Best Arizona LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Arizona’s LPN to RN bridge programs help licensed practical nurses transition into registered nursing roles through comprehensive education. Students complete advanced courses in areas such as pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing. Clinical rotations provide real-world experience, and programs guide graduates through the process of obtaining RN licensure.
2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Arizona
Chamberlain University-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ - Private 4-year - chamberlain.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chamberlain University's Phoenix campus offers a hybrid BSN pathway designed for LPNs/LVNs to advance their careers. This three-year program blends online coursework with in-person classes and clinicals, offering day, evening, and weekend schedules. LPNs can earn up to nine proficiency credits through validation tests, accelerating completion. The 122-credit curriculum costs $765 per credit, approximately $93,330 before fees and savings, with scholarships like the Excellence in Education Grant potentially reducing costs by $31,201. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, HESI A2 or ACT/SAT scores, and an interview; no prerequisites are needed. Six start dates annually provide flexibility. Accredited by CCNE, the program emphasizes simulation labs and clinical training, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. 24/7 academic support and experienced faculty enhance the learning experience.
- 3-year program length.
- Hybrid online and campus learning.
- LPN/LVN proficiency credits available.
- No prerequisites required.
- Six start dates per year.
- 122 total credit hours.
- Tuition $765 per credit hour.
- Total cost approximately $101,175.
- Potential savings up to $31,201.
- Excellence in Education Grant available.
Central Arizona College
Coolidge, AZ - Public 4-Year - centralaz.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Arizona College’s LPN to RN Bridge Program is designed for LPNs with one year of experience. This campus-based, 2.5-semester sequence covers med-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and leadership, incorporating state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinicals in Pinal and Maricopa counties. The ACEN-accredited program requires a minimum 2.8 GPA, prerequisite courses, and the NACE Foundations entrance exam. Multiple start terms are available each year, including summer and fall, with limited class sizes for personalized instruction. Financial aid is available. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Complete in 2.5 semester course sequence
- Apply by 2026-08-05
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts summer/fall
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
Mohave Community College
Kingman, AZ - Public 2-Year - mohave.edu
Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Track, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mohave Community College offers a hybrid LPN to RN track that transitions licensed practical nurses into registered nursing careers in just two semesters. The curriculum centers on Nursing III and IV, paired with specialized pharmacology coursework, and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology. Admission requires a current LPN license, one year of clinical experience, and a satisfactory TEAS score. This program holds accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approval from the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Clinical rotations may involve travel to other cities, even Las Vegas, providing diverse hands-on experiences. Graduates emerge ready for RN roles across healthcare settings.
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Semester program
- Prepares for national licensure examination for registered nurses
- Designed for LPNs to become RNs
- Requires TEAS entrance exam
- Accredited by NLNAC
- Clinical travel may be required
- Prerequisite courses required
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
Tucson, AZ - Private 4-year - pmi.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Medical Institute's LPN to ADN bridge in Tucson offers a fast 20-month route for licensed practical nurses to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. The curriculum integrates advanced pharmacology, acute care, and complex patient management with 504 hours of clinical experience across multiple healthcare settings. This ABHES-accredited program features a small cohort of 35, ensuring personalized instruction and strong support. With a 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 94% job placement, graduates are well-prepared for RN licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Total tuition is $50,750, and financial aid is available. The next application deadline is June 15, 2022. An entrance exam is required for admission.
- ABHES accredited
- Entrance exam required
- $50,750 total program tuition
- 20-Month program
- 70 total credit hours
- Apply by 2022-06-15
- 97% licensure pass rate
- 94% job placement rate
- 504 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ - Public 2-Year - pima.edu
Associate - LPN Transition to ADN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Community College's LPN Transition to ADN pathway serves working licensed practical nurses. This hybrid program blends online coursework with full-time on-campus sessions at West Campus, finishing in three semesters. Students start with the NRS 188 transition course, then cover medical-surgical, pediatric, maternal-newborn, and psychiatric nursing. Clinical placements at partner hospitals provide hands-on experience. Admission requires a valid LPN license, prerequisites in biology, math, and English, and a passing score on the NLN Entrance Exam. Fall and spring starts are available with priority for qualified applicants. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. This military-friendly program offers a practical bridge to registered nursing.
- Entrance exam required
- 3-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Vaccinations required for clinical placements
- Full-time study at West Campus
- Application deadlines in September and February
- Prior LPN license required
- Internet access required daily
Arizona LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
- Current, unencumbered LPN license. Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so a valid multistate LPN license is commonly accepted by in-state programs.
- Completion of college prerequisites with minimum grade requirements set by the school. Typical prerequisites include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English composition and college-level math
- General psychology and human growth and development
- Nutrition; chemistry may be required by some programs
- Minimum cumulative GPA, often in the 2.5 to 3.0 range, and completion of placement or standardized entrance testing as required by the institution.
- Background check, drug screening, and immunizations meeting clinical site requirements; current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
- For advanced placement, many Arizona programs require proof of recent LPN practice, professional references, and skills validation to award transition credit.
English language proficienc
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in Arizona build on practical nursing experience and focus on RN-level critical thinking, comprehensive assessment, care planning, delegation, and management of complex and unstable patients. You will strengthen clinical judgment and learn to coordinate care across settings.
- Bridge and transition content that aligns LPN scope with RN entry-level competencies
- Health assessment across the lifespan, pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology including IV therapy
- Adult medical-surgical nursing in acute and chronic care, perioperative concepts, and emergency readiness
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing
- Mental health and behavioral health nursing
- Community and population health, epidemiology, and health promotion
- Evidence-based practice, informatics, quality improvement, and leadership
- Supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, outpatient, and community settings
In Arizona, eligibility for RN licensure requires graduating from a program approved by the state regulator and passing the NCLEX-RN. You can verify program approval on the Arizona State Board of Nursing site. Many Arizona schools also hold national programmatic accreditation from ACEN or CCNE. While board approval is required for licensure, programmatic accreditation supports credit transfer, graduate school admission, and broader employer recognition.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Arizona offers LPN to RN options primarily at public community colleges, which typically offer LPN to ADN tracks that lead to RN licensure in a shorter timeframe. While some private universities offer direct LPN to BSN pathways, public universities commonly offer RN to BSN programs designed for those who have already obtained their ADN and RN license, adding broader coursework in leadership, research, and population health.
Expect a sequence such as a transition bridge course followed by progressively complex clinical and theory courses. Representative classes include:
- LPN-to-RN transition and role development
- Comprehensive health assessment with lab
- Advanced pharmacology and medication safety
- Adult medical-surgical nursing I and II with clinical
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing with clinical
- Mental health nursing with clinical
- Community and public health nursing
- Evidence-based practice, nursing research, and informatics
Nursing leadership, delegation, and management of care
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Arizona work in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, primary care and specialty clinics, behavioral health facilities, long-term and post-acute care, home health, school health, and public health. Urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson offer large hospital systems with specialty units, while rural and tribal communities may offer broad generalist roles and loan-repayment opportunities.
Compared with LPNs, RNs have a wider scope of practice, greater responsibility for comprehensive assessments and care planning, and broader employment options in acute care. RNs typically see higher earning potential and more pathways into leadership, care coordination, specialty certifications, and graduate education. Demand for RNs in Arizona is supported by population growth, retirement of experienced nurses, and continued need in rural regions. Work schedules often include 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays in hospital settings; outpatient and community roles may offer more traditional hours.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge programs: Many Arizona LPN to ADN pathways can be completed in about 12 to 18 months after prerequisites. LPN to BSN pathways commonly require about 24 to 36 months of upper-division nursing coursework, depending on transfer credits.
- Part-time options: Extend timelines by 1 to 2 additional semesters. These are designed for working LPNs who need lighter course loads.
- Evening/weekend tracks: Where offered, clinicals and labs are scheduled outside traditional hours. Completion times are often similar to part-time programs due to reduced weekly course intensity.
Total time to completion depends on how many prerequisites are finished, recency of coursework, placement testing, and whether advanced standing credit is awarded for LPN experience.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Arizona
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College |
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| Central Arizona College |
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| Mohave Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
- Public community college LPN to ADN: In-state tuition for the nursing sequence at public community colleges commonly falls in the high four figures to low five figures, varying by district and including program-specific and clinical fees.
- Public university LPN to BSN: Resident tuition for public university RN to BSN programs (for those who have obtained their ADN and RN license) typically totals in the low to mid five figures, with program and course differentials.
- Private institutions: Usually higher overall tuition than public options.
- Additional costs: Books and e-resources, skills lab supplies, uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, immunizations, drug screen, background check, BLS certification, liability insurance, transportation and parking for clinicals, and application, testing, and licensure fees including NCLEX.
- Housing and living expenses: Costs vary widely between metro Phoenix and Tucson versus smaller cities and rural areas. Community colleges may have limited or no on-campus housing; universities may offer residence halls and meal plans. Budget for rent, utilities, and commuting if clinical sites are spread across a region.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Arizona
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Central Arizona College |
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| Chamberlain University-Arizona |
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| Pima Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Arizona programs commonly offer hybrid formats that deliver some theory courses online while requiring in-person skills labs and supervised clinical rotations at Arizona clinical sites. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not feasible because hands-on clinical education with faculty oversight is required for licensure preparation. If you are considering an online or out-of-state option, ensure the program is authorized to place students in Arizona clinical sites and is approved by the state board.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Arizona
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Arizona LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs become eligible for RN licensure by examination through the Arizona State Board of Nursing after the Board verifies graduation and receives a fingerprint-based background check. Once the Board deems you eligible, register for the NCLEX-RN on the official NCLEX site, obtain your Authorization to Test, and schedule your exam. Exam results are transmitted to the Board for licensure decisions. Applicants who need testing accommodations request them during the state application process so they are in place before the Authorization to Test is issued.
Arizona processes applications and license status through its online eLicense system. Official transcripts showing degree conferral must be sent directly from the nursing program. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required for all first-time Arizona RN applicants.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Arizona licenses RNs by endorsement if you already hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement requires an application to the Board, verification of your current or original RN license, a fingerprint-based background check, and evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence as required by Arizona law. Arizona may issue a temporary license so you can practice while your endorsement is finalized.
