Top LPN Programs in Arizona

Arizona LPN Schools, License Requirements, Job Outlook, and Salary

The state of Arizona takes pride in supporting and securing the welfare of the society ensuring high-quality healthcare by providing dedicated, caring, and work-oriented nurses. This state is a heaven for those healthcare providers who hold a license in other state and want to practice in Arizona. Being an active participant of Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Arizona gives opportunities to all out-of-state licensed nurses to avail multi-state rights. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated a hike of 16% in the employment of LPNs by the year 2024.

There are many LPN programs in Arizona, including technical centers, community colleges, vocational centers, and career schools, but finding an accredited nursing school is a tough task. To assist the aspirants, we have analyzed various nursing institutes based on the NCLEX-PN Pass Rate and prepared a list of top nursing schools that are accredited by the Arizona Board of Nursing (ABN). The LPN programs strive to improve understandability and develop competence and proficiency in the students.

Top Nursing Schools in Arizona
OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

1
Rank

Scottsdale Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Scottsdale Community College (SCC) located in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides affordable education that helps nursing aspirants to face several challenges and become productive, efficient, and enduring leaders. Nursing students are awarded a certificate after completing the program. SCC fulfills the health requirements of the community by providing a good level of flexible and advanced learning experiences to the students. Faculties at SCC are very experienced, caring, and supportive.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    9000 East Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85256-2626
  • Contact Number:

    480.423.6000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
2
Rank

Pima Medical Institute, Tucson

Type of Course:Degree & Certificate

Pima Medical Institute (PMI) has a total of four institutes in Arizona, including campuses in Tucson and Mesa. PMI has been a center of excellence for nursing aspirants in Tucson since 1972. PMI is dedicated towards health and welfare of Tucson community by delivering quality education to nursing individuals. Frequent innovative programs and professional development focused training sessions in the supervision of trained and dexterous faculties are the goals of PMI. For students, who are seeking for a friendly and advanced nursing training institutes in the state of Arizona, PMI is worth considering.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    3350 East Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona 85716
  • Contact Number:

    800.477.PIMA
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
3
Rank

Phoenix College

Type of Course:Degree

Phoenix College maintains consistent standards of education. It offers small classes, personal instructions, and encouraging & learning environment to the students. It is recognized by the HLC (Higher Learning Commission) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. If you are a nursing aspirant and wants to serve the community with enriched knowledge, then Phoenix College is your best bet.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    1202 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
  • Contact Number:

    602.285.7777
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
4
Rank

Eastern Arizona College (EAC)

Type of Course:Certificate and Degree

Eastern Arizona College is committed to prepare students for a bright career and responsible workforce by providing high-quality education in flexible schedules. At EAC, after successful completion of all the semesters of a licensed practical nursing program, students are awarded a certificate in LPN, and they become eligible to take the NCLEX exam. It focuses on meeting the diverse needs of the society by empowering the students with the high-end advanced education.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    615 North Stadium Avenue, Thatcher, AZ 85552
  • Contact Number:

    800.678.3808
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate and Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
5
Rank

Arizona Western College

Type of Course:Degree & Certificate

Arizona Western College (AWC) focuses on the advancement of the workforce by paying keen attention to the professional learning of the students. AWC inspires students to gain not only theoretical knowledge but also master practical skills by extensive clinical practice. Nursing students who are focused on enhancing the welfare of society and taking care of all medical and health needs of the community, can avail the affordable LPN course at AWC and can take advantage of the life-long learning opportunities for a successful career.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    2020 South Avenue 8E, Yuma, AZ
  • Contact Number:

    928.317.6000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate & Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
6
Rank

Northland Pioneer College

Type of Course:Degree & Certificate

Northland Pioneer College (NPC) has been a favorite destination for nursing individuals due to its innovative ways of teaching, collaborative approach to providing high-quality education, focus towards improving the overall health of the community, and flexible schedules. NPC is located in Snowflake, AZ, as well as in Whiteriver, St. Johns, Winslow, Springerville, Show Low, Keams Canyon, and Holbrook. NPC serves its regards to the community by delivering highly trained, professional and enduring nurses that further contribute to the welfare of the society.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    99.35 %
  • Address:

