Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The BSN curriculum combines foundational sciences, nursing theory and extensive clinical experience. Core study areas include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and lifespan nursing. Professional nursing coursework covers medical–surgical nursing, maternal–child health, paediatric nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, community and public health nursing, leadership and management in nursing, and evidence-based practice and research methods.

The programme offers focused preparation in clinical nursing practice, nursing administration and nursing research. Clinical learning takes place through supervised placements in hospitals, community clinics and specialised settings, and through high-fidelity simulation labs that replicate acute care and community scenarios. Research and evidence-based practice modules teach study design, data interpretation and quality improvement methods to prepare students for roles in nursing research and clinical governance.

Students also complete professional development components such as interprofessional education, ethics, healthcare policy and cultural competence, with opportunities to engage in community health projects and practicum experiences that reflect Northern Arizona University's emphasis on serving diverse and rural populations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical undergraduate-entry requirements include completed prerequisite courses in biology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and college-level mathematics or statistics. Many applicants will also have completed coursework in English and psychology.

Admission is competitive and normally considers cumulative college GPA, performance in prerequisite courses and completion of required science sequence. Applicants are usually required to submit a personal statement and references. Many nursing programmes, including NAU's pre-licensure pathways, require a standardized nursing admission test (such as the TEAS) and successful completion of background checks, drug screening and immunisation requirements prior to clinical placements.

NAU offers multiple pathways including traditional pre-licensure BSN and RN-to-BSN options for registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree; entry requirements differ for transfer or RN applicants and typically recognise prior clinical qualifications and licensure.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to sit for the national licensing examination for registered nurses and work across acute care, primary care, community and public health settings. Typical early-career roles include staff nurse in medical–surgical units, emergency departments, maternity and paediatrics, mental health services, and community health nursing.

With experience and/or postgraduate study, graduates move into specialisms such as critical care, oncology, neonatal nursing, nurse education, case management and advanced practice nursing. Those who concentrate on nursing administration are prepared for roles in unit leadership, quality improvement and healthcare management. Graduates who pursue nursing research or evidence-based practice pathways may progress to roles in clinical research, outcome evaluation, academic research teams or further study at master’s and doctoral levels.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

• Practice-focused learning: Extensive clinical placements across urban, rural and tribal health settings plus simulation laboratories allow students to develop hands-on nursing skills in realistic environments.
• Community and rural health emphasis: NAU has a strong focus on serving diverse and rural populations, giving students practical experience in community health, public health initiatives and culturally responsive care.
• Multiple pathways: Options for traditional pre-licensure BSN and RN-to-BSN routes accommodate both new entrants to nursing and practising RNs seeking to advance their credentials.
• Research and leadership preparation: Coursework and project opportunities in evidence-based practice, research methods and healthcare leadership prepare students for roles in administration and clinical research or for progression to graduate study.
• Experienced faculty and partnerships: Faculty with clinical and research backgrounds, together with partnerships across Arizona healthcare providers, support diverse clinical experiences and professional networking.
• Accreditation and licensure preparation: The BSN curriculum is aligned with requirements for professional nursing practice and prepares graduates for the national licensure process.