Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) – Guide for Aspiring Nurses

Arizona Board of Nursing

Do you wish to become a registered nurse in Arizona but don’t know how to start? If so, you need to know everything about the Arizona Board of Nursing before starting.

The main ambition of nursing boards is to ensure that everyone with a nursing certificate or license can practice safely.

Nursing is becoming increasingly popular. According to a Bureau of Labour Statistics estimate from 2020, there were approximately 676,000 licensed vocational and practical nurses in the United States.

If you want to work as a nurse, read on to learn more about the Arizona Board of Nursing’s eligibility requirements and other license issues.

What is the Arizona Board of Nursing?

Arizona Board of Nursing

Arizona Board of Nursing – What is the Arizona Board of Nursing

By safeguarding the public from harmful practices and unprofessional conduct among nurses, the Arizona Board of Nursing is dedicated to ensuring safety and certifying competent nurses who care for patients and their families.

Nursing is a rewarding profession that can be difficult to pursue in Arizona.

Nurses who work hard to keep their licensure with the Arizona Board of Nursing are rewarded with a sense of pride in knowing that they are providing high-quality treatment while adhering to ethical guidelines.

Read on to learn about the Arizola Board of Nursing License, including criteria and renewals.

Arizona State Board of Nursing’s Main Objective:

The Arizona State Board of Nursing provides licenses with nursing education programs and regulations.

The Nurse Practice Act establishes its mission, which takes precedence over the interests of special interest groups, individuals, and the nursing profession.

The AZBN disciplines and licenses include:

#1. Certified Nursing Assistants

#2. Advanced Practice (like a clinical nurse, CRNA, nurse practitioner, and certified nurse-midwife)

#3. Registered Nurses

#4. School Nurse

#5. Licensed Nursing Assistants

#6. Licensed Practical Nurses

How to Get the Arizona Board of Nursing License?

The Arizona Board of Nursing is in charge of enacting laws and regulations governing all nursing licenses in the state.

Nurses who intend to practice in Arizona must first get a license from this state agency before starting work.

Learn how you can get an Arizona Board of Nursing license below:

Arizona has its own set of exam requirements that are administered before the Professional Examination Committee.

Arizona established this organization to govern all licensed practical, registered, and vocational nurses in the state.

If you intend to take Arizona’s nursing tests, keep an eye on their website as they frequently announce special registration periods for the state’s nursing exams.

Licensing Costs With Information

The fees for becoming a nurse in Arizona are listed here, whether you are a first-time nurse or relocating from another state. Visit the Arizona license website for further information.

The licensing fee for first-time nurses: examination:

  • NCLEX fee: $200
  • Fingerprint processing fee: $50
  • Application fee: $100

The licensing fee for nurses with RN licensure: Endorsement

  • Fingerprint processing fee: $50
  • License verification: $30
  • Application fee: $150
  • Temporary permit: $50

License renewal fees:

  • Application fee: $160 (every 4 years)

Note: Arizona is a compact nursing state, allowing nurses to work in many states. The fee may change.

Minimum Requirements For Arizona Board of Nursing

The following are some of the basic requirements for obtaining a license or certificate from the Arizona Board of Nursing:

  • To be accepted by the Arizona Board of Nursing, you must complete the required pre-license education hours (RN and LPN) or equivalent curriculum from the Arizona School of Health Professions.
  • Arizona licensed practical nurse candidates must have completed a post-secondary study leading to a nursing degree from an accredited school. LPNs who do not desire to pursue a baccalaureate degree but still want to work as CNAs can apply directly on the Arizona Board of Nursing page.
  • If you want to keep your license as a nurse in Arizona, you must complete classes on various topics, including Arizona laws and standards and how medical errors are made.
  • If you renew your Arizona nursing license for the first time, you must complete at least 1 hour of continuing education in HIV/AIDS.

3 Steps to Renewing an Arizona Nursing License

Every three years, the Arizona Board of Nursing evaluates an applicant’s Continuing Education (CE) records and sends the applicant a letter with an updated license. The following are the steps you must take to renew your driver’s license:

#1. Verify your license status

To verify your license, go to the Verification page. RN/LPN Renewal of licensing occurs every four years if you have an Arizona license and apply to renew it.

#2. Arizona is a compact nursing state

If your primary state of residence is in another compact state, you must declare Arizona as your primary state of residence before applying for licensure in Arizona.

