Best Nursing Schools in Tucson: A Data-Driven Guide for Future Nurses
Key Takeaways
- Tucson offers a strong mix of ADN, BSN, and graduate nursing programs with solid clinical partnerships.
- Accreditation (ACEN or CCNE) and NCLEX pass rates are the most important quality indicators.
- Program costs and timelines vary widely, from accelerated BSN tracks to flexible community college pathways.
- Local demand for registered nurses remains strong, with competitive wages and diverse employment settings.
Why Tucson Is a Strong Place to Study Nursing
Tucson’s healthcare ecosystem includes large teaching hospitals, community clinics, and specialty care centers that support robust clinical training. Major employers such as Banner Health, Tucson Medical Center, and the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System consistently hire new graduates. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, registered nurses in the Tucson metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of about $78,000, with faster-than-average job growth projected across Arizona over the next decade.
Top Nursing Schools in Tucson
University of Arizona – College of Nursing
The University of Arizona (UA) is consistently ranked as the leading nursing school in Tucson. It offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN for second-degree students, MSN specialties, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
- Accreditation: CCNE
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Typically mid-90% range in recent cohorts
- Strengths: Research-driven curriculum, strong hospital partnerships, high graduate placement
- Best For: Students seeking a comprehensive university experience and graduate education pathways
Pima Community College – Nursing Program
Pima Community College (PCC) is widely regarded as the most cost-effective entry point into nursing in Southern Arizona. Its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and immediate workforce entry.
- Accreditation: ACEN
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Generally mid-to-high 80% range
- Strengths: Affordable tuition, strong clinical preparation, local employer respect
- Best For: Budget-conscious students planning to bridge from ADN to BSN later
Arizona College of Nursing – Tucson
Arizona College of Nursing offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing designed for students who already hold non-nursing college credits. The program is known for structured schedules and focused clinical immersion.
- Accreditation: CCNE
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Low-to-mid 80% range in recent reporting cycles
- Strengths: Accelerated format, year-round start dates
- Best For: Career changers seeking a fast transition into nursing
Brookline College – Tucson Campus
Brookline College provides an ADN program with flexible scheduling options, including evening classes. It emphasizes hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare facilities.
- Accreditation: ACEN
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Varies by cohort, often in the low-to-mid 80% range
- Strengths: Smaller class sizes, flexible scheduling
- Best For: Working adults balancing school with employment
Carrington College – Tucson
Carrington College offers an ADN program focused on practical nursing skills and workforce readiness. The program is structured and career-oriented.
- Accreditation: ACEN
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Typically low-80% range
- Strengths: Streamlined curriculum, emphasis on employability
- Best For: Students looking for a private, career-focused program
Side-by-Side Comparison of Tucson Nursing Schools
School Degree Options Approx. Tuition Program Length Accreditation NCLEX Pass Rate University of Arizona BSN, MSN, DNP $15,000–$35,000+ 16–48 months CCNE ~94% Pima Community College ADN $8,000–$12,000 24 months ACEN ~87% Arizona College of Nursing BSN $70,000+ 36 months CCNE ~83% Brookline College ADN $45,000+ 24 months ACEN ~82% Carrington College ADN $40,000+ 24 months ACEN ~81%
What Current Students and Graduates Say
Recent graduates across Tucson programs consistently point to clinical exposure as the defining factor of program quality. University-based students highlight access to complex hospital cases, while community college graduates emphasize confidence gained through early hands-on patient care. Accelerated program students often cite workload intensity as a challenge but value faster entry into the profession.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Tucson
Match the Program to Your Career Goals
If advanced practice or leadership roles are your goal, starting at a university with graduate options may save time later. If immediate employment is the priority, an ADN program with high local recognition can be an efficient path.
Verify Accreditation and Outcomes
Always confirm ACEN or CCNE accreditation and review NCLEX pass rates published by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. These metrics directly affect licensure eligibility and employer confidence.
Consider Total Cost and Financial Aid
Lower tuition does not always mean lower value, but private programs often require significantly higher student loan commitments. Ask each school about scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement.
Evaluate Schedule Flexibility and Support
Evening, weekend, and accelerated formats can be critical for working adults. Academic advising and NCLEX prep resources also make a measurable difference in student success.
Expert Insight: What Nursing Faculty Look For in Successful Students
Nursing faculty in Southern Arizona consistently emphasize resilience, time management, and strong science foundations as predictors of success. Programs that integrate early clinical exposure and structured exam preparation tend to produce more confident graduates entering the local job market.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Tucson
Tucson’s aging population and expanding healthcare infrastructure continue to drive demand for registered nurses. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies are actively recruiting new graduates, particularly those with BSN preparation and bilingual skills. Local employers also support ADN-to-BSN bridge programs, making Tucson an attractive long-term market for nursing careers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Tucson
What types of nursing programs can you find in Tucson?
In Tucson, you can choose from Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at community and career colleges, traditional and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at universities and private schools, and graduate options like MSN and DNP at the University of Arizona.
How important are accreditation and NCLEX pass rates when choosing a school?
Accreditation by ACEN or CCNE is essential because it helps you qualify for the NCLEX-RN and for many employers. NCLEX pass rates show how well a program prepares you for licensure; higher and consistent pass rates usually point to stronger instruction and support.
How much does nursing school cost in Tucson?
Tuition ranges widely. ADN programs at Pima Community College are often around $8,000–$12,000, while private ADN programs can be $40,000 or more. BSN programs at public universities may fall in the $15,000–$35,000+ range, and some private BSN programs can exceed $70,000 over the full program.
Is it better to start with an ADN or go straight into a BSN in Tucson?
If you want a lower-cost entry and faster route to work, an ADN at a respected local college can be a good choice, especially if you plan to bridge to a BSN later. If you know you want leadership, advanced practice, or graduate study, starting in a BSN program can save time and extra steps later on.
What is the job outlook and average RN salary in Tucson?
Demand for registered nurses in Tucson is strong across hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in the Tucson metro area earn about $78,000 per year on average, and Arizona is projected to see faster-than-average nursing job growth over the next decade.
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