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.

Top LPN Programs in Arizona

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

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

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:

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:

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

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Arizona LPN Resources

American Nurses Association

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.

Arizona Nurses Association

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.