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Best LPN Programs in Phoenix 2026

Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Phoenix, Arizona with details on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing steps and career opportunities for practical nurses in the Phoenix area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Phoenix Arizona LPN programs offering nursing education and clinical experience for entry-level healthcare roles
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Cities in Arizona

2027 Best LPN Programs in Phoenix, AZ

When searching for the best LPN programs in Phoenix, AZ, the choices can feel overwhelming. That's why the editors at practicalnursing.org have evaluated every option, comparing curriculum, clinical training, and graduate success rates. We rank programs based on real-world outcomes and student support, so future nurses can make confident decisions. Phoenix offers many quality pathways to licensure, but not all programs are equal. Our rankings highlight the schools that truly prepare students for the demands of practical nursing. To understand exactly how these rankings were determined, review our methodology. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Mesa Community College

Mesa, AZ - Public 4-Year - mesacc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Fast Track Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Mesa Community College's Fast Track Practical Nursing program, at the Red Mountain campus, prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and entry-level LPN roles in acute, extended, and intermediate care. This Arizona State Board of Nursing-approved program blends theory with clinical experiences at hospitals, nursing homes, and agencies. Teaching methods include lectures, role play, online case studies, and simulation labs. Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, with full-day labs and clinicals after week five. The HESI entrance exam is required. The program is currently paused, with applications reopening August 2026. Virtual info sessions occur on the first and third Tuesdays.

  • Arizona State Board of Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Theory and skills for acute, extended, intermediate care
  • Teaching methods include lectures, role play, simulation
  • First semester classes on Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Full-day labs and simulations
  • Clinical experiences begin after week 5
  • Program paused, applications open August 2026
#2

Glendale Community College

Glendale, AZ - Public 4-Year - gccaz.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Fast Track Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Glendale Community College offers a Fast Track Practical Nursing Certificate of Completion designed for aspiring LPNs. This intensive three-term, full-time program integrates classroom theory with hands-on clinical rotations in hospitals, nursing homes, and community healthcare agencies. Students master the nursing process—collecting data, implementing care plans, and evaluating outcomes—while building skills in therapeutic communication and evidence-based practice. Core coursework includes Practical Nursing Theory and Science I and II, emphasizing technical proficiency and critical thinking. The program holds approval from the Arizona State Board of Nursing, and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. With 22-27.5 credits, admission requires a nursing program entrance exam and a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. LPNs in Arizona earn an average salary of $57,800.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Clinical experiences in hospitals and nursing homes
  • Approved by Arizona State Board of Nursing
  • Minimum grade of C in all courses
  • Level One Fingerprint Clearance required
  • Average LPN salary $57,800 in Arizona
  • Full-time course sequence available
  • 22-27.5 total credits required
#3

Brookline College-Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - brooklinecollege.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Brookline College-Phoenix delivers a campus-based Practical Nursing program that combines accelerated training with comprehensive clinical preparation. In just 48 weeks, students earn a practical nursing diploma while mastering patient monitoring, medication administration, and interprofessional collaboration with physicians and registered nurses. The curriculum is laser-focused on NCLEX-PN success and equipping graduates for immediate entry-level LPN positions. Year-round enrollment ensures flexible start dates, while the supportive admissions team helps students navigate the process. The program emphasizes compassionate, hands-on care, preparing nurses to work confidently in frontline healthcare settings. Whether launching a new career or transitioning from another field, this accelerated pathway offers a pragmatic route to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Phoenix's thriving healthcare landscape.

  • 48-Week program
  • Rolling admissions
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Hands-on patient care training
  • Entry-level LPN job assistance
  • Collaborate with doctors and RNs
  • Practical Nursing diploma awarded
  • Accelerated program for fast career entry
  • Career training as a Practical Nurse
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2025 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

Phoenix LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role across Phoenix’s healthcare system by delivering direct patient care, monitoring health status, administering medications, and supporting care teams under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. In Phoenix, LPNs contribute in diverse settings that include major hospital systems, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics that serve a rapidly growing and aging population.

The city’s healthcare landscape is anchored by large hospital networks and specialty centers alongside extensive long-term care and home health services, creating steady demand for practical nursing skills in inpatient, post-acute, and community-based care. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for LPNs to grow about 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, supporting continued opportunities for new graduates in the Phoenix area. Employers commonly seek LPNs for roles in geriatrics, chronic disease management, primary care, behavioral health, and transitional care.

