College of Nursing

Established in 1957, the University of Arizona College of Nursing is "leading through innovative learning." A lead school in the country for strengthening the nursing workforce, the College of Nursing prepares entry and advanced clinical and scientific practice nurse leaders for delivering comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate health care; shaping health policy for individuals, families, communities and care systems; and advancing care through health informatics and technologies.

We integrate teaching/learning, discovery/research and practice/service scholarship, especially focused on:

  • Reducing risks and promoting health in vulnerable populations
  • Advancing optimal functionality for healthy aging
  • Understanding mechanisms to prevent, reduce and treat biological injury

We stand for:

  • Caring for and about people’s health and health care, now and the future
  • Recognized excellence in nursing leadership and healthcare education, research and practice. (We are currently ranked among the top 6% of nursing graduate schools.)
  • Access to learning through leading-edge online technology (courses that are completely web-based or blended with intensive face-to-face learning)
  • Advancing global nursing development (collaborative connections with universities, particularly in Mexico and Asia)

Dean: Joan Shaver, Ph.D.

College Features

Our faculty:

  • Faculty and appointed professionals: 76
  • 16 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing
  • Renowned cancer fatigue professor appointed as Chair of Nursing Research at Scottsdale Healthcare/University of Arizona
  • Leading pediatric diabetes faculty scholar appointed as Gladys E. Sorensen Endowed Professor to advance nursing science

Our students:

  • Student enrollment: 395 (baccalaureate, master’s, post-master’s, PhD, and DNP)
  • Over 27% of entry program students are Native American, African American, Hispanic, and Asian; 11% are male
  • Ninety-five percent pass rate on the national registered nurse licensing examination
  • Three to fours times more PhD graduates than average nursing PhD programs 
  • Online doctoral programs (PhD, DNP) with multinational student cohorts
  • Over 5,500 graduates

Alumni highlights:

  • Marla J. Weston, Chief Executive Officer, American Nurses Association
  • Isabel Duff, Associate Director of Patient Services/Nurse Executive, Veterans Affairs Long Beach Medical Center
  • Linda R. Phillips, Audrienne H. Moseley Endowed Chair in Nursing at UCLA School of Nursing
  • Anne McNamara, Dean, College of Nursing, Grand Canyon University
  • Tani Bahti, 2009 Homecoming Keynote Speaker, University of Arizona College of Nursing
  • Marty Enriquez, Vice President for Patient Care Services, University Medical Center
  • Mary Doyle, Tucson Nurse Executive Group Member and Tucson Nurses Week Board Member

College Statistics

Degrees Awarded: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)