Skilled nursing facilities across Arizona reported 1,200 open LPN positions in the first quarter of 2026, a figure that has held steady for three consecutive years. That demand supports a practical nursing training market with more than a dozen approved programs, from community colleges charging under $9,000 to private institutions topping $20,000.
The rankings on this page weight NCLEX-PN pass rates most heavily, with accreditation status and completion rates as secondary factors. A program that graduates students who clear the licensing exam on the first attempt matters more here than one with flashy facilities or aggressive marketing.
Arizona's Nurse Practice Act requires a minimum of 1,400 training hours for LPN licensure, a threshold that shapes every program's calendar regardless of whether it runs 10 months or 18.
Top Arizona LPN Programs by NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 2027 Rankings
Arizona's practical nursing options run from 12-month technical certificates to community college tracks spread across three semesters, and licensure outcomes vary just as widely from campus to campus. The programs below are ordered by how their graduates perform on the NCLEX-PN, with completion and retention outcomes shaping the order further down the list. Each card notes the school's overall graduation rate, net price, city, and whether training happens on campus or in a blended format.
How we ranked these
- Graduation rates, weighted most heavily
- First-time NCLEX-PN pass rates
- Program completion and retention
- Accreditation status
- Net price and affordability
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering retention rates, student-faculty ratios and graduation rates — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
East Valley Institute of Technology
East Valley Institute of Technology is a Mesa career and technical education campus, and its practical nursing program is built around a compressed schedule of roughly 12 months that pairs classroom instruction with clinical rotations. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, along with pain management, infection control, and end-of-life support, before graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN. The college reports strong pass and placement results, and it accepts federal financial aid, VA education benefits, and interest-free payment plans.
- Roughly 12-month program blending classroom study with clinical rotations
- Coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing
- HESI entrance exam used for admission
- Graduates prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN and earn Arizona LPN licensure
- Federal financial aid, VA education benefits, and interest-free payment plans
- Program reports a 100% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement rate
- Clinical rotations included alongside hands-on career-focused training
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Cochise County Community College District
Cochise College is a public community college in Sierra Vista serving southeastern Arizona, and its practical nursing certificate runs about two semesters and 32 credits. Students start in campus labs and then apply those skills in clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, and health care agencies across Cochise County. Three start dates each year give applicants scheduling flexibility, and the college also offers a pathway from LPN study toward RN coursework.
- Two-semester, 32-credit practical nursing certificate
- Three start dates each year: fall, spring, and summer
- Prerequisite courses required before admission
- Clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, and health care agencies in Cochise County
- Modern learning laboratories on the Sierra Vista campus
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Pathway from LPN study toward RN coursework
- Emphasis on communication, clinical judgment, and discharge planning
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College serves northwestern Arizona from its Kingman campus, and its three-semester practical nursing certificate is designed for people who already work in health care, since a current Arizona CNA certification is required to apply. Admission also calls for the TEAS entrance exam, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisite coursework, and the 32-credit curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, gerontology, and family nursing. Students who pass the NCLEX-PN can continue into the college's nursing associate degree program, entering in the third semester rather than starting over.
- Three-semester, 32-credit certificate program
- Requires current Arizona CNA certification to apply
- TEAS entrance exam and a 2.5 GPA minimum
- Coursework in fundamentals, pharmacology, gerontology, and family nursing
- Designed for CNAs and medical assistants with prior health care experience
- Located on the Kingman campus in northwestern Arizona
- Graduates may enter the Nursing AAS in the third semester after licensure
- Prepares students for NCLEX-PN and LPN practice in Arizona
Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate (PNC) — On-Campus
Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College is a rural community college district serving Navajo and Apache counties in northeastern Arizona, with practical nursing instruction delivered at its Show Low and Winslow campuses. Classes are small, and the curriculum combines classroom teaching with hands-on labs and clinicals every semester. The college reports a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate, and graduates can continue toward an RN associate degree with roughly one more year of study.
- Certificate of Applied Science in practical nursing
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- Prerequisites in biology, chemistry, English, and math
- Hands-on labs and clinical experiences every semester
- Small class sizes with personal tutoring
- Offered at the Show Low and Winslow campuses
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Option to continue to an RN associate degree
Practical Nursing (LPN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Central Arizona College
Central Arizona College serves Pinal County from its Signal Peak Campus in Coolidge, and its 33-credit practical nursing certificate covers medical terminology, drug dosage calculations, psychiatric care, and pathopharmacology. Clinical skills are built on campus and at partner facilities, and the program runs full time only. Arizona residents pay $75 per credit, and transfer partnerships with Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University give graduates a route toward a BSN.
