In healthcare, nurses hold an incredibly esteemed and vital role—and the admirable qualities of a nurse do not go unrecognized. In fact, 20多年来，美国人一直将护理专业人员评为最诚实、最道德的专业人员.¹

There are many different types of nurses成为一名注册护士(RN)被认为是进入护理世界的入口. To earn this title, you’ll need to understand the educational, legal, and professional requirements to start this valued career in healthcare. 本指南将引导您了解成为注册护士所需的条件，并解释在亚利桑那州成为护士的确切步骤.

First—What is an RN?

注册护士是国家认证的医疗专业人员，负责与其他团队成员一起提供和协调患者护理. From hospitals to schools, 注册护士在不同的环境中工作，遇到不同背景和健康状况的病人.

Depending on their training and specialty, registered nurses may also specialize in certain fields of medicine, including oncology, geriatrics, ICU care, or more. However, almost all RNs will know and carry out the same common nursing skills, including:²

• Assessing patient condition, medical history, and symptomatic changes
• Observing and recording patient symptoms and progress
• Administering medicines and treatments
• Treating and disinfecting wounds
• Operating medical devices and equipment
• Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing test results
• Communicating with patients and family members on care plans
• Explaining home treatments or post-care routines

A Step-by-Step Guide to Being an Arizona RN

Now comes the question: How to become a RN? Whether you’re a local or an out-of-town practitioner, every nurse must complete the same state nurse requirements during their RN program. These steps include:

• Completing a valid nursing degree (i.e., bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate in nursing) 
• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) 
• Applying for and obtaining an Arizona state nursing license 

尽管有这些标准，通往护理职业的每条道路看起来都略有不同. If you're ready to pursue nursing, begin with these three steps to become a registered nurse in the Grand Canyon State. 

#1 Earn A Nursing Degree 

Education is the pillar of every healthcare profession, including nursing. 这就是为什么每个州政府都要求你获得护理学位才能成为注册护士. Without a degree from an accredited institution, 你没有资格参加一个州的执照考试，也永远不会在医疗保健行业合法执业.³ 

Every nursing education program differs slightly across curriculum and content. However, a typical nursing program will usually include the following subjects:⁴

• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Women and infant health
• Ethics
• Clinical theory and study
• Care transitions

However, 实际上，你可以获得几种不同类型的学位来获得注册护士的资格，而且一个特定项目涵盖的科目(及其严格程度或广泛程度)也可能根据它提供的教育水平而有所不同. Depending on your previous education, current degrees, and career goals, you may pick any of the following to become an RN in Arizona:⁵

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Want to hit the fast track to a nursing career? 这个为期两年的学位课程通过课堂教学和实践临床经验，为护理学生成为注册护士做好准备. This is also a strategic choice for working students or parents, taking about four years to complete with part-time classes.
• Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) – For a more comprehensive education, a BSN is a four-year degree program that offers courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, and clinical experience. Typically, the BSN program prepares nursing students for more managerial positions, like a nurse administrator. 
• Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) – For BSN degree holders, a master’s of science in nursing is an opportunity to deepen your education, usually lasting two years. The MSN program can open more nursing career opportunities, such as educational roles or specialized jobs. 
• Master’s of Science in Nursing Direct Entry (MSN-Direct Entry) – Also called immersion programs or direct entry programs, 这种类型的硕士学位是为已经持有非护理学科学士学位的个人建立的. Typically, an MSN-direct entry degree takes about two to three years to complete. 

在申请任何这些项目之前，确保你符合他们的资格. Each program will require you to hold a high school diploma or GED for entry. Additionally, most nursing programs will ask you to meet academic standards like:⁶

• One year of high school biology with a C or better
• One year of high school chemistry with a C or better
• Two years of college-preparatory math with a C or better
• An adequate GPA score (typically above 2.75)
• Adequate standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, or TEAS)

#2 Pass the NCLEX Exam

Once you graduate from a qualified nursing program, 你已经完成了你注册护士之旅的大部分时间. Now, 是时候采取下一步行动，成功通过全国注册护士执照考试(NCLEX)了。.

The NCLEX is a national test required for all nursing students to become registered nurses, regardless of location. 该考试要求学生展示他们对护理的理解，以获得州政府颁发的注册护士执照. However, 如果你没有通过，也不要惊慌——亚利桑那州允许所有护理专业的学生参加考试，只要他们需要通过就可以参加(尽管可能会收取额外费用)。.⁷

The Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) currently operates the state’s NCLEX exam. While you can register for the test up to two months before your graduation, 你只有在你的护理学位被公布并被批准后才能参加NCLEX考试(通常在毕业后四到六周)。. As part of your state license application (step three, covered below), you can prepare yourself to take the NCLEX exam through these steps:⁸

