Ranked number one in the state of Arizona*, EAC’s nursing program prepares students for meaningful careers as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. Our graduates can be found working almost anywhere — hospitals, community health organizations, schools, and homes — positively impacting the quality of health care delivery. For students seeking to continue their education and pursue a RN-BSN degree, our concurrent enrollment programs with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University allow EAC students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while completing an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Admission into EAC’s nursing program requires a separate, prior admission process and space is limited.
*Source: registerednursing.org 2022, a nursing advocacy organization dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing
Eastern Arizona College’s Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)*, the leading authority in nursing education accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
*Accredited Spring 2016 - Spring 2029
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The National League for Nursing (NLN) has designated EAC’s Nursing Program a Center of Excellence 2018-2023 for enhanced student learning and professional development. In 2018, only fifteen other nursing programs nationwide shared this distinction, earning formal recognition at a national honors convocation.
We invite you to visit campus to explore how best to prepare for admission and learn more about which of our programs is the right path in achieving your goal of becoming a health care professional.
*2021 national median pay, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nursing Career Paths
Flight Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist
Public Health Nursing
Critical Care Nurse
Oncology Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Midwife
Pediatric Nurse
Surgical Nurse
Nurse Educator
Select Average Salary Statistics*
Program Details
Average Program Length
Average Program Cost
Location(s)
Nursing: RN Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Preparation to sit the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
and for entry-level employment as a staff nurse.
4 full-time semesters + pre-requisites
$8,694 - $9,774
Thatcher, Globe, Payson
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Preparation to sit for the Arizona State Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant
exam and for entry-level employment as a nursing assistant.
2 part-time semesters
Call for Details
Thatcher, Globe, Payson
A course designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions as nursing assistants
in structured health care settings directly supervised by a registered or licensed
practical nurse. Successful completion of the certification written and manual skills
exams will lead to a certification as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) through the
Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must take NUR 100G, Nursing Assistant Lab,
concurrently with this course.
This course creates a foundation of nursing practice for each student. Themes for
the program include caring, clinical competency, and nursing identity. This course
teaches fundamental elements of nursing practice. Students will provide basic nursing
care to stable and older clients in a variety of settings. Instruction will be offered
through multiple methods such as didactic, skills lab, online and in the clinical
setting. Entry into NUR 120 requires prior admission to the nursing program.
Featured Courses at EAC
Nursing Assistant
Nursing One
From Phoenix
Travel east on US Hwy. 60. Drive through Superior and Miami. At Globe, continue on 60 (60 actually changes names to Hwy. 70 at this point). As you enter Thatcher, Eastern Arizona College is located on your right side.
From Tucson
Travel east on I -10. About 12 miles past the last Willcox exit, take the US 191 exit north. Continue north on 191 until you reach Safford (about 33 miles) and the junction with Hwy. 70 . Turn left on Hwy. 70 (main street, Casa Manana Restaurant on left) and proceed west for approximately five miles to Thatcher. Stay on Hwy. 70 through Thatcher. EAC will be located on your left.
From New Mexico (Two Options)
Travel west on I -10, past San Simon and Bowie. Then follow the directions for the turn off to Safford Hwy. 191 (from Tucson).
Travel west on I -10, exit at Lordsburg on US 70 to Duncan and Safford (this is the scenic route). Continue through Duncan and Safford to Thatcher. EAC will be on your left.
