Updated June 2026 · 11 min read
Part of the CRNA Career Hub — browse every related guide in one place.
Arizona ICU nurses pursuing CRNA have strong local options plus a compelling case for applying out-of-state. Here's what the Arizona programs look like and how to build a competitive application from a Phoenix or Tucson hospital.
| Program | Degree | Length | Est. Tuition | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwestern University — Nurse Anesthesia | DNP-A | 36 months | ~$95,000–$110,000 | Glendale, AZ |
| University of Arizona — Nurse Anesthesia | DNP-A | 36 months | ~$60,000–$80,000 (in-state) | Tucson, AZ |
Midwestern University's nurse anesthesia program is one of the more established programs in the Southwest. The program is full-time, 36 months, and based at their Glendale campus. Clinical rotations are placed at partner hospitals throughout the Phoenix metro and occasionally out of state for subspecialty experience.
Minimum requirements as of 2026: current RN license, BSN from accredited program, minimum 3.0 GPA (science GPA weighted), 1 year ICU experience (competitive applicants average 2–3 years), CCRN preferred, GRE not required. The program accepts approximately 20–25 students per cohort. Application typically opens in late spring/early summer for the following year's class.
The private school tuition is higher than the U of A option, but the Phoenix clinical placement network is well-established and the program has strong NBCRNA first-time pass rates.
The University of Arizona offers in-state tuition for Arizona residents, making it the more cost-effective option for Arizona nurses. The program is housed in the College of Nursing and has clinical affiliations with Banner Health, Tucson Medical Center, and other regional systems. The program is 36 months, DNP-A.
In-state tuition of $60,000–$80,000 total versus $95,000–$110,000 at Midwestern represents a $15,000–$50,000 difference — meaningful when both programs produce Arizona-licensed CRNAs. Competitive applicants average 2–3 years ICU experience and most have CCRN. The Tucson campus draws applicants from both Tucson and Phoenix; being Phoenix-based doesn't disqualify you.
Where you work matters for CRNA applications. Arizona's strongest ICU experience builders for CRNA candidacy:
| Hospital | System | Notable ICU Types |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic — Phoenix | Mayo Clinic | MICU, CVICU, Neuro ICU — top-tier acuity |
| Banner University Medical Center — Phoenix | Banner Health | Level I Trauma, SICU, MICU, CVICU |
| Banner University Medical Center — Tucson | Banner Health | Level I Trauma, academic medical center |
| Valleywise Health | Maricopa County | Level I Trauma, high-acuity county hospital |
| Honor Health — Scottsdale Osborn | Honor Health | CVICU, strong cardiac program |
| Dignity Health — St. Joseph's | CommonSpirit | MICU, neuro, Level I Trauma |
Working backward from a fall 2027 program start: application submission is typically September–December 2026 for most programs. Interview invitations go out January–March 2027. Acceptance decisions by April–May 2027. You should have your CCRN completed and your ICU hours documented before the application opens.
Arizona ICU nurses applying to out-of-state programs as well as local ones significantly improve their odds. Programs with strong reputations and Arizona clinical affiliation opportunities include Baylor (TX), Texas Wesleyan (TX), and programs in Nevada and Colorado — all accessible from Arizona without cross-country relocation during school.
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