Why Choose Our Nursing Program in Sarasota?
Our nursing campus in Sarasota, Florida offers more than just a BSN degree — it’s a vibrant and uplifting community dedicated to preparing the next generation of nursing professionals.
With quality education at the forefront, every resource at our Sarasota campus is designed to foster the growth of aspiring nurses into compassionate caregivers and leaders in the nursing field.
A Nursing Community to Support You
When you join our Sarasota campus, you’ll grow with a passionate community of current and aspiring nursing professionals. You’ll have a chance to make new friends and meet future colleagues on the same pathway to becoming registered nurses.
Our nursing core faculty are nurses themselves and understand what it takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and succeed in a nursing career. They’ll work with you to provide individualized support, share their experience as healthcare providers, and connect you with resources like study groups and peer mentoring.
100% Focused on Nursing Education
At Arizona College of Nursing, all we do is nursing education. Our entire focus is on building the most effective BSN program we can and preparing you for a career as a registered nurse (RN).
Every instructor and staff member understands your goal and can give you helpful guidance along the way. Our curriculum was designed by experienced nurses committed to preparing the next generation of nursing leaders – could you be one of them?
Personalized Attention in the Classroom
Our Sarasota BSN program limits class sizes for the nursing core program to ensure you receive personalized attention and feedback from our dedicated faculty and staff as you pursue your nursing degree in Florida. You deserve the time and attention needed to learn nursing science concepts, practice your skills, get helpful guidance, and set yourself up for a successful nursing career.
Class Sessions Begin 6 Times Per Year
In our nursing program, new general education sessions begin about every eight weeks, six times per year. You’re never restricted to starting school in just Fall or Spring. Our nursing students have the chance to start the BSN program when the timing is right for them.
View and download upcoming start dates for new students on our Academic Calendar page.
To learn more about Arizona College of Nursing in Sarasota or schedule a campus tour, click below.
Contact Us
Learn from knowledgeable leaders at our nursing college campus in Sarasota who have years of experience putting their skills to use in the medical field.
Denise Rolle, Ed.D.
Dean of General Education
Denise Rolle, Ed.D.
Dean of General Education
Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University
M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, and Assessments, National Louis University
B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, University of South Florida
B.S. in Microbiology, University of South Florida
Dr. Denise Rolle (she/her/hers) came to Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota in 2023. Denise has over 14 years of experience in the postsecondary education field. In the past, Denise has served in instructional and leadership positions at Ultimate Medical Academy, Southeastern College, Concorde Career Institute, and Keiser University. Denise is looking forward to forging a rewarding relationship with her Arizona College of Nursing staff, faculty, and students.
James Jones
Senior Campus President
James Jones
Senior Campus President
Bachelor of Arts in Religion from The University of Mobile
Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryÂ
James Jones began working in post-secondary education as an instructor in 2006. Since then, he has been a program director, director of education and a campus executive director. He has over 14 years of experience working in higher education in Arizona and Florida. He has been with Arizona College since March of 2019 and is currently the Senior Campus President at their Sarasota campus. His favorite thing about working in colleges is having the opportunity to help people be positively impacted by improving their lives through education.Â
Clare Owen, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Dean of Nursing
Clare Owen, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Dean of Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Nursing – Barry University
Masters of Science in Nursing (Ed) – Barry University
Bachelors of Science – University of Phoenix
Clare Owen, Ph.D., RN, CNE was appointed Dean of Nursing at Arizona College, Sarasota, in January 2024. A native of Wales in the United Kingdom, Dr. Owen came to the U.S.A in 1992 as a Travel Nurse. After working in critical care units all over the country, Dr. Owen settled in Miami, eventually attending Barry University and completing a Master’s degree and Ph.D. She began her academic career as a professor in the UG nursing program at Barry University in 2009, moving up to Assistant Program Director in 2014. Dr. Owen was the recipient of the Melba Cather award for Excellence in Education from the Lambda Chi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. Prior to joining the Arizona College family, Dr. Owen served as the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing at St. Petersburg College, Florida, for five years.
