20 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs in Phoenix, AZ in 2026

As a Higher Education Reform Expert in the USA, I analyze trends in higher education and provide recommendations on improving access, affordability, and outcomes. Nursing programs are a vital area of focus, as the need for qualified nurses continues rising across the country.

Phoenix is one of the top locations in the nation for 2-year nursing programs. With over 20 accredited colleges and technical schools in the area, aspiring nurses have excellent options to receive affordable, career-oriented training.

In this expert guide, I have researched and compiled the 20 best 2-year nursing programs in Phoenix, AZ based on quality indicators like NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, graduation rates, and student satisfaction.

Overview of 2-Year Nursing Programs

Before reviewing the top nursing schools in Phoenix, let me provide some background on Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. These 2-year degrees allow students to gain essential nursing skills and knowledge to qualify for registered nursing licensure and positions.

The typical ADN program curriculum covers topics like:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Adult Health/Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Maternal-Child Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Students also complete extensive clinical training hours to develop competency in skills like medication administration, patient assessment, and care planning.

ADN programs are an excellent pathway into the field for several reasons:

Affordability – They take just 2 years to complete, minimizing tuition and living costs. Many community colleges offer ADN programs for a fraction of the cost of bachelor’s degrees.

Accessibility – Limited admissions requirements make ADN programs accessible even if a student‘s high school academics were not strong. This increases diversity within the nursing workforce.

Jobs – ADN graduates can obtain well-paying registered nursing jobs at hospitals, clinics, doctor offices, and more. They can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a later stage if desired.

Now let‘s explore the top ADN programs in the Phoenix metro area!

1. Rio Salado College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 45%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $7,440 in-state; $15,360 out-of-state

Rio Salado College is my top pick for nursing schools in Phoenix, AZ due to its extremely high NCLEX pass rate and prestige as one of the largest online public colleges in the nation. Rio Salado offers an accredited ADN program through online and in-person classes at several metro Phoenix locations.

While Rio Salado‘s graduation rate is lower than some schools on this list, this is typical for colleges catering to non-traditional students who attend part-time while working. The program still produces many successful nursing graduates thanks to the excellent teaching quality and NCLEX prep.

2. Chandler-Gilbert Community College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 45%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $7,440 in-state; $15,360 out-of-state

As one of the largest community college districts in Arizona, Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) offers an ADN program at both its Pecos Campus in Chandler and its Williams Campus in Mesa. CGCC is a very affordable option for Maricopa County residents.

The associate degree in nursing curriculum provides extensive hands-on practice in the program‘s state-of-the-art simulation labs and health assessment labs. Students also complete 360 clinical training hours across a variety of local healthcare settings.

3. Pima Community College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 57%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $7,440 in-state; $15,360 out-of-state

Pima Community College is a multi-campus district providing an ADN program at several locations, including its Downtown, Desert Vista, Northwest and West campuses. Coursework is offered fully on-site or in a hybrid format blending online and campus classes.

The associate degree in nursing can be completed full-time in just two years. Students get hands-on learning experience through the program‘s simulation hospital containing specialized manikins and models. Pima Medical‘s Tucson-area hospital partnerships also allow for extensive clinical placements.

4. GateWay Community College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 38%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $7,440 in-state; $15,360 out-of-state

Operating an ADN program from its Phoenix campus, GateWay Community College emphasizes individualized attention and support services to help every admitted student succeed.

The TEAS entrance exam allows the school to assess each applicant’s scholastic aptitude to determine readiness for the rigorous two-year nursing curriculum. GateWay offers student success coaching and nursing-specific tutoring when needed.

Clinical experience occurs at partner hospitals across Phoenix and East Valley. The program’s teaching philosophy utilizes applied, hands-on learning, problembased instruction and evidence-based practice.

5. East Valley Institute of Technology

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 72%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $7,000

Operating on a semester schedule, East Valley Institute of Technology’s nursing program allows LPNs to bridge to RN status quickly by earning an ADN within three semesters. EVIT also offers a traditional five-semester ADN pathway for new nursing students.

EVIT limits nursing cohorts to just 36 students, allowing for highly personalized instruction. The program provides 650+ hours of clinical experience across specialty units at hospitals, rehab centers and community health clinics. EVIT RNs consistently secure employment right after graduation.

