5 Best Nursing Schools In Tucson:Tuition & Requirements

In the Tucson, Arizona, metropolitan region, about 10,000 nurses are employed. Tucson Medical Center, the University of Arizona Health System, and Curo Health Services are some of the major nursing employers in the area.

About three-fourths of the nurses in the area are registered nurses, who make over $66,000 yearly. LPNs and CNAs, who make $45,000 and $26,000 annually, respectively, make up the remaining workforce.

The best nursing schools in Tucson are mentioned here to assist people in beginning a career in nursing.

The List of Nursing Schools In Tucson

Also See: 13Best Nursing Schools in Texas Online: ACCRED, REQ, FAQs

Brookline College – Tucson

The goal of Brookline College is to provide you more than a diploma or a degree.

Their objective is to assist you in realizing your aspirations for a better future. They provide the following nursing programs:

Nursing BSN Program:

By enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, you can earn your nursing degree in as little as 36 months.

The BSN program’s expedited year-round schedule enables graduates to finish their nursing school requirements and join the workforce earlier than if they had chosen to enroll in a conventional four-year university.

Tuition: Click here to see program cost

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Carrington College – Tucson

While there are many nursing degrees available that offer various career paths and specializations, an Associate Degree in Nursing can help you get to work much faster than other paths. This is one of the biggest advantages of nursing because it allows you to enter the workforce with a two-year degree.

After getting practical experience with an AND, some nurses may continue on to complete higher education. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses can be prepared for through Carrington’s Associate Degree in Nursing program in Tucson, which can be finished in as little as two years.

Five locations spread throughout three states are where Carrington College’s Associate in Nursing program is available. Explore the pages of each place to find out more information.

Tuition: Click here to see program cost

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Also See: 12 Best Nursing Programs in Texas Online-Tuition & Requirements

Pima Community College

To effectively assess and communicate with patients, successful nurses need a strong blend of critical thinking, communication, and organizing abilities.

They also need to have the physical stamina to perform tasks like moving patients and remaining on their feet for extended periods of time, as well as the compassion and emotional stability to deal with human misery.

Jobs in nursing-related fields are becoming more and more common as the population ages and medical care technology advances, creating high salaries and several career options.

From nurse assistant to practical nurse to registered nurse and beyond, Pima offers top-notch nursing education. Pima provides concurrent enrollment programs leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing through collaborations with colleges.

Tuition: Click here to see program cost

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Pima Medical Institute, Tucson

You will graduate from this associate degree program with the character qualities needed to work as an excellent entry-level nurse. Anatomy, physiology, growth and development, pharmacology, nursing theory, and the skills required for patient care at all stages of life are just a few of the topics covered in the courses.

This curriculum at Pima Medical Institute includes plenty of practical instruction and lab exercises that will give you a competitive edge when you enter the job.

Tuition: Click here to see program cost

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Also See: 30 Top Associate Degree Nursing Programs-Tuition & Key Facts

University of Arizona

The nursing programs available at this famous university include:

  • A BSN program, or a bachelor of science in nursing

Their four-semester, upper-division bachelor’s program in Tucson is a great place to start your nursing career.

You receive the education and experiences required to become a successful registered nurse, from simulations through clinical practice.

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Do you wish to become a registered nurse but have another college degree? In Tucson and Gilbert, they provide a 15-month accelerated master’s program.

Program for Doctors of Nursing Practice:

Do you want to become a leader in advanced clinical practice that is evidence-based and do you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing?

Earn your DNP with their adaptable online program, which offers full- or part-time study options in adult-gerontology acute care, anesthetic, family, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health specializations.

Tuition: Click here to see program cost

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General Admission Requirements For Nursing Schools

So what are the requirements for a nursing degree? Can you enroll in a Master’s program without first completing a Bachelor’s? In this article, we’ll respond to those queries and others.

Required Paperwork

You’ll require a ton of paperwork when applying to a study. Examples include:

  • A certified transcript of records (grade list).
  • GPA results.
  • A resume with nursing-related experience that is relevant.
  • Endorsement letters from former professors or employers.
  • A motivational letter or personal statement
  • Evidence that you paid the application fee if one is required.

The complete list of required documents will be available in the application or on the university website.

Required grades

Depending on how prestigious or highly regarded the university is, the grade requirements for a degree will frequently vary. You can encounter the following grade requirements if you apply for a nursing degree abroad:

  • GPA: 3 or better on a US scale of 4.0.
  • A grade: AAB – ABB.
  • 34 points and 655 at HL for IB.
  • ABBB by the end of S5 or AABB/ABBB by the end of S6 for SQA Highers. BBB must be attained in the S4–S6 academic year.
  • ATAR: at least 71.
  • 2 A levels, or the equivalent, and 104–112 points, with 32 points coming from a science or social science course.
  • A grade of “B” or above in secondary school

English Language Proficiency Needed

The majority of people will use English whilst studying overseas. Again, the prerequisites will vary by university, but the following are typical instances of what you might anticipate while applying for a nursing degree abroad:

  • IELTS: 6.5 to 7 or higher, with a minimum writing score of 6.5 and a minimum speaking, hearing, and reading score of 7
  • A TOEFL iBT score of 75 to 90 or higher is required, with lower minimum levels for the individual portions still acceptable.
  • 44 through 61 and higher on the PTE Academic.
  • A score of about 176 or above is required for Cambridge English C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (previously CPE).

On the university’s website, which is frequently also where you’ll be able to submit your application, all prerequisites are detailed.

Make sure you visit this page to learn more about their particular requirements. After all, the aforementioned figures are merely averages.

Can You Enroll In A Nursing Master’s Program Without A Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes, in some instances.

