---
title: Curriculum
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/curriculum/"
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date_published: 2025-08-19
date_modified: 2026-04-23
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canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/curriculum/"
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# Curriculum

![BSN Degree faculty at a nursing school near you at Arizona College of Nursing](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bsn-program.jpg)

![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# BSN Program⏎ Nursing Curriculum

Learn more about our CCNE Accredited Program.

Classes begin June 29th

![BSN Icon for Nursing Program](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cross-in-shield.svg?w=1024)

[BSN Program](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/)

![NCLEX Preparation at Best Nursing Schools](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/document-with-heart.svg?w=1024)

[NCLEX Exam Prep](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nclex-exam-prep/)

![NCLEX Exam Prep at a Nursing College Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/icon-checklist-solid.svg?w=1024)

[Course Descriptions](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/bsn-program-course-descriptions/)

## Nursing Curriculum Overview: 9 Semesters to a BSN

Our [BSN program](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/) is
structured across nine semesters, combining general education with core nursing
coursework as part of a comprehensive nursing degree. Within the nursing portion
of the curriculum, students complete clinical practicum hours that offer
hands-on experience in both direct and indirect patient care. These placements
give you experience with different types of patients and care environments,
helping you feel confident and prepared for many areas of nursing practice.

![CCNE Accredited Nursing School](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/logo-ccne-accredited.png)

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](https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation)).

![ABHES Accredited Nursing School](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/logo-abhes.png)

All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the 
[Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)](https://www.abhes.org/)
, a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.

## Clinical Rotations & Lab Experiences

At AZCN, you’ll gain valuable experience through a mix of clinical rotations and
on-campus lab sessions. Clinical placements span hospitals, clinics, and
community settings, helping you develop skills in a variety of real-world
environments. In the lab, you’ll practice essential techniques that prepare you
for safe, effective patient care.

## Simulation-Based Curriculum

Simulation at AZCN brings learning to life with realistic, hands-on scenarios
that reinforce classroom knowledge. Whether in person or virtual, these
experiences help strengthen your clinical judgment and prepare you to
confidently navigate complex patient situations.

![Nursing School Students in Clinical Rotations](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BSN-Program-students-in-a-nursing-school-simulation-lab.webp)

---

##  Curriculum & Clinical Nursing Course FAQs

Our curriculum is designed to build progressively, starting with foundational
nursing concepts and skills before advancing into more complex clinical and
simulation experiences. Students move through a combination of classroom
instruction, lab practice, simulation, and clinical rotations. Each component is
carefully sequenced to support your learning and readiness for real-world
patient care. 
[NCLEX](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nclex-exam-prep/) 
preparation is built into the curriculum to help ensure you’re fully equipped
for exam success.

Faculty are highly involved and accessible, offering support through office
hours, one-on-one coaching, and skills remediation when needed. There are also
structured review sessions, tutoring resources, and mentorship opportunities.
You won’t be on your own—support is built into our nursing degree program to
help you succeed.

Clinical placements are assigned by the program to ensure students meet all
learning objectives and state requirements. The sites are selected to provide a
balance of experiences across different patient populations and care settings.

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.

You may be able to transfer equivalent credits to fulfill some of your nursing
prerequisites, though not all credits are guaranteed to transfer. Our admissions
team evaluates transfer credits on a case-by-case basis to determine which
courses meet our nursing prerequisites standards. If your previous coursework
doesn’t transfer for nursing prerequisites, you can complete these courses
during your first year as part of your BSN program. We encourage you to contact
our admissions office to discuss your specific situation and learn more about
your transfer options for nursing prerequisites.

No, AZCN does not require prerequisite courses for admission. You can apply and
enroll in our BSN program without completing prerequisites beforehand. Your
nursing prerequisites are built into the program and completed during your first
year. If you have previous college coursework, you may be able to transfer
approved credits to fulfill these prerequisites. Our transfer of credit team
evaluates transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. Contact our admissions
office to discuss your specific situation and learn about your transfer options.

## In-Person Simulation

Our in-person simulation sessions provide a realistic setting where you can
apply skills, work through patient cases, and receive guidance from experienced
faculty. You’ll engage with advanced simulation tools and role-based scenarios
that closely mirror clinical environments.

## Virtual Simulation

Virtual simulation offers a live, faculty-led experience where you’ll move
through patient scenarios, check-ins, and debriefings in real time. These
sessions support critical thinking and clinical reasoning from wherever you are,
helping bridge the gap between theory and practice. Virtual simulation is
currently leveraged as an option for clinical replacement only when needed.

![Nursing Degree Students Preparing for Nursing Simulations](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Nursing-Program-Students-in-Hallway-at-AZCN.webp)

---

##  BSN Program & Simulation Nursing Course FAQs

Our program includes 630 clinical hours in a variety of inpatient and outpatient
settings, giving you experience across different areas of patient care. You’ll
also complete 270 lab hours focused on building and reinforcing practical
nursing skills in a hands-on, on-campus environment.

You’ll complete a total of 50 hours of in-person simulation. Virtual simulation
is used as a supplemental option for clinical replacement. These experiences
help you build clinical judgment and communication skills in a realistic,
supportive setting. Plus, you’ll participate in 12 additional hours of hands-on
skills practice and review to sharpen core techniques before entering clinical
environments.

On-campus time varies by term, but typically includes lab or simulation
sessions, clinical preparation, and in-person classes. Expect to be on campus
multiple days per week, especially during the more skills-intensive portions of
the program. Clinical hours may also require travel to local healthcare sites.