6. Central Arizona College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 64%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $2,500 in-state; $8,060 out-of-state

Those seeking an ADN RN program with very affordable tuition should consider Central Arizona College. This public community college offers nursing degrees at several campuses, including CAC Signal Peak in Maricopa County.

CAC maintains transfer partnerships with ASU, NAU and UofA for nurses wishing to pursue higher education. The ADN program curriculum incorporates emerging technology like simulation manikins and EHR documentation. Students enjoy a 10:1 student-instructor ratio and job placement assistance.

7. Mesa Community College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 60%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $2,550 in-state; $10,020 out-of-state

With its affordable tuition rates and excellent NCLEX pass rate, Mesa Community College is one of the top picks for an ADN program in metro Phoenix. MCC aims to prepare nurses for generalist nursing practice focusing on core competencies like clinical reasoning, evidence-based care and coordinating patient care across healthcare teams.

Nursing students complete over 700 hours of hands-on clinical experience across major hospitals and community clinics. MCC maintains transfer partnerships with Arizona‘s public universities for nurses seeking advanced nursing degrees.

8. Eastern Arizona College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 100%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $2,550 in-state; $8,060 out-of-state

While located over 100 miles away from Phoenix in Thatcher, Eastern Arizona College‘s online nursing program is worth considering for its affordability and stellar track record preparing nurses for licensure exam success.

EAC‘s online Associate Degree in Nursing allows remote students to complete general education courses online before traveling to campus for nursing course labs and clinicals. This hybrid format increases flexibility for working students. The program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical competence, care management and collaboration.

9. Apollo College

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $22,956

Apollo College is a private school with locations in both Phoenix and Mesa. The ADN program can be completed in just 18 months across day or evening course schedules. Apollo maintains a 10:1 student-instructor ratio for a highly personalized learning format.

In addition to nursing fundamentals, medical/surgical, mental health and specialty care coursework, Apollo students complete 500+ hours of clinical rotations across Phoenix hospitals and clinics. Job placement assistance is also provided.

10. Arizona Medical Training Institute

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
• Graduation Rate: 79%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $17,985

Known for its intensive program format allowing completion in as little as 12 months, Arizona Medical Training Institute prepares nurses through immersive classroom and lab instruction paired with hands-on clinical experience.

AMTI offers nursing cohorts start dates every few months to better accommodate student schedules. In addition to technical nursing skills, the curriculum incorporates professional communication, leadership, critical thinking and evidence-based practice.

11. Carrington College

• Accreditation: ACEN
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 81%
• Graduation Rate: 55%
• Student Satisfaction: 3.8 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $35,037

Carrington College operates an ADN degree program across six campuses statewide, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa and Glendale locations. Students needing scheduling flexibility can take nursing courses days or evenings with no difference in curriculum quality.

The associate degree in nursing curriculum incorporates simulation learning and clinical rotations within specialty care environments like surgery, pediatrics, maternity and mental health. Graduates report Carrington‘s career services department provided excellent job placement support.

12. Brookline College

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $25,200

Brookline College is a privately-owned career college with nursing education programs at both its Phoenix and Tucson locales. The ADN degree course sequence is offered on an evening schedule spanning eight academic quarters.

Nursing students gain hands-on skills practice within the program‘s Nursing Competency and Simulation Center containing advanced simulation mannequins and models. Clinical experiences occur at major hospitals and clinical facilities across Maricopa County.

13. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 80%
• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Student Satisfaction: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $26,568

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is a holistically-focused nursing school emphasizing integrative care and complementary healing modalities within its ADN program curriculum. Aspiring nurses also complete courses in nutrition, mind-body-spirit wholeness and ethics.

SIHA utilizes low teacher-student ratios and augmented reality simulation technology for interactive skill building. Clinical rotations support development of competent, compassionate nurses grounded in ethical practice standards.

14. Fortis College

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: N/A
• Student Satisfaction: 3.0 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $40,328

Fortis College Phoenix offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program taught across six academic quarters by experienced registered nurse instructors. Coursework blends classroom and laboratory learning with 300 hours of clinical rotations across community hospitals and ambulatory care centers.

