Admission
Pre-Admission Information Session
Interested in the Nursing AAS program? Students are required to attend a Nursing program Information Session before seeing a Student Services Center advisor about entering this program. These sessions provide important information about program eligibility, requirements, costs and more.
Find Nursing Program Information Sessions:
Applying for Program Admission
Program Preparatory coursework must be completed as described in Program Requirements with grades and/or assessment scores posted on PCC transcripts before applying to the program.- Prepatory coursework includes:
- Transfer courses earned from another Regionally Accredited Institution are not valid until they have been officially evaluated and grades have been posted on PCC transcripts. Here are the steps to submit a transcript to PCC.
An official (sealed) transcript and Student Request for Transcript Evaluation form must be submitted to PCC Student Services Center.
- Students must complete the National League of Nursing Pre-Admission Examination for RN applicants (NLN PAX-RN).
- Students are allowed to take the NLN PAX-RN once every 6 months.
- The NLN Student Guide will provide you with everything you need to create your NLN account, schedule your exam, take your actual test and access your scores. For purchasing study material and the NLN PAX Exam – Examity, view our PCC Student NLN Guide.
- All students are required to create an account. Students can create an account through the Registration URL.
- Once
prerequisite prepatory coursework is complete, students can complete the Nursing Program Application. The application process requires documentation of volunteerism and employment if the candidate is seeking points for the experience. Please review the Volunteerism Verification Instructions and the Employer Verification Instructions for details. Completed applications are submitted electronically in one fluid PDF via PCC student email to pcc-adnadmissions@pima.edu.
- Program information is communicated via PCC student email, it is imperative to check your PCC student email address provided to the West Campus Student Services Center.
- Applicants are selected based upon prepatory coursework
prerequisite GPA, nursing entrance exam scores, work experience, and volunteer experience. Selection is decided by Nursing Program faculty and administration using a defined point system. Students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of the number of points self-calculated.
- Students not selected for admission are encouraged to re-apply the following semester.
- Application deadlines: The application deadline for the Spring semester is September 1 (applications accepted between July 1 – September 1). Application deadline for the Fall semester is February 1 (applications accepted between December 1 – February 1).
Program Admissions and Course Information
- Vaccinations required for entering/continuing in the Nursing program: The Nursing program works with hospitals and agencies that require the hepatitis B vaccination (series of three vaccinations), COVID vaccination, and an annual flu vaccination. All students who are enrolled or entering the Nursing program must provide documentation of receiving these vaccinations or a positive titer. Please be aware that the hepatitis vaccination is a series of three shots with 1-2 months between the first and second shot and four months between the second and third shot. All students must get these vaccinations and/or titers immediately. Students who do not provide proof of receiving the vaccinations or a positive titer when entering the Nursing program will have to reapply to the program. The hospitals and agencies that PCC works with strictly enforce these requirements. Additional vaccination requirements for the clinical portion of the program are listed in the next section of this page.
- The Nursing program accepts qualified students each fall and spring semester. Qualified students are placed into the semester that seats are available. Students are required to attend a mandatory Nursing Department orientation the semester before their placement date. Students are notified via PCC student e-mail when to sign up for this orientation. Failure to sign up and attend the orientation will result in having to reapply to the Nursing program.
- Completion time for the Associate Degree in Nursing is based on Accuplacer placement results, completion of program admission requirements, support courses and completion of (4) semesters of nursing core courses.
- Students must be able to access the internet on a daily basis.
- NRS program curriculum is offered only on a full-time basis at Pima’s West Campus. Student scheduling of core courses is developed by the Nursing Department, resulting in students being randomly assigned to day, evening or weekend classes. Individual student requests for schedules cannot be honored.
- NRS core course scheduling is dependent on clinical site and instructor availability and is scheduled to change.