    1611 South Main Street, Snowflake, AZ 85937
  • Contact Number:

    928.536.6211
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate and Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
7
Rank

Cochise College

Type of Course:Degree & Certificate

Cochise College is committed to bring diversity, technological & workforce advancement, collaboration, and innovation to the education so that the students find themselves ahead in the race for employment. Cochise College is located in Douglas with two centers in Sierra Vista and one in Benson. Cochise College also ensures that its practical nursing courses are accessible to everyone by providing online courses. Comfortable & peaceful learning environment and affordable costs are what that make this college different from others.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.78 %
  • Address:

    4190 West Highway 80, Douglas, Arizona 85607-6190
  • Contact Number:

    520.364.7943
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree & Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
8
Rank

Central Arizona College

Type of Course:Degree

Central Arizona College (CAC) is located in Coolidge. It has 7 more campuses and centers in Arizona. CAC is committed to bring a high level of student satisfaction by ensuring the best high-end learning experiences at minimal cost. The college provides exceptional education in the nursing field with remarkable pass rates, and that’s why; is becoming popular among nursing students. By improving personal and professional skills and providing the best practical training to the aspirants, CAC ensures high job placement of the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.59 %
  • Address:

    8470 North Overfield Road, Coolidge, Arizona 85128
  • Contact Number:

    800.237.9814
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
9
Rank

GateWay Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

GateWay Community College (GCC) is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and becoming a point of attraction by offering comprehensive educational opportunities to the nursing aspirants. GCC focuses on enhancing the personal and clinical skills of the aspirants. Small to big classrooms, regular to online courses, and basic to advanced education contribute to the overall workforce development.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.18 %
  • Address:

    108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
  • Contact Number:

    602.286.8000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
10
Rank

Glendale Community College

Type of Course:Certificate and Degree

Glendale Community College (GCC) has two campuses in Arizona; one in Glendale and another in Phoenix. GCC is famous for providing ingenious, contemporary and adequate solutions to community’s health needs by providing the best training to the nursing aspirants. All campuses of GCC in Arizona have highly-qualified teaching staff and offer flexible schedules, conventional, advanced, and hybrid classes to their students in order to make them stand as a proficient and dexterous practitioners in the long run.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.50 %
  • Address:

    6000 West Olive Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85302
  • Contact Number:

    623.845.3000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate and Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    Yes
11
Rank

Maricopa Nursing at Mesa Community College

Type of Course:Degree

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.06 %
  • Address:

    1833 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85202
  • Contact Number:

    480.461.7000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
12
Rank

Maricopa Skill Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.86 %
  • Address:

    1245 East Buckeye Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
  • Contact Number:

    602.238.4300
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
13
Rank

West Campus– Pima Community College

Type of Course:Certificate & Degree

14
Rank

Fortis College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.06 %
  • Address:

    555 North 18th Street, Suite 110, Phoenix, Arizona 85006
  • Contact Number:

    602.254.3099
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
15
Rank

Paradise Valley Community College

Type of Course:Degree & Certificate

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is located in Phoenix, Arizona, with an additional campus located in Scottsdale, Arizona. PVCC is a part of Maricopa County Community College District. PVCC strives to provide high-quality transfer education that concentrates on an individual’s personal and professional growth. Highly experienced and adroit teaching staff stays focused on the knowledge enrichment of the students. Affordable fees, positive learning environment, and friendly staff make PVCC one of the first choices of every nursing aspirant.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    88.89 %
  • Address:

    18401 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
  • Contact Number:

    602.787.7862
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree & Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    Yes
16
Rank