Dr. Owen has presented at both state and national conferences on a number of topics including strategies for increasing the diversity of the nursing profession, designing and implementing a holistic admissions process, the experience of older nurses returning to formal education to complete a bachelor’s degree, and recruiting the next generation of nurses.
Tara Augustine
Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Tara Augustine
Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services
MBA, Strayer University
BBA in Management, Strayer University
Tara Augustine, MBA came to Arizona College of Nursing in 2019 to help open the Tampa Campus. With nearly 15 years in higher education management, she has led multi-department and multi-site operations for both domestic and international universities. As Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Augustine manages the daily administrative operations of the Tampa Campus which includes the Admissions and Financial Aid Departments.
Convenient Location in the Sarasota Area
For those searching for a nursing program near me, our Florida campus ensures that students can pursue their nursing education without the need to relocate. Located close to the I-75 & University Parkway interchange, our Sarasota campus is accessible for students throughout the Sarasota metro area, including cities like Bradenton.
As a nursing students, we know you’re busy. That might mean eating lunch or dinner before your next nursing school class, or taking a quick coffee/snack break. Luckily, you’ll find several places to eat less than a 5-minute drive from the Sarasota campus:
Starbucks, Chili’s, Wendy’s, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and more. The campus is also just minutes away from the Shoppes at University Town Center Mall, offering many dining options.
Centrally located near Sarasota, our nursing program’s college campus is just off I-75 and a short drive from Bradenton, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch communities.
Student Involvement Opportunities
Our Social Scrubs Squad is an exciting opportunity for passionate students to contribute to the Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota community. The mission of this program is to gather and showcase authentic content from our students’ nursing journeys on social media platforms. We aim to empower student leaders who will share their stories with prospective nursing students, their families, and the wider community.
The students of our school have some incredible stories, and we’re honored to highlight them. To learn more about the program, reach out to our admissions team.
Nursing Programs and Your Collegiate Nursing Education
Nursing concepts and terms can sometimes be confusing. With so many types of degrees, job titles, and career specialties, it can be hard to know which path to take in your career.
There are many roles you could pursue at some point in your nursing journey – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and more. Finding the right nursing program is a key part of the journey toward your desired career.
As you consider nursing schools, our dedicated admissions representatives are ready to answer your questions about nursing education options, admission requirements, transfer credits, and financial aid.
Connect With Admissions
A Nursing Program Near Me in Sarasota, FLÂ
Experience a vibrant campus life that sets us apart from other colleges in Sarasota, offering a supportive community and a focus on academic and personal growth. Our nursing program is for the entire Sarasota area and centrally located in University Park near Bradenton and Venice.
Directions From the Bradenton Area to Arizona College of Nursing – SarasotaÂ
The distance from Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota to the Bradenton area in Florida is about 15 miles or 30 minutes of driving time.
- If you start from near the De Soto National Memorial, get on Desoto Memorial Highway heading south through Palma Sola as it becomes 75th Street Northwest.
- Continue south until you hit Manatee Avenue West (Highway 64) and take a left to travel east across Bradenton until you keep right to merge onto Interstate 75 South toward Naples.
- Travel south on Interstate 75 South for about 19 miles and then use the two right-most lanes to take Exit 213 onto University Parkway toward Sarasota.
- Keep right on University Parkway and take the right-most lane to follow the sign to Cooper Creek Boulevard.
- Continue on Cooper Creek Boulevard straight through the first traffic circle and continue north until the second traffic circle where you will take a right onto Pendery Place. Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota is located inside the Offices at University Town Center building on your right.
Visit Our Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota Campus
Evaluating nursing programs doesn’t have to be difficult. Our dedicated admission staff can help you understand how the Arizona College of Nursing BSN program fits into your lifestyle and career goals. You can also find helpful information on our website about financial aid, campus locations, NCLEX exam prep, scholarships, and transfer credits.
Contact UsArizona College is an accredited institution and all of its campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org).