Arizona is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you reside in another compact state and hold an active multistate RN license, you may practice in Arizona under compact privilege without obtaining a separate Arizona license. If you relocate and declare Arizona as your primary state of residence, you must apply for an Arizona multistate RN license by endorsement to continue practicing under compact privileges.
Licensure Requirements
- Graduate from an approved RN program such as an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge.
- Submit an application for RN licensure by exam or by endorsement to the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- Arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from your nursing program showing the degree awarded.
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence consistent with Arizona requirements for professional licensure.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
License Renewal
Arizona RN licenses are renewed every four years. To renew, RNs must meet the Board’s continuing competence requirement within the period immediately preceding renewal. Options include one of the following completed within the last five years:
- A minimum of 960 hours of practice as a nurse.
- Completion of a Board-approved refresher course.
- Completion of an advanced nursing degree.
- Completion of 45 contact hours of continuing education applicable to nursing practice.
Plan your renewal so your chosen option is completed before your license expiration date shown in your eLicense account. Arizona does not require submitting CE certificates at renewal unless you are selected for audit, but you must retain documentation that verifies your chosen renewal option.
Average LPN State Salary in Arizona
$72,840
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 2.5 to 3 semesters of full-time study, not including prerequisite coursework. Some programs may be as long as 20 months.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
This pathway concentrates on providing the core clinical skills and theoretical knowledge required for entry-level registered nursing positions. The curriculum often includes evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and critical thinking.
Average In-State Tuition in Arizona:
Tuition can vary. For example, Pima Community College's LPN to AAS program has an estimated in-state tuition and fees of over $10,000. Other programs may have different costs.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce. It is also a more affordable initial step toward a registered nursing career.
School Types:
Community colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Arizona.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
The duration can vary, with some programs taking one to three years to complete.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
LPN to BSN programs provide a more comprehensive education, including all the clinical components of an ADN program, with additional coursework in nursing theory, research, public health, and leadership.
Average In-State Tuition in Arizona:
Costs can vary significantly depending on the institution. For instance, the University of Phoenix has an LPN to BSN program, and Grand Canyon University offers an LPN to RN bridge that can then transfer to an RN to BSN program with a per-credit tuition of $495. Arizona State University offers a concurrent enrollment program with an estimated annual cost of $6,104. The University of Arizona's BSN program for residents is approximately $30,412.
Best For:
LPNs who aim for leadership roles, advanced practice positions, or work in specialized areas of nursing. A BSN is often required for magnet hospitals and opens doors to graduate studies.
School Types:
Universities and some private for-profit colleges offer LPN to BSN pathways, including online and hybrid formats.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster entry into the RN workforce: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to a registered nursing role.
- Lower initial cost: Community college tuition is generally more affordable than university tuition, making this a more budget-friendly option.
- Foundation for further education: An ADN serves as a solid base for later pursuing an RN to BSN bridge program, often while working as an RN.
- Immediate salary increase: Transitioning from an LPN to an ADN-prepared RN typically results in a significant pay raise.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader career opportunities: A BSN is often a minimum requirement for leadership, management, research, and public health nursing roles.
- Higher earning potential in the long run: RNs with a BSN generally have a higher lifetime earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
- Foundation for advanced degrees: A BSN is necessary for entry into master's (MSN) or doctoral (DNP, PhD) nursing programs.
- Improved patient outcomes: Research has shown a correlation between a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses and better patient outcomes.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Arizona
Coolidge, AZ
Central Arizona College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Complete in 2.5 semester course sequence
- Apply by 2026-08-05
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts summer/fall
- 2.8 GPA minimum
Kingman, AZ
Mohave Community College
- Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Track, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Semester program
- Prepares for national licensure examination for registered nurses
- Designed for LPNs to become RNs
- Requires TEAS entrance exam
- Accredited by NLNAC
Phoenix, AZ
Chamberlain University-Arizona
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year program length.
- Hybrid online and campus learning.
- LPN/LVN proficiency credits available.
- No prerequisites required.
- Six start dates per year.
- 122 total credit hours.
- Tuition $765 per credit hour.
- Total cost approximately $101,175.
Tucson, AZ
Brookline College-Tucson
- Bachelor's - PN to BSN Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated 3-year BSN program.
- $5,000 scholarship for PN graduates.
- Transfer up to 15 PN credits.
- CCNE-accredited nursing education.
- Campus-based program in Tucson.
- VR labs for skill development.
- Graduation from Brookline PN required.
- TEAS exam passing required.
Pima Community College
- Associate - LPN Transition to ADN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 3-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Vaccinations required for clinical placements
- Full-time study at West Campus
- Application deadlines in September and February
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
- Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- ABHES accredited
- Entrance exam required
- $50,750 total program tuition
- 20-Month program
- 70 total credit hours
- Apply by 2022-06-15
- 97% licensure pass rate
- 94% job placement rate
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