1. Prepare the required information and begin your application online.
2. Send your application to the AZBN within two years of your graduation.
3. Register with NCSBN to sit for the exam (which requires a $200 application fee).
4. Request school transcripts to be sent to the AZBN.
5. Complete a state-run background check.
6. Choose your desired test date once approved.
7. If desired, apply for a temporary license under two circumstances:
   1. Your fingerprints are rejected and you have already passed the NCLEX; or
   2. 如果你毕业已超过两年，并且需要进修课程

So, how do you know if you passed? The NCLEX exam is a pass/fail test with a base logit score of 0.00. Although logit scores may be unfamiliar and confusing, they’re fairly straightforward: Any correct answers move your score above zero, while wrong answers move your score below zero.⁹ If your final score is -.18 or higher, then you pass.¹⁰

Typically, you’ll get your results about six weeks after your test.¹¹

#3 Apply for an Arizona State License

If you’ve passed the NCLEX, 那么恭喜你，你离成为亚利桑那州的注册护士又近了一步!

As mentioned, RNs must be licensed in the state where they practice. However, there are a few different ways to apply and qualify for a nursing license, particularly in Arizona. 亚利桑那州护理委员会对每种类型的申请人要求以下流程:¹²

• Licensure by Examination -如果您之前没有任何州的RN许可证或持有非compact州的许可证(见下文), then you must apply by examination in Arizona. This means students must provide an adequate nursing degree (with transcripts), pass the NCLEX, pass a criminal background check (including a fingerprint card), and confirm citizenship status to earn a registered nurse license in Arizona.¹³
• Licensure by Endorsement – If you already hold an RN license in a different state than Arizona, 您可能有资格执业-这一切都归功于增强护士执照契约(eNLC). This compact between certain states allows RNs to fast-track their way to multi-licensure. As long as you meet all examination licensure qualifications, hold a United States social security number, and meet state board approval, you can earn an Arizona registered nurse license. 但是，亚利桑那州必须是您的主要居住州，才能通过背书申请许可证. 
• Licensure by Renewal – In Arizona, RN licenses expire every four years.¹⁴ To renew your license, you must have practiced at least 960 hours over the past five years, graduated from a nursing program or advanced nursing degree in the last five years, or completed an AZBN-approved refresher course in the past five years. Otherwise, you must completely start over the licensing process by examination.

(Optional) Pursue a Continuing Education or Advanced Training 

After earning your state license, you're officially a registered nurse practitioner! 你终于达到了你的目标，但它并不一定要在成为注册护士的步骤结束. This doesn't have to signify the end of your healthcare professional journey. There are a number of opportunities to advance your nursing practice. 你可能想要获得一个证明你在特定护理领域的专业知识的证书. You can look into gerontology, oncology, neonatal care, pediatrics, and many others. 获得健康科学专业不仅可以提高你的收入潜力，还可以拓宽你从事更多更好的护理专业的资格. 

你可以选择获得更高水平的护理教育，成为临床护士领导或学术领域的护士教育家. 这需要你参加任何科学学位的硕士课程或博士护理实践(DNP)课程. 

Request for more information

Why Should I Become an RN in Arizona?

You’ve likely heard stories from nurses about overnight shifts, difficult patient cases, and work stress. However, 毫无疑问，护理可以是一个令人难以置信的回报和充实的职业, despite its challenges. 对于许多有抱负的护士来说，继续追求这条职业道路的原因包括:¹⁶

• Positive impact -有能力积极影响(甚至可能拯救)一个人的生活是一个独特的机会，可以获得巨大的回报. 
• Flexibility – Although nurses work long shifts, hospital nurses typically only work a three-day work week, giving them plenty of time to recoup, socialize with loved ones, or pursue hobbies during their days off. 
• Specialization opportunities – Some nursing specialties include cardiac care, dermatology, forensics, toxicology, and ambulatory care. 
• Subject matter – Individuals who are interested in topics like physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology will get to learn more about these (and related) subjects.

Establish Your Nursing Career in Arizona with Alliant International University

护理不仅仅是一种职业——它是一种帮助他人过上更好、更健康生活的召唤. And to heed that call, your path to nursing starts with education. At Alliant International University, 我们的护理学学士学位和护理学硕士学位直接入学课程为不同教育背景的学生提供了从事护理事业所需的大学护理教育. 

Whether you hope to practice in a public school or hospital, 我们的专业人员随时准备帮助你实现你的教育目标，成为一名有抱负的护士，这样有一天, you can reach your career goals as a registered nurse. 

Discover more about our nursing programs at the School of Nursing and Health Sciences today.

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Sources:

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13.  AZBN Regulatory Journal. “Apply for a License.” AZBN Regulatory Journal.  n.d. Arizona State Board of Nursing.  http://www.azbn.gov/licenses-certifications/apply-for-a-license. Accessed February 15, 2023.
14.  AZBN Regulatory Journal. “Apply for a License.” AZBN Regulatory Journal.  n.d. Arizona State Board of Nursing.  http://www.azbn.gov/licenses-certifications/apply-for-a-license. Accessed February 15, 2023.
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