- Special Admission - Licensed Practical nurses with work experience, including graduates from Pima’s Center for Training and Development, are eligible to apply for entry into the second year of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program by completing the
prerequisites. (what prerequisites?) If accepted, the student must successfully complete a nine credit transition course (NRS 188/188LB) and meet all admission requirements for entry into the third semester of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program.
- Program Transfer: Students currently enrolled in another accredited Nursing Program wishing to transfer to Pima should contact the Nursing Department Office at 206-6661.
To participate in the clinical portion of the program, students must:
- Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Pass a urine toxicology screening exam.
- Present proof of immunization and/or immunity for MMR/Varicella/TdaP/COVID.
- Show proof of negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray for TB.
- Maintain health insurance and a current American Heart Association BLS CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level throughout the program.
- Meet the Nursing Technical Standards
- Be flexible with balancing employment, personal and academic schedules and responsibilities.
- Provide own transportation from the College to clinical sites.
Important Information on National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
Graduation from the Nursing program does not guarantee the ability to obtain a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). For more information on licensure requirements, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to AZBN.
Students should be aware that the NCLEX-RN® licensure applications may include a personal history section in which prospective applicants must report and may have to provide detailed explanation of legal situations.
Students should also be aware that federal and state law requires documentation that the applicant for nursing licensure is a US citizen, national, or a person described in specific categories, to be eligible for licensure in Arizona. Students who have a nursing degree outside the U.S. may contact the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) at (215) 222-8454.
Fingerprinting may also be a part of many state licensing processes. For questions regarding licensing eligibility, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to AZBN.
Accreditation
PCC’s Nursing AAS program is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc.
3343 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000
PCC’s Nursing AAS program is also approved by the:
Arizona State Board of Nursing
4747 North 7th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85014-3655
602-771-7800
View the results letter and certificate of program accreditation.
Pima Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Costs
These costs are approximate. Additional fees may apply.
| Item |
Amount |
| DPS Criminal Background Check |
$70.00 |
| CPR Course |
$35.00 |
| Course Fees |
$400.00 |
| Uniforms/Shoes/Clinical Supplies |
Varies |
| Required Textbooks / Lab Supplies |
$1,395.00 |
| Exam/Immunizations |
Varies |
| Toxicology Screening |
$30.00 |
| Licensing |
$550.00 |
| Review Course |
$100 - 400.00 |
Additional fees include, but are not limited to: Health insurance, and tuition for classes (see program display and Paying for College). The cost of tuition is based on the number of credit hours you enroll in each semester. The tuition you pay is determined by whether or not you are an in-state resident or a non-resident. Refer to the schedule of classes for additional course fees.
Pre-degree Certificates -should we move this to a different page?
Students who successfully complete the first three semesters of the Associate Degree Nursing Program may qualify for a Practical Nurse Certificate. They will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®) for licensure as a Practical Nurse (LPN).
Students who successfully complete the first semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program may qualify to sit for the Nursing Assistant certificate through the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
The credit AAS degree in nursing (ADN) program has an approved practical nurse (PN) option. Students who complete the first three semesters of the Nursing AAS degree program may be qualified to sit for the LPN licensure exam.
Completion of the first three semesters of the ADN program does not guarantee the ability to obtain a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). For more information on licensure requirements, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to Arizona State Board of Nursing.
ADN-PN Option Program Approval - Keep on the website?
PCC’s ADN-PN option is approved by the:
Arizona State Board of Nursing
4747 North 7th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85014-3655
602-771-7800
View documentation about program approval. For more information call the PCC Program Services Office, 520-206-4901
Pima Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
LPN Transition to AAS - This is redundant with some of the stuff above
Applying for Program Admission
- Program
prerequisites prepatory coursework must be completed as described in Program Requirements (see below) with grades and/or assessment scores posted on PCC transcripts before applying to the program.
- Transfer courses earned from another Regionally Accredited Institution are not valid until they have been officially evaluated and grades have been posted on PCC transcripts. Here are the steps to submit a transcript to PCC.