- 33-credit certificate preparing students for Arizona LPN licensure
- HESI entrance exam required, with an 80% minimum and 70% in anatomy
- 2.8 GPA minimum plus prerequisites including anatomy and physiology
- Arizona residents pay $75 per credit
- Full-time only program with clinicals at partner facilities
- Must attend an informational session to receive the application
- 30-day wait before retesting the HESI
- Transfer partnerships with Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Community College is a Maricopa County community college that awards a Practical Nursing Certificate of Completion on its Scottsdale campus. The college publishes limited program detail, so applicants should confirm admission requirements, start dates, and costs directly with the nursing department before applying.
- Certificate of Completion in practical nursing
- Campus-based instruction on the Scottsdale campus
Practical Nursing Certificate of Completion — On-Campus
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College runs a three-term Fast Track Practical Nursing certificate that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and follows a full-time course sequence. Training blends nursing theory with clinical work in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health care agencies, and admission depends on a nursing program admission test plus a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. The program was expanded with grant funding aimed at adding licensed practical nurses to Arizona's workforce.
- Three-term Fast Track Practical Nursing certificate
- Approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- 22 to 27.5 total credits required
- Nursing program admission test required
- Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card required
- Minimum grade of C in all courses
- Clinicals in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health care agencies
- Expanded with grant funding to grow Arizona's LPN workforce
Fast Track Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Phoenix College
Phoenix College offers a campus-based Practical Nursing certificate of completion that is distinct from the college's associate degree in nursing. Instruction is hands-on and face to face, covering nursing fundamentals, patient care, and clinical skills, and it prepares graduates for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Prospective students should check with the college for current course requirements and start dates.
- Certificate of Completion in practical nursing
- Campus-based, face-to-face instruction
- Covers nursing basics, patient care, and clinical skills
- Prepares graduates for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care
- Separate from the college's associate degree in nursing
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Most Affordable Top Arizona LPN Programs by NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
Cost matters, especially when you are investing in a career change or your first credential. These five programs rank among the top Arizona LPN options by NCLEX-PN performance and carry the lowest published in-state tuition. Tuition figures reflect 2024 institutional data from the U.S. Department of Education and may not include books, supplies, or exam fees.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Program Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohave Community College | Kingman | $2,208 | On-campus, 3 semesters |
| Northland Pioneer College | Holbrook | $2,664 | On-campus (Show Low and Winslow campuses) |
| Glendale Community College | Glendale | $2,358 | On-campus, full-time fast track |
| Pima Community College | Tucson | $2,442 | On-campus, 3 semesters, full-time |
| Arizona Western College | Yuma | $3,060 | On-campus, occupational certificate |
Accelerated LPN Programs in Arizona: Who Finishes Fastest?
Standard practical nursing programs in Arizona typically run 12 to 18 months, but several schools offer accelerated or fast-track options that compress classroom and clinical hours into roughly 10 to 12 months. If speed matters to you, the table below compares the fastest options available. Notably, four of the six programs listed are located in the Phoenix metro area, directly answering the demand for fast-track LPN programs in Phoenix. Yavapai College's DOL-grant-funded LPN Fast Track, which launched its inaugural cohort in Fall 2024, is active and accepting students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. The grant provides tuition support for qualifying FAFSA-eligible students and targets CNAs, licensed nursing assistants, and military medical personnel looking to advance to LPN licensure.
| School | Program Name | Approximate Duration | Schedule Format | Credits or Clock Hours | 2026 Enrollment Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline College (Phoenix) | Practical Nursing Program | 48 weeks (about 11 months) | Full-time; rolling admissions | N/A | Contact school to confirm |
| GateWay Community College (Phoenix) | Fast Track Practical Nursing | 2 semesters | Full-time | N/A | Contact school to confirm |
| EVIT (Mesa) | Practical Nursing, LPN Program | 12 months | Full-time, weekday daytime hours | 1,080 clock hours | Contact school to confirm |
| Glendale Community College | Fast Track Practical Nursing | 3 semesters | Full-time | 22 to 27.5 credits | Contact school to confirm |
| Yavapai College (Prescott area) | LPN Fast Track | 2 semesters | Full-time | 22 credits | Active, accepting applications |
| Mesa Community College (Red Mountain) | Fast Track Practical Nursing | Full-time (exact length not published) | Full-time, weekday schedule | N/A | Applications expected to reopen August 2026 |
What It Actually Costs: Tuition, Fees, Supplies, and Exam Expenses
Community college LPN programs in Arizona typically run between $8,000 and $11,000 all in, once you add every required expense beyond tuition. The model below uses real line items from Arizona community colleges to show where the money goes. Private and for-profit programs may double or triple the tuition slice alone, pushing total costs well above $20,000.
