Become an RN in Arizona:
FAQs at our Tempe Campus
Become a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree at Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe. Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions that future RN’s often ask our campus faculty and staff.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years.
If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field, qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length.
To learn more about the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in Arizona, contact an admissions representative at our Tempe campus.
Preparing Future RNs at Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This is because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. While the time commitment to complete an LPN program is relatively short, LPNs often find their employment opportunities very limited.
Click here to read our blog post comparing a LPN Program with a BSN Program.
In Arizona, you may take the NCLEX exam as many times as necessary to pass successfully. However, if more than two years have passed since you completed the clinical portion of your nursing program, you will be required to take and pass a nurse refresher course.
Source: https://www.azbn.gov/sites/default/files/education/nclex/faqs-for-failed-nclex.pdf
There are various parts of the cost of becoming a nurse in the State of Arizona. First, you must complete an accredited nursing program.
Next, the Arizona State Board of Nursing requires an RN Endorsement ($150), an RN Exam Fee and Licensure Fee ($300), an RN Re-Exam Fee ($100), and a fingerprint fee ($50).
Source: https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/agency-fee-structure
Registered Nurses in AZ have a median salary of $82,330 per year.
As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in AZ range from a low rate of $66,040, per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $105,520 per year.
Updated 09/2023. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=AZ
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This is because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. While the time commitment to complete an LPN program is relatively short, LPNs often find their employment opportunities very limited.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a far more comprehensive track that often takes four years to complete. BSN programs cover a far wider range of topics and offer much more in-depth training designed to equip graduates with the skills to provide a much higher level of patient care and the potential to work in specialized nursing roles.
At Arizona College of Nursing in Tempe, we offer an accelerated 3-year BSN program that can be completed in as little as 3 years. Our Arizona nursing program is designed for individuals who are committed to the field of nursing and are looking for a fast and efficient path to a rewarding career. To learn more about the differences between an LPN program and a BSN program, read our blog article for more information.
Before becoming a Registered Nurse, you must meet specific educational requirements and expectations for the State of Arizona. To gain an RN license from the Arizona Board of Nursing, you must hold a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an educational program approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX licensing examination. While each program contains clinical experience and specialized training, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is far more comprehensive. When considering nursing degrees, Arizona College of Nursing recommends planning for your future goals in your career by pursuing a BSN degree.
Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/nursing-paths/rn-arizona.html
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate college degree designed to equip students with the training and studies needed for a successful career in nursing. The BSN curriculum includes both general education and advanced nursing studies. To increase your chances of finding a position in your state and city of choice, you should consider earning a bachelor’s in nursing science (BSN).
As of 2020, there were 58,480 RNs employed in Arizona.
Registered Nurses jobs in Arizona are projected to grow by 39% between 2020 and 2030.
RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, creating 203,200 new nursing jobs.
Updated August 2023: Data Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=AZ
Registered nurses work in many healthcare-related settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2020.
The largest employers of registered nurses were as follows:
Hospitals (61%)
Ambulatory healthcare services (18%)
Nursing and residential care facilities (6%)
Government (5%)
Educational services; state, local, and private (3%)
Updated 2022. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3