College of Nursing

At NAU’s College of Nursing (CON), your compassion becomes your career. With expert faculty, real-world clinical training, and a commitment to culturally responsive care, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference wherever you’re needed most.

#1 most affordable online RN-to-BSN program in Arizona

— AZEdNews

#2 RN-to-BSN program in Arizona

— RNtoMSN.org

NCLEX exam pass rates of NAU Nursing students are consistently over 90%

What it’s like to study nursing at NAU

A caring, connected experience

Nursing takes heart. At NAU, you’ll learn to care for others while being supported yourself. From your first class to your first patient, you’ll be guided by mentors who understand the balance of science, empathy, and resilience.

Designed with you in mind

Study close to home or where you want to serve. NAU offers nursing programs in Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix (North Valley), Yuma, and online. Coursework is grounded in the realities of Arizona’s communities, and our simulation labs prepare you for clinical care with confidence. You’ll be backed by expert instructors, academic advisors, and wellness resources from your first day through the day you pass your licensure exam.

Locations

Undergraduate degrees

DegreeFlagstaffNorth ValleyOnlineTucsonYumaPartnered community colleges
BS in Nursing – TraditionalXXX
BS in Nursing – CompressedXXXX
BS in Nursing- Global FormatXX
BS in Nursing – American Indian ProgramX
BS in Nursing – AcceleratedX
Associate to BS in NursingX
RN to BS in Nursing (online)X
Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)X

Graduate degrees

Degree and certificatesOnline
Nursing - Advanced Practice, Master of Science (Family Nurse Practitioner & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks) X
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate CertificateX
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate CertificateX
Clinical Nurse Specialist – PrescribingX
Doctor of Nursing PracticeX

A college shaped by community

Our students are united by a shared purpose: to care for others and uplift their communities. Whether you work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or public health, you’ll carry that mission forward. NAU is nationally recognized for its work with Indigenous and rural populations. We partner closely with tribal communities to reduce health disparities, improve care, and support Native American students through culturally informed education and mentorship. After earning your BSN, you can continue your journey through NAU’s graduate nursing programs and prepare for advanced roles in leadership, education, and clinical practice.

The NAU Nursing difference

Top NCLEX pass rates in Arizona

NAU nursing students consistently achieve pass rates above 90% on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), demonstrating the high quality and effectiveness of CON’s academic preparation and student support.

Immersive learning in simulation labs

Our state-of-the-art labs let you practice real scenarios in a safe, supportive environment so you build skills and confidence before you ever step into clinical care.

Focused on underserved communities

CON is uniquely positioned and embedded in the communities we serve. With a focus on rural and Indigenous health, our programs train nurses who are ready to bridge gaps in access, equity, and outcomes.

Start your NAU Nursing journey

Apply to one of Arizona’s most respected nursing programs and begin your path to making a difference in health care.

Pre-licensure

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Embark on a traditional university track where nursing courses are taken over four semesters (summers off). If you are deemed to be eligible for the program, you will be asked to take the HESI A2 admission exam. Admissions decisions are distributed 4-6 weeks after the application deadline to your NAU email address.

Campus Availability: Flagstaff, Tucson, Yuma

  • Fall admission:
    • Application: February 1-March 25
    • HESI A2: February 6-April 1
  • Spring admission:
    • Application: July 1-September 10
    • HESI A2: July 6-September 15
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing, American Indian Program

Our American Indian Nursing Program offers another pathway to the Traditional BSN degree, with priority given to individuals who are members of federally recognized tribes.If you are deemed to be eligible for the program, you will be asked to take the HESI A2 admission exam. Admissions decisions are distributed 4-6 weeks after the application deadline to your NAU email address.

  • Fall admission:
    • Application: February 1-March 25
    • HESI A2: February 6-April 1
Compressed Bachelor of Science in Nursing

NAU’s College of Nursing offers a compressed BSN program completed in four semesters, including summers. If you are deemed to be eligible for the program, you will be asked to take the HESI A2 admission exam. Admissions decisions are distributed 4-6 weeks after the application deadline to your NAU email address.

  • Campus availability:
    • Tucson and Yuma for spring and fall semesters
    • North Valley and Flagstaff for summer semester
  • Fall admission:
    • Application: February 1-March 25
    • HESI A2: February 6-April 1
  • Spring admission:
    • Application: July 1-September 10
    • HESI A2: July 6-September 15
  • Summer admission:
    • Application: October 1-November 8
    • HESI A2: October 7-November 15
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

If you already have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college and have completed your prerequisites, you are eligible to apply for our Accelerated BSN Program.

Campus availability: North Valley

  • Fall admission:
    • Application: June 1-July 8
    • HESI A2: June 5-July 13
  • Spring admission:
    • Application: October 7-November 18
    • HESI A2: October 11-November 22
  • Summer admission:
    • Application: February 10-March 24
    • HESI A2: February 14-March 28

Post-licensure

Bachelor of Science in Nursing–RN to BSN

Nurses who have graduated with their AAS degree and hold an unencumbered U.S. RN license may pursue this online option.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing–Associate to BSN

Students currently enrolled in an associate degree in nursing can enter this online program in any semester/block before completing their AAS degree.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing–Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)

Students who are admitted into an Arizona Community College nursing program for their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree will start with NAU a semester prior. The CEP is an opportunity for you to graduate with both degrees in the same month. Dual enrollment for financial aid is available.

Ready to apply?

Apply to NAU as a transfer student and send your transcripts to University Admissions.

After you’re accepted as a student to NAU, Associate to BSN and RN to BSN students must also complete the supplemental application. A second application is not required for CEP.

Faculty who know you and have your back

You’ll be welcomed into a close-knit community where faculty know you by name and support your growth every step of the way. Through high-impact experiences like simulation labs and clinical placements, our faculty empower future nurses to lead with confidence and compassion. Meet the educators who’ll help you thrive, personally, and professionally.

Illustration of boots.

Take the next step

NAU graduate, RN Rachel Stearns, poses and smiles for a picture.

"The reason that I chose the NAU nursing program is because of the wide variety of clinical experiences that are offered. Additionally, the small class sizes allow for more hands-on experience and personalized learning from instructors."

Rachel Stearns, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, '23
An NAU College of Nursing student smiles while talking to classmates on the Flagstaff Campus.

Ready to apply?

Your journey in nursing starts here. Whether you're beginning or building on your experience, the path forward is clear, and we're with you every step of the way.

A nursing student uses a stethoscope to practice listening to heartbeats on a patient simulator.

Support the next generation of nurses

Your generosity helps shape the future of nursing. When you give, you’re supporting students, expanding access, and strengthening communities through compassionate care.

See how the College of Nursing is changing lives

Contact the College of Nursing

928-523-2671 nursing@nau.edu Request information

College of Nursing

202 E Pine Knoll Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86011