Scottsdale is home to one of the most revered institutions of American medicine, the Mayo Clinic. Indeed, Scottsdale’s nursing professionals have a broad range of high-quality employers from which to choose. Aspiring nurses must understand the different roles that these employers are seeking to fill, including responsibilities, educational requirements, and compensation.

The most entry-level role is the certified nursing assistant (CNA). Nursing assistants help patients with essential tasks like feeding and bathing. They can work anywhere from hospitals to rehabilitative facilities. They must complete a brief state-approved certificate program and pass the Arizona certification exam.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) fill a slightly more senior nursing role. They provide direct patient care and also administer some medical procedures. Arizona’s LPNs must complete a lengthier certificate (or occasionally, associate’s degree) program. They must also pass the NCLEX-PN national exam to gain licensure.

Registered nurses (RNs) are the classic “nurse” role. They provide direct patient care, dispense many medications, and manage teams of more junior LPNs and CNAs. Arizona’s RNs have three education pathways: two-year associate’s degree, four-year bachelor’s degree, or direct-entry master’s degree. They must also pass the NCLEX-RN national exam to gain licensure.

In addition to the Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale’s nurses can seek employment with major local healthcare providers like Scottsdale Healthcare and Christian Care. Scottsdale is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, where nurses enjoy very competitive pay. Local CNAs earn a median annual salary of $28,040, LPNs take home $52,380 annually, and RNs are paid $72,640 per year.

To help those interested in a Scottsdale nursing career, we have listed below all of the city’s accredited nursing schools and programs.

