Best Nursing Schools in Gilbert, AZ (2026 Guide)
Choosing the right nursing school in Gilbert can determine your career trajectory, earning potential, and long-term job stability. With Arizona’s healthcare sector expanding rapidly across the Phoenix Metro area, demand for qualified nurses has never been stronger. This in-depth guide compares the top nursing schools in and near Gilbert based on accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, program quality, affordability, and career outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley offer strong options for LPN, RN, ADN, and BSN programs.
- Accreditation and NCLEX pass rates are the most important quality indicators.
- Arizona College of Nursing and Mesa Community College are among the most recognized local programs.
- Most programs offer clinical placements at Phoenix-area hospitals and medical centers.
- The average RN salary in the Phoenix-Mesa area exceeds $85,000 annually, supporting strong ROI.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in Gilbert
This ranking evaluates schools using objective, student-centered criteria:
- Accreditation: ACEN or CCNE accreditation
- NCLEX Pass Rates: First-time pass rates compared with Arizona averages
- Program Options: LPN, ADN, BSN, and bridge pathways
- Tuition Value: Cost per credit and financial aid availability
- Clinical Partnerships: Access to Phoenix-area hospitals
- Student Support: Advising, tutoring, and career services
Top Nursing Schools Near Gilbert, AZ
SchoolProgram TypesAccreditationApprox. NCLEX Pass RateLocationArizona College of NursingBSNCCNEAbove State AverageGilbertMesa Community CollegeADNACENStrongMesaChamberlain UniversityBSNCCNEHighPhoenixPima Medical InstituteLPN, ADNAccreditedCompetitiveMesaGrand Canyon UniversityBSN, RN-BSNCCNEHighPhoenix
1. Arizona College of Nursing – Gilbert
Why It Stands Out
Located directly in Gilbert, Arizona College of Nursing is known for its focused BSN program and accelerated path to licensure. The curriculum blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical training in leading East Valley healthcare facilities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Highlights
- CCNE-accredited program
- Multiple start dates per year
- Simulation labs with modern equipment
- Strong hospital partnerships
This school is ideal for students seeking a direct-entry BSN without navigating community college waiting lists.
2. Mesa Community College (MCC)
Why It Stands Out
MCC offers one of the most affordable and respected Associate Degree in Nursing programs in the East Valley. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure.
Programs Offered
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- LPN to RN pathways
Highlights
- ACEN accreditation
- Strong NCLEX performance
- Lower in-state tuition compared to private institutions
- Transfer pathways to ASU and other universities for BSN completion
For budget-conscious students, MCC provides high value and strong clinical exposure across Maricopa County.
3. Chamberlain University – Phoenix
Why It Stands Out
Chamberlain’s Phoenix campus offers an immersive BSN program with advanced simulation technology and structured clinical immersion experiences.
Programs Offered
- Traditional BSN
- RN to BSN (online)
Highlights
- High graduation and licensure exam rates
- Emphasis on clinical readiness
- Small class sizes
Although tuition is higher than public colleges, students benefit from extensive academic support and flexible scheduling options.
4. Pima Medical Institute – Mesa
Why It Stands Out
Pima Medical Institute provides entry-level nursing education focused on practical skills and rapid workforce placement.
Programs Offered
- Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Associate Degree in Nursing (selected campuses)
Highlights
- Career-focused curriculum
- Accelerated timelines
- Hands-on clinical training
This option suits students seeking a faster path into healthcare, with the ability to bridge into RN programs later.
5. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Why It Stands Out
GCU offers both traditional and online nursing pathways with strong academic infrastructure and a faith-based educational environment.
Programs Offered
- Traditional BSN
- RN to BSN (online)
- Accelerated BSN
Highlights
- CCNE-accredited
- Comprehensive simulation labs
- Strong alumni network in Arizona healthcare systems
Admission Requirements for Gilbert Nursing Schools
While criteria vary, most programs require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
Competitive programs may use point-based admission systems based on GPA and entrance exam scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Estimated tuition ranges:
- Community Colleges: $85 to $120 per credit for in-state students
- Private Universities: $17,000 to $40,000+ per year
Most schools offer:
- Federal Pell Grants and student loans
- Arizona state grants
- Scholarships for healthcare students
- Employer tuition reimbursement via hospital partners
Career Outlook for Nurses in Gilbert, AZ
The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets in the Southwest.
- Median RN Salary: Approximately $85,000 to $90,000 per year
- Top Employers: Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- High-Demand Specialties: ICU, labor and delivery, oncology, and geriatric care
Graduates from accredited programs with strong clinical exposure often secure employment within months of licensure.
Online vs In-Person Nursing Programs
Online Advantages
- Flexible scheduling
- Ideal for working adults
- Often lower commuting costs
In-Person Advantages
- Immediate access to simulation labs
- Stronger peer networking
- Structured learning environment
Hybrid options are increasingly available, allowing students to complete theoretical coursework online while fulfilling clinical requirements locally in Gilbert-area facilities.
Map and Commute Overview
Gilbert is centrally located in the East Valley, making commuting manageable:
- Arizona College of Nursing: Gilbert center
- Mesa Community College: 15–20 minutes northwest
- Pima Medical Institute: 20 minutes
- Phoenix campuses: 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
Access via US-60 and Loop 202 allows convenient travel to clinical sites across Maricopa County.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Gilbert, AZ
How do you choose the best nursing school in Gilbert, AZ?
You should look at accreditation (ACEN or CCNE), NCLEX pass rates, total program cost, clinical placements in Phoenix-area hospitals, and how well the schedule and program type (LPN, ADN, BSN) fit your goals and timeline.
What types of nursing programs are available near Gilbert?
Near Gilbert, you can find LPN programs, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN bridge programs at schools like Arizona College of Nursing, Mesa Community College, Pima Medical Institute, Chamberlain University, and Grand Canyon University.
How much does nursing school cost in the Gilbert area?
Community colleges in the East Valley usually charge about $85 to $120 per credit for in-state students, while private nursing schools and universities often range from roughly $17,000 to over $40,000 per year before financial aid and scholarships.
What admission requirements do Gilbert nursing schools usually have?
Most programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, a GPA around 2.5 to 3.0 or higher, completed science prerequisites, TEAS exam scores, plus a background check, immunizations, and sometimes a point-based ranking based on grades and test scores.
What is the job outlook and salary for nurses in the Phoenix–Mesa area?
Registered nurses in the Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler area typically earn a median salary of about $85,000 to $90,000 per year, and demand is strong at major systems like Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, especially in ICU, labor and delivery, oncology, and geriatric care.
Can you complete a nursing program online if you live in Gilbert?
You can take many theory courses online, especially in RN to BSN and some BSN programs, but you still need in-person clinical hours. Hybrid options let you study online while doing clinicals at hospitals and clinics in Gilbert and the Phoenix metro area.
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