus[/hen-ui-link] of nurses by 2030, so attending nursing school in the state can help you develop a professional network and find a job.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median annual salary for nurses in Arizona is $79,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which falls above the national median. The median annual salary for NPs is $115,950.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Arizona[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While Arizona RNs and NPs out-earn their counterparts in many other states, Arizona’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living index[/hen-ui-link] is 107, compared to the national index of 100.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Due to a job growth rate far above the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=&AreaNameSelect%5B%5D=1&Name=&NameSelect%5B%5D=664&items_per_page=100″ target=”_blank”]7% national average[/hen-ui-link], Arizona may [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]experience a surplus[/hen-ui-link] of about 1,200 nurses by 2030. However, candidates who attend nursing schools in Arizona enjoy a variety of employment options elsewhere because they can seek NLC licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike nurses in many other states, Arizona RNs in nonmetropolitan areas earn the highest average salaries due to higher demand in these locations. However, their counterparts in urban areas like Phoenix, earn nearly as much.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Arizona[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Yuma, AZ[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$82,160[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Prescott, AZ[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$82,040[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$81,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Tucson, AZ[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$76,660[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$72,530[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Arizona[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Arizona’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.azbn.gov/” target=”_blank”]licensing requirements[/hen-ui-link] are similar to [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]those in many states[/hen-ui-link]. Candidates must hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become an RN. Prospective advanced practice RNs (APRNs) need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master’s degree[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctoral degree[/hen-ui-link] in nursing, with [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/advanced-practice-faqs” target=”_blank”]limited exceptions[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you hold an out-of-state multistate license, you do not need to apply for Arizona licensure. If you are licensed in another NLC state, you can apply for a license by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective RNs must [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]earn an ADN[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]a BSN[/hen-ui-link] and pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for Arizona nursing licensure. Graduates who did not attend nursing school in Arizona should send their official transcripts to the state’s Board of Nursing for verification. All applicants must pass a background check with fingerprinting and prove that they are eligible to work in the United States.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Arizona Board of Nursing provides a complete list of requirements and fees on [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/apply-for-a-license” target=”_blank”]their website[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]become an APRN[/hen-ui-link] in Arizona, applicants must pass board certification exams. Their [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]MSN advisor[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]DNP program[/hen-ui-link] should provide the Arizona Board of Nursing with the candidate’s transcripts and a letter confirming their population area. Applicants also undergo a background check. Professionals who plan to prescribe controlled substances must apply for a DEA number from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://deadiversion.usdoj.gov/online_forms_apps.html” target=”_blank”]Drug Enforcement Administration[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/apply-for-a-license” target=”_blank”]state board’s website[/hen-ui-link] lists all requirements, fees, and relevant information for prospective APRNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Arizona[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona” href=”/state/arizona/lpn-to-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Arizona RN to MSN Programs” href=”/state/arizona/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Arizona[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Arizona a good state for nurses?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At 35%, Arizona’s job growth rate for nursing positions is faster than any other state. According to BLS data, the median annual salary for nurses in Arizona is $79,010.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become an RN in Arizona?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in Arizona, you must complete a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, submit your fingerprints for a background check, and submit your transcripts to the state board. You can also work as an RN in Arizona if you already hold a multi-state license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does it cost to become a nurse in Arizona?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nursing schools in Arizona charge $40,000-$150,000 for a BSN. For an ADN, nursing programs in Arizona cost $6,000-$65,000. Candidates can find many [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid sources[/hen-ui-link], including loans, grants, and scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much money does an RN make in Arizona?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The answer varies by experience and location. In Arizona, rural nurses make more than nurses in cities. The median annual salary for nurses in Arizona is $79,010, just above the national median of $75,330.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]