Scottsdale nursing schools by NCLEX score

Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2626 East Pecos Road | Chandler, Arizona 85225
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 100.0% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 92.4% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Coconino Community College
2800 South Lone Tree Road | Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 100.0% NCLEX pass rate (2014 through 2019)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 85.0% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Eastern Arizona College
615 North Stadium Avenue | Thatcher, Arizona 85552
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 100.0% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 89.6% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Scottsdale Community College
9000 East Chaparral Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 100.0% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 95.5% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Northland Pioneer College
2251 East Navajo Boulevard | Holbrook, Arizona 86025
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 99.3% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 87.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
GateWay Community College
108 North 40th Street | Phoenix, Arizona 85034
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 99.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 94.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing (Fast Track): 93.6% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Certificate in Surgical Technology for the Operating Room Nurse
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Arizona Western College
2020 South Avenue 8E | Yuma, Arizona 85365
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 98.2% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 87.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Central Arizona College
8470 North Overfield Road | Coolidge, Arizona 85128
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 98.2% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 88.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
Cochise College
4190 West Highway 80 | Douglas, Arizona 85607
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 97.8% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 86.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Mohave Community College
1971 Jagerson Avenue | Kingman, Arizona 86409
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing (Step Out): 97.4% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 87.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 84.4% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
Mesa Community College
1833 West Southern Avenue | Mesa, Arizona 85202
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 96.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 96.3% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Creighton University - Phoenix
3110 North Central Avenue, Suite 200B | Phoenix, Arizona 85012
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN: 96.7% NCLEX pass rate (2019 through 2020)
Paradise Valley Community College
18401 North 32nd Street | Phoenix, Arizona 85032
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 96.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 91.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Glendale Community College
6000 West Olive Avenue | Glendale, Arizona 85302
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 95.5% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 91.5% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Arizona College of Nursing
1620 West Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 110 | Tempe, Arizona 85282
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 95.4% NCLEX pass rate (2016 through 2020)
Phoenix College
1202 West Thomas Road | Phoenix, Arizona 85013
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 95.0% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 90.8% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
University of Arizona
1305 North Martin Avenue | Tucson, Arizona 85721
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 94.5% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Direct Entry MSN: 93.0% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2020)
  • BSN-to-PhD in Nursing
  • Certificate: Professional Care Coordination for 21st Century Healthcare Systems
  • DNP-to-PhD in Nursing
  • DNP: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Informatics
  • DNP: Nurse Anesthetist
  • DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN-to-PhD in Nursing
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Systems Leadership
  • PhD/DNP Dual Degree Program
  • Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Carrington College - Tucson
201 North Bonita Avenue, Suite 101 | Tucson, Arizona 85745
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 94.1% NCLEX pass rate (2020 through 2020)
Pima Community College - Desert Vista
5901 South Calle Santa Cruz | Tucson, Arizona 85709
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 94.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
  • Patient Care Technician Certificate
Pima Community College - West
2202 West Anklam Road | Tucson, Arizona 85709
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 92.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 89.4% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
Arizona State University
550 North Third Street | Phoenix, Arizona 85004
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 91.5% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • DNP: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Innovation Leadership
  • DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Direct Entry MSN
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Health Innovation
  • Graduate Certificate: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings
  • Graduate Certificate: Nursing Informatics
  • Graduate Certificate: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Graduate Certificate: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Care Coordination
  • MSN: Nursing Educator
  • MSN: Nursing Informatics
  • MSN: Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Post-Baccalaureate DNP
  • Post-Baccalaureate PhD
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Northern Arizona University
202 East Pine Knoll Drive | Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 91.3% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Yavapai College
1100 East Sheldon Street | Prescott, Arizona 86301
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 91.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
Estrella Mountain Community College
3000 North Dysart Road | Avondale, Arizona 85323
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 90.4% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 87.2% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Chamberlain University - Phoenix
2149 West Dunlap Avenue | Phoenix, Arizona 85021
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 89.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • LPN-to-BSN Bridge Program
Pima Medical Institute
2121 North Craycroft Road, Building 1 | Tucson, Arizona 85712
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 87.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Grand Canyon University
3300 West Camelback Road | Phoenix, Arizona 85017
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 86.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • DNP: Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • MSN / MBA Dual Degree
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
  • MSN: Health Informatics
  • MSN: Leadership in Health Care Systems
  • MSN: Nursing Education
  • MSN: Public Health Nursing
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Nursing Education
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Brookline College
2445 West Dunlap Avenue, Suite 100 | Phoenix, Arizona 85021
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 85.5% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2020)
  • Patient Care Technician Diploma
Pima Medical Institute - Mesa
957 South Dobson Road | Mesa, Arizona 85202
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 85.0% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
University of Phoenix
4025 South Riverpoint Parkway | Phoenix, Arizona 85040
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 80.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • MSN: Informatics
  • MSN: Nurse Administration
  • MSN: Nurse Education
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Administration
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Education
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Aspen University - Phoenix
4615 East Elwood Street, Suite 100 | Phoenix, Arizona 85040
