With multiple AZ locations to choose from, Carrington is a nice, two-year option for nursing students. Arizona State University was established as the Territorial Normal School at Tempe on March 12, 1885, when the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature passed an act to create a normal school to train teachers for the Arizona Territory.The campus consisted of a single, four-room schoolhouse on a 20-acre plot largely donated by Tempe residents George and Martha Wilson. The average salary for a nurse in Arizona is $67,760 with about 5 to 9 years or experience. Phoenix, . AZ Tempe, Annual In-State Tuition: $12,698 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.39%. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,823. AZ Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Arizona nursing schools are ranked in no particular order. Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Arizona nursing schools offer the length of program you desire. After finishing, Arizona College says students will be more than prepared for the NCLEX (and they have a good pass rate for recent grads). , 555 North 18th Street, Ste 110, In-state tuition and fees were $2,070 for the most recent reporting period. Also, students will get to enjoy Tempe in their free time. Students' overall expenditures vary widely. AZ Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,719. The Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: 602-771-7800 www.azbn.gov The Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Feb 2016-Feb 2024: For Accreditation Status: ACEN 3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 81400 Atlanta, GA 30326 Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 19,594. It's approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and takes about 13 months to complete. , 2626 East Pecos Road, This means that a Arizona Licensed Practical Nurse or a Arizona Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license. Cochise has perhaps the top AAS program in Arizona, and local employers who need nurses know they can trust this degree. The Scottsdale, Arizona campus for Scottsdale Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 9,976. The, 8470 N Overfield Rd, Coolidge, AZ - 85128-9030. Out of state candidates have the opportunity to work using a temporary permit while they are working on gaining their endorsement. In-state tuition and fees were $2,070 for the most recent reporting period. View our methodology. Phoenix, The college was recently ranked as the #1 nursing school in Arizona by the website Accredited Schools. Arizona College of Nursing - Tempe 1620 W Fountainhead Pkwy, Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85282 Score: 96.37 Arizona College's Tempe campus is dedicated to the art and science of nursing. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses. Tuition for the master's program at the College of Nursing is Full-time: $30,969 . If you attend a public school or a not-for-profit private school, the additional cost is around 50% of the tuition. The state of Arkansas has strict requirements candidates must meet in order obtain licensure as an RN. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 8,115. Copyright 2009-2022 - RN Careers. Candidates who have had their license for less than five years will need to provide documentation stating they have practiced for 1,000 hours or completed a program in an approved accredited university. Start your search for the top online nursing (rn-bsn & bsn) colleges near Surprise, Arizona here. Pima offers premier nurse training, from Nurse Assistant to Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse ADN and beyond. , 5441 E. 22nd St, Ste.125, The Tucson, Arizona campus for Pima Community College is located in a City setting. To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing colleges for both Arizona and the country. Most colleges require one or two letters of recommendation, along with your high school transcript. AZ Nursing Schools In Arizona For ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 90,253. These accrediting bodies ensure that all accredited nursing programs adhere to the same standard and criteria. 85250 480-423-6000, Scottsdale Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Scottsdale, Arizona. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each individual student depending on various factors including. In-state tuition and fees were $2,720 for the most recent reporting period. AZ Candidates who are educated abroad also have an opportunity to obtain licensure as long as they provide transcripts that reflect a similar education. The school's BSN program can be completed in just 3 years or less with qualified transfer credits, and includes 630 hours of clinical experiences. Scottsdale, Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,851. Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSNor RN to MSNdegree. Phone: 602-771-7800 85017 800-800-9776, Grand Canyon University is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona State Board of Nursing 1740 W Adams Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 771-7800 Cochise College Nursing Program Associate and LPN Certificate Nursing Program At A Glance While every student's academic journey may be different, here is what to expect for the typical progression towards your nursing degree. 7 Best Nursing Schools in Arizona - 2023 Rankings The nursing shortage has hit Arizona so hard that policy makers recently drafted a bill to appropriate $50 million from the state's general fund to try and find solutions to it. