Best Nursing Programs in Scottsdale (2026 Guide)
Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix metro area offer some of Arizona’s strongest nursing education options, ranging from affordable community college pathways to accelerated BSN programs designed for career changers. With healthcare demand rising statewide, choosing the right program can directly impact licensure success, job placement, and long-term salary potential.
Key Takeaways
- Top nursing programs near Scottsdale include Scottsdale Community College, Arizona State University, Arizona College of Nursing, and Brookline College.
- Accreditation (ACEN or CCNE) and strong NCLEX pass rates are the most important quality indicators.
- Community colleges offer the most affordable ADN routes, while private schools provide accelerated BSN options.
- Most programs require GPA minimums of 2.75 to 3.0 and completion of prerequisite coursework.
- Arizona projects continued nursing shortages, making job outlook in Scottsdale highly favorable.
How We Evaluated the Best Nursing Programs
This guide evaluates nursing programs based on:
- Accreditation: Approval from ACEN or CCNE and Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- NCLEX Pass Rates: First-time student success rates.
- Tuition Value: Cost compared to degree level and job opportunities.
- Program Flexibility: Accelerated, online, or hybrid options.
- Student Experience: Clinical partnerships and support resources.
All listed schools serve Scottsdale students either directly or within a short commute in the Phoenix metro area.
Top Nursing Programs Near Scottsdale
1. Scottsdale Community College (SCC)
Best for: Affordable ADN pathway
- Degree: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Format: Campus-based
- Length: Approximately 2 years (after prerequisites)
Scottsdale Community College consistently ranks as one of the top value nursing schools in Arizona. As part of the Maricopa County Community College District, SCC offers lower tuition for in-state students while maintaining strong licensure outcomes.
Pros:
- Significantly lower tuition than private institutions
- Strong local hospital partnerships for clinical rotations
- Transfer-friendly for RN-to-BSN advancement
Considerations:
- Competitive admissions
- Limited fully online coursework
2. Arizona State University (ASU) – Downtown Phoenix Campus
Best for: Traditional BSN and long-term career advancement
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Format: Campus and accelerated tracks
- Length: 4 years traditional, 12 to 16 months accelerated
Although located in downtown Phoenix, ASU is a top choice for Scottsdale students seeking a nationally recognized BSN. ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is known for research, simulation labs, and strong hospital partnerships throughout the Valley.
Pros:
- High academic reputation nationwide
- Advanced clinical simulation technology
- Direct pathway to graduate nursing programs
Considerations:
- Higher tuition than community colleges
- Competitive GPA requirements
3. Arizona College of Nursing – Phoenix
Best for: Accelerated BSN students and career changers
- Degree: BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Format: Hybrid (online coursework + in-person labs)
- Length: Approximately 3 years
Arizona College of Nursing offers a fast-track BSN option designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. With structured scheduling and year-round enrollment opportunities, this program appeals to career switchers.
Pros:
- Streamlined path to BSN
- Smaller cohort sizes
- Frequent start dates
Considerations:
- Higher tuition than public institutions
- Intensive pace
4. Brookline College – Phoenix
Best for: Flexible scheduling and smaller classes
- Degrees: ADN and BSN options
- Accreditation: ACEN (verify current status)
- Format: Hybrid
- Length: 2 to 3 years depending on program
Brookline College provides students with personalized support and flexible enrollment. It is often chosen by non-traditional students balancing work or family responsibilities.
Pros:
- Evening and flexible options
- Focused student support services
Considerations:
- Higher tuition than community colleges
- Smaller employer recognition compared to ASU
Program Comparison Table
SchoolDegreeAccreditationFormatLengthBest ForScottsdale Community CollegeADNACENCampus2 YearsAffordable entry to RNArizona State UniversityBSNCCNECampus / Accelerated4 Years / 12-16 MonthsHigh academic prestigeArizona College of NursingBSNCCNEHybrid3 YearsCareer changersBrookline CollegeADN / BSNACENHybrid2-3 YearsFlexible scheduling
Admission Requirements in Scottsdale Nursing Programs
While requirements vary, most nursing programs in Scottsdale require:
- Minimum GPA between 2.75 and 3.0
- Completion of prerequisites such as Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Statistics
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
- CPR certification
Accelerated programs require a prior bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Estimated tuition ranges:
- Community College ADN: $8,000 to $15,000 total (in-state)
- Public University BSN: $40,000 to $55,000 total
- Private BSN Programs: $60,000 to $90,000 total
Students should complete the FAFSA to access federal grants and loans. Arizona employers such as HonorHealth and Banner Health often offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for nursing students.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Licensure
NCLEX pass rate is one of the most important indicators of program quality. Top Arizona schools typically report first-time pass rates between 85 percent and 95 percent.
After graduation, students must apply for licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s healthcare sector continues to grow due to population expansion and retiree migration. Major employers include:
- HonorHealth Scottsdale
- Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Banner Health
- Dignity Health
Registered Nurses in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro area earn competitive salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually depending on experience and specialization. BSN graduates typically have wider advancement opportunities and higher starting salaries.
Which Nursing Program Is Right for You?
If You Want the Most Affordable Path
Choose Scottsdale Community College and later complete an RN-to-BSN program.
If You Want National Prestige and Graduate School Options
Arizona State University offers the strongest academic reputation.
If You Need Speed and Structure
Arizona College of Nursing provides accelerated pathways with multiple start dates.
If You Value Smaller Class Sizes
Brookline College may offer a more personalized learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Programs in Scottsdale
How do I choose the best nursing program near Scottsdale?
You should compare accreditation (ACEN or CCNE), NCLEX pass rates, total tuition, program length, and format. Then match those factors with your goals, such as cost, speed to graduation, or long-term career plans in Scottsdale or the Phoenix metro area.
What are the basic admission requirements for Scottsdale nursing programs?
Most programs ask for a 2.75–3.0 GPA, completed science prerequisites, TEAS exam scores, a background check, immunizations, and current CPR certification. Accelerated BSN programs usually also require a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
How much does nursing school cost in the Scottsdale area?
In-state community college ADN programs often cost about $8,000–$15,000 total. Public university BSN programs can range from about $40,000–$55,000, and private BSN programs may run $60,000–$90,000, depending on fees and length.
How do NCLEX pass rates affect my choice of school?
NCLEX pass rates show how well a program prepares students for licensure. In Arizona, strong programs often have first-time pass rates around 85–95 percent. A higher, stable pass rate can give you more confidence that you will be ready for the exam.
What is the job outlook and salary for nurses in Scottsdale?
Arizona projects ongoing nursing shortages, and the Phoenix–Scottsdale area has steady demand at hospitals like HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, and Dignity Health. Registered nurses in this metro area often earn $80,000 or more per year, with BSN-prepared nurses seeing wider advancement options.
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