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 80.0% NCLEX pass rate (2020 through 2020)
Carrington College - Phoenix
2149 West Dunlap Avenue | Phoenix, Arizona 85021
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 79.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing
East Valley Institute of Technology
1601 West Main Street | Mesa, Arizona 85201
  • Certificate in Practical Nursing: 76.1% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
Carrington College - Mesa
1001 West Southern Avenue, Suite 130 | Mesa, Arizona 85210
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 70.9% NCLEX pass rate (2020 through 2020)
Brookline College - Tempe
1140-1150 South Priest Drive | Tempe, Arizona 85281
  • Patient Care Technician Diploma
Brookline College - Tucson
5441 East 22nd Street, Suite 125 | Tucson, Arizona 85711
  • Patient Care Technician Diploma
Midwestern University
19555 North 59th Avenue | Glendale, Arizona 85308
  • DNAP: Completion Program for CRNAs
  • DNAP: Entry into Practice
  • DNP: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Nurse Executive
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Leadership in Global Health
  • Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Pima Medical Institute - East Valley
2160 South Power Road | Mesa, Arizona 85209
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
  • Patient Care Technician Certificate
Smith Chason School of Nursing - Phoenix
3110 North Central Avenue, Suite L-100 | Phoenix, Arizona 85012
  • Diploma in Practical Nursing
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
University of Arizona Global Campus
180 South Arizona Avenue, Suite 301 | Chandler, Arizona 85225
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Chandler-Gilbert Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 100.0% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 92.4% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Coconino Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 100.0% 2014 to 2019
Associate Degree in Nursing 85.0% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Eastern Arizona College Certificate in Practical Nursing 100.0% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 89.6% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Scottsdale Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 100.0% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 95.5% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Northland Pioneer College Certificate in Practical Nursing 99.3% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 87.7% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
GateWay Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 99.1% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 94.7% 2011 to 2020
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Fast Track) 93.6% 2011 to 2020
Certificate in Surgical Technology for the Operating Room Nurse
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Arizona Western College Certificate in Practical Nursing 98.2% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 87.1% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Central Arizona College Certificate in Practical Nursing 98.2% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 88.9% 2011 to 2020
Cochise College Certificate in Practical Nursing 97.8% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 86.9% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Mohave Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing (Step Out) 97.4% 2012 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 87.9% 2011 to 2020
Certificate in Practical Nursing 84.4% 2011 to 2020
Mesa Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 96.9% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 96.3% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Creighton University - Phoenix Accelerated Second Degree BSN 96.7% 2019 to 2020
Paradise Valley Community College Associate Degree in Nursing 96.1% 2011 to 2020
Certificate in Practical Nursing 91.7% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Glendale Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 95.5% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 91.5% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Arizona College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing 95.4% 2016 to 2020
Phoenix College Certificate in Practical Nursing 95.0% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 90.8% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
University of Arizona Bachelor of Science in Nursing 94.5% 2011 to 2020
Direct Entry MSN 93.0% 2012 to 2020
BSN-to-PhD in Nursing
Certificate: Professional Care Coordination for 21st Century Healthcare Systems
DNP-to-PhD in Nursing
DNP: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Informatics
DNP: Nurse Anesthetist
DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-PhD in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Systems Leadership
PhD/DNP Dual Degree Program
Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Carrington College - Tucson Associate Degree in Nursing 94.1% 2020 to 2020
Pima Community College - Desert Vista Certificate in Practical Nursing 94.1% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Patient Care Technician Certificate
Pima Community College - West Certificate in Practical Nursing 92.7% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 89.4% 2011 to 2020
Arizona State University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 91.5% 2011 to 2020
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
DNP: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Innovation Leadership
DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Direct Entry MSN
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Health Innovation
Graduate Certificate: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings
Graduate Certificate: Nursing Informatics
Graduate Certificate: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Care Coordination
MSN: Nursing Educator
MSN: Nursing Informatics
MSN: Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Baccalaureate DNP
Post-Baccalaureate PhD
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Northern Arizona University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 91.3% 2011 to 2020
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Yavapai College Associate Degree in Nursing 91.1% 2011 to 2020
Estrella Mountain Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing 90.4% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 87.2% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Chamberlain University - Phoenix Bachelor of Science in Nursing 89.9% 2011 to 2020
LPN-to-BSN Bridge Program
Pima Medical Institute Associate Degree in Nursing 87.9% 2011 to 2020
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 86.1% 2011 to 2020
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
DNP: Educational Leadership
Doctor of Nursing Practice
MSN / MBA Dual Degree
MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
MSN: Health Informatics
MSN: Leadership in Health Care Systems
MSN: Nursing Education
MSN: Public Health Nursing
Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate: Nursing Education
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Brookline College Bachelor of Science in Nursing 85.5% 2012 to 2020
Patient Care Technician Diploma
Pima Medical Institute - Mesa Associate Degree in Nursing 85.0% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
University of Phoenix Bachelor of Science in Nursing 80.7% 2011 to 2020
Doctor of Nursing Practice
MSN: Informatics
MSN: Nurse Administration
MSN: Nurse Education
Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Administration
Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Education
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Aspen University - Phoenix Bachelor of Science in Nursing 80.0% 2020 to 2020
Carrington College - Phoenix Associate Degree in Nursing 79.7% 2011 to 2020
Certificate in Practical Nursing
East Valley Institute of Technology Certificate in Practical Nursing 76.1% 2012 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Carrington College - Mesa Associate Degree in Nursing 70.9% 2020 to 2020
Brookline College - Tempe Patient Care Technician Diploma
Brookline College - Tucson Patient Care Technician Diploma
Midwestern University DNAP: Completion Program for CRNAs
DNAP: Entry into Practice
DNP: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Nurse Executive
MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Nurse Leadership in Global Health
Post-Master's Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Pima Medical Institute - East Valley Nursing Assistant Certificate
Patient Care Technician Certificate
Smith Chason School of Nursing - Phoenix Diploma in Practical Nursing
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
University of Arizona Global Campus RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
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Arizona