Olivia Chen, NP
June 2, 2025
The healthcare system of Arizona depends on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to fulfill the increasing need for skilled nursing services throughout the state. LPNs provide fundamental healthcare services in both urban hospitals throughout Phoenix and Tucson and rural clinics that serve tribal lands and remote communities. The LPN profession provides a quick and budget-friendly path to medical work and LPN positions are available throughout Arizona for those who want to establish a healthcare career.
Mesa, AZ - Private 2-year - pmi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate Program at Pima Medical Institute-Mesa prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This 12-month program equips students with the skills needed for direct patient care, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily living tasks. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, covering topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care techniques. Financial aid options are available for eligible students. Start your journey in nursing today and make a difference in patients' lives.
Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brookline College's Practical Nursing program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in just 48 weeks. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this comprehensive program equips students with critical skills to provide high-quality patient care across diverse medical settings. Students gain hands-on experience through blended learning, including online coursework, lab simulations, and clinical experiences. The curriculum covers essential areas like anatomy, medical terminology, pharmacology, and specialized nursing care. With year-round enrollment and a focus on NCLEX-PN exam preparation, graduates can quickly launch their nursing careers. Financial aid options are available to help make this transformative education accessible.
Mesa, AZ - Public 2-Year - mesacc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mesa Community College's Fast Track Practical Nursing Program equips students with essential nursing skills for acute, extended, and intermediate care settings. Combining theory with hands-on patient care, the program employs lectures, role play, online case studies, and simulation. Approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. The program is campus-based, with flexible morning and afternoon schedules, including full-day labs and clinical rotations. Admission requires meeting health and safety standards, HESI A2 testing, and compliance with nursing prerequisites. This program is ideal for those seeking a swift path to a nursing career in Arizona.
Holbrook, AZ - Public 2-Year - npc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northland Pioneer College in Arizona offers a Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate of Applied Science program designed to prepare students for the Arizona LPN examination. This program stands out for its hands-on learning approach, combining classroom instruction with clinical experiences every semester. With the lowest tuition rate in the state, NPC makes nursing education accessible. Admission requires prerequisite courses and a current Arizona Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) license. Graduates can choose to enter the workforce as LPNs or continue their education to become Registered Nurses. The program is accredited, ensuring high-quality education and excellent NCLEX pass rates.
Kingman, AZ - Public 2-Year - mohave.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mohave Community College in Kingman, AZ, offers a Practical Nursing Certificate program designed for those with prior healthcare experience, like Certified Nursing Assistants. This program prepares students to work under licensed professionals in various healthcare settings. It covers physiological, psychological, and basic nursing care needs across different patient groups. Graduates receive a certificate and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses in Arizona. Admission requires a CNA certification, a 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses. The program is campus-based, focusing on hands-on learning and patient care.
The majority of Arizona LPN programs require in-person delivery because clinical training needs hands-on attendance. However, some colleges provide hybrid programs; students in these programs can finish their didactic coursework through online learning while they attend in-person labs and clinicals.
Some colleges provide flexible evening or weekend tracks to accommodate working adults or parents. While the state of Arizona does not approve fully online LPN programs, students can access education through hybrid and part-time formats, which serve nontraditional learners.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Brookline College-Phoenix |
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| Glendale Community College |
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| Pima Medical Institute-Mesa |
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| Certifying Board | Arizona State Board of Nursing, Division of Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an Arizona Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts |
| License Application Fee | $300 for exam and licensure, $50 background check fee, plus $3 convenience fee |
| Application Processing Time | Administrative completeness review within 30 business days, substantive review within 120 business days (up to 150 business days total) |
| License Renewal Period | Every four years with a $160 renewal fee |
| Continuing Competency | Meet one of four options within the past five years. 960 clinical hours, program graduation, board-approved refresher course, or advanced nursing degree |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $150 endorsement fee, NURSYS verification, fingerprint/background check, plus proof of current unrestricted license or board-approved refresher/practice if inactive. |
The average yearly wage for LPNs in Arizona reaches approximately $60,000, while those working in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metropolitan areas can earn up to $65,000 annually. Rural positions provide lower pay, but they offer stable employment and complete benefits packages. The employment outlook for LPNs in Arizona shows no significant changes in job growth until 2030. The combination of population aging, better healthcare access, and workforce shortages maintains a consistent level of demand. The state’s major employers include skilled nursing facilities together with home healthcare agencies and community clinics.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Arizona | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $61,920‑$64,360 (avg ≈ $60k) | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $29.77‑$30.94 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$72,920‑$77,480 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $61,840 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,990 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,000‑4,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College |
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| Northland Pioneer College |
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| Pima Medical Institute-Mesa |
| - |
There are definite ways to advance your LPN career in Arizona. Many go through LPN-to-RN bridge programs that expand on their training and count toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Such programs can be finished within one to two years of study. Advanced certifications in areas such as wound care, IV therapy, or gerontology also offer advancement opportunities. In long-term care facilities, seasoned LPNs may take on supervisory or team lead positions. LPNs can remain current and competitive with continuing education classes, whether through university programs or online coursework.
Additional Nursing Programs in Arizona
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