Pima Medical Institute, Mesa

Type of Course:Degree & Certificate

Pima Medical Institute (PMI) believes that licensed practical nurses are the core of the healthcare industry. Considering the wide range of responsibilities handled by the nurses, PMI provides advanced & high-tech nursing labs facilitated with the latest equipment to the nursing individuals, to enhance their skills and knowledge. PMI has four campuses- two are located in Mesa, one in Phoenix, and other in Tuscon. Individuals who are looking to make a career in nursing and want to avail upcoming employment opportunities could consider joining PMI to hone their clinical practice skills.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.50 %
  • Address:

    2160 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85209
  • Contact Number:

    800.477.PIMA
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
17
Rank

East Valley Institute of Technology

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    81.28 %
  • Address:

    1601 West Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201
  • Contact Number:

    480.461.4000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
18
Rank

Estrella Mountain Community College

Type of Course:Certificate & Degree

Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) believes that licensed practical nurses are one of the most important parts of the healthcare profession and are responsible for the welfare and care of the patients, families, and the entire community. EMCC is focused on the success of the nursing individual by providing wide educational network, including theoretical and practical sessions. A spectacular NCLEX-PN pass rate shows EMCC’s dedication towards the overall growth of the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.08 %
  • Address:

    3000 North Dysart Road, Avondale, Arizona 85392
  • Contact Number:

    623.935.8000
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate & Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
19
Rank

Mohave Community College– Neal Campus

Type of Course:Certificate & Degree

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.06 %
  • Address:

    1971 Jagerson Avenue, Kingman, Arizona 86409
  • Contact Number:

    928.758.3926
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate & Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes

Arizona LPN Licensing Requirements

License by Examination

Aspirants who hold a diploma or degree in nursing from the practical nursing program accredited by the Arizona Nursing Board and have passed the NCLEX exam are eligible to apply for an LPN license.

For downloading the form, click here

Requirements To Be Fulfilled By the U.S. Educated Applicants:

  • Submit the signed, dated, and completely filled application form along with the requisite fee (fingerprint fee- $50.00, application fee- $300.00).
  • Request a completion certificate of the LPN program to be sent directly by the college to the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
  • Out-of-state graduates are required to request an official transcript of the LPN program sent directly by the college to the board.
  • Provide fingerprint cards.
  • A copy of documents of nationality status.

Note-

  • You will have to submit the application within a 30-day period. The outdated application will be returned to you.
  • The board will not accept e-mailed or faxed application. Submit the original signed copy directly to the office or by postal mail.

Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses of other Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states who already hold an LPN license, do not need to apply for a separate LPN license in the state of Arizona. Arizona is an active participant of NLC that gives non-resident licensed nurses multi-state rights to practice in Arizona without the need of an additional license.

In case, an applicant comes from a non-NLC state, then s/he can apply for an LPN license by endorsement. Along with submission of a fully signed and dated application form, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Worked more than 960 hours within last five years as a practical nurse.
  • Completed a certification, diploma, or degree program from an ABN accredited nursing school in Arizona.
  • Completed a degree program in advanced nursing from an ABN approved institute in the past five years.

Nursing applicants graduated in foreign countries may also apply for an LPN license if they meet the following requirements:

  • The applicant needs to request an application from IERF (International Education Research Foundation) to obtain a report of education equivalence.
  • If the applicant is not from an English speaking country, then s/he is supposed to clear one of the English efficiency tests- IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), Pearson Test of English Academic Exam, or CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools).
  • Either have a nursing practice experience of more than 950 hours in last five years or obtain a degree from an accredited nursing program.
  • Passed either NCLEX-PN or SBTPE exam.

Click here to download the form.

You can request a temporary license by submitting a completed application along with the supporting documents and requisite fee.

Arizona Nursing License Renewal

Applicants with a Social Security Number are eligible to apply for a license renewal. You will have to meet any one of the following requirements:

  • Applicants must have practiced 960 hours as a nurse or have received a degree in advanced nursing in the last five years.
  • Pursued a nursing program approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing and obtained a degree in the last five years.
  • Completed a refresher course approved by the Arizona Board in the last five years.
  • Acquired an advanced nursing degree (doctorate, masters, RN to BSN, or LPN to RN) in the last five years.

