Is Arizona College of Nursing Worth It? Nurses Review

6 Min Read Published September 7, 2022
Is Arizona College of Nursing Worth It? Nurses Review

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The Arizona College of Nursing is part of Arizona College, an academic organization dedicated to preparing professionals for in-demand healthcare careers. The College of Nursing has 12 locations, each of which offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in three years. The program is supported by innovative web-based education applications and state-of-the-art human patient simulation laboratories, as well as additional skills laboratories. Read on to learn more about Arizona College of Nursing and if it’s right for you.

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Stats  

  • Private or Public: Private  

  • General Tuition: $817 per credit hour 

  • Acceptance Rate: 98% 

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.5% 

  • Application Deadlines: Rolling 

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools 

  • Diversity: Diversity is dependent on the campus location. For the location at the school’s Phoenix headquarters, the school population is extremely diverse, with the 2021 cohort reporting, 

    • 36% Hispanic/Latino

    • 33% White

    • 14% Black or African American

    • 11% Two or more races

    • 3% Asian

    • 2% American Indian

    • 1% Race/ethnicity unknown 

Contact Information 

  • General Address: 2510 W. Dunlap Avenue, Suite 290, Phoenix, Arizona 85021 

  •  Email: contact@arizonacollege.edu 

  • Phone Number: (855) 706-8382 

  • Social platforms:  

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

  • Tuition: $23,066 per year 

  • Program Length: Three years 

  • Online options available? No 

 

Is Arizona College of Nursing a Good Nursing School? 

The BSN degree program at Arizona College of Nursing packs a lot of information into a short period of time so that graduates can quickly move forward to their professional careers. 

Foundational general education courses are covered in eight-week sessions over the student’s first three semesters. By year two of the program, core nursing classes are introduced, and by year three students will spend the majority of their time working alongside medical professionals, providing patient care, and taking advanced classes. 

Skills and knowledge are strengthened by working in the school’s high-tech simulation labs that replicate a variety of care settings, as well as web-based education applications including interactive e-books, personalized learning platforms, and video case studies. Classes are supplemented by field trips and guest speakers. 

Youtube video

What Do You Need to Get into Arizona College of Nursing? 

Arizona College of Nursing requires a high school or college cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a minimum admission assessment score of 60. The GPA requirement is waived for students scoring an admission assessment score of 75 or higher. GEDs are also accepted. 

In addition to the completed application and enrollment agreement for the nursing program, applicants must submit an official high school transcript/diploma or equivalency, proof of U.S. citizenship, alien status, or legal residency. Students are required to provide their own laptops.  

How Hard is the Nursing Program at Arizona College of Nursing? 

The nursing program at Arizona College of Nursing is rigorous, and students need to be prepared to move at a quick pace in order to reap the benefits of the accelerated three-year program.  

What Kind of Support Does Arizona College of Nursing Offer Their Nursing Students? 

Arizona College of Nursing provides students with specialized admissions counselors who understand that students are building their healthcare education around other responsibilities. 

Their Student Success Program offers academic support including tutoring and open lab time, as well as counseling and assistance with challenges including transportation, scheduling, and childcare.  

The school also has a robust career services team that is dedicated to providing interview advice, hosting career fairs, conducting resume reviews, and more, all with an eye to helping graduates find placements,  

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How Much Is the Nursing Program at Arizona College of Nursing? 

Tuition is charged per credit hour, with each location charging slightly different rates ranging from $775 per credit hour to $1,045. The total cost of tuition is between $93,000 and $125,400.  

The college has a useful net price calculator available to prospective students that can help determine costs and available resources. 

In addition to tuition, there are other fees including: 

  • Registration fee - $49 

  • Resource fee - $640 per semester 

  • (California only) Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee - $328 

  • Fingerprint Clearance - $67 

  • Physical Exam & Immunizations - $200 

  • Drug Screen - $40 

  • Background Clearance - $50 

  • HESI Testing - $44 

  • Student Liability Insurance - $39 

  • Nursing Licensure (NCLEX) - $200-$550 

As an accredited institution and an institution under agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Arizona College of Nursing is eligible to participate in federal, state, and local financial aid programs. The school also offers multiple scholarships. 

Arizona of College also has military and veteran education benefits available to those that qualify. Counselors are available to assist with, 

  • Assistance with applying for VA benefits

  • Assistance with VA benefit issues

  • Assistance with navigating available Veteran resources

  • Acting as a liaison to support services and community engagement

  • Access to the Peer Mentor program

Furthermore, Arizona College of Nursing is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program in partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs to enhance financial access for military-connected students. Arizona College has been recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly School and Military Friendly Spouse School.

Is Arizona College of Nursing Worth It? 

Though Arizona College of Nursing’s cost per credit is higher than many other institutions, it has the advantage of offering a flexible, accelerated schedule that allows students to continue working while pursuing their education, as well as to graduate a year earlier than is true of traditional 4-year BSN programs. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for registered nurses in the state of Arizona is $81,600, and with the additional opportunity to lower tuition costs with federal aid, students should be able to quickly earn back the money that they invested in their education. 

What is Arizona College of Nursing’s Transfer Policy? 

Students who began their education at another accredited school may be able to transfer credits in order to help them complete their BSN program in less time. The school requires admitted students looking for transfer credit to request an official transcript be sent from the school, as well as a course catalog. This information must be received prior to the start of the student’s first term. 

Credits for courses with laboratory components must have been taken within two years of starting at Arizona College of Nursing, and non-science-related general education courses must have been completed within ten years of starting classes. Science and math-related general education courses must have been completed within five years. 

Active service members and veterans may be eligible for credit as documented on their Joint Services Transcript. 

Arizona College of Nursing Reviews 

“I love this school! everyone here is friendly and helpful whenever I need anything. I love my classes and instructors. They are amazing! I recommend coming to this school! This school has truly changed my life for the better!!” – Donna Stoltz on Facebook 

“I graduated from this school in August 2018 and passed my NCLEX first time attempt. I have to say that going to this school is the best decision I made. My instructors were awesome and very helpful. Everyone there has a goal and that is to prepare each students to become a great competent skilled nurse. Nursing school is difficult, if you are willing to put in the hard work then you will be successful because you have the dean, faculty and staff working with you in every way possible.”  - Candy I. on Yelp. 

“The teachers and administration of Arizona College really do care about us. In my first month, the Dean had a 1-on-1 meeting with me to see how I was feeling. I don’t think I could find that level of support anywhere else.” - Isabella Berry BSN Program Class of 2022

Arizona college of nursing stats

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Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Nurse.org Contributor

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is a freelance writer and editor who is driven by details. She loves to dive into research, ensuring that the information she provides educates, engages and illuminates. Before starting her own business she spent years working in advertising and raising three kids. Today she lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where her she and her husband enjoy travel, the Jersey Shore, and spoiling their grandchildren.

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