Best Health Science Degrees in Gilbert: Top Programs, Costs, and Career Outcomes
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in Arizona, and Gilbert sits at the center of that growth. With major employers such as Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Dignity Health operating throughout the East Valley, students who earn a Health Science degree locally benefit from strong clinical partnerships and excellent job placement potential.
Key Takeaways
- Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley offer accredited Health Science, Nursing, and allied health programs at public and private institutions.
- Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University provide some of the most competitive tuition rates and strongest clinical networks.
- Most bachelor’s programs take four years; associate degrees take two years; certificates can be completed in under one year.
- Healthcare occupations in Arizona are projected to grow significantly this decade, with competitive salaries across nursing, public health, and medical technology.
- The best program for you depends on career goals, budget, delivery format, and desired specialization.
Why Study Health Science in Gilbert?
Gilbert consistently ranks as one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities. This growth has increased demand for nurses, healthcare administrators, public health professionals, and clinical specialists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow much faster than average nationally. In Arizona, registered nurses earn a median salary above $80,000 annually, while healthcare administrators often exceed $100,000 depending on experience and role.
What makes Gilbert unique:
- Access to large regional hospital systems
- Strong community college-to-university transfer pathways
- Corporate partnerships with hospital networks
- Modern campuses and simulation labs throughout the East Valley
Best Health Science Programs in and Near Gilbert
1. Arizona State University (ASU) – Downtown Phoenix Campus
Top Choice for: Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Nursing (BSN)
ASU offers a highly ranked Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a competitive BSN program. While the Downtown Phoenix campus is approximately 30 minutes from Gilbert, many Gilbert students commute due to ASU’s reputation and extensive clinical partnerships.
Program Highlights:
- Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Hands-on clinical training at major Arizona hospitals
- Research-driven curriculum with population health focus
- Strong NCLEX pass rates
Estimated Tuition: Public in-state rates vary; approximately $11,000 to $13,000 annually for tuition.
Best For: Students seeking advanced career mobility, graduate school preparation, or hospital leadership pathways.
2. Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC)
Top Choice for: Affordable Associate Degrees and Transfer Pathways
Located directly in the Gilbert/Chandler area, CGCC offers Associate in Applied Science degrees in Nursing and other healthcare fields. It also provides transfer pathways to ASU through the Maricopa to ASU Pathways Program.
Program Highlights:
- Accredited nursing programs
- Significantly lower tuition than universities
- Clinical experience with local healthcare providers
- Strong community presence
Estimated Tuition: Roughly $97 per credit hour for in-state students.
Best For: Students pursuing a cost-effective RN pathway before completing a BSN.
3. Mesa Community College (MCC)
Top Choice for: Allied Health and Technical Healthcare Programs
MCC offers several healthcare-related programs including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Respiratory Care. Located near Gilbert, it provides broad options beyond traditional nursing.
Program Highlights:
- Associate degrees and certificates
- Career-focused training with lab simulation
- Transfer options to ASU and other universities
Best For: Students interested in specialized allied health roles.
4. University of Arizona – Gilbert Regional Options
Top Choice for: Integrative Health and Public Health
The University of Arizona offers health-focused degrees through locations in the Phoenix metro area and online programs accessible to Gilbert residents.
Program Highlights:
- Integrative Health emphasis
- Bachelor’s in Public Health
- Research-based instruction
- National university reputation
Best For: Students interested in preventative health, wellness, and public health policy careers.
5. Brookline College – Phoenix Area
Top Choice for: Accelerated BSN and Practical Programs
Brookline College offers career-focused healthcare programs including BSN degrees and allied health certifications.
Program Highlights:
- Accelerated options available
- Hands-on clinical training
- Smaller class sizes
Best For: Career changers seeking faster program completion.
Comparison of Health Science Degrees Near Gilbert
InstitutionDegree TypeApprox. DurationAccreditedBest ForASUBS Health Sciences, BSN4 YearsYesAdvanced careers, leadershipCGCCAssociate Nursing2 YearsYesAffordable RN pathwayMCCAllied Health Degrees2 YearsYesTechnical healthcare rolesUniversity of ArizonaPublic Health, Integrative Health4 YearsYesCommunity health careersBrookline CollegeBSN, CertificatesAccelerated OptionsYesFast-track programs
What to Look for in a Health Science Degree
1. Accreditation
Ensure the institution holds regional accreditation and that nursing or health programs are approved by relevant bodies such as CCNE or ACEN.
2. Clinical Partnerships
Gilbert-area schools partner with Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health, and local clinics. Strong clinical rotations improve job offers after graduation.
3. NCLEX Pass Rates
If pursuing nursing, review first-time licensure exam pass rates. High-performing programs consistently exceed national averages.
4. Tuition and Financial Aid
Community colleges often provide the most affordable entry point. Many Gilbert students begin with an associate degree, gain licensure, and complete an RN-to-BSN program later.
5. Flexibility
Working students may benefit from hybrid or online course formats offered by ASU and the University of Arizona.
Health Science Career Outlook in Gilbert
The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metro area supports one of the largest healthcare labor markets in the Southwest.
Popular Career Paths:
- Registered Nurse
- Healthcare Administrator
- Public Health Specialist
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Respiratory Therapist
Many graduates remain in Gilbert due to expanding hospital facilities and outpatient centers. Healthcare administration and advanced nursing roles offer strong upward mobility with graduate education.
Student Experience in Gilbert
Gilbert provides a supportive academic environment with modern campuses, safe neighborhoods, and strong community ties. Students benefit from:
- Access to expanding healthcare infrastructure
- Internships within commuting distance
- Professional networking events across the East Valley
- Clear transfer pathways between community colleges and universities
This ecosystem makes Gilbert an ideal location for students entering the healthcare field, whether at the certificate, associate, or bachelor’s level.
How to Choose the Best Health Science Degree for You
Ask yourself the following:
- Do you want direct patient care or administrative work?
- Is cost your primary concern, or long-term earning potential?
- Do you plan to attend graduate school?
- Do you need part-time flexibility?
If affordability matters most, begin at CGCC or MCC. If you want long-term leadership roles, ASU or the University of Arizona may provide stronger brand recognition and research opportunities. For accelerated career switching, Brookline College can offer faster tracks.
Choosing the right Health Science degree in Gilbert ultimately depends on aligning your academic pathway with Arizona’s expanding healthcare market and your personal career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Health Science Degrees in Gilbert
What health science degrees can you earn in or near Gilbert?
You can earn certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in areas like Health Sciences, Nursing (RN and BSN), Medical Laboratory Technology, Respiratory Care, and Public Health through schools such as ASU, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, the University of Arizona, and Brookline College.
How long does it take to complete a health science degree near Gilbert?
Most bachelor’s degrees take about four years of full-time study, associate degrees usually take two years, and many healthcare certificates can be finished in less than one year if you attend full-time.
How much does a health science program cost in the Gilbert area?
Community colleges like Chandler-Gilbert and Mesa typically charge around $97 per credit for in-state students, while public universities such as ASU and the University of Arizona often range from about $11,000 to $13,000 per year in tuition for in-state undergraduates, not including fees, books, or living costs.
What health science careers can you pursue after studying in Gilbert?
You can prepare for roles such as registered nurse, healthcare administrator, public health specialist, medical laboratory technologist, and respiratory therapist, with many positions available in local hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers across the East Valley.
Why should you study health science in Gilbert instead of another Arizona city?
Gilbert offers access to large hospital systems, active partnerships between colleges and universities, modern simulation labs, and a growing healthcare job market, which helps you move from classroom learning into local clinical training and employment.
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