Nursing

Nursing jobs require the right candidate for a career where no two days are ever the same. If you have a caring nature, are a problem solver, and have a strong desire to help people – especially if they’re in a distressing situation – then consider a career in nursing.

Our Nursing program, approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), will prepare you with the fundamental skills necessary to be successful as a nurse assistant, licensed practical nurse (LPN), or as a registered nurse (RN) in a variety of acute, long-term, and community-based healthcare settings.

Once you have completed the Nursing program, you will be eligible to apply for your nursing license in Arizona. Licensure for other states may also be available. We have additional program offerings, including nurse refresher programs for LPNs and RNs, nursing continuing education (NCE) courses, and innovative bridge programs for paramedics and veterans interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

Enroll in the Nursing program and take the first step toward your new career.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Bachelor's Degrees
Nursing (RN to BSN)
Associate Degrees and University Transfer
Nursing
Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

GateWay Community College provides several educational options in the Nursing field.

Registered Nursing

RNs are educated as a generalists who deliver healthcare to clients and family groups. Our program includes the competencies related to the art and science of nursing. RN's function within the legal scope of practice and use professional standards when caring for clients and families across the life span.

Employment is found in a variety of acute, long-term and community-based healthcare settings, including:

  • Hospitals  
  • Clinics  
  • Home Healthcare Agencies  
  • Nursing Homes  
  • Community Health Agencies

Special Requirements

All students interested in any of our Nursing programs will be required to attend an Information/Advising session, which will provide in-depth information and enrollment guidance. An application and student ID (MEID) must be created prior to the Information Session. All RN applications are available online here. Only students who attend a session may meet with a Nursing program advisor one on one. Sessions are held on most Mondays at 4 p.m. or Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. No need to RSVP for the Nursing Information Sessions. 

Program Delivery Methods

MaricopaNursing at GateWay offers several schedules to meet the needs of today's student. Classes are offered in an accelerated option (one block will occur during the summer months), traditional day program, and a full-time evening program which includes evening classes usually three days per week with additional labs and clinicals possible on Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays (depending on clinical availability).

Learn more about our concurrent enrollment nursing program

AAS Degree in Nursing Program Options:

  • 4 Semester Traditional Option

    Classes begin each Fall semester. Classes are offered in day hours. Clinical experiences are generally scheduled during the daytime hours with occasional night and weekend rotations. Once admitted to this program, students can expect to complete the A.A.S. Degree in Nursing in 4 semesters.

  • Evening Option

    Classes are scheduled 3 nights per week, extending past traditional semester boundaries. Clinical work experience is a program requirement and may occur during days, nights, Fridays and weekends with 12-hour shifts in selected specialties. Upon admission, students may expect to complete the evening option in 24 months.

  • Accelerated Degree Option

    Classes extend past the traditional semester boundaries including summer months. Clinical experiences may occur during the day or evening hours with occasional weekends. Once admitted to the Nursing Program, students can expect to complete the A.A.S. Degree in Nursing in approximately 16 months.

For more information, visit MaricopaNursing.

Program Locations

18th Street 
Washington Campus

Program Cost Estimates*

To learn more about program costs, please click here.

*Please note that these are only estimates and do not include books. These estimates may change based on increases to tuition, course fees and book costs. Estimates are based on tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process used to measure and certify the credibility and quality of services offered by an organization.

The Maricopa Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Each MaricopaNursing college is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. State approval for the Nursing Programs is provided by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) at 4747 N. 7th St. Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85014, (602) 771-7800.

GateWay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

RN-NCLEX Pass Rates

GateWay is one of eight Maricopa County Community College District (MCCD) colleges that offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. Graduates of this nursing program are eligible to take the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN), through the Arizona Board of Nursing, to become licensed registered nurses. 

For current program outcomes, visit MaricopaNursing Program Outcomes

Why should you choose an accredited school?

Although many schools offer seemingly similar degree and certification options, not all schools are accredited. In many instances, accreditation of the degree or program you complete may be required in order to become certified to work in the field.

Practical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are an integral part of the healthcare team and are employed in a variety of different work settings such as hospitals, clinics, homes, extended care facilities, and nursing homes. LPNs work under the direct supervision of registered nurses and/or physician. They perform many duties such as assisting patients with activities of daily living, taking vital signs, observing patients, dressing wounds, and administering medication. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse should have a sincere interest in caring for people, display professional behaviors and possess sound judgment as it will be their responsibility to provide basic bedside care for patients who may be experiencing substantial alterations in health.

The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is a terminal practical nurse program for college credit. The design of the curriculum permits an economical and efficient method of education to prepare the graduate to sit for the practical nurse licensing exam. GateWay Community College (GWCC) awards the certificate of completion for the Nurse Assisting and Practical Nursing Programs in addition to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is a separate program in relationship to the Maricopa Nursing Program. Applicants may enter the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program after completing the required prerequisites.

