Become an RN in Arizona + Requirements and Licensing
In order to pursue a career as a registered nurse (RN) in Arizona, obtaining a license through the Arizona State Board of Nursing is essential. Nurses in the state can either be endorsed or licensed. Moreover, Arizona operates as a compact state, allowing the utilization of a license from another compact state within its borders. Explore the steps required to become a licensed nurse in Arizona.
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Entry-Level Practice Nurses
Arizona boasts above-average pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for both RNs and practical nurses, despite the absence of an official NCLEX preparation program. However, support is available for individuals who may have faced challenges in the NCLEX.
Stage 1 – Completion of an Approved Nursing Program
Various entry points exist for aspiring nurses, typically necessitating the completion of high school or possession of a GED certificate. Nursing programs typically commence with foundational science classes and other prerequisites mandated by Arizona nursing schools. Aspiring nurses can opt for one of four pathways:
1. Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a role in high demand due to the aging population.
2. Licensing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), requiring just one year of study.
3. Attainment of RN status through an associate degree, entailing approximately two years of study.
4. Achievement of RN status through a bachelor’s degree, involving around four years of in-depth education, offering a more advanced curriculum compared to the associate option.
Stage 2 – Certification through NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN Exam
Advanced Practice Nurses
Becoming an Advanced Practice RN (APRN) in Arizona entails additional requirements.
Stage 1 – Attainment of a Graduate Degree at the Master’s Level or Above
The graduate nursing program must hold accreditation from the U.S. Department for Education, with recognized national accreditation agencies including:
– The American Nurses Credentialing Center
– The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
– The National Certification Corporation for Obstetric, Gynecological and Neonatal Nursing Specialties
– The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
– The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
– The American College of Nurse Midwives Certification Council
– The American Association of Nurse Anesthetist’s Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs
Graduate programs must encompass a minimum of 500 clinical practice hours, along with advanced coursework covering pathophysiology, evidence application to advanced practice, the advanced practice nursing role, and advanced health assessment. Programs that include 45 contact hours of clinical management of drug therapy and pharmacology may enable graduates to apply for prescriptive authority.
Specialization is required for APRNs, with options for nurse practitioners encompassing adult, family, acute care, gerontological, pediatric, adult psychiatric and mental health, family psychiatric mental health, women’s health, and neonatal. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are also recognized in areas such as adult critical care, neonatal critical care, pediatric critical care, adult psychiatric and mental health, child/adolescent psychiatric and mental health, and gerontological and adult health. Additionally, certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are acknowledged, with certification requiring education completed within the last five years.
Stage 2 – National Certification
National certification categories include CNM, nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Accreditation by a national agency is a prerequisite, with options including:
– The American Nurses Credentialing Center
– The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
– The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
– The National Certification Corporation
– The American Midwifery Certification Board
– The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
– The National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists
Stage 3 – Certification Process
Citizenship status verification is mandatory, utilizing the social security card. Application processes vary based on the chosen category:
– NPs use the Application for Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Midwife Certification.
– CNSs use the same application as NPs.
– CRNAs complete the Application for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, including documentation and application to the Drug Enforcement Agency for prescriptive authority.
All specializations undergo a comprehensive criminal history check, with new fingerprints required every two years. Certification is not issued until fingerprint results are received.
Stage 4 – Certification Renewal Every Four Years, Alongside RN License Renewal
Renewal must occur before April 1, with proof of national certification mandatory. Over the four-year period, 960 practice hours (paid or unpaid) must be completed. Failure to demonstrate this requires evidence of 45 continuing education hours in advanced pharmacology, another 45 hours in the chosen specialty, and participation in supervised precepted practice in the specialty area. Continuous education requirements from the national certification agency must also be met. Online renewal options are available.
Arizona Board of Nursing
1740 W Adams Street
Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-771-7800
602-771-7888 Fax
[email protected]
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