An official (sealed) transcript and Student Request for Transcript Evaluation form must be submitted to PCC Student Services Center.
- Students must complete the National League of Nursing Pre-Admission Examination for RN applicants (NLN PAX-RN).
- Students are allowed to take the NLN PAX-RN once every 6 months.
- The NLN Student Guide will provide you with everything you need to create your NLN account, schedule your exam, take your actual test and access your scores. The student guide can be accessed at this link: NLN Student Guide
- All students are required to create an account. Students can create an account by clicking on the this link: Registration URL
- Special Admission – Licensed Practical nurses with work experience, including graduates from Pima’s Center for Training and Development, are eligible to apply for entry into the second year of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program by completing the prerequisites. If accepted, the student must successfully complete a nine credit transition course (NRS 188/188LB) and meet all admissions requirements for entry into the third semester of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program.
- Once
prerequisite prepatory coursework is complete, students can complete the LPN to RN Nursing Program Application. The application process requires letter of employer verification detailing 576 hours of employment as an LPN. Please review the Employer Verification Instructions for details.
- If the candidate is seeking points for volunteer experience please review the Volunteerism Verification Instructions for details.
- Completed applications are submitted electronically in one fluid PDF via PCC student email to pcc-adnadmissions@pima.edu.
- Program information is communicated via PCC student email, it is imperative to check your PCC student email address provided to the West Campus Student Services Center.
- Applicants are selected based upon prerequisite GPA, nursing admission exam scores, work experience, and volunteer experience. Selection is decided by Nursing Program faculty and administration using a defined point system. Students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of the number of points self-calculated.
- Students not selected for admission are encouraged to re-apply the following semester.
- Application deadlines: The application deadline for the Spring semester is September 1 (applications accepted between July 1 – September 1). Application deadline for the Fall semester is February 1 (applications accepted between December 1 – February 1).
Additional Program Admissions and Course Information
- Vaccinations required for entering/continuing in the Nursing program: The Nursing program works with hospitals and agencies that require the hepatitis B vaccination (series of three vaccinations), COVID vaccination, and an annual flu vaccination. All students who are enrolled or entering the Nursing program must provide documentation of receiving these vaccinations or a positive titer. Please be aware that the hepatitis vaccination is a series of three shots with 1-2 months between the first and second shot and four months between the second and third shot. All students must get these vaccinations and/or titers immediately. Students who do not provide proof of receiving the vaccinations or a positive titer when entering the Nursing program will have to reapply to the program. The hospitals and agencies that PCC works with strictly enforce these requirements. Additional vaccination requirements for the clinical portion of the program are listed in the next section of this page.
- The Nursing program accepts qualified students each fall and spring semester. Qualified students are placed into the semester that seats are available. Students are required to attend a mandatory Nursing Department orientation the semester before their placement date. Students are notified via PCC student email when to sign up for this orientation. Failure to sign up and attend the orientation will result in having to reapply to the Nursing program.
- Completion time for the Associate Degree in Nursing is based on assessment results, completion of program admission requirements, support courses and completion of (4) semesters of nursing core courses.
- Students must be able to access the Internet on a daily basis.
- NRS program curriculum is offered only on a full-time basis at Pima’s West Campus. Student scheduling of core courses is developed by the Nursing Department, resulting in students being randomly assigned to day, evening or weekend classes. Individual student requests for schedules cannot be honored.
- NRS core course scheduling is dependent on clinical site and instructor availability and is scheduled to change.
Program Prepatory Courework Prerequisites
Any Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the community who wishes to complete the Nursing AAS degree must complete the following program prerequisites with grades and/or assessment scores posted on their PCC transcript before applying to the program.
Preparatory coursework must be completed before beginning the application process
- Completion of the Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading Assessment
- MAT 142 or higher with a grade of “B” or better
- BIO 201IH or BIO 201IN with a grade of “B” or better
- BIO 202IN with a grade of “B” or better
- WRT 101 with a grade of “C” or better
Program Length
The length of the LPN to RN program pathway is 3 semesters excluding pre-requisite/preparatory classes.
