10 Best ADN Programs in Arizona – (2-Year RN Programs)
Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH (Introduction), and Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org (School Profiles)
ADN-educated RNs in Arizona can provide patient care in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, physician practices, and a variety of other practice settings, and their employment opportunities are projected to rise by more than 39 percent in the next decade. ADN programs in Arizona typically take only two years to complete, but they’ll prepare you to earn an annual salary of $86,740. Most ADN programs in the Grand Canyon State offer class credits that are comparatively easy to transfer should you decide to pursue a four-year nursing degree at a later date. Sound intriguing? The information below on the 10 best ADN programs in Arizona will provide you with more details.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ADN PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE AND CAMPUS)?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best nursing schools for ADN programs in Arizona. You can complete most of these programs in 2 years.
1. Eastern Arizona College - Thatcher
Program Details: For aspiring nurses seeking to enroll in one of the best ADN programs in Arizona Eastern Arizona College, Eastern Arizona College offers an excellent ADN program. The program prepares graduates to play meaningful roles in the field of nursing. Leading to the NCLEX-RN, the program comprises a total of 72 credits that are usually completed within two to three years. The coursework is comprehensive and comprises topics such as human anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, human pathophysiology, nutrition, microbiology, and nursing care of individuals & families across the lifespan.
Why Choose This Program
• Eastern Arizona College offers concurrent enrolment into a BSN program at partner universities, including Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University.• Eastern Arizona College is proudly the first community college in Arizona. The college has ever since its opening, built strong partnerships with community healthcare organizations. The partnerships not only provide meaningful learning experiences but also open doors to placement opportunities post-graduation.
• Eastern Arizona College offers one of the most affordable 2-year RN programs in Arizona, providing a tuition cost that is almost a fraction of what other similar programs offer.
2. Estrella Mountain Community College - Avondale
Program Details: Estrella Mountain Community College prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful career as a registered nurse. By offering another one of the best 2-year RN programs in Arizona, the college produces highly skilled nurses who are equipped with critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and communication skills. The program comprises 62 to 75 credits and confers upon you an associate in applied science. The coursework covers various topics such as human anatomy & physiology, nursing theory, psychology, and microbiology.
Why Choose This Program
• Estrella Mountain Community College is known for its small-sized classes and affordable tuition costs. If you choose this ADN program in Arizona, not only will you graduate with a smaller debt, but you’ll also enjoy an engaging learning experience.• Estrella Mountain Community College offers flexible study plans that easily fit into the busy lives of working nurses.
• Estrella Mountain Community College offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of your education.
3. Scottsdale Community College - Scottsdale
Program Details: If you are seeking to enter the healthcare field as a registered nurse, then Scottsdale Community College’s ADN program is a great option. This 2-year RN program in Arizona prepares nurses who are fully prepared to offer competent patient care in a variety of settings. The program is offered on a full-time basis and requires the completion of 12 to 18 credits per semester. Students are taught about topics such as human anatomy & physiology, fundamental chemistry, nursing theory & science, and introduction to psychology. To graduate, you must complete a total of 62 to 75 credits.
Why Choose This Program
• Scottsdale Community College’s ADN is taught by an experienced faculty that is committed to enhancing the employability and job readiness of their students.• Scottsdale Community College’s ADN allows for a seamless transfer to leading BSN or MSN programs in the state.
• Scottsdale Community College offers ample simulation training at well-equipped simulation labs. Additionally, ADN students are also provided clinical training through a variety of clinical experiences.
4. Mesa Community College - Mesa
Program Details: Mesa Community College’s ADN program is a great launchpad to a thriving career as a registered nurse. Well-designed coursework and exceptional clinical experiences prepare graduates for the complex challenges of direct patient care. The ADN coursework offers a broad range of courses such as the fundamentals of nursing, advanced topics in nursing, adult nursing care, mental health nursing, maternal nursing, and community health nursing. Upon completion of this 2-year nursing program in Arizona, you’ll be fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Why Choose This Program
• Mesa Community College has more than 50 years of experience in producing high-quality professionals. The college’s modern facility provides students with a conducive learning environment.• Mesa Community College is one of the well-known colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. The college is also the largest of the ten colleges that are part of the college district. If you choose this ADN program in Arizona, you’ll enjoy enriching networking opportunities with its healthcare partners.
• Mesa Community College maintains small classes where ADN students receive personalized attention.
