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
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa's 12-month Practical Nursing Certificate Program on campus equips students for direct patient care, including vital signs monitoring and medication administration. It combines classroom learning in anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care techniques with hands-on training, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensure as LPNs. Financial aid is available for eligible students, supporting a quick entry into the healthcare field.
Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brookline College-Phoenix's Practical Nursing Program is an accelerated 48-week campus-based course preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. It emphasizes hands-on learning through a blend of online coursework, lab simulations, and clinical experiences in various medical settings. The curriculum covers essential topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, with year-round enrollment and financial aid options available. This program is ideal for those seeking a fast-track entry into nursing without a specified concentration.
Mesa, AZ - Public 2-Year - mesacc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mesa Community College's Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is a campus-based option approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam to become LPNs. It integrates lectures, role play, online case studies, and simulation with hands-on clinical rotations starting after week 5. The program features flexible morning and afternoon schedules, including full-day labs, and requires HESI A2 testing for admission along with health and safety standards. This accelerated path is ideal for those seeking swift entry into nursing careers in acute, extended, and intermediate care settings in Arizona.
Holbrook, AZ - Public 2-Year - npc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northland Pioneer College's Practical Nursing (LPN) program in Arizona provides a Certificate of Applied Science with a focus on hands-on clinical experiences each semester, preparing students for the Arizona LPN exam. It features the lowest tuition in the state, requiring prerequisite courses and a current Arizona LNA license for admission. Accredited with high NCLEX pass rates, the program offers small class sizes and pathways to continue education for an RN degree, available at Show Low and Winslow campuses.
Kingman, AZ - Public 2-Year - mohave.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mohave Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate program in Kingman, AZ, is tailored for Certified Nursing Assistants with prior healthcare experience. It emphasizes hands-on learning in physiological and psychological care across diverse patient groups, including gerontology and medical-surgical nursing. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses. Admission requires a CNA certification, a 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisites. The program is campus-based and includes 32 credits, covering pharmacology, family nursing, and requires Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
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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