Overview
First visited by Spanish explorers in search of gold, the Arizona territory became part of the United States after the Mexican War. During the nineteenth century, Arizona contributed legends like Geronimo and the shootout at the OK Corral to the lore of the Old West. Today, the state boasts large metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson and many natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Painted Desert. The nursing shortage is a problem in the state, but the recent poor economy has made it difficult for new nurses to find work as hospitals scale back plans for expansion and retain more of their current staff.
Nursing Education in Arizona
There are many options for nursing school in Arizona. The state’s three major universities offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees in nursing while many technical and community colleges offer associate degrees and diplomas for RNs and LPNs. Several schools offer online programs as well. The University of Arizona and many other health care and philanthropic organizations administer a large number of scholarships for Arizona students..
Outlook for Nursing in Arizona
The mean hourly wage for RNs in Arizona is around $34.00 an hour, placing Arizona in the 75th percentile for RNs' pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition. The state is suffering a nursing shortage, but the higher median pay should be attractive for new nurses.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Arizona include Maricopa Medical Center, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center - Phoenix, Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Banner Desert Medical Center - Mesa, and Tucson Medical Center.
Nursing Degree Programs in Arizona
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in AZ
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in AZ
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in AZ
Entry level nursing programs:
