Purse a Nursing Career with an LPN Degree
Those considering a career as an LPN may want to consider working in the state of Arizona. With the proper education and credentials, practical nurses shouldn't have trouble finding a job in this state. According to the state's Board of Nursing, there are currently 10,545 active LPNs in Arizona. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that Arizona is expected to be short more than 9,500 LPNs by 2025.
Those who want to be on the leading edge of fighting that shortage can enter the nursing workforce after completing an accredited, state-approved LPN program. These programs, which typically require two years or less of study, prepare students to work in a variety of settings, including offices of physicians, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. Those who are ready to start working towards this rewarding career should read on to explore LPN programs in Arizona, get a better idea of state licensing requirements, and review LPN salary and employment figures.
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Top LPN Programs in Arizona
#1 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Cochise College
Sierra Vista, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With online and on-campus options, Cochise College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus in Arizona. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. After completing their associate or certificate program, graduates can enroll in bachelor's programs to increase their job options and earning potential.
The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near Sierra Vista. Additionally, online nursing programs can benefit busy students by allowing them to complete assignments and view lectures on evenings and weekends. Prospective applicants should look into the associate and certificate programs offered and see if any meet their needs.
Cochise College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 54
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 12
Number of Certificate Programs: 39
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
#2 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
GateWay Community College
Phoenix, AZ - 2 years
- Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from GateWay Community College. While physically located in Phoenix, Arizona, many of the school's programs are available online for students living anywhere to take advantage of. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
While earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, participants examine core concepts in the field. With the skills gained from their training, individuals can apply for entry-level nursing roles. Graduates can also transfer to a bachelor's program to advance their education and qualify for higher-level positions in the field.
GateWay Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 72
Number of Certificate Programs: 105
#3 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Eastern Arizona College
Thatcher, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
To qualify for nursing careers, learners can pursue Eastern Arizona College's associate or certificate programs. Students located in the state can attend classes at the school's Thatcher campus, while others can enroll online. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
While earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, participants examine core concepts in the field. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Eastern Arizona College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 50
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 60
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
#4 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing should consider Paradise Valley Community College, a public institution. While physically located in Phoenix, Arizona, many of the school's programs are available online for students living anywhere to take advantage of. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels provide coursework and training that allow participants to develop a strong foundation in the field. Individuals can pursue entry-level nursing positions after graduation. Along with applying for positions, graduates can transfer their credits into a bachelor's program and advance their education before entering the workforce.
Paradise Valley Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 30
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 88
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
#5 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ - 2 years
- Campus
Learners interested in pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing can consider Scottsdale Community College, a public institution. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Arizona and throughout the country. Studying remotely allows learners to attend class without commuting or adjusting their schedule to attend day classes.
While completing an associate or certificate program in nursing, participants develop technical skills and gain broad knowledge in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to nursing positions. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Scottsdale Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 47
Number of Certificate Programs: 98
#6 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Northland Pioneer College
Holbrook, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Northland Pioneer College is a public institution. Although the school's campus is in Holbrook, Arizona, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate or commute.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. These programs qualify individuals to apply to entry-level nursing positions after graduation. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree, which they may use to qualify for more advanced roles with higher earning potential.
Northland Pioneer College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 25
Number of Certificate Programs: 51
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
#7 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Central Arizona College
Coolidge, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners interested in pursuing a certificate or an associate degree can study online or on campus through Central Arizona College. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. Rather than entering the workforce immediately, many graduates pursue bachelor's studies to qualify for more advanced roles and higher salaries.
Enrollees not based near the Coolidge campus can pursue the school's programs online. This can also be a great option for students who wish to work in nursing but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. Before choosing a program, applicants should consider their personal interests and professional goals.
Central Arizona College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 57
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 102
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 7
#8 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Phoenix College delivers associate and certificate programs to prepare learners for nursing careers. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.
Coursework in nursing programs covers theories and practical knowledge that participants need to succeed in the field. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. To qualify for higher salaries and leadership roles, graduates of associate or certificate programs can pursue a bachelor's degree.
