Why Choose Our Nursing Program in Tempe?
The campus experience for our nursing program revolves around three areas — community, quality education, and personalized support. At the Tempe campus, you’ll find a supportive community of aspiring nurses, a nursing curriculum built by experienced RNs, and personalized support resources to help you prepare for a nursing career.
Every resource at our Tempe campus is designed to foster your growth into a compassionate caregiver and leader in the nursing field.
Join a Growing Community of Nursing Students
Grow with a passionate community of current and aspiring nurses. At our Tempe campus, you’ll have a chance to make new friends and meet future colleagues who are on the same pathway to becoming registered nurses.
Our core faculty are nurses themselves, who understand what it takes to earn a BSN degree and start a successful nursing career. They’re passionate about your future and sharing their career experience with you. Faculty provide individualized support and can connect you with other resources such as study groups and peer mentoring.
100% Focused on Nursing Education
All we do is nursing education at our college. Our entire focus is on building the most effective BSN program we can and helping you pursue a career. Every instructor and staff member understands your goal of becoming a registered nurse, 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 Tempe nursing program limits class sizes during nursing core to ensure you can receive more personalized attention and feedback from our dedicated faculty. You deserve time to have your questions answered and receive individual feedback. This close-knit learning approach is a hallmark of our program.
Class Sessions Begin 6 Times Per Year
In our BSN program, new 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 degree 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 Program in Tempe or schedule a campus tour click below.
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Learn from knowledgeable leaders at our nursing college campus in Tempe who have years of experience putting their skills to use in the medical field.
Maria E. Dezenberg
Campus President
Maria E. Dezenberg, PhD
Campus President
PhD in Leadership and Change, Antioch University
MA in Leadership and Change, Antioch University
EdS in Education Leadership and Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham
MA in International Relations, University of San Diego
BA in International Relations, Eastern Washington University
Maria has more than two decades of executive-level experience in education leadership, academic operations, and higher education instruction. Before joining Arizona College of Nursing, she served as Vice President of Operations for National Technical Institute. Previously, she held roles as Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Assistant Provost, Campus President, and Campus Dean. She embraces a people-centric style that encourages a school environment that is dedicated to student success.
Maria is a published author and thought leader on inclusive leadership and has presented at international conferences. She enjoys lending her talents to local community organizations in her free time. Outside of education and leadership, Maria’s passion is learning about different cultures and international travel.
Heidi Fuchser
Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Heidi Fuchser
Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Bachelor of Arts, Briar Cliff University
Master of Science, Barry University
Master of Business Administration, University of Phoenix
Heidi Fuchser is a seasoned executive with over a decade of experience in enrollment services and higher education administration. As the Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services at Arizona College, a role she has held since June 2020, Heidi is instrumental in leading a diverse team of admissions and financial aid professionals. Her leadership has been pivotal in achieving significant enrollment growth, improving student persistence, and ensuring high levels of student satisfaction.
In her current position, Heidi collaborates closely with the Executive Director of Academic Operations and the Regional VP of Enrollment in developing and monitoring growth initiatives, ensuring compliance with educational standards, and contributing to long-term institutional planning. Heidi’s commitment to student satisfaction is evident in her strategic approach to improving student services and enhancing the overall student experience. Prior to her tenure at Arizona College, Heidi served as the Vice President of Enrollment Services and Operations. In this role, she implemented innovative recruitment models and integrated regional outreach strategies to enhance enrollment growth and operational efficiency.
Heidi holds a deep commitment to higher education and student success, demonstrated by her extensive background in enrollment management and her ability to drive institutional growth through strategic leadership, innovative practices, and a strong focus on student satisfaction.
Tara Canfield-Weber
Dean of General Education
Tara Canfield-Weber
Dean of General Education
Doctor of Education – EdD, Higher Education Leadership, Baker University
Master of Arts – MA, Organizational Communications, Wichita State University
Bachelor of Arts – BA, Mass Communication/Media Studies, Friends University
Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing in 2022, Tara served in multiple roles in higher education including teaching business and public speaking courses, leading faculty in instruction and curriculum development, and leading teams as associate dean and dean. Her areas of expertise include faculty development, dual credit enrollment and partnerships, and mentoring initiatives for students in academic jeopardy.
In the role as Dean of General Education at the Tempe campus, Tara is committed to creating a collegial learning environment for students that exemplifies the values of Arizona College of Nursing. Her leadership philosophy is that every student deserves to have equal opportunity in higher education, and a nurturing, collaborative environment that is built on respect and grace.
Shannon Olson
Dean of Nursing
Shannon Olson, MSN, RN
Dean of Nursing
MSN, Emphasis in Nursing Education, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
BSN, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN
Prior to becoming Dean of Nursing at Arizona College in 2022, Shannon was an Adjunct Clinical Faculty and Core Nursing Faculty member at the Tempe Campus, teaching Maternal, Pediatric, and Community Health courses since 2016. Shannon worked as an RN Neonatal ICU nurse at Dignity Health and Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Arizona. Prior to moving to Arizona, Shannon worked in her home state of Minnesota as an RN in a Level II Special Care Nursery, as an RN Neonatal ICU nurse in North Dakota, and as an RN Surgical Nurse for Mayo clinic.