Fortis Career Institute provides NCLEX-RN test prep integrated throughout the program’s curriculum to boost licensing exam pass rates. Graduates praised the knowledgeable instructors but felt career services support could improve.

15. UEI College

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Student Satisfaction: 3.8 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $31,900

UEI College, formerly United Education Institute, offers an associate degree nursing program at two Phoenix campuses, including Phoenix West. Aspiring nurses learn through modern simulated nursing labs containing highly specialized manikins and models.

This private college supports ADN students through academic guidance, tutoring programs and access to mental health counseling. Program graduates consistently rate UEI’s career development services as a strength, leading to excellent local job placement rates.

16. Arizona College

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 55%
• Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $35,370

Arizona College operates three private campuses within the state, including one in Glendale offering an accredited ADN degree curriculum. Aspiring nurses can complete this program in just five academic quarters by attending year-round.

AC‘s nursing curriculum provides 672 hours of clinical experience across Phoenix-area hospitals, clinics and specialty care facilities. Classrooms contain advanced simulation mannequins supporting immersive, hands-on skills labs. Graduates may transfer credits to pursue higher nursing degrees.

17. Sanford-Brown College

• Accreditation: ABHES
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 58%
• Student Satisfaction: 3.2 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $34,500

Sanford-Brown College operated both online and campus-based nursing programs before closing in 2018. However, SBC‘s Phoenix campus infrastructure reopened in 2020 under new ownership by International Education Corporation.

The College for Nursing and Technology now provides an ABHES-accredited ADN program within an existing 60,000 square foot instructional facility including simulated hospital labs. Aspiring nurses seeking small classes and personalized instruction should visit CN&T.

18. American Institute of Technology

• Accreditation: Not accredited
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 70%
• Graduation Rate: N/A
• Student Satisfaction: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $23,500

Headquartered in Los Angeles with a Phoenix campus, American Institute of Technology offers an associate of occupational studies pre-licensure nursing program. While accreditation is still pending, AIT has a 70% NCLEX pass rate.

The ADN program uses experiential learning through scenarios, case studies and simulations. With an 18:1 student-teacher ratio, aspiring nurses receive substantial personalized instruction and support. Campus employment fairs also connect graduates locally.

19. Arizona College of Nursing

• Accreditation: Candidate Status
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A
• Student Satisfaction: N/A

Tuition Cost: $32,000

Arizona College of Nursing is a very new nursing school with candidate accreditation status, meaning it is still progressing through steps to achieve full institutional accreditation. However, ACN has potential to become a quality affordable option.

ACN is pursuing program-specific approvals in addition to institutional oversight. Aspiring nurses may enroll in ACN‘s full-time ADN program with expected graduation after eight academic quarters. Campus housing availability attracts students from across Arizona.

20. Excel Nursing Associates

• Accreditation: None
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A
• Student Satisfaction: 3.0 out of 5 stars

Tuition Cost: $13,999

As an academic coaching company, Excel Nursing Associates offers NCLEX test preparation classes along with a pre-licensure nursing program under regulatory exemption allowing operation without accreditation.

However, ENYA‘s six-month training program lacks formal clinical placements which are vital for skill development. So graduates still must complete clinical hours elsewhere before practicing as LPNs or RNs. Students drawn by lower tuition cost may sacrifice educational quality.

I hope this expert overview of the top 20 nursing schools across Phoenix, Arizona provides helpful insights into two-year registered nursing education options and equips prospective students to select their perfect program fit!

As a Higher Education Reform Expert, it’s clear well-developed community college ADN programs like Rio Salado College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College offer affordable yet high quality nursing preparation on par with private colleges at twice the price.

Personally, I encourage aspiring nurses to give strong preference to accredited public nursing schools before considering private institutions. Accreditation ensures program quality and credit transferability for further bachelor degree attainment.

For those seeking private nursing education, examine indicators like career outcomes, student satisfaction and employer reputation in addition to cost.

No matter where you choose to study nursing science and hands-on care provision fundamentals, I wish you the very best pursuing this noble, meaningful and financially stable healthcare career! Please reach out if I can provide any additional higher education guidance.