By: Nurse.org Staff

Medically reviewed by: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC

There are many reasons to pursue a nursing career in Arizona. In addition to being a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, the Grand Canyon state also gave advanced practice nurses full prescribing authority in April 2017 which has allowed APRNs to want to practice within the state.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about being a nurse in Arizona!

Part One Arizona Board Of Nursing

The Arizona State Board of Nursing issues and regulates all licenses and educational programs for nurses. It is the responsibility of the board to ensure that anyone holding a license is competent to practice safely.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address:

Arizona State Board Of Nursing

4747 N. 7th Street, Suite 200

Phoenix, AZ 85014-3655

GET DIRECTIONS  

Phone:  602-771-7800 | Fax:  602-771-7888 

Email Address: verifications@azbn.gov OR schoolletters@azbn.gov OR transcripts@azbn.gov

Contact Hours: 8AM-5PM Mon-Fri | Contact Online

For information on Arizona nurse licensing including forms and application instructions, see Part Four.

Part Two Nursing Salaries In Arizona

When adjusted for the cost of living, nursing salaries in Arizona rank 9th highest in the nation. Find out how much you could or should be making.

Hourly Wages for Nurses in Arizona

As of May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the mean hourly wage for registered nurses was $36.22 while the average annual salary was $75,330, though conditions vary by area. Specifically, the BLS reports the average annual salary in Arizona is $80,380 while the average hourly salary is $38.64. 

The 25th percentile report an average annual salary of $67,760 while the 90th percentile reports an average annual salary of $104,290.  

Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses in Arizona average $26.84 per hour or $55,820 annual salary. 

Highest Paying Cities in Arizona

According to ZipRecruiter.com, average annual pay for a Registered Nurse in Arizona is $62,658 a year or $30.12 per hour. The majority of Registered Nurse salaries currently range between $52,496 (25th percentile) to $72,937 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $86,874 annually in Arizona.

Part Three Demand For Nurses in Arizona

Despite dire projections just 3 years ago about a severe nursing shortage in the state, some studies now project a surplus. However, qualified nurses will always be in high demand, especially in a state with the 10th highest population of elderly residents. 

The current HRSA projections show Arizona having a demand for 98,700 registered nurses by 2030. Despite the projected surplus, there are thousands of open nursing positions in Arizona. Search 2,000 Arizona nursing jobs now.

Read on for more information on obtaining your nursing license in Arizona. 

Part Four Arizona Nursing Licenses

As a Nursing Compact state, Arizona recognizes licenses from 34 other states. These include:

Ohio and Pennsylvania have passed laws and are awaiting implementation from the state. Additionally, Vermont is set to implement the compact license on 2/1/2022. 

Arizona Nursing Compact License Eligibility

To be eligible for nursing compact license from Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:

• Meet the requirements for licensure in the state of Arizona
• Has graduated from a board-approved education program or has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credential review agency
• Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language
• Has passed the NCLEX or predecessor exam
• Is eligible for or holds an active unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)
• Has submitted fingerprints for state and federal background becks
• Has no state or federal felony convictions
• Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing
• Is not currently a participant in an alternative program
• Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program
• Has a valid United States social security number

Nurses applying for an Arizona nursing license either by endorsement or examination must apply via the Arizona State Board of Nursing Nurse Portal.

Renewal applications should be submitted online, except for the following circumstances:

• Nurses on Probation
• Nurses Who Are Suspended
• Inactive or Retired Status Nurses
• Nurses submitting volunteer / private duty hours for 960-hour requirement
• Nurses without a social security number
• Nurses who have, since their last renewal:
• Ever been charged, convicted, entered a plea of guilty, nolo contendere or no contest, been sentenced or served time in jail for any felony or undesignated offense    OR
• Ever had prosecution deferred or suspended, entered into a diversion program, or made any other agreement by which a felony or undesignated offense would be dismissed upon completion of certain terms    OR
• Ever had a felony or undesignated offense pardoned, expunged, dismissed, deferred, reclassified or redesignated    OR
• Had more than one misdemeanor charge or conviction in the past four years

If you meet the above criteria, you must submit a request to the Arizona State Board of Nursing and an application will be emailed to you. To request a paper application, use the Contact Form and select “Applications & Forms” from the Inquiry Reason drop down menu.