Along with the application, you need to pay a renewal fee of $160 (plus a convenience fee of $3 if you are renewing the license online).

Visit the following link for online renewal of your LPN license:
https://myservices.azbn.gov/Login.asp

Note:

You can submit the renewal application 6 months before the due date of renewal or within 30 days after the due date. You will have to submit a completed Late/Invalid License Questionnaire along with a late fee ($50 per month up to a total fee of $200) if you are applying for renewal 30 days after the due date.

Arizona Nursing License Verification

The verification of LPN license can be done online for free. To verify the identity of the applicant, Social Security Number or driver's license or passport will be required.

The online verification search results reveal the following information:

  • Name of the certification holder (licensee), license type, and license number.
  • The status of the certificate.
  • Whether or not the applicant has dispensing or prescription privileges.
  • Whether or not the ASBN has fingerprinted the applicant.
  • Any disciplinary or non-disciplinary action taken by the Board of Nursing.
  • AP specialty type of the applicant (if any).

Visit the below-given link for online licensure verification.
https://www.azbn.gov/services/license-verification

Request for Retired or Inactive Status

For requesting retired/inactive nurse status, the applicant has to meet the following criteria:

  • Must have a current LPN license or has previously held a license in Arizona.
  • Has no disciplinary action or complaint against him/her and must be in good standing.

There is no fee for applying for retired/inactive status. The retired/inactive nurses are ought to submit a renewal application if they want to perform the nursing practice in future.

The application for retired status can be downloaded from here.

For downloading the application for inactive status, click here.

Obtaining a Duplicate License

If your license has been destroyed, stolen, or lost, you can request a duplicate license online. Visit the below-given link and login by providing Username and PIN Code.
https://myservices.azbn.gov/Login.asp

Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Arizona

According to indeed.com, the average salary of a practical nurse in Arizona was $42,000 per annum (as of Nov. 14, 2016).

Average Salary of Professionals with Related Job Titles

Job Title Salary
LPN Ambulatory $$35,000
LPN Cma Rma $39,000
LPN Long Term Care $38,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $60,000
LPN LVN $46,000
Long Term Care LPN $31,000
Correctional Prison Facility LPN $26,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $33,000
CNA Medical Surgical $56,000
Nurse RN LPN $65,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $31,000
Psychiatric Nurse $28,000
Patient Care Technician Student $19,000
LPN Primary Care $53,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $43,000

Information Source: indeed.com (as of Nov. 14, 2016)

It can be concluded from the above table that the highest earning LPN professionals in the state of Arizona were Renal Dialysis Nurses, who made $43,000 per annum, while the lowest paid were Patient Care Technician Students, who earned $14,000.

Annual Average Salaries of LPNs in Various Cities of Arizona

As per salary.com, the annual salary of LPNs in different cities of Arizona was as follows (as on July 29, 2016).

Name of the City Salary
Avondale $43,973
Flagstaff $38,286
Chandler $43,681
Gilbert $43,681
Goodyear $43,973
Glendale $43,973
Mesa $43,681
Lake Havasu City $35,835
Peoria $43,973
Prescott $37,222
Phoenix $43,973
Scottsdale $43,681
Sierra Vista $34,087
Surprise $43,973
Sun City $43,973
Tempe $43,681
Yuma $45,824
Tucson $38,286

Information Source: salary.com (as on July 29, 2016)

After reviewing the above table, we can say that Yuma was the highest paying city for the LPN professionals. It paid $45,824. They earned the least, i.e. $34,087, in Sierra Vista.

Job Outlook

Nursing individuals, who are looking for practice in a state with growing number of job opportunities in future, should consider the state of Arizona. There are a large number of hospitals and clinics in the state with a shortage of licensed practical nurses. Students who want to opt for higher studies can avail LPN to RN transition programs. Schools in Arizona strive to bring diversity to the way knowledge is delivered with a capable team of highly experienced teaching staff.