#3. Visit the Arizona Board of Nursing for renewal application submission

Start with providing your renewable application and wait for the application to be approved and your renewal license to arrive.

Arizona Board of Nursing Examination

Nurses in Arizona and other states must take the NCLEX or National Council Licensure Examination. This is one of the two standardized tests that nurses must pass to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in Arizona.

How to Apply for the Arizona NCLEX Examination?

The application process is divided into two components that must be completed simultaneously:

#1. Registering for the NCLEX-RN exam

First, fill out an Application for Licensure by Examination and submit it to the Arizona Board of Nursing. The forms are available for download on the Arizona Board of Nursing’s website.

The Arizona Board of Nursing requires that the application be completed on paper and submitted in the office.

#1. For Arizona graduates: Request a Certificate of Completion (to be sent directly from the nursing school attended, verifying successful completion of an approved nursing program).

#2. For graduates from out of state: Request that an official copy of your nursing school transcript is submitted to the Arizona Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope.

#3. Submit a copy of one of the permitted documents on the list as proof of citizenship.

#4. The Board of Nursing will send you fingerprint cards. Submit a complete set of fingerprints to the Board of Nursing.

#2. Applying for Arizona licensure

#1. Second, Pearson VUE is the company that administers the NCLEX exam. In addition to seeking licensure, you must register for the NCLEX exam. The Pearson VUE website allows you to register online.

#2. Pearson VUE will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice after the Arizona Board of Nursing approves. This permits you to arrange your exam at a Pearson VUE location that is convenient for you, usually within 90 days of receiving the ATT.

How Much Do Nurses in Arizona Earn?

These healthcare workers are in high demand due to a nurse shortage. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average hourly compensation for registered nurses was $36.22 in May 2020, with an average yearly salary of $75,330, though conditions vary by region.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay in Arizona is $80,380, with an average hourly wage of $38.64.

The average annual salary in the 25th percentile is $67,760, while the average annual pay in the 90th percentile is $104,290.

In Arizona, Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses earn an average of $26.84 per hour or $55,820 per year.

According to another research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to rise by 9% between 2020 and 2030. The average yearly salary is 80,380 dollars.

Continuing Education Requirements

There are no CEUs for RNs and LPNs, although renewal requirements exist. In the past 5 years, you have:

  1. Graduated from a nursing program and received a degree OR experience in nursing for 960 hours or more OR
  2. Completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher course OR
  3. Earned a master’s degree in nursing (i.e. RN to BSN, LPN to RN, master, or doctorate).

APRN Also doesn’t have CEUs, but renewal requirements include:

To renew their APRN credential, APRNs must submit a separate application from their RN application.

If you have an Arizona RN license, you must first renew the RN, after which a link to renew your Arizona APRN certificate will display.

Applicants for APRN renewal must meet the following criteria:

#1. Have worked as an advanced practice registered nurse for 960 hours or more in the last five years.

#2. Hold an active Arizona RN license OR a current RN license from another compact state with multistate privileges.

#3. Maintain a current national certification. (When your RN license expires, your certification will also expire.)

#4. APRNs with an active DEA license must perform a minimum of three hours of opioid-related, substance use disorder-related or addiction-related continuing education.

FAQs

Q1. What is the cost of renewing an Arizona Nursing License?

It costs approximately $60 to renew a current Arizona nursing license, and there may be additional fees.

Q2. How Do I Get an Arizona Nursing License?

You can obtain an Arizona Nursing License by completing an application on the Arizona Board of Nursing’s official website and passing the associated exam.

Q3. Can I transfer my Nursing License to Arizona?

Yes, you may earn your nursing license in Arizona fast and conveniently with the help of the Arizona Board of Nursing.

All you need is confirmation that you’ve been working as a nurse for at least two years and haven’t had any complaints or concerns with licensing boards. This makes things simple for both sides.

Conclusion

The AZBN’s Board of Directors comprises ten medical professionals from various professions. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing may be able to assist them.

This group advises state boards on common interests and concerns influencing public health and safety, such as nursing licensure tests.

If you wish to become a registered nurse in Arizona, you must get a license or certificate from the Arizona Board of Nursing.

In addition, you also have to renew the license once it expires to continue with your profession; otherwise, you would face trouble.

See Also

Georgia Board of Nursing

California Board of Nursing

Virginia Board of Nursing

Oklahoma Board of Nursing

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board

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