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 95,777. . Notice that in the state of Arizona, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In-state tuition and fees were $1,866 for the most recent reporting period. The Phoenix, Arizona campus for Gateway Community College is located in a City setting. By looking at this table, you will notice that the annual median wage in Fayetteville metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Phoenix, Online nursing programs provide flexibility. For an affordable nursing degree particularly for those who already live in-state Arizona is a great place to study! According to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the prospects for BSN graduates were better in the southern parts of the country. Phoenix, Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,081. In the State of Arizona, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. In our Arizona RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Fax: 847-692-7137 Email: accreditation@coacrna.org Nurse Anesthesiology Program Administration Kristie Hoch Associate Clinical Professor Programs can also be found in Florida, Missouri, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Virgina. The College of Nursing has an application fee of $85 for U.S. residents. $250 / month Excludes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) Master's Degrees $325 / month Doctoral Degrees . Description 2018-2019; Student population: 95,777 . Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), How to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix: 8, Maricopa Nursing Glendale Community College: 2, Maricopa Nursing Chandler-Gilbert Community College: 2, Maricopa Nursing - Scottsdale Community College, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Nursing License in Ohio in [year], Nursing Burnout: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions, 25 Common Mental Health Issues Nurses Face, 25 Famous Male Nurses Who Broke Barriers in the Nursing Profession, 25 Inspiring Black Nurses Who Made History in Healthcare, Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between, The average annual salary for registered nurses is between, Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Arizona can expect a favorable job growth of, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1. Why? , Nursing Programs: CNA, LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN, 2445 W Dunlap Ave, Suite 100, This school in Tucson provides comprehensive training for aspiring practical nurses. Arizona also has more nurses per capita than other states in the area, such as California and Texas. 85308 623-572-3200, Midwestern University - Glendale is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Glendale, Arizona. Financial Aid. Maybe that extra semester is a good thing! Licenses may be denied on the basis of disciplinary history or criminal background. Phoenix, The Phoenix, Arizona campus for Gateway Community College is located in a City setting. Chandler, Not bad! The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Mesa, 86005-2701 928-527-1222, Coconino Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Flagstaff, Arizona. Instead, students will need to have already become RNs to enroll in their RN to BSN program. Subscribe for the latest nursing news, offers, education resources and so much more! Looking for the best school to earn an online nursing (rn-bsn & bsn) degree in Arizona? Nursing Education Is All We Do Why Arizona College of Nursing's BSN program is right for you: Accelerated 3-yr program CCNE-accredited BSN program Inquire about the nursing program requirements for admission - its worth noting that nursing programs often have additional requirements for admission. , Nursing Programs: CNA, LPN, ASN, Paramedic-to-RN, 1400 E. Third St., Glendale, This community college is known to offer perks to its students, such as the latest versions of Windows and Microsoft Office suite; this allows their students to have the latest technology with which to do their assignments. Carrington's Practical Nursing and Vocational Nursing programs prepare graduates to work in an entry-level nursing career. 85323 623-935-8000, Estrella Mountain Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Avondale, Arizona. Phoenix, I dont think nursing is for me. With that in mind, you shouldnt choose a nursing school just because it has a high NCLEX pass rate or a high acceptance rate. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. The classes, 2149 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ - 85021, Chamberlain University is dedicated to graduating extraordinary healthcare professionals who will significantly impact the global healthcare scenario. School Program Length Tuition & fees; Brookline College: Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 28 months . ClearSky Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lecanto, FL is anticipated to open in Spring/Summer 2023! , 1475 N Scottsdale Road, Ste 200, The Phoenix, Arizona campus for Paradise Valley Community College is located in a City setting. The term "total cost of attendance" captures the all-in price for one year of studies. University of Arizona is a public school. A great school to earn an online degree, GCU also has a beautiful campus near downtown Phoenix. 85201 602-222-9300, Arizona College - Mesa is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Mesa, Arizona. Like most of the nation, Arizona is also looking forward to a rise in the demand for nurses; the number of RNs working in the state is predicted to rise from 21,620 to 29,190 from the year 2018 to 2028. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Arizona Registered Nurse? News and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC, ACNP- American College of Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice Nurses of the Permian Basin, Top Cheap and Fast Online RN to BSN Programs in 2023, How to Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Top Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Programs, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in nursing, Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). In-state tuition and fees were $5,110 for the most recent reporting period. On top of that, Arizona's state practice and licensure laws have granted Nurse Practitioners permission for Full Practice. Remember, the program you choose could alter the trajectory of your future nursing career. 85709-1275 520-206-4500, Pima Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Tucson, Arizona. If you know anything about the University of Phoenix, then youre aware that this Arizona-based school that offers pretty much all of its courses online. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,670. The Chamberlain College of Nursing-Arizona may be a small school; however, it does offer accredited programs for those interested in a career in nursing. In-state tuition and fees were $9,552 for the most recent reporting period. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 17,942. In-state tuition and fees were $19,764 for the most recent reporting period. Fall 2023 Application Cycle . The main campus is located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, making SCC the only public community college with a campus located in tribal land. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. AZ The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Nursing Schools In Arizona Cost. Annual In-State Tuition: $13,200 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.62%. Scottsdale, The Tempe, Arizona campus for University of Phoenix is located in a City setting. , 4190 West Highway 80, As one of the best nursing schools in Arizona, Pima Community College is a low-cost way for students to launch their nursing careers. 85711 520-748-9799, Brookline College - Tucson is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Tucson, Arizona. 1401 E University, Tucson, AZ - 85721-0066, The College of Nursing of the University of Arizona ranks among the best in the state because of its exceptional NCLEX pass rates, variety of degrees offered, and alumni employment status. Arizona Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years. satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database. Grand Canyon University's (GCU) nursing programs use in-class and online environments to advance critical . The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Real-World Skills With many classes to guide you, you're certain to be prepared for your career. AZ , 3000 N Dysart Rd, When it comes to places to enjoy a long nursing career, its tough to beat Arizona. NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100 percent. AZ , 2323 West 14th Street, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, Online RN to BSN Degree Completion Program. Generally speaking, materials you need to submit include: If choosing the right nursing school came down to one factor, then nobody would care about the rest. However, like every other industry, it has been affected to some degree by the broken economy. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,314. 85365 928-317-6400, Northern Arizona University is a institution with a campus in Yuma, Arizona. Although it is a Christian University, the Healthcare and Nursing Degree Programs at Grand Canyon University welcome students of all backgrounds and denominations without any discrimination. AZ Flagstaff, 85202 480-461-7000, Mesa Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Mesa, Arizona. All of Northern Arizona University's liberal studies, diversity, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements. , 1202 W Thomas Rd, Grand Canyon University. The state is also an ideal destination for Nurse Practitioners as those with even minimal experience can earn up to $100,000 annually, and those with more than 20 years of experience are paid more than $150,000 per year. Avondale, The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Annual Tuition: $16,500 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.37%. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 20,387. Nursing program fees Cost of attendance For a full understanding of tuition rates at NAU including our community campuses, please visit the NAU Tuition and Expenses webpage. It also has a campus in Clarkdale, Arizona (Verde Valley); nursing classes are offered at both campuses. AZ Online: All. Phoenix College 1202 W. Thomas Rd. Recently in the news for once again honoring their tuition freezes for traditional campus the 14th consecutive year, Grand Canyon University is dedicated to helping every individual find their purpose in a future career. Kingman, AZ AZ Bachelor of Science in Nursing (28-month program): tuition and fees $79,900, books and supplies $0, Patient Care Technician Diploma (8-month program): tuition and fees $15,250, books and supplies $0, Associate Degree in Nursing (24-month program): tuition and fees $47,575, books and supplies $3,389, room and board $28,224, Associate Degree in Nursing (23-month program): tuition and fees $43,560, books and supplies $2,518, Nursing Assistant Certificate (2-month program): tuition and fees $1,240, books and supplies $161, Nursing Assistant Certificate (13-month program): tuition and fees $11,000, books and supplies $577, Certificate in Practical Nursing (Fast Track) (10-month program): tuition and fees $6,874, books and supplies $1,539, Nursing Assistant Certificate (2-month program): tuition and fees $1,100, books and supplies $567, Certificate in Practical Nursing (Fast Track). Is it hard to get into a Arizona nursing school? , 8470 North Overfield Road, . To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below. There is a long-term need for professional nurses that will never cease. The college has certification programs for nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses as well as an associate degree program for registered nurses. Each school has its own standards, and you may be required to take specific courses, engage in extracurricular activities, or volunteer to be eligible to apply for a school. The Phoenix, Arizona campus for Ottawa University - Phoenix is located in a City setting. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. The University of Arizona College of Nursing has trained nurses since the school was established in 1957. The top nursing salaries go to Nurse Anesthetists who get paid on average $155,180 with 5 to 9 years of experience. The Tucson, Arizona campus for University of Arizona is located in a City setting. Top nursing schools in Arizona: Most expensive to least expensive Attending college or university costs more than just tuition. 16 of my 70+ credits i have from my associates. , 19555 N 59th Ave, AZ International students who completed a program similar to a program in Arkansas may also apply for licensure. 85225 480-732-7000, Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Chandler, Arizona. So, depending on what your short and long term nursing goals are, one school can easily seem better than the rest. The term total cost of attendance captures the all-in price for one year of studies. The Flagstaff, Arizona campus for Northern Arizona University is located in a City setting. Browse through the listing below to learn more about each of the four-year private colleges offering nursing (RN-BSN & BSN) programs in Arizona. BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist. There are frequent start dates and courses typically run 5 to 8 weeks in length. Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below. AZ They also offer academic support, 2121 N Craycroft Road, Bldg 1, Tucson, AZ - 85712, The nursing at PIMA Medical Institute, Tucson provides the in-demand, hands-on education that employers expect, and which are needed to become the best healthcare professionals. Program offerings: The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Tempe, The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Nursing programs must have been approved by the Department of Higher education and hold accreditation from a recognized body. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 631. In 2017-2018 academic year, 100% of Chamberlain . College tuition is one of the best investments you can make in your future. Tucson, Earning this degree online can also better fit into your schedule and responsibilities. The University of Arizona has online offerings for students in the RN-to-MSN, DNP, and PhD pathways. In-state tuition and fees were $85,000 for the most recent reporting period. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Tucson, , 2020 South AVE 8E, The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326; (404.975.5000); email: info@acennursing.org. To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Arizona, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. 86409-1238 928-757-4331, Mohave Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Kingman, Arizona. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Cochise College is well recognized for its affordable and employment-oriented nursing education which is offered at its downtown center. Carrington College has locations across the nation, including three campuses in Arizona (Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson) which offer an RN degree program. But before you can begin your nursing career in Arizona, you need to become a registered nurse (RN). The Avondale, Arizona campus for Estrella Mountain Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Press releases from nursing schools and various education news sources. Nurses employed in Arizona make an annual mean wage of $81,600, higher than the national mean annual wage. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 95,777. Nursing students will have four different options to earn their BSN, although most will probably choose the traditional four-year program. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 44,097. The BSN program boasts a 96.36 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate. There is a few excellent instructor, but also a lot of horrible ones who will discriminate you based on your disability and will make up a lie just to protect their A. , 6000 West Olive Avenue, NAU also offers a variety of other BSN options unique to its nursing program including. Academic Calendar; Accreditation . AZ 85040 Useful Links. With some of the hottest temperatures around the year and plenty of affordable housing, Arizona is an excellent state to put your roots down. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is . In-state tuition and fees were $2,040 for the most recent reporting period. Click the name of any Arizona nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Arizona Board of Nursing. The Full Practice permits NPS to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances. On top of the incredibly low in-state tuition, hundreds of thousands of dollars are awarded in scholarships each year. GCUs online and traditional campus continues to grow rapidly as they continue to build the community and exceed educational expectations. ), but nursing students will likely study at their Tempe location. It is dedicated to giving priority to Native American students who are members of federally recognized tribes. , 108 North 40th Street, Arizona College of Nursing Annual Tuition: $13,200 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.95% Traditional: Yes Online: No Accelerated: No Bridge: Yes Arizona College has multiple locations across multiple states (8 in fact! Flagstaff, Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees. AZ How much does nursing school in Arizona cost? Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Arizona. From the millions of people employed in the sector itself to the creation of jobs across the arts, the economic value of goods and services provided, the cost-benefit of after-school programs which . Research key Arizona RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing. 85350 928-315-7600, Regional Center for Border Health is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Somerton, Arizona. An RN program in Arizona will cost you between $2,662.00 and $20,084.00 per year. Program offerings: 85228 520-494-5444, Central Arizona College is a Public institution with a campus in Coolidge, Arizona. The Phoenix, Arizona campus for Grand Canyon University is located in a City setting. AZ Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 31,066. Flexible Learning Options With advances in online learning coupled the need to educate more nurses because of the nursing shortage, many nursing schools offer online nursing programs. 85721-0066 520-621-2211, University of Arizona is a Public institution with a campus in Tucson, Arizona. In 2021, GCU surpassed both Arizona and national averages for the NCLEX exam. 85201 480-461-4028, East Valley Institute of Technology is a Public institution with a campus in Mesa, Arizona. 85552 800-678-3808, Eastern Arizona College is a Public institution with a campus in Thatcher, Arizona. Our LPN program combines theory, technical skill, biology, pharmacology, simulation labs, NCLEX prep, and off-site clinical experience to build the skills and competencies you need as a practical nurse. 85257 480-884-1860, Arizona State University - Skysong is a Public institution with a campus in Scottsdale, Arizona. Considering the abbreviated program, the price for this school can be much lower than expected, and you can start your nursing career even sooner.