First off, you can pursue an expedited Master of Science in Nursing if you have prior nursing experience or a Diploma in Nursing.

By skipping the bachelor’s degree and going straight from an associate or diploma in nursing to an MSN, you can save a significant amount of money.

Also See: 50 Best Nursing Schools in Washington: Key Facts for Each

Types of Nursing Program Degrees

A career in nursing gives people a wide range of employment options and chances for progress, but deciding where to begin can be challenging.

These courses, which include the Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, give nurses the nursing theory and skills they need to pass the licensing exam and land their first nursing position.

  • ADN Programs:

ADN programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and some medical facilities. They typically last two years to complete. Coursework on pharmacology, human anatomy and physiology, and general nursing principles and best practices will teach students the fundamentals of nursing.

  • Direct-Entry BSN Programs:

A bachelor’s degree program in nursing may be chosen by students who wish to enter the field for the first time.

A BSN program, which often takes longer to complete and involves an additional curriculum in nursing research, management and leadership subjects, and public health, and is usually finished in 4 years, gives a more thorough introduction to nursing than an ADN program.

  • Direct-Entry MSN Programs

An accelerated or direct-entry MSN program may be an excellent option for students who are transitioning from another sector or area of healthcare to the nursing field.

For candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject, a direct-entry MSN program offers an expedited route to a master’s degree in nursing.

How To Become A License Nurse In Tucson

To work as a registered nurse (RN) in Arizona, you must first obtain a license from the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Nurses are either licensed or approved. Furthermore, because Arizona is a compact state, a license from another compact state can be used in Arizona.

1. Complete a nursing program that has been approved.

There are numerous routes into nursing. In most cases, prospective students must have finished high school or have a GED certificate.

Typically, the programs will begin with science studies and other prerequisites required by Arizona nursing schools. Students can select from the nursing options listed in the preceding section.

2. Pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam to become certified.

Since 1982, 2015, and 2020, the National Council Licensure Examination has been a countrywide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are the two types.

Members of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) use the NCLEX-PN test to guarantee that entry-level practical nurses meet the standards for nursing licensure.

Arizona has additional requirements for becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

3. Earn a master’s or higher level graduate degree.

The US Department of Education must accredit the nursing program.

4. Obtain national certification

You have four options: CNM, nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). A national agency must certify the program.

5. Obtain certification.

You must provide proof of citizenship for this. You can do this with your social security card. You must do the necessary actions based on the category you have chosen.

6. Renew your certification along with your RN license every four years.

Do this by April 1. You must demonstrate that you are currently nationally certified. You must have completed 960 practice hours, whether paid or unpaid, over the course of four years.

If you cannot establish that you have completed the 960 practice hours, you must produce proof of 45 hours of advanced pharmacology continuing education and another 45 hours in your chosen specialty.

You must also participate in supervised precepted practice in your specialist field.

How Much Are Nurses Paid In Tucson?

As of September 12, 2022, the average annual salary for an RN in Tucson is $76,139. In case you need a quick salary calculator, that works out to about $36.61 per hour. This equates to $1,464 each week or $6,344 per month.

The typical pay range for an RN ranges substantially (as much as $23,186), implying that there may be numerous prospects for development and greater income depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

According to recent ZipRecruiter job posts, the RN employment market in Tucson, AZ and the surrounding area is quite active.

5 Best Paying Related RN Jobs in Tucson

Job TitleYearly Salary
RN Management$127,714
Fresenius Travel RN$112,106
Bilingual Nurse RN$103,658
L&D Nurse$100,106
RN Government$99,471
Nursing Schools In Tucson

What is the Quickest RN Program?

If you are a second-career nurse with a bachelor’s degree, an ABSN program is the quickest method to become an RN.

Elmhurst University’s MSN program is also one of the few that can be finished in less than two years, allowing you to go from a bachelor’s degree in another area to an MSN in just 20 months.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse in Arizona?

A nursing degree program will last between 2-4 years. These are primarily full-time programs in which students enroll in 12 credit hours or more per semester.

What is the Best GPA for Nursing School?

According to some schools, a GPA of 3.0 or an average GPA of 3.0 in the nursing major is desirable.

A 3.0 average in the nursing major indicates that your GPA is based on your nursing courses.

Is RN School Hard?

Nursing takes more dedication than many other professions. However, it is one of the most fulfilling careers available.

Nursing school is infamously difficult—and it is not for everyone.

Which is Better AND or BSN?

A BSN degree is a four-year bachelor’s degree that is one step beyond an AND degree.

Registered nurses with this degree not only attend school for a longer period of time but also receive a more in-depth education than those with an AND degree.

How Much Does a Nurse Make in Az Per Hour?

In Phoenix, AZ, the average compensation for a nursing assistant is $18.28 per hour and $4,500 per year in overtime.

Salary information for 1.2k people was last updated on September 12, 2022.

How Long is the Waiting List for Nursing School in AZ?

When a student meets the AAS program admission standards and their application is accepted, their information is uploaded into the nursing database.

The nursing program has a placement waiting list, not a genuine waiting list, that lasts about three to four semesters.

Can I Get Into Nursing School With a 2.5 GPA?

Most programs require a GPA of 2.5 or better. Some people select a 3.0 GPA as their upper limit.

This is critical information to learn throughout the research portion of your accelerated nursing program quest.

How Much is the School Fees of Nursing?

A standard four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree will cost students at least $40,000.

Tuition can cost up to $80,000, or even $100,000. BSN degrees typically consist of 120 credits, with schools and universities charging each credit.

What is the difference between a college of nursing and a school of nursing?

College of Nursing is a five-year program that awards a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, whereas the school of nursing is a three-year program that awards a Registered Nurse RN/RNM diploma.

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