8 Best LPN Programs in Arizona – (Online & Campus-Based)


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

If you live in the state of Arizona, becoming a licensed practical nurse can be a great decision. For just a little bit of an investment in time and money, you can work under the supervision of doctors or registered nurses to provide necessary care to medical patients. LPNs in the state of AZ typically make more than the national average, making this a viable career choice. LPN programs in Arizona can be completed in two years or less. We have ranked ten of the best out of a bunch of programs approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, so you can find the school that best fits in with your needs.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE HEALTHCARE SCHOOLS

LPN Program Length in Arizona


Getting an Associate's degree can take two years or more. However, you can obtain a diploma or certificate in half that time. These programs can take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Type Length
Certificate / Diploma 12 to 18 Months
Associate Degree 2 Years
(Source: In-House Research)


LPN Program Cost in Arizona


If you want to obtain a degree, this could run you anywhere from more than $7,300 to nearly $54,500. For a diploma/certificate, you will pay from around $2,300 to less than $38,000.

Type Cost
Certificate / Diploma$2,390 - $37,880
Associate Degree$7,300 - $54,390
(Source: In-House Research)


Why NCLEX-PN Pass Rate is an Important Factor While Selecting an LPN Program in this State?


At over 89 percent, the passing rate for Arizona is quite a bit higher than the national average, which is around 76 percent. While this shows that the majority of graduates receive the appropriate training to become licensed, not all institutions can boast such high numbers. This is why it is still important for you to choose an educational facility with high pass rates. Many employers will have a school preference that is based on NCLEX-PN pass rates, so choosing a good program can help you in your career selection as well.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
YearArizona National
Taken % Passed Taken % Passed
201349194.30%58,57584.63%
201449491.70%55,49182.16%
201544389.62%50,97981.88%
201648392.13%47,34583.70%
201746692.49%46,94883.85%
201836795.10%47,04485.93%
201940193.52%48,22885.63%
202041693.51%45,65683.09%
202140989.98%46,35376.60%



WHAT ARE THE BEST LPN PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE AND CAMPUS)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 8 best nursing schools for LPN programs in Arizona.


1) Northland Pioneer College - Show Low & Winslow


Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College counted among the best LPN schools in AZ is well-known for its impressive academic and 100% placement record which makes it an ideal destination to pursue your career in the nursing field.

This 1-year LPN program offered at two of its campuses in Show Low and Winslow is well-balanced between theory classes and hands-on training to maximize the learning experience. Upon graduation, you can start working as a practical nurse in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other allied health centers. Alternatively, you can continue with the RN program in the second year to become a registered nurse. To be eligible for the program, you must be holding a current Arizona nurse assistant license. As the college is selective in its admission policy, it is recommended that you complete courses in English, developmental psychology and an introduction to sociology before you apply.

2) Cochise College – Downtown Centre


Cochise College
Cochise College is well recognized for its affordable and employment-oriented nursing education which is offered at its downtown center. To impart quality education and individualized attention to students, the college focuses on maintaining a low faculty-student ratio. Thanks to its strong tie-ups with the industry, Cochise offers excellent placement to students.

This LPN program is three-semesters long, and to graduate, you are required to earn a total of 32 credits. In addition to theoretical instructions, laboratory session, and clinical training form an integral part of the curriculum. The training will give you intense exposure to the concepts of nursing care, surgery operations, and professional behavior to help you transform into a competent healthcare professional. Apart from PN certificate, the college also offers LPN to RN degree program.

3) Pima Community College - Desert Vista


Pima Community College
Pima Community College offers the LPN program at its Desert Vista campus which is well-equipped to meet the learning and training requirements of aspiring nurses. It boasts of a low faculty-student ratio thus ensuring individualized attention.

This LPN program is offered through its Center for Development and Training. The 13 months long course admits students five times a year and requires completion of 1,380 hours for successfully earning the certificate of completion. Comprehensive conceptual coverage and intensive practical training focus are some of the major strengths of the program. Upon graduation, you can apply for employment in a variety of healthcare settings or pursue an associate degree in nursing to enhance your academic credentials further.

4) Eastern Arizona College - Thatcher


Eastern Arizona College
Nursing students from diverse cultural backgrounds make Eastern Arizona College a unique place to pursue your career. The college boasts impressively built infrastructure, competent faculty members, health and wellness facilities, and a business development center to provide a conducive learning environment to nursing aspirants.

This three-semester long LPN program in Arizona enrolls students two times in a year - Fall session and January session. The course will educate you on a wide range of topics related to nursing care such as human anatomy, pharmacology, nutrition, and communication among others. For practical experience, you will undergo training in simulation labs, nursing homes, and other allied health centers under a trained supervisor. For earning the certificate, you must secure at least “C” grade in all nursing courses. In addition to practical nursing, the college also offers a nursing assistant certificate and associate of applied science nursing degree.

5) Arizona Western College - Yuma


Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College is well-known for its flexible program structure, affordable education, and strong academic partnerships. The campus features state-of-art facilities including clinical labs, simulations rooms, classrooms, student lounges, and conferences halls. The college focuses on experiential learning which encourages students to develop exceptional patient handling skills.

AWC offers a three-semester practical nursing certificate program with an option to earn an associate degree in Nursing (RN) in two-years if you choose to continue the study after the third semester. The course starts in spring and thanks to its low 1:10 faculty-student ratio; you will receive personalized attention during clinical training sessions. In sum, the program will educate you on both, science and liberal arts aspects of delivering nursing care. Besides the practical nursing and ADN (RN), the college also offers a 1-semester long nursing assistant program.

