Nursing Programs in Arizona
Arizona continues to see steady growth in its healthcare workforce, driven by an expanding population and consistent demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
“Healthcare and Social Assistance is the only Arizona industry that continued recording employment growth through the Great Recession and has recorded positive year-over-year employment gains since industry employment data was first collected back in 1990.”
—The State of Arizona’s 2024 Workforce Development Plan
This page provides essential information for aspiring Arizona nurses, including details about Jersey College’s accredited campuses in Mesa and Tucson.
Whether you're looking to begin or continue your nursing education, these programs offer the opportunity to build the skills you need to be successful as a healthcare professional. Since 2022, Jersey College has provided educational opportunities in Arizona for aspiring nurses in Mesa, Tucson and the surrounding areas.
Locations
Across our Arizona campuses, Jersey College’s mission is to prepare compassionate, practice-ready nurses through hands-on clinical training, student-centered instruction, and personalized support from experienced faculty. All Arizona locations are institutionally accredited, ensuring students receive a high-quality education that aligns with professional nursing standards.
Mesa
Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix area (480) 520-8911Comprehensive nursing education at a modern campus. Onsite RN program through alliance with Mountain Vista Medical Center
Tucson
Southern Phoenix and greater Tucson including areas like Sahuarita and Marana (520) 210-8900|
Prepare for a real-world nursing career with top teachers in Tucson. Affiliated with Northwest Medical Center Tucson. |
Becoming a Nurse in Arizona
Becoming a nurse in Arizona involves meeting school admission requirements, completing an approved program, and earning state licensure. Here’s a brief overview of what students can expect.
Prerequisites for Nursing School
Most nursing programs in Arizona require a high school diploma or GED, basic admissions testing, and an interview or application review.
At Jersey College, applicants follow the school’s standard admissions process, which includes submitting educational records, completing required assessments, and providing all necessary documentation.
Full details can be found on our Admissions page.
Arizona Licensing Requirements
LPN Licensure
To become an LPN in Arizona, students must:
- Complete a state-approved practical nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Apply for licensure with the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Complete fingerprinting and a background check
RN Licensure
To become an RN, students must:
- Graduate from an approved RN program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Apply for licensure
- Complete fingerprinting and a background check
After Meeting Minimum Requirements
Once licensed, nurses can:
- Begin working in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community health settings
- Continue their education through LPN-to-RN bridge programs or advanced degrees
- Explore specialties such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health
Skills Beyond Medical Training
Nursing programs also teach communication, professionalism, and how to deliver unbiased, culturally aware care. These skills help nurses support diverse patient populations and prepare them for real-world practice.
Program Timelines
The length of time to become a nurse in Arizona depends on the program you choose and your individual situation. Program length may vary based on enrollment status, previously completed coursework, clinical scheduling, and each student’s individual circumstances.
Generally speaking, a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program takes about 12-18 months and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program such as the Professional Nursing programs at Jersey College take 2-3 years. Advanced degrees take additional time.
These ranges are outlined in more detail in our “How Long is Nursing School?” Nursing School Guide article.
How Much Is Nursing School in Arizona?
The cost of nursing school in Arizona depends on the program you choose, your campus location, and your individual course progression.
Jersey College provides clear tuition information for both the Practical Nursing (LPN) program and the Professional Nursing (RN/ADN) program at its Arizona campuses. Total costs may vary based on scheduling, course load, clinical requirements, and program materials.
Program Tuition & Fees*
DAY
EVENING
Fee
Verification Fee (per term)
* subject to change
† Please contact your Financial Aid Planner for scholarship terms and conditions'
The Cost of Attendance (“COA”) is a technical term utilized to provide an estimate of the total amount of a student’s educational expenses during their enrollment. The components of COA are: (x) tuition and fees (books, course materials, supplies, and equipment) (“Direct College Expenses”); and (y) an allowance for (i) transportation; (ii) miscellaneous personal expenses; (iii) living expenses (including food and housing costs); (iv) a professional license and (v) dependent care and/or disability accommodations, where necessary (“Life Expenses”). This website only provides information related to Direct College Expenses; it does not include Life Expenses.