The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program provides students with the theory and skills required to practice as a practical nurse in acute care, extended care, and intermediate care settings. The program of study combines nursing theory with planned patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare agencies. Various teaching strategies are used throughout the program of study. Lecture, role play, online case studies, and simulation are a few of the teaching methods students will be engaged in during the program. It is important to note that technology is used extensively during the program. It is strongly recommended that students have access to a personal computer; however, computers for student use on campus are available through the college computer commons.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing according to Title 32, Chapter 15 of the Arizona Revised Statues.

Following are the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program competencies:

  • Function effectively in the role of the beginning Practical Nurse under the direction of a Registered Nurse
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills and evidence based practice through utilization of the nursing process as a guideline in providing nursing care
  • Assist with data collection and contribute to the established plan of care
  • Implement an established plan of care using appropriate practical nursing knowledge
  • Assist with the evaluation of nursing care based on established outcome criteria
  • Apply therapeutic communication techniques in providing basic nursing care for clients throughout the lifespan
  • Perform technical aspects of basic, safe nursing care
  • Demonstrate identified caring behaviors
  • Function in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of practical nursing practice
  • Illustrate use of relevant technology for client care and documentation

A special option for veterans is the Veterans/LPN Bridge. The Veterans/LPN Bridge program/course is designed to bridge Veterans who have previous healthcare training with the military (i.e. Med Tech, Corpsman, Healthcare Specialist) to meet the roles/certification of a licensed practical nurse.

Once you complete the 12-credit program, you will be eligible to sit for the LPN NCLEX and then apply for Advanced Placement into GateWay's Associate Degree RN program, as long as other prerequisites are met. For more information, click here

Special Requirement

All students interested in any of our Nursing programs will be required to attend an Information/Advising session, which will provide in-depth information and enrollment guidance. An application and student ID (MEID) must be created prior to the Information Session. Only students who attend a session may meet with a Nursing program advisor one on one.

Program Locations

18th Street 
Washington Campus

Program Cost Estimate*

To learn more about program costs, please click here.

*Please note that these are only estimates and do not include books. These estimates may change based on increases to tuition, course fees and book costs. Estimates are based on tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process used to measure and certify the credibility and quality of services offered by an organization.

The GateWay Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

GateWay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why should you choose an accredited school?

Although many schools offer seemingly similar degree and certification options, not all schools are accredited. In many instances, accreditation of the degree or program you complete may be required in order to become certified to work in the field.

Nurse Assisting

Nurse Assisting involves the performance of routine tasks in the general care of hospital, clinic and skilled care patients. Nursing Assistants work directly under the supervision of practical and registered nurses, assisting licensed staff in providing quality nursing care.

This occupation is one of many possible steps on a career ladder in the healthcare field and may be a first step in becoming an LPN or a RN. Nursing Assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. Typical client-care duties include:

  • Bathing and dressing
  • Helping with personal hygiene
  • Taking vital signs
  • Answering call lights
  • Transporting
  • Feeding

Potential employers include hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities and patient homes.

Special Requirements

All students interested in any of our Nursing programs will be required to attend an Information/Advising session, which will provide in-depth information and enrollment guidance. An application and student ID (MEID) must be created prior to the Information Session. Only students who attend a session may meet with a Nursing program advisor one on one. No need to RSVP for the Nursing Information Sessions. 

New Advanced NA and Medication Assistant Courses

If you have had one year of full-time employment or two-years of part-time employment in direct patient care within the last five years and want to obtain your CNA or LNA, GateWay has the course for you. The Advanced Placement Nurse Assistant course is a two-credit class that will prepare those with experience to sit for the Certified Nurse Assistant examination.

For information, please email naprogram@gatewaycc.edu.

Separately, if you are interested in expanding your skills as a Certified Nursing Assistant, the new Medication Assistant program is for you! During this fast-paced four credit course, you will learn how to administer select medications in addition to the role and scope of the medication assistant. Learn about requirements for the Medication Assistant course here. 

Program Location

18th Street Location

Program Cost Estimate*

To learn more about program costs for traditional NA program, please click here.

To learn more about program costs for advanced NA program, please click here.

*Please note that these are only estimates and do not include books. These estimates may change based on increases to tuition, course fees and book costs. Estimates are based on tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process used to measure and certify the credibility and quality of services offered by an organization.

The GateWay Nurse Assisting Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

GateWay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why should you choose an accredited school?

Although many schools offer seemingly similar degree and certification options, not all schools are accredited. In many instances, accreditation of the degree or program you complete may be required in order to become certified to work in the field.