Which Arizona LPN Programs Are Easiest to Get Into?
Two Arizona applicants can face very different admissions experiences: one may need a timed LPN/LVN program entrance exam and a current CNA credential before applying, while another may only need to finish a short set of reading, writing, and math prerequisites. Understanding which pathway a program uses is more useful than assuming all LPN programs are equally selective.
Where the entrance exam fits
Gateway Community College's Fast Track program requires the HESI A21, with a minimum of 75% on each tested area according to its 2024-2025 materials2. Cochise College is the TEAS alternative, with a minimum score of 58.4%3, plus a B or better in BIO and NUR courses4. Pima Community College, by contrast, lists reading, writing, and math preparation but no TEAS, HESI, or NLN for the LPN track; a C or better in those prep courses appears to be the documented threshold5. Mesa's published fast-track pages do not clearly list a separate entrance exam, so confirm with the program whether the district HESI standard applies6.
Experience and background checks
Gateway adds a filter that many applicants overlook: you need a current CNA/LNA credential2, or specific LPN Classes, Courses, and Curriculum within the past year. That makes Gateway harder to enter on short notice unless you already work in healthcare. Brookline College does not list a TEAS or HESI, but it does require an interview with the program director, a background check, and proof of high school completion7. Pima's documented prerequisites center on academic preparation rather than prior healthcare experience5.
Waitlists, cohorts, and rolling starts
Seat availability is the least transparent part of Arizona LPN admissions. EVIT conspicuously posts "0 Waitlist" for its Main Campus, but it also carries candidacy accreditation status as of 2025, so treat that signal as a snapshot of current volume rather than an accreditation guarantee. Brookline's published materials mention rolling admissions7, which can help applicants who miss a traditional deadline. Most public programs in this group do not publish cohort size or annual start dates in a way that lets applicants compare seat supply directly. College-wide open enrollment should not be read as proof of nursing admission ease; the nursing department still sets its own gates.
If one pattern holds, it is this: easier in Arizona usually means fewer entrance exam requirements and less healthcare experience, not open enrollment. The leanest documented paths are Pima and Brookline, while Gateway and Cochise have clearly defined exam thresholds, and EVIT is the most explicit about waitlist status. Still confirm the current admission packet, because these details shift year to year.
Arizona LPN Admission Checklist: Prerequisites, Exams, and Documents
Arizona LPN programs share a core set of admission requirements, though a few items vary from school to school. Use this checklist to get ahead of the process before applications open.
- High school diploma or GEDUniversal across all Arizona programs. Official transcripts are typically required.
- Minimum GPAMost programs require at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, though some set the bar at 2.0 or higher. Check each school's specific threshold.
- Prerequisite courseworkAnatomy & Physiology is required almost everywhere. Some programs also expect nutrition, introductory biology, or medical terminology. Prerequisites vary the most from school to school, so verify early.
- Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI)Nearly all Arizona LPN programs require a standardized entrance exam, most commonly the ATI TEAS. A few accept the HESI A2 instead. Minimum score cutoffs differ by program.
- Current CPR/BLS certificationAmerican Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is universally required before clinical rotations begin and is often due at enrollment.
- Background check and fingerprint clearance cardArizona requires a valid fingerprint clearance card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Programs will not place you in a clinical site without one, and processing can take several weeks.
- Immunization records and health screeningExpect to provide proof of current immunizations, typically including MMR, Hepatitis B series, varicella, and a TB screening. A physical exam or health clearance form is also standard.
- Drug screeningMost programs require a negative drug screen before clinical placement. Some conduct random testing throughout the program.
EVIT LPN Program: What Applicants Should Know in 2027
What does the EVIT LPN program require, and is it really different from community college options?
East Valley Institute of Technology takes a different approach than Arizona's community colleges. As a career and technical education district, EVIT focuses exclusively on workforce preparation rather than general education. This shapes everything from class composition to financial aid options.
Program Structure and Costs
The Practical Nursing program runs 1,080 hours over 12 months. For 2025-2026, tuition is $14,000, with supply fees adding $2,950 and estimated out-of-pocket expenses (testing, board fees, supplies) running around $1,200. Total investment: roughly $18,150 before any financial assistance.
The June 2026 NCLEX-PN pass rate stands at 100%, though on-time completion sits at 40%. That gap suggests the program is rigorous enough that some students need extra time to finish.
Getting In
EVIT's LPN/LVN Program Admissions requirements include:
- Education: High school diploma, GED, or higher from an accredited institution
- HESI A2 exam: Minimum 70% on Basic Math and 70% English Composite, both achieved in the same test sitting within the past two years
- Healthcare credential: CNA, Medical Assistant, EMT certification, or completion of an EVIT nursing-related pathway
- Advising session: Required meeting with the Nursing Director
The current catalog shows a cohort starting January 2026 and ending August 2027. Contact EVIT directly for current seat availability; its posted materials list no current waitlist, though that can change.
