What to expect in your 3-Year BSN Program
Our accredited three-year nursing program is a combination of classroom and hands-on learning.
Classes begin October 26th
Nursing Education Is All We Do
Why Arizona College of Nursing’s BSN program is right for you:
- 3-Year CCNE-accredited BSN program
- Convenient Night Classes for Gen Ed Courses
- New sessions start about every 8 weeks
- Advanced Simulation Facilities
- Personalized attention
AZCN is Recognized by the NLN for Faculty Expertise
Arizona College of Nursing has been named a 2026 Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing (NLN). We were recognized for advancing the pedagogical expertise of our faculty, a reflection of our commitment to quality teaching. This year, the NLN only selected 20 nursing schools and programs across the country for this honor. The NLN has awarded this designation since 2004, and only 95 institutions nationwide currently hold it.
Career-Focused Nursing College
From day one, our nursing program is built to prepare you for a thriving career as a registered nurse (RN). You’ll apply concepts from foundational courses to real-world scenarios, all while developing the professionalism and soft skills demanded of today’s employers. Learning takes place in multiple environments including the classroom, clinical agencies, simulation and learning laboratories, the community, virtually, and online.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org). Official CCNE accreditation notifications will be eligible for submission for new campuses with the start of Semester 5.
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
Reach Your Career Goals Faster With Our 3-Year Nursing Program
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Your BSN Program, At A Glance
While every nursing school student’s schedule and academic experience may vary, below we have highlighted a typical three-year progression. You can also visit our BSN Program Course Descriptions page for a more in depth breakdown of each semester’s coursework.
You’ll start your BSN degree program with 8-week general education courses. These classes might include:
- Fundamentals of Biology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Development
- Cultural Diversity & Global Health
During your second year, you’ll wrap up your general and healthcare foundational courses and begin your nursing core. You’ll also embark on your first clinical experience. Courses may include:
- Human Nutrition
- Ethical & Legal Standards in Nursing Practice
- Interprofessional Communication
- Mental Health Theory & Application
Your nursing core continues into your third year, which also entails specialty and advanced classes. You’ll also work alongside medical professionals and gain caregiving experience during clinical rotations. Courses could include:
- Community Health Nursing
- Maternal Health Theory & Application
- Pediatric Health Theory & Application
- Leadership for Quality & Patient Safety (II, III and IV)
- Transition to the Profession
Nursing Program Educational Environment, Technology & Equipment
The BSN degree program is supported by a variety of web-based education applications that support the development of critical thinking and critical judgement. Such applications include virtual simulations, interactive e-books, personalized learning platforms and video case studies.
State-of-the-art high fidelity human patient simulation laboratories provide a safe space for practicing clinical care and learning by peer feedback and self reflection. Additional skills laboratories are equipped with task trainers, patient care devices and clinical supplies.
This link provides information on whether or not Arizona College of Nursing meets licensure requirements in your state of residence: Professional Licensure Disclosure
Real-life Scenarios & Simulations
Participate in advanced health simulations in state-of-the-art labs that replicate today’s exam rooms, ER bays, and delivery suites.
Practical Patient Care
Immerse yourself in a variety of healthcare settings during multiple clinical experiences.
Case Studies & Discussion
Join your classmates and instructors in engaging conversations while examining and reimagining actual medical cases.
Field Trips & Guest Speakers
Go into the field to see experts in action, and enjoy on-campus talks from a variety of guest speakers.
Campus Locations
Common Nursing Degree FAQs
Earning your nursing degree, particularly at the BSN level, significantly expands your professional opportunities and career advancement potential in healthcare. Many healthcare systems prefer hiring nurses with a bachelor’s-level nursing degree over those with associate degrees, and some organizations require a BSN degree for certain positions. Your nursing degree program develops critical thinking, leadership, and research skills that are valued in medical environments. This education also prepares you to work in a wide variety of medical settings and specialty areas.
Nursing degrees prepare you to provide direct patient care and work with patients in various healthcare settings. There are different levels of nursing degrees including BSN and ADN programs that prepare you for the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. Other healthcare degrees focus on different aspects of healthcare: some prepare you for administrative roles, others for specialized clinical work like physical therapy or respiratory therapy, and some for technical roles like medical laboratory work. Your choice depends on what type of healthcare career interests you most.
When choosing your nursing degree program, look for accreditation from recognized bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Consider the program’s NCLEX-RN pass rates, as this shows how well the program prepares students for licensure. Evaluate clinical placement opportunities, faculty qualifications, and whether the program offers the program scheduling based on your lifestyle. Also consider factors like class sizes, student support services, and whether the nursing degree program has a strong reputation with local healthcare employers who could become your future workplace.
Nursing prerequisites are foundational courses that prepare you for your nursing program coursework. These typically include science courses, psychology, and general education requirements. Your nursing prerequisites provide you with the essential knowledge base you’ll need to understand and succeed in your nursing courses once you begin the clinical portion of your education.
BSN Program Resource Links
Each of our nursing campuses feature Nursing Skills labs equipped with hospital-style amenities that are equivalent to those used in the local hospitals and Simulation Labs with state-of-the-art simulation technology including high-fidelity patient simulators. To learn more visit: https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/skills-and-science-lab/
Familiarize yourself with nursing terms on our BSN Glossary of Terms page located here:
https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nursing-school-glossary-terms/