Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the differences between an LPN school, a BSN school, and other FAQs from prospective students here at our Arizona nursing school in Tempe.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
The length of nursing school can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program typically takes four years to complete if you start from scratch. However, if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field or have completed some college credit already, you can often use transfer credits to complete an accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in less than four years. At Arizona College of Nursing, our accelerated BSN program can be completed in as little as 3 years, making it a fast and efficient path to a rewarding career in nursing. Source.
Other Frequently Asked Questions At Our Tempe Nursing College
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