Arizona College of Nursing: A Comprehensive Review for Prospective Students

Choosing the right nursing school is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your future career. Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) is a private institution with multiple locations, offering an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Arizona College of Nursing, addressing key aspects such as accreditation, program structure, admission requirements, financial aid, and student support, to help prospective students make informed decisions.

Overview of Arizona College of Nursing

Arizona College of Nursing is an academic organization focused on preparing professionals for healthcare careers. The College of Nursing has 21 locations, each of which offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The BSN program can be completed in three years and is supported by innovative web-based education applications and state-of-the-art human patient simulation laboratories, as well as additional skills laboratories.

Accreditation and Recognition

One of the primary considerations for prospective students is the accreditation status of the institution. Arizona College of Nursing is nationally accredited and holds CCNE accreditation.

National Accreditation: Arizona College of Nursing is nationally accredited. It is important to note the distinction between national and regional accreditation, as this can impact the transferability of credits and eligibility for certain advanced educational opportunities.
CCNE Accreditation: The BSN program at Arizona College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited. WGU is also a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The BSN program at Arizona College of Nursing is designed to be completed in three years, offering an accelerated pathway for students seeking to enter the nursing profession quickly.

Accelerated BSN Program: The accelerated format allows students to complete their BSN in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional four-year programs.
Curriculum Components: The curriculum includes foundational general education courses covered in eight-week sessions during the first three semesters.
Skills and Knowledge Enhancement: Skills and knowledge are strengthened by working in the school’s high-tech simulation labs that replicate a variety of care settings, as well as web-based education applications including interactive e-books, personalized learning platforms, and video case studies.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet specific admission requirements to be considered for enrollment at Arizona College of Nursing.

Read also: Arizona Education System

GPA Requirements: Arizona College of Nursing requires a high school or college cumulative GPA of 2.75. The GPA requirement is waived for students scoring an admission assessment score of 80 or higher.
Admission Assessment: A minimum admission assessment score of 60 is required.
Citizenship: Applicants must provide documentation of U.S. citizenship, alien status, or legal residency.

Financial Aid and Tuition

Understanding the financial aspects of attending Arizona College of Nursing is crucial for prospective students.

Financial Aid Programs: According to the Department of Education, Arizona College of Nursing is eligible to participate in federal, state, and local financial aid programs.
Military and Veteran Benefits: Arizona College also has military and veteran education benefits available to those who qualify. Arizona College of Nursing is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program in partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs to enhance financial access for military-connected students.
Tuition Costs: Tuition is charged per credit hour, with each location charging slightly different rates ranging from $495 per credit hour to $884.

Transfer Credits

Students who began their education at another accredited school may be able to transfer credits in order to help them complete their BSN program in less time. The school requires admitted students looking for transfer credit to request an official transcript be sent from the school, as well as a course catalog. Credits for courses with laboratory components must have been taken within two years of starting at Arizona College of Nursing, and non-science-related general education courses must have been completed within ten years of starting classes.

Student Support and Resources

Arizona College of Nursing - Chesapeake has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. The teachers and administration of Arizona College really do care about us. In my first month, the Dean had a 1-on-1 meeting with me to see how I was feeling.

Career Opportunities

Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. Nurse Manager - Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%).

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NCLEX-RN Examination

The NCLEX exam is the licensing examination that you must pass to become a registered nurse and practice legally. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve met the minimum competency standards required for entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX exam is a standardized test used across all states to ensure consistent nursing practice standards.

Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse licensure after you complete a BSN or ADN nursing program, while the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurse licensure after completing an LPN or LVN program. Both exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and are required for nursing licensure in the United States. For RNs in Virginia, licensure allows for greater autonomy, higher-level clinical responsibilities, and more opportunities for career advancement compared to LPN licensure.

Distinctions between LPN and BSN

Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program in Virginia typically takes about one to two years to complete. As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience.

A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures.

Online and In-Person Classes

Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) - Chesapeake is not a 100% online nursing program in Virginia. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students.

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BBB Accreditation & Rating

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