Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona: Facts & Figures

Arizona is the most populous landlocked state in the United States and is home to nearly 6.5 million people. Over the past decade they have dealt with nursing shortages and were forced to take on temporary or travel nurses just to ensure that there was enough medical help to care for their patients. The increase in nursing graduates in recent years has helped to fill some positions, but without sufficient qualified faculty, many qualified nursing students are being put on waitlists or being denied admission to state programs.

Reports show that by 2017, Arizona will need to replace more than 9,500 retiring nurses. This, coupled with the aging of the second fastest growing population in the U.S., only adds to the continued need for qualified nurses. Currently, nursing professions licensed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) include:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Nursing Licensure in Arizona

Nursing licensure and certification criteria are set by each state, and the profession is regulated by their Nursing Board. The AZBN only licenses those who have completed all of the necessary requirements. In order to work as a licensed nurse in Arizona, you must fulfill the following:

1. Complete a nursing education program approved by the state
2. Receive a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
3. Complete the necessary continuing education requirements
4. Renew your license every two years and keep your information current with AZBN

Each state also licenses advanced practice nurses differently, and your field of specialty will determine what requirements are necessary in order to maintain your eligibility.

Average Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Arizona

All salary data is as of May 2013

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for nurse practitioners in Arizona is $100,590, which is just over the national average of $95,070. Salaries for Flagstaff, Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, and Prescott all show numbers well above the national average; however, other metropolitan areas reported lower salaries.