6) Gateway Community College - Washington Campus


Gateway Community College
With a rich academic legacy spanning over 50 years, Gateway Community College is one of the preferred destinations for nursing aspirants. The college focuses on providing quality training, and its strong industry partnerships help students to edge out the competition in the job market.

This LPN program lets you choose between a 24-month normal track and an 18-month fast track course. It equips you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide holistic care to patients. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, and the use of innovative pedagogy involving case studies, role plays, simulations, and clinical sessions will help you to develop required professional skills. Besides, the training also prepares you to imbibe humane values, develop communication skills, and demonstrate empathy towards the sick.

7) Mohave Community College – Kingman


Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College has a rich academic legacy and has been serving the community since its inception in 1970. The college has been synonymous in creating a workforce of competent healthcare professionals thus meeting the growing need for quality professionals in the healthcare industry.

The 48-week traditional LPN program is offered in both spring and fall terms, every year. You can also opt for the weekend and evening classes as the program allows flexible scheduling for working professionals. During the coursework, you will learn the nuances of providing nursing care, surgery, health, nutrition, and leadership skills. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be ready to provide professional and empathetic patient care. Achieving a minimum of 80% grade is an essential requirement for graduation.

8) Scottsdale Community College - Scottsdale


Scottsdale Community College
The vibrant academic environment and student-focused learning approach set the Scottsdale Community College apart from the rest. The college has many distinctions to its kitty and is actively involved in producing quality professionals through its LPN program.

If you are looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field by becoming an LPN in Arizona, this program can be considered. The course requires 35-45 credits for successful completion and will educate you on a wide range of nursing subjects including administration of medication, surgery, leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. Practical training sessions are an integral part of the curriculum and will help you to get fully acquainted with the demands of patient-care besides teaching you the legal and ethical ways of professional behavior. All these skills and learning will broaden your understanding while making you ready to take on challenges of the ever-changing healthcare field.

You can also choose to pursue an Associate in Applied Science Nursing program on completion of your PN program.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY


How to Obtain My LPN License in Arizona?


Completing your coursework is just one of the tasks that you will need to perform to become licensed as a practical nurse. The Arizona State Board of Nursing has set forth the steps you will need to take.

• Obtain your degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Submit the application for licensure with the Board, and register to take the NCLEX-PN.
• Once you receive the authorization to test (ATT), schedule your examination.
• Obtain the required background check.
• Pass your NCLEX and receive your license.


How Much Will I Earn?


Being a practical nurse means that you will most likely make at least $24.51 per hour and can even make up to $35.06 per hour. The typical LPN salary in Arizona is about 11 percent higher than the national average at just over $61,920 each year. Depending on where you choose to work and the experience you gain, you could make more than $72,000 per year.

Type Salary Range Average Salary
Hourly$24.51 - $35.06$29.77
Monthly$4,250 - $6,080$5,160
Annual$50,990 - $72,920$61,920
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


LPN Earnings in this State vs. National Average


Arizona National Difference
Number %
$61,920$55,860+$6,060+10.85%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


Job Outlook for LPN Graduates in Arizona


Practical nursing programs in AZ should provide you with the necessary knowledge, training, and skills to perform the job duties that may be required right from the start. Because there is a strong need for practical nurses in this state, many employers will offer additional training or even continuing education credits to help you to keep up with your licensure requirements. Many employers in Arizona will offer incentives for qualified candidates to choose their facility to work at, including monetary sign-up bonuses, higher pay, and paid vacations. Becoming an LPN in AZ can provide you with stable employment for many years as an aging population will require more medical care, with expectations for a 39 percent increase in the need for these providers.

Employment 10 Year New Job
Growth Projection (2020-2030)
2020 2030 Number %
7,48010,380+2,900+38.77%
(Source: careeronestop)


Projected LPN Annual Job Openings in Arizona (2023-2027)


Year New Jobs Replacement Jobs Annual Job Openings
(New + Replacement)
2023290670960
2024300680980
20253407201,060
20263607401,100
20273207001,020
Total Job Openings in the Next 5 Years5,120
(Source: In-House Research)


6 Best Metro Areas in Arizona to Work as an LPN


As you might expect, the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area offers the most LPN jobs in the state. If you would like to work in a facility with multiple patients at once, you might want to consider working somewhere like Camelback Post Acute Care & Rehab or Angel Care Home Assisted Living. If you would prefer to work one on one with patients in their own homes, you might be better suited to work somewhere such as Nightingale Home Care. Those who prefer Mesa or Scottsdale might want to look into Advanced Health Care of Mesa or FirstLight Home Care of Scottsdale.

Tucson also offers a lot of opportunities for the LPN. You may wish to consider Mountain View Care Center or BrightStar Care. While there may be fewer opportunities in other metropolitan regions due to lesser populations, there is still plenty of room for an LPN to find a great job. Consider Kindred at Home Personal Home Care Assistance in Prescott, Lake View Terrace in Lake Havasu City, Hualapai Home Health Care in Kingman, SYNERGY Home Care in Yuma, BAYADA Home Health in Sierra Vista, or Haven of Douglas.

Rank Metro Area Current Employment Average Salary
Hourly Monthly Annual
1 Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale 4,320 $30.07

$5,210

$62,550
2 Tucson 1,080 $29.01 $5,030 $60,330
3 Prescott 220 $31.01 $5,380 $64,500
4 Lake Havasu City-Kingman 200 $27.74 $4,810 $57,710
5 Yuma 120 $29.71 $5,150 $61,790
6 Sierra Vista-Douglas 90 $28.01 $4,860 $58,260
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



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