Visit our Complete Directory of Tucson Nursing Schools & Programs!

by Erin Hasinger
Nursing Schools.com Staff Writer
September 12, 2006

Tucson bears a metropolitan-area population that hovers just under one million, and as the third-largest city in the second-fastest-growing state, it looks like the population increases won't be slowing down any time soon. People are attracted to Tucson for its warm, arid climate and endless sunny skies, and many retirees and other “snowbirds” have claimed the city as a second home. The city is rich in Native American and Mexican history, but also offers fantastic golfing outdoor recreation opportunities with its rugged canyons and towering mountains.

Nurses are in extremely high demand throughout Arizona; the state ranks last in the number of registered nurses per capita. Fittingly, job projections for the field are incredibly promising.

While city-specific projections were not available, the Arizona Workforce Informer offers statewide projections for nurses through 2013. Registered nurses can expect increases in opportunities of a whopping 58%, while licensed practical and vocational nurses are forecast for growth of 39%.

Tucson-area employers of nurses include TMC Healthcare, which operates Tucson Medical Center and El Dorado Hospital. Another major medical facility is Northwest Medical Center. Tucson Heart Hospital is also a significant employer of nurses.

Options for nursing students in Tucson are plentiful. The University of Phoenix has a program in nurse education as well as bachelor of science and master of science in nursing degrees.

Pima County Community College offers an associate's degree in nursing that prepares students for licensure as registered nurses.

The University of Arizona has a traditional bachelor of science in nursing degree and an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program. A master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice degree are also available. Graduate students can also participate in a variety of specialty certification programs.

The Arizona Commission on Post-Secondary Education oversees a number of financial aid programs, including the new Post-Secondary Educational Grant Program that goes into effect September 21, 2006, and provides up to $2,000 annually to financially-needy students. The Leveraging Education Assistance Partnership (LEAP) provides up to $2,500 annually, while the Private Post-Secondary Education Student Financial Assistance provides a maximum of $3,000 over three years to students attending private colleges and universities in the state of Arizona.

Other forms of financial aid for nursing students come in the form of tuition reimbursement, such as with TMC Healthcare, which offers up to 75% of tuition costs for nurses looking to advance their qualifications. Tucson Heart Hospital offers student loan reimbursement programs, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement.

Nurses considering education and careers in Tucson shouldn't hesitate. The city offers an incredible wealth of career and educational opportunities, a great climate, and limitless recreation and leisure activities. Southern Arizona certainly has something for everyone.