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Admission

Pre-Admission Information Session

Interested in the Nursing AAS program? Students are required to attend a Nursing program Information Session. These sessions provide important information about program eligibility, requirements, costs and more. 

Find Nursing Program Information Sessions via the online calendar

Applying for Program Admission

  • Program preparatory coursework must be completed as described in Program Requirements with grades and assessment scores posted on PCC transcripts before applying to the program.
  • Transfer courses earned from another Regionally Accredited Institution are not valid until they have been officially evaluated and grades have been posted on PCC transcripts. If transferring courses, please see Transfer to Pima.
  • Students must complete the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nursing Entrance Exam with Proctor360. 
    • Students may take the NLN Nursing Entrance Exam two times a year. Each exam is good for one year from the date the student took the exam.
    • The NLN Student Guide offers comprehensive instructions on creating your NLN account, scheduling your exam, taking the test, and accessing your scores. For information on purchasing study materials and the NLN Nursing Entrance Exam – Proctor360, please refer to our PCC Student NLN Guide.
  • Once prerequisite coursework is complete and the application window opens, students can apply through the MyPima application portal.
  • Program information is communicated via PCC student email, it is imperative to check your PCC student email address. Please ensure that your personal information is up to date with the College should you need to be contacted.
  • Applicants are selected based upon prerequisite GPA and nursing entrance exam scores. Selection is decided by using a defined point system. Students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of the number of points self-calculated.
  • Students not selected for admission are encouraged to re-apply the following semester.
  • Application deadlines:  The application deadline for the Spring semester is September 1 (application window is July 1 – September 1). Application deadline for the Fall semester is February 1 (application window is December 1 – February 1).

Program Admissions and Course Information 

  • Vaccinations required for entering/continuing in the Nursing program: The Nursing program works with hospitals and agencies that require the hepatitis B vaccination series, COVID vaccination, and an annual flu vaccination. All students who are enrolled or entering the Nursing program must provide documentation of receiving these vaccinations or a positive titer. All students must get these vaccinations and/or titers immediately. Students who do not provide proof of receiving the vaccinations or a positive titer when entering the Nursing program will have to reapply to the program. The hospitals and agencies that PCC works with strictly enforce these requirements.  Additional vaccination requirements for the clinical portion of the program are listed in the next section of this page.
  • The Nursing program accepts qualified students each fall and spring semester. Qualified students are placed into the semester that seats are available. Students are required to attend a mandatory Nursing Department orientation the semester before their placement date. Students are notified via PCC student e-mail when to sign up for this orientation. Failure to sign up and attend the orientation will result in having to reapply to the Nursing program. 
  • Completion time for the Associate Degree in Nursing is based on Accuplacer placement results, completion of program admission requirements, support courses and completion of (4) semesters of nursing core courses.
  • Students must be able to access the internet on a daily basis.
  • NRS program curriculum is offered only on a full-time basis at Pima’s West Campus. Student scheduling of core courses is developed by the Nursing Department, resulting in students being randomly assigned to day, evening or weekend classes. Individual student requests for schedules cannot be honored.
  • NRS core course scheduling is dependent on clinical site and instructor availability and is scheduled to change.
  • Program Transfer: Students currently enrolled in another accredited Nursing Program wishing to transfer to Pima should contact the Nursing Department Office at 206-6661.

To participate in the clinical portion of the program, students must:

  • Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Pass a urine toxicology screening exam.
  • Present proof of immunization and/or immunity for Hepatitis B/MMR/Varicella/TdaP/COVID.
  • Show proof of negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray for TB.
  • Maintain health insurance and a current American Heart Association BLS CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level throughout the program.
  • Meet the Nursing Technical Standards
  • Be flexible with balancing employment, personal and academic schedules and responsibilities.
  • Provide own transportation from the College to clinical sites.

Important Information on National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

Graduation from the Nursing program does not guarantee the ability to obtain a license to practice nursing.  Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). For more information on licensure requirements, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to AZBN.

Students should be aware that the NCLEX-RN® licensure applications may include a personal history section in which prospective applicants must report and may have to provide detailed explanation of legal situations. 

Students should also be aware that federal and state law requires documentation that the applicant for nursing licensure is a US citizen, national, or a person described in specific categories, to be eligible for licensure in Arizona. Students who have a nursing degree outside the U.S. may contact the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) at (215) 222-8454.

Fingerprinting may also be a part of many state licensing processes.  For questions regarding licensing eligibility, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to AZBN.

Program Information

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