5. Paradise Valley Community College - Phoenix
Program Details: Another one of the best ADN programs in Arizona is offered by Paradise Valley Community College. The program prepares generalist nurses who deliver competent care in diverse healthcare settings. The ADN coursework comprises 62 to 75 credits in general education and science courses. Students learn about topics such as human anatomy & physiology, nursing theory, introduction to psychology, and microbiology. This ADN program in Arizona places a strong emphasis on NCLEX-RN exam preparation and allows students access to NCLEX-RN exam preparation resources.
Why Choose This Program
• At Paradise Valley Community College, ADN students study in state-of-the-art classrooms.• Paradise Valley Community College promotes community involvement, allowing ADN students with meaningful learning experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Paradise Valley Community College’s ADN program is taught by a dedicated and experienced faculty that brings a wealth of knowledge to the ADN classroom.
6. GateWay Community College - Phoenix
Program Details: GateWay Community College’s associate degree in nursing offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for a successful career in nursing. The program offers a fine balance of theoretical and practical training to provide a strong foundation in nursing skills and knowledge. This ADN program in Arizona comprises a total of 62 to 75 credits in courses such as anatomy & physiology, microbiology, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, maternal/child nursing, and pediatric and community health nursing.
Why Choose This Program
• GateWay Community College’s ADN program allows an easy transfer to more than 40 universities.• GateWay Community College offers excellent support services to help ADN students for a seamless transition to the workforce.
• GateWay Community College’s ADN students are desired by local healthcare employers because of the job-ready skills they possess.
7. Glendale Community College - Glendale
Program Details: Glendale Community College offers another one of the well-known ADN programs in Arizona. The program comprises a total of 62 to 75 credits in general education and nursing courses. Students complete courses in nursing theory, human anatomy & physiology, psychology, microbiology, and advanced concepts in nursing. The program emphasizes key competencies such as patient-centered care, professionalism, teamwork, communication, and evidence-based practice.
Why Choose This Program
• Glendale Community College’s ADN program is affordable and provides accessible education to its diverse student population.• Because Glendale Community College’s ADN is counted among the reputable ADN programs in Arizona, graduates will seamlessly be able to transfer credits to leading four-year institutions in Arizona.
• Glendale Community College’s ADN program provides students with diverse clinical opportunities in a wide variety of healthcare settings.
8. Yavapai College - Prescott
Program Details: Yavapai College’s associate degree in nursing provides students with a career-orientated education that is aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. This 2-year RN program in Arizona is designed to equip you with skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. The coursework comprises courses in foundational science and nursing core. Students learn about the basics of nursing, med-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and pharmacology.
Why Choose This Program
• Yavapai College has more than 50 years of experience in producing competent professionals who excel in their chosen fields.• Yavapai College’s ADN graduates are well-positioned to explore a variety of roles in nursing.
• Yavapai College’s ADN graduates practice clinical skills in an immersive and realistic simulation environment.
9. Northland Pioneer College - Holbrook
Program Details: One of the high-quality 2-year nursing programs in Arizona, Northland Pioneer College’s ADN prepares you to excel as a registered nurse. The program offers a holistic approach and tailors the education to help you reach your academic and professional goals. The program comprises a total of 72 credits, including 30 credits in nursing and 32 credits in general education. Students learn about topics such as pharmacology, developmental psychology, and basic and advanced concepts in nursing.
Why Choose This Program
• At Northland Pioneer College, ADN students can become licensed registered nurses at a much lower cost, compared to other similar programs in Arizona.• Northland Pioneer College’s ADN program is offered in small-sized classes where students receive personalized attention. In addition, ADN students can also avail of tutoring from experienced faculty members.
• Northland Pioneer College’s ADN program boasts of an excellent placement rate. This 2-year RN program in Arizona has almost all its graduates find jobs within six months of graduation.
• Northland Pioneer College’s ADN students are provided with ample hands-on clinical experiences in both, the lab as well as healthcare settings.
10. Pima Medical Institute - Mesa & Tucson
Program Details: Pima Medical Institute’s ADN program is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to confidently practice as a registered nurse. Graduates are fully prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, clinics, schools, long-term facilities, etc. This ADN program in Arizona spans five semesters and requires the completion of 70 credits. Some of the topics covered in the program include human development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, healthcare informatics, and nursing care for individuals across the lifespan.
Why Choose This Program
• Pima Medical Institute’s ADN students not only enjoy excellent externship opportunities but often these opportunities translate into employment right after graduation.• Pima Medical Institute’s ADN students are provided with solid career support services, including resume-building, interview preparation, and placement assistance.
• Pima Medical Institute’s ADN program is offered in small-sized classes. Therefore, if you choose this ADN program in Arizona, you’ll enjoy individualized attention and close interaction with your instructors.
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