
Best LPN Programs in Arizona
With a nationwide nursing shortage, Arizona is constantly looking to hire licensed practical nurses to improve healthcare in the state. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting an 11% growth in employment for the industry from 2018 to 2028, it’s no wonder why those in the state looking for a promising career pathway are opting for LPN school. LPNs in Arizona earn approximately $26.00 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $54,090. This is roughly $7,040 per year more than the national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Arizona? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Arizona are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 12 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 5 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Arizona click here.
Details on Arizona LPN Schools & Classes
Becoming an LPN in Arizona consists of attending a school that offers an accredited LPN program, and then taking and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Many schools in the state, from community colleges to trade schools, offer quality LPN programs for potential students to choose from, and most can be completed in as little as one year. Once enrolled in an LPN program, students will take a mixture of science and nursing courses, such as these from the LPN program at Pima Community College in Tucson:
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
- Nursing Care Fundamentals
- Pediatric Nursing for the Practical Nurse
Accreditation
An accredited LPN program is worth its weight in gold, as these programs are held to high academic standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is an excellent example of a national accreditation to watch for. The Arizona Board of Nursing also maintains a list of approved LPN programs.
Admission Requirements
Arziona LPN schools typically require the following in order to be eligible for admission:
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Certified Nursing Assistant documentation may be necessary
- Results from TEAS standardized exam
- Math and biology proficiency
Tuition and Costs
While the cost of an LPN program can depend on many factors, including type of school, duration of program, and others, all students will need to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory school/program fees, and course materials. For example, tuition fees for the LPN program at Pima Community College in Tucson runs roughly $18,500. This does not include any additional expenses, such as textbooks, application fees, or uniforms.
Arizona LPN Licensing Requirements
To become an LPN in Arizona, applicants must receive a diploma or a certificate of completion from a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX. Arizona Licensing Applications and Forms can be found here. Physical strength and endurance challenges are part of the job when working as an LPN, so the applicant’s physical abilities may need to meet certain criteria before he or she is offered a job as an LPN in the state. Arizona LPN licenses expire every 4 years and do not require continued education for renewal.
NCLEX Exam Information
The NCLEX-PN exam must be taken and passed by students once they graduate from an LPN program. The exam covers topics such as health promotion and maintenance, physiological integrity, and more. To learn more about the NCLEX-PN, be sure to take a look at our overview, and feel free to take our NCLEX-PN practice exam in order to prepare for the real test.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
As part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Arizona does not require nurses from other NLC states to hold additional licensure to practice in the state. As of January 2018, Arizona moved forward with the NLC allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. LPNs from states located outside of the compact area can apply for an Arizona license by endorsement. Aside from having a current license from another state, applicants must also have:
- Practiced nursing for more than 960 hours within the last 5 years.
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the last 5 years.
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree within the last 5 years.
Foreign-educated and licensed applicants must submit proof of having met the education and practice requirements, that he or she has competent English language skills, and has passed the NCLEX exam. For detailed information about this process, check out Arizona State Board of Nursing's Application for Licensure page.
LPN Salary in Arizona By Area
The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Arizona. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale | 4,830 | $26.92 | $56,000 |
Tucson | 1,120 | $24.26 | $50,460 |
Prescott | 270 | $24.55 | $51,060 |
Lake Havasu City, Kingman | 190 | $20.92 | $43,520 |
Yuma | 180 | $24.36 | $50,680 |
Sierra Vista, Douglas | 50 | $21.61 | $44,940 |
Flagstaff | 30 | $26.36 | $54,820 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Arizona LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Top Ranked Arizona LPN Programs
Northland Pioneer College

Aspiring LPNs enrolled in Northland Pioneer College's Show Low, AZ campus practical nursing program will be on their way to a rewarding healthcare career in no time. NPC's small class sizes, hands-on clinical experiences, and affordable tuition make earning a PN certificate a breeze.
GateWay Community College

Phoenix's GateWay Community College (GWCC) offers a Fast Track Practical Nursing program that can be completed in just 18 months. GWCC's economical and convenient program blends theory lectures and skills practice to give students a holistic nursing education.
Pima Community College

Pima has been offering specialized, quality health care training in the Tucson community since 1972, allowing them to build great relationships in the area that have led to consistent student satisfaction and quality partnerships with the medical community. It’s a great place to call home and gain an excellent education.
Cochise College

Sierra Vista's Cochise College offers a 32-credit practical nursing program to introduce students to entry-level nursing. The curriculum emphasizes patient safety, professional values, and cultural competence, giving students the knowledge and skills needed to become compassionate LPNs.
Mohave Community College

Mohave Community College offers students a practical nursing program that has been approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The school admits cohorts twice a year and provides a student-centered curriculum that can be completed on evenings and weekends. Enrolled students get the benefits of high-fidelity simulation lab experiences alongside evidence-based lectures.
Continued List of All Programs in Arizona
Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
---|---|---|---|
#6 |
East Valley Institute of Technology
1601 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
| 70.86 | Visit Website |
#7 |
Arizona Western College
2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
| 64.11 | Visit Website |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
Program | Details |
---|---|
Eastern Arizona College
615 N Stadium Ave, Thatcher, AZ Thatcher
| Visit Website |
Fortis College
555 North 18th Street, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85006
| Visit Website |
Paradise Valley Community College
18401 N. 32nd Street Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85032
| Visit Website |
Pima Medical Institute - Mesa
957 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202
| Visit Website |
Pima Medical Institute - Tuscon
2121 N Craycroft Rd Building 1, Tuscon, AZ 85712
| Visit Website |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional AZ Nursing Resources
- Arizona State Board of Nursing 4747 North 7th Street, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85014-3653 Phone: (602) 889-5150
- Arizona Nurses Association 1850 East Southern Avenue, Suite 1 Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 831-0404
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