Recertification Guidelines

Renewal applicants must meet one of the following practice requirements:

1. Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years OR
2. Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years OR
3. Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years OR
4. Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate).

RN renewal can be done online via the board’s nursing portal. 

Arizona Nurse Licensing Forms

NP | CNM | Prescribing & Dispensing | CNS Certification Application Packet
Active APRN Renewal (Online Only)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Certification Application
CNS National Certification Exam Waiver Application
Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP) Form

Sample School Letter

NEW LICENSES

RN/LPN By Endorsement Packet (for non-compact state licenses) | Instructions
RN/LPN By Exam Application Packet (for graduating nurses) | Instructions

Fingerprint Card Instructions
Verification Form 
Certificate of Completion

TEMPORARY LICENSES

RN/LPN Temporary License/Certification
RN/LPN Temporary License for Refresher Course
Volunteer Service Registration Application

RENEWALS

Active RN License Renewal (Online Only)
Inactive RN Status Renewal Application Packet
RN / LPN Late & Invalid License Questionnaire
Re-Issuance For Revoked, Denied or Voluntary Surrendered Licenses

RETIRED NURSES

Retired Nurse Application

School Nurses

School Nurse Initial and Renewal Packet

Initial CNA or LNA Application Packet
CNA or LNA Endorsement Application Packet

LNA or CNA Expired License - Certificate Questionnaire

CNA Education Waiver for Military or Foreign Graduate
CNA Education Waiver for Nursing Student

LNA or CNA Practice Hours Requirement Evaluation- Employment Other Than LNA or CNA 

Application Fee Waiver Form
Arrest / Citation / Charge Questionnaire 
Citizenship and or Lawful Presence / Alien Status Declaration / Lists A & B 
Credit Debit Card Authorization Form
Declaration of Primary State of Address & Change of Address
Duplicate Request or Name Change

Part Five Continuing Education Requirements in Arizona

Though there are no continuing education requirements for Arizona nurses. However, there is a practice requirement of 960 hours every 5 years. If this is not an option for you, Arizona nurses may maintain their licenses by doing one of the following:

• Graduate from a nursing program and obtain a degree within 5 years OR
• Complete an Arizona Board approved refresher course within 5 years OR
• Obtain an advanced nursing degree within 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate).

Click here for a list of Arizona State Board Approved Refresher Courses.

Part Six Magnet Hospitals in Arizona

Magnet Hospitals In Arizona

As of December 2021, there are 10 Magnet-recognized hospitals in the state of Arizona. Below is a comprehensive list: 

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs

Part Seven Arizona Nursing Organizations

Many nurses join professional nursing organizations as a way to stay current on what’s going on their field or specialty. They offer many opportunities for education and networking. Here is a list of professional nursing organizations in Arizona.

Part Eight Top Nursing Schools in Arizona

Considering furthering your nursing education in Arizona? Our panel of registered nurses reviewed nursing programs across the state based on their reputation, NCLEX pass rate, tuition, and accreditation status. See the top 10 listed below, and get additional details in our Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Arizona guide. 

1. Northern Arizona University
2. Arizona College
3. Arizona State University
4. Grand Canyon University
5. University of Phoenix
6. Pima Medical Institute
7. The University of Arizona
8. Glendale Community College
9. Carrington College - Phoenix
10. Cochise College

Part Nine Nursing Job Opportunities in Arizona

As a skilled nurse, you are in control of your career. Check out thousands of job listings on our job board and get the pay and career path you deserve.