How to Become an RN in Arizona: 5 Steps

Image of professional woman smiling at camera
Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
How to Become an RN in Arizona: 5 Steps

Wondering how to become an RN in Arizona? To get started, you’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX exam, and meet a few state-specific requirements. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to earn an RN license in Arizona.

The Grand Canyon State has everything a healthcare professional could dream of: strong job demand, world-class healthcare facilities, and competitive salaries. And when you are off the clock, you have plenty of opportunities for fun, like the world-famous Grand Canyon or Saguaro National Park.

Becoming an RN in Arizona: A Snapshot Into the Role

Wondering what opportunities unfold when you complete all the steps of how to become an RN? In Arizona, you’ll be able to explore a wide variety of career paths — whether providing patient care in hospitals, specialty clinics, or community care centers. If you’d rather apply your skills beyond bedside care, you can pursue roles in education, management, or research — all essential to advancing Arizona’s healthcare system.

While daily tasks vary by specialty and workplace, here’s a glimpse of common nursing duties to help you decide if this path is right for you:

Since Arizona is heavily affected by the nursing shortage, with just 6.84 nurses per 1,000 people, you should expect to multitask. You might not always be able to delegate tasks to unlicensed staff and may need to handle a wider range of responsibilities on your own when support staff aren’t available.

Keep in mind that knowing some basic Spanish can be useful, as around 20% of Arizona residents speak it as their primary language at home.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Arizona?

Becoming an RN typically takes two to four years, depending on the chosen educational path. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree offers the quickest path to licensure, while the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) requires a longer time commitment but provides a more comprehensive educational foundation.

From completing prerequisite courses to finding your first nursing job, here’s a timeline to guide you through the key milestones:

  • Prerequisite courses: You may need anywhere from 6 months to 2 years (depending on your previous educational background) to complete prerequisite courses before being accepted into your chosen nursing program.
  • Nursing program: You’ll spend about 2 to 4 years in school as you complete your ADN or BSN program.
  • NCLEX preparation: You may need several months to prepare for the licensure exam.
  • Finding your first job: You may spend several months looking for work, depending on job demand in the city you choose and your qualifications.

How to Become an RN in Arizona: 5 Steps

Ready to explore what it takes to become an RN? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.

Step 1: Complete Nursing School

Your RN journey starts with completing an accredited ADN or BSN nursing program. Your education will include a theoretical component — nursing classes such as pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing theories — as well as clinical rotations at healthcare facilities.

If you’re looking for a BSN degree, consider applying to one of these top-ranking schools in Arizona:

  • Grand Canyon University
  • Northern Arizona University

If you’re aiming for an ADN degree, these community colleges offer nursing programs:

  • Eastern Arizona College
  • Estrella Mountain Community College
  • Northland Pioneer College
  • Mesa Community College
  • Scottsdale Community College

Curious about nursing education costs in Arizona? An ADN at a community college might cost around $16,000, while a BSN could reach about $30,000. Out-of-state students should expect to pay higher tuition rates.

Some students choose to work while in nursing school to build a solid RN resume and earn extra money to cover education costs. If finances are holding you back from getting an education, here are some options for how to become an RN in Arizona for free or earn extra income:

Step 2: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The next step is passing the NCLEX-RN exam, which evaluates your clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills to ensure you can provide safe, effective care as a registered nurse. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the process in Arizona:

  • Create an account on the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) website and fill in the application for licensure by examination.
  • Register for the NCLEX through Pearson.
  • Submit your affidavit of graduation if you completed your nursing program in Arizona. Out-of-state applicants should submit official transcripts sent directly from their nursing school to the AZBN.
  • Show proof of citizenship or lawful presence with the required documents.
  • Complete a state and federal background check, which includes submitting your fingerprints.
  • Pay the required fees, including $300 for the exam and licensing and $50 for the background check.

Wondering what the exam experience is like? The computer-based test includes 85 to 150 questions that adjust to your performance. You’ll have up to five hours to finish. You can access your results through Quick Results as soon as two days after the exam.

Step 3: Apply for Your Arizona RN License

Once you pass the NCLEX, the AZBN will review your results and issue your RN license. Once you receive your license, you can then use the Nursys verification system to quickly check your license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

Arizona participates in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), so you can apply for either a compact (multistate) license or a state‑specific Arizona license. A compact license is especially useful if you’re interested in travel nursing or telehealth roles.

Step 4: Start Your RN Job Hunt

It’s now time to start applying for RN jobs in Arizona. Many new graduate nurses begin their careers in med-surg or progressive care settings, which expose them to a wide variety of patients — post-surgery, chronic disease cases, and stable patients transferred from the ICU — giving them a well-rounded foundation in nursing practice. Other nurses may choose to jumpstart their careers in specific specialties like substance abuse or women’s health.

Want to work in acute care? Consider checking out opportunities at some of Arizona’s hospitals and medical centers:

Interested in exploring long-term care RN opportunities in Arizona? The state’s warm climate and stunning natural beauty make it a popular destination for retirees. As a result, there are plenty of nursing homes and assisted living facilities needing qualified RN to provide quality care to their residents.

Dreaming of a career in holistic care? Arizona’s healing energy and abundance of wellness retreats make it a great place to fulfill this dream. Cities like Sedona and Carefree, known for their focus on traditional and alternative healing, are great places to work in this niche specialty.

Step 5: Keep Your RN License Up to Date

You’ll need to renew your Arizona RN license every four years. To meet the continuing education requirements, complete one of these within the past five years:

How Much Do RNs Earn in Arizona?

Now that you’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in Arizona, let’s discuss what you could earn. The average salary for RNs in Arizona is $95,230 a year, though factors like experience, education, and where you work can significantly impact your pay.

Your salary may also be higher in metropolitan areas. To start your search, take a look at these five major cities by population:

Helpful Resources for Arizona Nurses

Need more information? Explore these helpful resources to find answers to all your questions about how to become an RN in Arizona:

Explore the Latest RN Jobs With IntelyCare

Whether you’re a student nurse learning how to become an RN in Arizona or an experienced nurse looking for a new job, we can match you with the best-fitting nursing opportunities in your desired specialty and location. Sign up today to receive a curated list of roles to explore.

Related Articles

CMGT-BC Certification: Overview and FAQ
Orthopedic Nurse Certification (ONC): Overview and FAQ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant Certification (CLNC): Overview and FAQ
Legal Nurse Consultant Certification (LNCC): Overview and FAQ
CIC Certification: Overview and FAQ