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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Arizona
Arizona approves fewer than two dozen LPN programs, all campus-based — there is no fully online route to an Arizona license. Seats are concentrated in Phoenix (GateWay CC, Maricopa Skill Center, Mesa CC, East Valley Institute of Technology) and Tucson (Pima CC), with Mohave CC and Central Arizona College serving outlying areas. NCLEX-PN pass rates at Arizona's top programs consistently exceed the national benchmark.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GateWay Community College | Phoenix | Community College | 12 months | $8,400 |
| Pima Community College | Tucson | Community College | 14 months | $7,800 |
| Maricopa Skill Center | Phoenix | Technical Center | 12 months | $6,500 |
| East Valley Institute of Technology | Mesa | Technical School | 11 months | $9,200 |
| Central Arizona College | Coolidge | Community College | 12 months | $7,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Arizona
Arizona has no fully online LPN pathway — the Arizona State Board of Nursing requires in-person clinical training. GateWay CC and Mesa CC within the Maricopa District offer the most flexible hybrid options, with the Mesa fast-track evening program covering 40% of coursework virtually. Pima CC in Tucson also offers hybrid scheduling for its 14-month program.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Arizona residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Arizona LPN Program
Arizona requirements vary significantly by school — Mohave CC requires a 2.5 GPA and CNA certification for admission, while Maricopa District programs use TEAS scores as the primary ranking criteria. Check your target school's specific requirements before completing prerequisites, as doing the wrong entrance exam wastes time and money.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Arizona
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Arizona
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Arizona earn an average of $72,840 per year ($35.02/hour). This places Arizona above the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Arizona typically range from $54,300 for entry-level positions to $89,100 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Arizona
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $74,200 |
| Tucson | $69,800 |
| Mesa | $73,500 |
| Scottsdale | $75,100 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Arizona is projected to grow 5% over the next decade — faster than average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,400 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Arizona
The majority of LPNs in Arizona work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Arizona is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Arizona
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Arizona
Arizona LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Arizona LPNs practice under ARS Title 32, Chapter 15 and are regulated by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Arizona is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Arizona LPNs work under the direction of an RN, APRN, physician, or PA. Scope includes:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused nursing assessments and data collection
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to the plan of care
- Delegating to and supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
Arizona permits LPN IV therapy with additional training and some specific restrictions:
- LPNs may start peripheral IVs, administer IV fluids and medications after completing an approved IV therapy course
- LPNs may access established implanted ports for medication administration and blood sampling
- LPNs CANNOT insert or de-access central lines
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or investigational drugs without direct RN supervision
- Facility policy determines the exact scope — always check your employer's IV therapy policy
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Initial comprehensive patient assessments
- Creating or modifying nursing care plans
- Inserting or de-accessing central venous lines
- Emergency department triage
- Independent practice without RN/physician direction
- Administering IV conscious sedation medications
Arizona LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Western College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | Top-ranked AZ LPN program; ADN bridge with local clinicals in Yuma area |
| Pima Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | LPN-to-ADN bridge in Tucson metro area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Arizona Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: azbn.gov
- Phone: (602) 771-7800
- Address: 4747 N. 7th St, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →