Best Nursing Programs in Payson, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Payson, Arizona offers aspiring nurses a unique advantage: access to small-town clinical environments combined with proximity to some of the highest-rated nursing schools in Central Arizona. While Payson itself has limited in-town degree options, several accredited programs within commuting distance provide excellent pathways to RN, BSN, and advanced nursing careers.
Key Takeaways
- Gila Community College (Eastern Arizona College – Payson Campus) is the primary in-town nursing pathway for associate-level education.
- Top nearby RN and BSN programs are located in Phoenix, Mesa, and Prescott, all within 60 to 120 minutes.
- Strong programs report NCLEX pass rates above 85 percent.
- Many schools offer hybrid and online options for working adults.
- Clinical placements often include Banner Health, HonorHealth, and rural healthcare facilities serving Gila County.
How We Identified the Best Nursing Programs
The programs below were evaluated using objective, student-centered criteria:
- Accreditation by ACEN or CCNE
- NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Tuition and total program cost
- Clinical partnerships and hospital affiliations
- Student flexibility, including hybrid or evening formats
- Commuting practicality from Payson
Top Nursing Programs Near Payson, AZ
SchoolProgram TypeApprox. Distance from PaysonNCLEX Pass Rate*Program LengthEstimated Tuition (In-State)Gila Community College (EAC Payson)Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)In Payson85–92%2 Years$5,000–$7,000GateWay Community College (Phoenix)ADN85 miles90%+2 Years$8,000–$10,000Arizona State University (Phoenix)BSN80–90 miles94%+4 Years$11,000 per yearGrand Canyon UniversityHybrid BSN90 miles88–92%3–4 Years$16,000+ per yearYavapai College (Prescott)ADN75 miles87–93%2 Years$6,000–$8,000
*Pass rates vary by cohort year. Always verify most recent state-reported data.
1. Gila Community College (Eastern Arizona College – Payson Campus)
For students seeking a nursing program within Payson itself, Gila Community College is the most accessible option. As part of Eastern Arizona College, the Payson campus provides nursing prerequisites and direct pathways into the Associate Degree in Nursing program.
Why It Stands Out
- Convenient local access for Payson residents
- Lower tuition compared to university programs
- Small class sizes and community-focused instruction
- Clinical placements in rural and regional healthcare settings
Clinical Experience
Students often complete rotations at regional facilities serving Gila County along with partner hospitals across Central Arizona. Rural experience is particularly valuable for nurses planning to work in community or critical access hospitals.
Best For
Students seeking an affordable RN pathway without relocating.
2. GateWay Community College (Phoenix)
GateWay is consistently ranked among Arizona’s strongest ADN programs. Though located in Phoenix, many Payson students commute or temporarily relocate for clinical rotations.
Highlights
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Established simulation labs
- Strong hospital partnerships
- Transition pathways to BSN completion
This program is ideal for students who want a reputable RN credential with strong hospital placement opportunities.
3. Arizona State University (ASU) College of Nursing
ASU offers one of the most competitive BSN programs in the state. For Payson residents willing to commute to the Phoenix metro area, ASU delivers research-backed instruction and strong career placement outcomes.
What Makes ASU Elite
- Consistently high NCLEX pass rates
- Extensive clinical network including Banner Health
- Access to leadership and graduate pathways
- Direct-entry and accelerated BSN options
ASU is best suited for students aiming for long-term leadership, nurse practitioner, or graduate-level roles.
4. Grand Canyon University (Hybrid BSN Option)
Grand Canyon University offers flexible hybrid BSN pathways, which appeal to working adults in Payson who need partial online coursework.
Advantages
- Hybrid online classroom model
- Faith-based private institution
- Structured academic support and tutoring
While tuition is higher than community colleges, flexibility can justify the investment for nontraditional students.
5. Yavapai College (Prescott)
Located approximately 75 miles from Payson, Yavapai College provides a strong ADN option with competitive NCLEX outcomes.
Why Students Choose Yavapai
- Affordability
- Well-equipped nursing labs
- Strong regional reputation
- RN-to-BSN transfer-friendly pathways
For students on the north side of Payson, this may be a slightly shorter commute than Phoenix campuses.
RN vs BSN: Which Path Is Right for You?
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Typically 2 years
- Lower cost
- Qualifies graduate to sit for NCLEX-RN
- Can bridge to BSN later
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- 4-year degree
- Preferred by many hospitals
- Greater advancement opportunities
- Foundation for graduate programs
In Arizona, hospitals increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, especially for Magnet-status facilities. However, many students begin with an ADN and complete an RN-to-BSN bridge online while working.
Clinical Placement Opportunities for Payson Students
Nursing students commuting from Payson commonly complete clinical hours at:
- Banner Payson Medical Center
- HonorHealth facilities in the Phoenix area
- Banner Health hospitals across Central Arizona
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities in Gila County
- Community health clinics and rural care centers
Rural clinical exposure is highly valued by Arizona healthcare employers due to statewide nursing shortages in non-metro regions.
Tuition and Financial Aid Insights
Community colleges remain the most affordable route, often totaling under $10,000 for the entire ADN. Universities range higher but may provide:
- Arizona resident tuition discounts
- Federal financial aid
- Nursing-specific scholarships
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
Students planning ahead can significantly reduce total cost by completing prerequisites locally at Gila Community College before transferring.
What to Look for in a Nursing Program
Before applying, evaluate:
- Accreditation status
- Three-year NCLEX pass rate averages
- Clinical hour requirements
- Student-to-faculty ratios
- Acceptance competitiveness
- Commuting feasibility from Payson
Because Payson is a smaller community, clinical seat availability may vary year to year. Applying early and completing prerequisites with high grades significantly improves acceptance odds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Programs in Payson, Arizona
Can you become an RN without leaving Payson, Arizona?
Yes. You can start and complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) through Gila Community College (Eastern Arizona College – Payson Campus), then sit for the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.
How far is Payson from major BSN nursing programs?
Most major BSN options are 75–90 miles from Payson. Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University in Phoenix are about 80–90 miles away, and Yavapai College in Prescott is about 75 miles away for ADN studies that can lead into an RN-to-BSN program.
Is an ADN or BSN better if you live in Payson?
If you want lower cost and faster entry into nursing, an ADN at Gila Community College is a good choice. If you want more advancement options and prefer hospital roles that may favor a BSN, you can start with an ADN and then complete an online RN-to-BSN while working.
Where do Payson nursing students usually complete clinicals?
You may complete clinical hours at Banner Payson Medical Center, Banner Health facilities in Central Arizona, HonorHealth sites in the Phoenix area, long-term care centers in Gila County, and rural community clinics.
How much does it cost to study nursing near Payson?
Community college ADN programs near Payson often total about $5,000–$10,000 in in-state tuition. University BSN programs usually cost more per year but may offer scholarships, federal aid, and employer tuition help if you work while in school.
What should you look for in a Payson-area nursing program?
Check that the program is ACEN or CCNE accredited, review recent NCLEX pass rates, confirm clinical sites you can reach from Payson, compare total tuition, and ask about class size, waitlists, and options for hybrid or evening formats.
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