Nursing Degrees in Arizona

Nurses are in high demand all over the world and Arizona (AZ) is no different.  Currently, there is a nursing shortage which makes it even more important to get your nursing degree if this is your occupational goal.

Where do I go to get a Nursing Degree in Arizona?

There are plenty of nursing schools and online universities available for those who wish to get nursing degrees in Arizona.

  • Grand Canyon University: This University offers night classes, online classes, hands-on training and much more.  Financial aid is available for those qualified.
  • University of Phoenix:  Although many associate this university with online degrees, it is an excellent college for nursing programs.  They have state of the art hands-on training equipment and personnel, flexible hours to meet most everyone’s needs and a nursing program geared towards helping you achieve your degree in no time with quality training and personalized training and guidance.
  • University of Arizona college of Nursing: Located in Tuscon, they are ranked among the top 6% of graduate nursing schools in the United States. If you have a high school diploma, you can apply for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pathway so as to earn a BSN Degree course. If you have a bachelors degree or something higher but not in any nursing field, then consider their Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) Pathway so as to be awarded a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). For their doctoral programs, they offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a major in nursing science. And the Dual DNP/PhD.

These are just a few choices available to receive your nursing degree in Arizona (AZ).  There are plenty of opportunities and financial assistance to those serious about becoming a nurse.

Where do I begin to earn a nursing degree in Arizona?

Do you believe you have what it takes to be a nurse? Have you always wanted to help others?  Do you know what specialty you would like to have?  The reality of becoming an RN requires much thought.  Ask yourself a lot of questions to uncover the real drive you have to become a nurse.  A nursing career has many upsides and also downsides, consider both before you make a final decision.

Pro’s

  • Above average salary
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Giving compassion and aid to those in need
  • Job flexibility in regards to relocation
  • Plenty of room for advancement
  • Short schooling programs
  • Variety of jobs within the nursing industry

Cons

  • Cost of education
  • Sometimes long hours
  • Being exposed to sick and injured people regularly
  • Short staffed facilities means more work for those employed
  • Not being able to heal or help some people

What Program is Best for Me?

First you will need to consider which degree in nursing you are most interested in.  A two year LPN degree will most quickly get you a degree and start you working, but it may inhibit your future advancement.  What are your goals for the future as a nurse?  Don’t take shortcuts when earning your degree.  There is a wide variety of nursing programs that offer several options for schooling, that will fit into the times and places and degrees that will suit you best.  Start with your list of needs regarding the length of schooling you hope for, the amount of money you hope to spend, the location of classes.  Then you will be armed with the information you need to start searching for the best program to obtain a nursing degree in Arizona.

Can I receive financial aid to gain my nursing degree in Arizona?

Yes. Financial aid is available in every nursing program.  The American Association of College of Nurses has resources to help students apply for and receive financial aid.  Both for current registered nurses, looking to advance their degrees and for new students acquiring their first degree.  Financial aid and scholarship are available to students of all income levels.  The school you choose will also have many financial aid options to assist you on your journey to become an RN. The demand to increase nursing college enrollment has caused many organizations to offer assistance to those wanting to enter a specialized program that will benefit from an increase in RN’s.

What is a Nursing Shortage?

As baby boomers are aging the current nursing shortage has intensified.  The need for healthcare has increased and nursing programs are struggling to fill the demand to supply nursing degrees in Arizona to equal the amount of need for qualified nursing positions available.  The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is working overtime to create awareness of the shortage and find solutions to the growing problem.  Nurses are the largest portion of the healthcare workforce, recruiting and benefits are at an all-time high, and are projected to become even more in demand.

Right now is a great time to check into the nursing programs available in Arizona; not only is there a great need for nurses to fill hospitals, doctors’ offices and clinics, but it is also a great time to get your degree and get your career going in a rewarding field that pays not just in financial gain, but in emotional gain as well.