Program Costs
These costs are approximate. Additional fees may apply.
| Item |
Amount |
| DPS Criminal Background Check |
$65.00 |
| CPR Course |
$55.00 |
| Course Fees |
$200.00 |
| Uniforms/Shoes/Clinical Supplies |
Varies |
| Required Textbooks / Lab Supplies |
$2,045.00 |
| Physical Exam/Immunizations |
Varies |
| Toxicology Screening |
$40.00 |
| Licensing |
$550.00 |
| NCLEX-RN Review Course |
$400.00 |
Additional fees include but are not limited to: Health insurance, and tuition (see Program web page and Paying for College). The cost of tuition is based on the number of credit hours you enroll in each semester. The tuition you pay is determined by whether or not you are an in-state resident or a non-resident. Refer to the schedule of classes for additional course fees.
ADN/BSN Concurrent Programs - Move to another page?
The Concurrent Enrollment Associate of Applied Science/Baccalaureate Degree Nursing program allows qualified associate degree nursing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Northern Arizona University or Arizona State University while pursuing their associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) at Pima.
The Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) provides an affordable course of study that, followed in sequence, enables students to complete their BSN degree concurrently with their associate degree.
Students enrolled in the program will follow the traditional course of study for all PCC students pursuing their associate degree in nursing, but at the same time they also will be enrolled in required university nursing courses. Because the university courses are taken online or in hybrid format, all courses will be offered in Tucson.
Upon successful completion of a CEP program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
Nurses who have completed their BSN are highly valued by potential employers. CEP graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to begin their nursing career with a degree that will promote professional success and advancement.
Program Eligibility, Costs, and Program Requirements
The ADN/BSN brochures provide more information on eligibility, required pre- and co-requisite courses, health and safety requirements, clinical requirements and estimated program costs: Arizona State University flier | Northern Arizona University brochure | Grand Canyon University brochure | University of Phoenix flier.
NOTE: The University of Phoenix BSN program is currently under review by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) regarding accreditation. Students interested in enrollment at the University of Phoenix should contact them directly for more details PRIOR to enrolling. Any questions regarding this review process should be directed to the University of Phoenix.
Program Admission
Selective Admissions Program: The concurrent enrollment programs (CEP) are selective admissions. Students must meet additional requirements beyond the traditional Associate of Applied Science in Nursing requirements. Students must complete the following to be considered:
- Attend a mandatory information session. View an online calendar with information session dates.
- Download the CEP program of choice brochure linked above
- Complete the required prerequisites for both the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing AND the university of choice.
- Complete Accuplacer Reading assessment.
- Complete the National League of Nursing Pre-Admission Examination for RN applicants (NLN PAX-RN).
- Students must complete the National League of Nursing Pre-Admission Examination for RN applicants (NLN PAX-RN).
- Students are allowed to take the NLN PAX-RN once every 6 months.
- The NLN Student Guide will provide you with everything you need to create your NLN account, schedule your exam, take your actual test and access your scores. The student guide can be accessed at this link: NLN Student Guide
- All students are required to create an account. Students can create an account by clicking on the following Registration URL.
- Download the CEP application and complete. Submit applications electronically in one fluid PDF via PCC student email to pcc-adnadmissions@pima.edu. If applying to more than one CEP university, a separate application must be submitted for each program.
Applicants will be selected based upon a defined point system by a Nursing Admissions Selection Committee. Selected candidates will be informed by PCC student email after the committee review (typically two to three weeks after the deadline).
Application deadlines are:
- February 1st annually (begin university courses in the summer and PCC courses in the fall). Applications accepted between December 1 and February 1.
- June 1st annually (begin university courses in the fall and begin PCC courses in the spring). Applications accepted between April 1 and June 1.
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