Best Nursing Programs in Goodyear (2026 Guide)
Choosing the right nursing school is one of the most important decisions in your healthcare career. Goodyear, Arizona, and the surrounding West Valley area offer several accredited and highly regarded nursing programs, from associate degrees to fully online BSN pathways. This guide provides a structured, data-driven comparison so you can identify the best nursing program in Goodyear based on cost, flexibility, accreditation, outcomes, and career goals.
Key Takeaways
- Estrella Mountain Community College offers one of the most affordable and respected ADN pathways in Goodyear.
- Franklin University provides flexible online RN-to-BSN options for working nurses.
- Most top programs are ACEN or CCNE accredited, a must for licensure and career advancement.
- Tuition ranges widely depending on residency status and program level.
- Graduates benefit from proximity to major healthcare employers across the Phoenix metro area.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Programs in Goodyear
To ensure this list genuinely helps prospective students, programs were evaluated using standardized criteria:
- Accreditation status (ACEN or CCNE)
- Estimated tuition and overall cost
- Program flexibility (online, hybrid, or in-person)
- Clinical partnerships and local hospital access
- Reputation within Arizona healthcare networks
- Pathways for advancement (ADN to BSN, certificates, bridge programs)
Top Nursing Programs in Goodyear and Nearby West Valley
1. Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC)
Best ADN Program in Goodyear
Located directly in Goodyear, EMCC is part of the Maricopa Community Colleges system and offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing.
- Degree: AAS in Nursing (ADN)
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Format: In-person with clinical rotations
- Length: Approximately 2 years after prerequisites
- Ideal for: Students seeking affordable entry into RN practice
EMCC partners with healthcare facilities across the West Valley, providing strong hands-on clinical opportunities. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and often secure employment quickly within Maricopa County’s expanding healthcare network.
2. Franklin University (Online Programs Available in Goodyear)
Best RN-to-BSN Option for Working Nurses
- Degree: RN to BSN, MSN pathways
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Format: 100 percent online
- Length: Typically 12 to 24 months
Franklin University is popular for flexibility. Nurses who already hold an RN license can complete coursework fully online while continuing full-time employment. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare management.
3. MaricopaNursing (Consortium Programs)
EMCC participates in the Maricopa Nursing program, offering a shared curriculum across multiple campuses.
- Degree: AAS in Nursing
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Format: Shared curriculum model
- Advantage: Access to broader clinical partnerships
This consortium model allows students flexibility if they relocate within the county while maintaining consistent curriculum standards.
4. Arizona College of Nursing (Phoenix Area)
While not directly in Goodyear, this private institution serves many West Valley residents.
- Degree: Accelerated BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Length: As few as 3 years
- Format: Hybrid
It is best suited for students who want a fast track to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are prepared for a more intensive tuition structure.
Side-by-Side Comparison
SchoolDegree TypeAccreditationFormatEstimated LengthBest ForEstrella Mountain CCAAS (ADN)ACENIn-person2 yearsAffordable RN entryFranklin UniversityRN-to-BSNCCNEOnline12-24 monthsWorking nursesMaricopa ConsortiumAAS (ADN)ACENCampus-based2 yearsCounty-wide flexibilityArizona College of NursingBSNCCNEHybrid3 yearsAccelerated path
Tuition and Financial Aid
Costs vary depending on residency and institution type.
- Community Colleges: Significantly lower tuition for Arizona residents. Expect substantially reduced per-credit rates compared to private colleges.
- Private Institutions: Higher tuition with flexible scheduling and accelerated pathways.
- Online RN-to-BSN: Often competitively priced per credit.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arizona state grants
- Nursing scholarships
- Employer tuition assistance from local hospitals
- Veteran education benefits
Many healthcare systems in Maricopa County offer tuition reimbursement to employees pursuing BSN completion.
Admission Requirements
While requirements differ slightly, most nursing programs in Goodyear require:
- Completion of prerequisite science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology)
- Minimum GPA requirement
- TEAS entrance exam
- Background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunizations and CPR certification
BSN bridge programs typically require an active RN license.
Online vs In-Person Nursing Programs
When to Choose In-Person
- You are a first-time nursing student
- You prefer hands-on instruction
- You want structured, classroom learning
When to Choose Online
- You are already an RN
- You work full time
- You need flexibility around family commitments
It is important to note that all pre-licensure nursing programs require in-person clinical rotations.
Clinical Opportunities and Local Employment Outlook
Goodyear benefits from proximity to major healthcare providers including:
- Abrazo West Campus
- Mayo Clinic satellite facilities
- Banner Health hospitals
- Dignity Health facilities
Arizona continues to experience nursing shortages, especially in the Phoenix metro area. Graduates from accredited nursing programs in Goodyear often secure employment quickly due to strong regional demand.
Career Pathways After Graduation
Depending on your degree level, potential career roles include:
- Registered Nurse
- Charge Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Nurse Manager (with BSN or higher)
Many ADN graduates continue into RN-to-BSN programs within two years to increase earning potential and qualify for leadership roles.
How to Choose the Best Nursing Program in Goodyear
Ask yourself:
- Do I want the fastest path to RN licensure?
- Can I commit to in-person weekday clinical hours?
- Is affordability my top priority?
- Do I need online flexibility?
- Does the school have strong hospital partnerships?
Choosing the right nursing program depends on balancing cost, convenience, accreditation, and long-term career goals. By comparing available programs side by side and understanding admission pathways, you can confidently select the nursing school in Goodyear that aligns with your professional future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Programs in Goodyear
What types of nursing degrees can you earn in Goodyear?
In Goodyear and the West Valley, you can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), an online RN-to-BSN, and an accelerated BSN. ADN programs like Estrella Mountain Community College prepare you for RN licensure, while RN-to-BSN and BSN options help you advance into leadership and specialized roles.
Which Goodyear nursing programs are accredited?
Most leading programs in this guide are nationally accredited. Estrella Mountain Community College and MaricopaNursing programs hold ACEN accreditation. Franklin University and Arizona College of Nursing hold CCNE accreditation. Both ACEN and CCNE are widely accepted for RN licensure and career growth.
How long does it take to become an RN in Goodyear?
If you choose an ADN program, plan on about two years of nursing coursework after prerequisites. An accelerated BSN can take about three years. RN-to-BSN programs for current RNs often take 12 to 24 months and build on your existing license instead of preparing you for first-time RN licensure.
How much do nursing programs in Goodyear usually cost?
Community colleges such as Estrella Mountain usually have the lowest tuition for Arizona residents, with reduced in-state rates per credit. Private and accelerated BSN programs cost more but may offer faster or more flexible schedules. Online RN-to-BSN programs are often priced in the middle range per credit. You can also use federal aid, state grants, scholarships, and employer tuition help to lower costs.
Can you complete a nursing degree in Goodyear fully online?
Pre-licensure nursing programs cannot be 100 percent online because you must complete in-person clinical hours. However, if you already have an RN license, you can complete an RN-to-BSN program, such as Franklin University’s, fully online while you continue to work.
What jobs can you get after graduating from a Goodyear nursing program?
After passing the NCLEX-RN, you can work as a Registered Nurse in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. With experience and a BSN or higher, you can move into roles such as charge nurse, public health nurse, critical care nurse, or nurse manager in Phoenix-area systems like Banner Health, Dignity Health, and Abrazo.
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