Yes, the curriculum is built to align with NCLEX testing standards and
competencies for pursuing a nursing career. Throughout our program, you’ll
develop the critical thinking and clinical skills needed to succeed on the exam
and earn your nursing license. Simulation, lab practice, and clinical hours are
all integrated to support your exam readiness and transition into practice.

## 24 Nursing School Campus Locations

With 24 campus locations across the US, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN) close to home and complete your degree in as little as three
years.

Ready to learn more or find the campus that’s right for you? Click below to
explore your options.

[Explore Campus Locations ](https://arizonacollege.edu/campus-locations/)

![BSN Degree Students in a Nursing School Lab](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-students-in-classroom.webp)

##  AZCN BSN Program Curriculum

Your nursing career journey toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing begins with
General Education courses that lay the groundwork for your nursing education. If
you’re starting the program without transfer credits, these courses are
typically completed in eight-week sessions over the first three semesters. On
your path to becoming a registered nurse, you’ll study topics like Fundamentals
of Biology, Introduction to Psychology, Global Health, and more.

In situations where you are able to transfer in a high number of credits from
other schools, you may be able to start nursing core classes during the first
year.

Here’s a sample of what your first-year course schedule might look like:

| Semester 1 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Academic Foundations Seminar\* | 0 |
| Fundamentals of Biology | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| College Mathematics | 3 |
| First Year Composition I | 3 |
| Total | 12 |

\*The mandatory attendance requirement for the Academic Foundations Seminar does
not apply to students enrolled at campuses located in Ohio.

| Semester 2 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Human Anatomy/Physiology I | 4 |
| First Year Composition II | 3 |
| American Politics | 3 |
| Human Anatomy/Physiology II | 4 |
| Total | 14 |

| Semester 3 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Human Development | 3 |
| Introduction to Chemistry | 4 |
| Cultural Diversity & Global Health | 3 |
| Total | 13 |

During your second year in our BSN program, you’ll complete your remaining
General Education courses and begin the transition into the core nursing
curriculum. This is where you’ll start developing the critical judgment and
clinical reasoning skills essential for delivering safe, effective patient
care—along with beginning your first hands-on clinical experiences.

Courses in Year 2 may include Ethical & Legal Standards in Nursing,
Interprofessional Communication, and Mental Health Theory & Application.

A sample second-year course schedule could look like this:

| Semester 4 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Human Pathophysiology | 4 |
| Human Nutrition | 3 |
| Microbiology | 4 |
| Total | 11 |

| Semester 5 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Critical Thinking in Clinical Decision-Making | 2 |
| Ethics & Legal Standards in Nursing Practice I | 1 |
| Theoretical Foundation in Nursing Practice + Practicum | 2 didactic 3 practicum |
| Health Assessment | 3 |
| Interprofessional Communications | 1 |
| Leadership for Quality & Patient Safety I | 1 |
| Total | 13 |

| Semester 6 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Ethics & Legal Standards in Nursing Practice II | 1 |
| Pharmacology I | 2 |
| Acute & Chronic Health Disruption in Adult 1 + Practicum | 3 didactic 3 practicum |
| Mental Health Theory & Application + Practicum | 3 didactic 2 practicum |
| Evidence-Based Practice I | 1 |
| Total | 15 |

In your final year of our BSN program, you’ll spend the greatest amount of time
in direct patient care, applying everything you’ve learned in real healthcare
settings. You’ll work alongside experienced medical professionals while
continuing to build advanced clinical skills and preparing for your transition
into professional nursing practice.

Coursework in Year 3 focuses on specialty areas such as Maternal Health,
Pediatric Health, and Community Health.

A typical third-year course schedule could look like this:

| Semester 7 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Pharmacology II | 2 |
| Evidence-Based Practice II | 1 |
| Leadership for Quality & Patient Safety II | 1 |
| Acute & Chronic Health Disruption in Adult II + Practicum | 2 didactic 3 practicum |
| Community Health Nursing + Practicum | 3 didactic 3 practicum |
| Total | 15 |

| Semester 8 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Maternal Health Theory and Application + Practicum | 3 didactic 2 practicum |
| Pediatric Health Theory and Application + Practicum | 3 didactic 2 practicum |
| Ethics & Legal Standards in Nursing Practice III | 1 |
| Evidence-Based Practice III | 1 |
| Leadership for Quality & Patient Safety III | 1 |
| Total | 13 |

| Semester 9 |
| --- |

| Course | Credits |
| --- | --- |
| Transition to the Profession | 1 |
| Acute & Chronic Health Disruption in Adult III + Practicum | 3 didactic 4 practicum |
| Professional Seminar | 2 |
| Evidence-Based Practice IV | 1 |
| Leadership for Quality & Patient Safety IV | 3 |
| Total | 14 |

## BSN Program Resource Links

Each of our nursing campuses includes dedicated Nursing Skills Labs designed to
reflect real hospital environments, complete with professional-grade equipment
and amenities. You will also train in Simulation Labs that feature advanced
technology, including high-fidelity patient simulators that support realistic
clinical learning experiences.

These hands-on training environments help you build the skills and experience
needed for a successful nursing career.

To learn more, visit: 
[https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/skills-and-science-lab/](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/skills-and-science-lab/)

To help you navigate the language of nursing and healthcare, we offer a BSN
Glossary of Terms that defines commonly used terms throughout our program.

Explore the glossary here: 
[https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nursing-school-glossary-terms/](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nursing-school-glossary-terms/)