For complete tuition details, visit the Tuition Page.
To learn about grants, financial aid, and available funding options, visit the Financial Aid Page.
Nursing Salaries in Arizona
Nursing salaries in Arizona vary by role and location. Some of the positions shown in the charts below—such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Anesthetist—require graduate-level education beyond the programs offered at Jersey College, but are included here to give a full picture of nursing career options across the state.
All salary figures are provided by the, help illustrate the opportunities available to graduates as they begin their nursing careers and progress within the field.
Statewide Average Nursing Salaries
Here’s a quick look at the average hourly and annual pay for nursing roles across Arizona based on the most recent data available.
| Nursing Role | Average Hourly Wage* | Average Annual Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $20.70 | $43,060 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $35.02 | $72,840 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $45.79 | $95,230 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $63.90 | $132,920 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | $84.07 | $174,870 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn more in our Arizona Nursing Salary Guide
Salaries by Arizona Metro Area
This chart shows how average salaries for CNA, LPN, RN, and advanced nursing roles compare across major regions in Arizona.
| CITY | CNA SALARY* | LPN SALARY* | RN SALARY* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler | $43,740 | $73,480 | $96,220 |
| Tucson | $42,090 | $72,410 | $91,890 |
| Prescott | $43,430 | $74,300 | $106,740 |
| Yuma | $37,850 | $69,360 | $84,650 |
| Sierra Vista–Douglas | $38,620 | $66,150 | $87,350 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn more in our Arizona Nursing Salary Guide
NurseLife After Graduation
Graduates of Jersey College’s Arizona campuses enter the workforce prepared to deliver compassionate, high-quality care across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health settings throughout the state. Graduates can pursue specialty areas, continue their education, or advance into leadership roles as they gain experience. Jersey College’s goal is to help students build a strong foundation for a rewarding and meaningful nursing career.
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How do I find out if an Arizona nursing school is accredited?
You can check a school’s accreditation by visiting the Arizona State Board of Nursing website or reviewing the school’s accreditation page. Most schools list their accreditation clearly on their website.
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How many nursing schools are there in Arizona?
Arizona has multiple nursing programs across community colleges, universities, and private institutions. The exact number varies by year, but students can choose from a range of approved LPN and RN programs statewide.
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Is Arizona a good state for nursing?
Yes. Arizona offers competitive salaries, steady job growth, and strong long-term demand for nurses, making it a solid state for starting or advancing a nursing career.
Nursing Jobs in Arizona
Arizona’s nursing workforce is growing, with tens of thousands of nurses working across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The state continues to add new nursing jobs each year as its population expands and healthcare needs rise.
Arizona offers competitive earning potential for registered nurses, with wages above the national average and RN employment projected to grow by more than 21% from 2022 to 2032.
Registered nurses remain in high demand across Arizona’s hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, reflecting ongoing demand for well-trained nurses statewide.
FAQ
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How do I find out if an Arizona nursing school is accredited?
You can check a school’s accreditation by visiting the Arizona State Board of Nursing website or reviewing the school’s accreditation page. Most schools list their accreditation clearly on their website.
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How many nursing schools are there in Arizona?
Arizona has multiple nursing programs across community colleges, universities, and private institutions. The exact number varies by year, but students can choose from a range of approved LPN and RN programs statewide.
-
Is Arizona a good state for nursing?
Yes. Arizona offers competitive salaries, steady job growth, and strong long-term demand for nurses, making it a solid state for starting or advancing a nursing career.
Additional Resources
Get Started
Becoming a nurse is no small undertaking. If you’re looking to get a nursing degree, Jersey College is here for you.
If you want to learn more about the NurseLife, speak to your campus Admissions representative today – we look forward to meeting you soon!