As Dean of Nursing, Shannon manages the operations and support of the Core Nursing students and faculty.
A Convenient Location in Tempe
Located next to the I-10, and near the AZ-143 and Loop 202, our college offers easy access to students looking for nursing programs in Tempe, AZ. Our Tempe campus also serves students in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro area, including Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) students and employees are required to register their vehicles to be eligible for free onsite parking in the garage. Students and employees will be required to register their vehicles prior to receiving a badge with building access. Unregistered vehicles will be towed without notice at the owner’s expense for security purposes.
Please note the following:
- You may register your vehicle with the QR code below for access to free parking.
- There is no limit to the number of vehicles you may register.
- All student and employee vehicles are required to position an AZCN decal on their front dashboard effective 7/1/23. These will be made available free of charge in the last week of June by the first and fourth floor receptionists.
- Effective 7/1/23 unregistered vehicles will be towed without notice at the owner’s expense.
- A visitor’s parking pass must be obtained at the first floor reception to utilize the visitor’s parking lot.
- Violations to building/parking garage regulations and/or Arizona College Catalog protocols will be subject to disciplinary action.
- AZCN employees and students are required to park on floors 3-4 of the parking garage.
- We know a lot of our students are busy. That might mean eating lunch or dinner before your next nursing degree class, or the need to take a coffee or snack break. We’re not far from quick bites at Starbucks, The Buffalo Spot, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and McDonald’s. You can also find other unique local dining options:
- Lucy’s Fountainhead Cafe – A cozy coffee shop perfect for studying (about a 1 minute walk from campus).
- Kalos Grill – Offers Mediterranean fast-food (about 6 minutes drive from campus).
- Market Cafe – Offers American dishes with desert views (roughly 4 minutes of driving away)
- Milagros – A casual American hotel restaurant (a little more than a 3 minutes drive from campus)
- Top of the Rock Restaurant – New American fare with panoramic views (about 4 minutes of driving away).
Our nursing college offers a break out area to sit and chat with convenient snacks and beverages for purchase.
If you’re taking a Valley Metro bus to our nursing program in Tempe, Arizona, there’s a stop just a half-mile away at 55th & Broadway.
Student Involvement Opportunities
Our Social Scrubs Squad is an exciting opportunity for passionate students to contribute to the Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe community. The mission of this program is to showcase authentic content from our students’ nursing journeys and experiences on social media platforms. We aim to empower student leaders who will share their stories with prospective students, their families, and the wider community. If you’re interested in participating, reach out to your local campus leadership team for more information.
Nursing Programs and Your Collegiate Nursing Education
We know that there are many nursing programs and terms that can make it difficult to know what path you should take for your nursing career. There’s also many professional nursing practice roles you could pursue at some point in your career like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and more. The right nursing program and the fundamental nursing skills it teaches are critical on the path to your desired career placement.
Our dedicated admissions team is ready to answer your questions about your nursing education, admission requirements, transfer credits, and financial aid to prepare you for a future as a registered nurse.
Connect With AdmissionsIs this nursing program near me in Tempe, AZ?
Our nursing degree program proudly serves the entire East Phoenix Valley, including Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa. Our college campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Tempe making it convenient for you to pursue your nursing career.
Directions from Your Area
Select your area below to view step-by-step directions and a helpful map to our Tempe campus, including landmarks to guide your way. We want your path to our BSN program to be smooth—starting with the drive.
Directions From Downtown Tempe to Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe
Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe is about 5 miles away from Downtown Tempe and takes around 10 minutes to reach by car.
- If starting near Tempe Beach Park, head east on Rio Salado Parkway and then turn right onto South Mill Avenue heading away from the park and the Salt River.
- Stay on South Mill Avenue for a little less than half a mile and turn right onto West 5th Street.
- Follow West 5th Street for half a mile, then take a left onto South Farmer Avenue after crossing the railroad tracks.
- Stay on South Farmer Avenue for a little less than a mile, then turn right onto West University Drive at the four-way stoplight.
- Follow West University Drive for a little less than 2 miles and make a left turn onto South Priest Drive and continue south for about 5 minutes to then take a right onto West Fountainhead Parkway with the Fountainhead Corporate Park sign on your right.
- Follow West Fountainhead Parkway and continue straight at the traffic circle and take the next left to stay on West Fountainhead Parkway. Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe will be located on your right.
Visit Our Arizona College of Nursing – Tempe Campus
Curious to see what the Tempe campus looks like? Contact us to come visit. Our admissions advisors will walk you through our BSN program, answer your questions, and give you a tour of the facilities.
Our dedicated admission staff can help you understand how the Arizona College of Nursing BSN degree 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.
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