Typical LPN program timelines in Phoenix vary by school and scheduling format. Most full-time options are designed for completion in approximately 12 to 18 months, while part-time or evening pathways may extend to 18 to 24 months. Programs generally combine classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations in acute, long-term, and community settings to build entry-level competence.

Arizona approves LPN programs and regulates licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Graduates of board-approved programs are eligible to apply for licensure by examination, which includes taking the NCLEX-PN. The Board oversees program standards, licensure requirements, and fingerprint-based background checks. Most Phoenix programs integrate NCLEX-PN preparation through structured review, practice testing, and competency-based clinical experiences aligned with Arizona’s scope of practice for practical nursing.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Phoenix

The healthcare sector in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a robust and growing employment landscape for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The state anticipates a significant 21.8% growth in LPN employment between 2022 and 2032, which translates to approximately 730 annual job openings for both new positions and replacements. As of 2022, Arizona is home to 10,661 Licensed Practical Nurses, highlighting the strong demand for these professionals.

LPNs in Phoenix find employment across a diverse range of healthcare settings, providing essential patient care. These include:

  • Hospitals:Opportunities exist in various hospital types, such as general, rehabilitation, and behavioral health facilities. Notable employers include Valleywise Health Medical Center, Dignity Health East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital Phoenix, and Haven Behavioral Hospital of Phoenix.
  • Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities:These facilities are significant employers, with a substantial portion of LPNs nationally working in such settings. Examples in Phoenix include Desert Peak Care Center and The Terraces of Phoenix.
  • Senior Living and Assisted Living Facilities:Many LPNs work within continuing care retirement communities and assisted living environments. Employers in the Phoenix area include Brookdale Senior Living, Sinceri Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, The Terraces of Phoenix (managed by HumanGood), and Spectrum Retirement Communities.
  • Home Health Agencies:LPNs are in demand for providing skilled in home care, often offering flexible schedules. Agencies actively hiring in Maricopa County include NurseCore, Maxim Healthcare, Dignity Health at Home, Curana Health, and BAYADA Home Health Care.
  • Plasma Donation Centers:Facilities like BioLife Plasma Services, a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., regularly hire LPNs for roles such as donor eligibility determination and managing adverse events.
  • Behavioral Health and Mental Health Residential Treatment Centers:Facilities like Montare Behavioral Health, Avenir Behavioral Health Center, Valley Hospital – Phoenix, and Community Bridges, Inc. employ LPNs with specialized knowledge in psychiatric and medical nursing.
  • Correctional Facilities:LPNs are also employed in correctional settings, such as the Arizona Department of Corrections Perryville, located near Phoenix.
  • School Districts:LPNs are sought for school nursing roles within Phoenix area districts, including Paradise Valley and Peoria.
  • Private Practices and Clinics:This category includes roles in specialized clinics and medical practices, such as City of Hope, which hires LPNs for employee health screenings, infusion services, and direct patient care.

Major healthcare organizations and networks in Phoenix known for hiring LPNs include Valleywise Health, Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited/BioLife Plasma Services. Other prominent employers include Brookdale Senior Living, NurseCore, Maxim Healthcare Services, City of Hope, Haven Behavioral Hospital of Phoenix, Montare Behavioral Health, and Sunrise Senior Living.

Beyond these large systems, smaller facilities and specialized networks also play a vital role in LPN employment. These include La Casa Health Care, Outfield Healthcare Partners, Renewal Health Group, Ro Health, LLC, and Soliant Health.

List of LPN Programs in Phoenix, AZ

We've put together a helpful list of LPN programs in Phoenix, AZ. The table below breaks down each school by city and state, shows program highlights, and gives direct links to the program pages. Whether just starting out or looking to switch careers, these options offer solid hands-on training. Take a look and find the program that fits your goals.

Phoenix, AZ

Brookline College-Phoenix

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 48-Week program
    • Rolling admissions
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
    • Hands-on patient care training
    • Entry-level LPN job assistance
    • Collaborate with doctors and RNs
    • Practical Nursing diploma awarded
    • Accelerated program for fast career entry
*Data derived from the 2025 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

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