The University of Arizona College of Nursing has been ranked No. 1 in the state for its program outcomes by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
The Arizona Nursing Program Outcome Index includes 38 nursing schools statewide and is based on registered nurse licensure and graduation rates for 2014.
Last year, UA nursing students achieved a first-time pass rate of 95 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses, compared to 89.99 percent statewide and 81.79 percent nationally. In addition, the on-time graduation rate for UA nursing students was 93 percent, while the state average was only 66 percent.
For students who want to become registered nurses, two UA College of Nursing programs are available: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offered in Tucson and the Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program offered in both Tucson and Phoenix.
The MEPN program is a 15-month, accelerated program for students with a university degree in another field. The only program of its kind in Arizona, the MEPN program has been offered in Tucson since May 2011 and in Phoenix since May 2012.
The BSN program is a four-semester, upper-division program best suited for students pursuing their first university degree.