Phoenix College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 50
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 120
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 8
#9 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Estrella Mountain Community College is a public institution enrolling learners in associate and certificate programs. Although the school's campus is in Avondale, Arizona, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Many online learners complete coursework on evenings and weekends so as not to interfere with their work schedule.
Along with field-specific knowledge, participants pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing gain practical skills in the field. These programs qualify individuals to apply to entry-level nursing positions after graduation. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Estrella Mountain Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 54
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 85
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
#10 LPN Programs in Arizona [2022 Guide]
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Mesa Community College provides nursing-specific career preparation through associate and certificate programs. While the school's campus is located in Arizona, students can complete online programs from anywhere. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.
In addition to coursework, associate and certificate programs in nursing feature practical training opportunities to prepare participants for work in the field. This training is usually sufficient to begin entry-level jobs in nursing and related fields. To qualify for more advanced positions and higher earning potential, many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue a bachelor's degree.
Mesa Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 59
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 12
Number of Certificate Programs: 133
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 25
How to Become an LPN in Arizona
As in all states, practical nurses in Arizona are required to obtain licensure in order to find employment and work. Each state, however, has different requirements for licensing. Below is a breakdown of what Arizona LPNs can expect during the process:
Basic Eligibility
- Must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent diploma
- Must have graduated from or be close to graduating from an approved LPN program
Education & Training Requirements
The first step towards licensure for any aspiring LPN is graduating from an approved practical nursing program. This usually requires between one and two years of study, depending upon the school. Those who graduate in Arizona can file a Certificate of Completion with the nursing board, while those who graduated from an out-of-state school will need to have official transcripts sent from the school to the Board of Nursing.
Additional Requirements for Licensure by Examination
- Complete the formal application
- Complete the NCLEX registration and earn a passing score on the NCLEX-PN
- Submit a copy of documentation regarding citizenship status
- Submit a fingerprint card for background checks
- Submit the proper non-refundable fees:
- $300 application fee
- $50 fingerprint processing fee
Keep in mind that Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact State. This means that any nurse in good standing in his or her home state can practice in other participating compact states. There are currently 25 states that accept the compact agreement. In order to gain a multistate license, nurses in Arizona must:
- Declare Arizona as their state of residence
- Legally reside in the state
- Hold an active LPN license in good standing
- Meet all licensure requirements in the home state
LPNs who have a license in another state can apply for Arizona licensure by endorsement. In addition to program verification, applicants seeking endorsement will need to submit evidence of a passing score on the NCLEX-PN, provide proof of previous or current licensure in another state, and must complete a nursing program that meets the state's educational standards and has been assigned a nursing program code by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (certain exceptions may be granted by the Board). The fee for licensure by endorsement is $150.
Renewing an Arizona License
In order to renew an Arizona practical nursing license, applicants must meet one of the following requirements within the past five years:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more
- Graduated and obtained a degree from a nursing program
- Completed a refresher course approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing
Renewals are expected every four years, on or before July 1. The State Board of Nursing encourages nurses to submit their renewal requests online. There is a $160 renewal fee, and a $50 late fee per month for tardy renewal applications.
LPN Employment Trends in AZ
Similar to salary, employment opportunities and growth can vary across the state. Certain regions of Arizona may experience exceptional outlook for LPNs, while others may see slower job expansion. The data in this section provides a closer look at LPN employment trends in the state.
Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale | 3,900 |
| Tucson | 980 |
| Prescott | 180 |
| North Arizona nonmetropolitan area | 150 |
| Southeast Arizona nonmetropolitan area | 100 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Flagstaff | 30 |
| Lake Havasu City - Kingman | Estimate not released |
| Yuma | Estimate not released |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Arizona LPN Resources
This large organization for nurses focuses on a wide variety of subjects of interest, including continuing education, ethics, health and safety, public policy and more.
This association caters to nurses through a variety of events, advocacy matters, continuing education and the like.
Arizona State Board of Nursing
This comprehensive and easy-to-navigate site offers all nurses need to know about beginning their career in Arizona.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc.
This membership site offers numerous points of interest for LPNs, including information on certifications and training.
National Federation of Licensed Professional Nurses
This professional association supports nurses with legislation and lobbying, continuing education, and annual convention and much more.