Credit Transfer Considerations
Planning to pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge after graduation? EVIT coursework may be evaluated by Arizona bridge programs , including those on our Best Arizona LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026 list , but transferability is handled case by case.12 No automatic articulation agreement is established, so confirm with your target RN program before assuming credits will apply.
LPN Licensure in Arizona: Training Hours, NCLEX-PN, and Compact Status
Speed and legitimacy are not opposites in Arizona, but a program that skips hours to shave months off the calendar is cutting corners you will answer for at the bedside. Every board-approved practical nursing program in the state has to satisfy Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBON) approval standards, which set combined classroom and clinical hour minimums in the range of 1,400 to 1,500 hours. An accelerated 12-month track can hit that number, but only by running longer days and tighter breaks, not by dropping clinical time. If a program's schedule seems too easy to be true, ask how it accounts for those hours.
NCLEX-PN Registration and Fees
To begin working as a licensed practical nurse in Arizona, you register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE and pay a $200 exam fee once your program certifies completion. Separately, AZBON charges a $160 application fee for your initial license, and applicants also cover a $50 fingerprint-based background check required for licensure. Budget for all three as distinct costs rather than one bundled fee. Graduates have a two-year window after finishing their program to sit for and pass the exam; miss that window and you will need a board-approved refresher course before you can apply.
Compact Status and Renewal
Arizona is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate LPN license lets you practice in other compact states without applying for a separate license in each one, useful if you are near a state line or considering relocation. Renewal runs on a four-year cycle with a $160 fee. Arizona does not mandate a fixed number of continuing education hours. Instead, renewal requires proof of 960 hours of practice within the past five years, a degree or refresher completed in that window, or an advanced nursing credential such as an RN, BSN, master's, or doctorate , often earned through LPN to RN bridge programs.
Arizona LPN Earnings: Salary Data and Metro-Area Pay
Arizona LPNs earn more than the national median, and that gap has been widening as demand for bedside nursing grows across the state. According to the most recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), the statewide median annual wage for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Arizona is $77,070, compared to a national median near $59,730. When you weigh those earnings against many of the in-state tuition figures discussed earlier in this article, often well under $20,000 for community college and career-center programs, the return on investment becomes clear: most graduates can recoup their entire program cost within a few months of full-time work. For context, registered nurses in Arizona earn a median of $99,500, which makes LPN-to-RN bridge programs an especially appealing next step once you are licensed and working.
| Occupation | Total Employment in Arizona | Mean Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical / Licensed Vocational Nurses | 6,530 | $76,120 | $66,770 | $77,070 | $81,860 |
| Registered Nurses (for comparison) | 73,150 | $99,730 | $81,810 | $99,500 | $108,580 |
| Nursing Instructors, Postsecondary (for comparison) | 1,930 | $84,560 | $71,230 | $78,980 | $100,590 |
From LPN to RN: Bridge Programs Available in Arizona
Staying an LPN long-term is one path. Bridging into an RN license within a couple of years is another, and Arizona's public community colleges have built dedicated LPN to RN bridge programs for exactly that second option.
Where the Bridges Are
Central Arizona College runs an AAS Nursing program with an LPN-to-RN emphasis, requiring a current renewable Arizona LPN license and typically a year of work experience. Its NUR131 bridge course (4 credits) demands English, psychology, and math prerequisites plus a passing HESI LPN exam score, paired with a 1-credit drug dosage bridge course. Total timeline runs about 2.5 semesters. Glendale and Mohave community colleges offer similar advanced-placement bridges, letting licensed LPNs skip first-year RN coursework after a pre-admission test, with Mohave's path running roughly two semesters. Northland Pioneer College hosts a bridge through its Show Low campus via a dedicated transition application. Gateway Community College lists a Veteran's LPN Bridge alongside its Fast Track PN option. On the private side, Jersey College's Mesa and Tucson campuses offer a bridge running 15 to 33 months depending on enrollment status.
Do Fast-Track Credits Transfer?
Here's the honest caveat competitors gloss over: none of these schools publish a clear policy on whether credits from an accelerated or fast-track LPN program transfer differently than credits from a traditional-length program. Admissions teams evaluate LPN transcripts case by case, so confirm directly when choosing the right LPN/LVN bridge program rather than assuming accelerated coursework counts.
What You End Up With
Every bridge listed here leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the credential that expands scope of practice and pay ceiling well beyond what LPN licensure alone allows.
