Becoming a licensed practical nurse is an exciting and rewarding journey, and it begins with completing a quality LPN program.
There are many good programs available to choose from, so it’s important to choose the one that meets your needs.
This quick guide highlights five of your options to help you get started in the selection process.
5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Arizona
Arizona is full of great schools, but the following are five top LPN programs to consider to help you reach your career goals.
1. GateWay Community College
Gateway Community College is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, and it offers a Fast Track Practical Nursing program.
This program is made up of only 22 to 27 credits and it’s open to students who have completed all prerequisites.
The program can be completed in about 18 months, but it can be challenging as you are pushing your way through an LPN program more quickly.
Additionally, the rotating clinical hours require you to have an open schedule, so working while you’re in the program may not be possible.
If you choose the Fast Track Practical Nursing program at Gateway, you can expect tuition of around $3,792 prior to the cost of books, fees, and any additional expenses.
2. Cochise College
If you are interested in a little less pressure, Cochise College offers an LPN program that is made up of labs, lectures, class learning, and clinical experiences.
The location of labs are conducted at various campuses, and the clinical hours will take place at several locations to provide a wide range of experiences.
It requires that you complete 32 credits, which will take you about three semesters to complete.
Tuition is approximately $6,400, which may change to some degree each year.
Paying for course fees, books, and other expenses will take that cost up to about $8,450.
3. Mohave Community College
If you are currently a certified nursing assistant or have an equivalent position, Mohave Community College offers an LPN program if you’ve completed the prerequisites.
Mohave’s LPN program consists of 32 credits that provide the knowledge you need to take the NCLEX-PN and should take approximately three semesters to complete.
The cost of this program for in-state students is $81 per credit hour, which brings the total to $2,592.
For out-of-state students, the program is $283.50 per credit hour for a total of $9,072.
Please note that this cost does not include course materials, supplies, or additional expenses.
4. Pima Community College
Whether you’re excited to move into the medical field as an LPN immediately or are considering following through for an RN degree pretty soon, Pima Community College has a great LPN program.
It consists of 1,380 clock hours that are spread across three semesters and can be completed in a little over one year.
This 38.5 credit program covers everything from theory to clinical experience, preparing you to step right into your new career.
The total cost of tuition, fees, uniforms, supplies, textbooks, and additional expenses is estimated to be about $18,492.
5. Smith Chason School of Nursing
The Smith Chason School of Nursing offers a Practical Nursing diploma program at its Phoenix, AZ campus.
This program is dedicated to helping every student become the best LPN they can possibly be and even follow through to become an RN if they choose.
The class learning and clinical training take place over 1248 clock hours, which are typically completed in about 52 weeks.
Tuition for this program runs at approximately $19,344.
With fees, books, supplies, and additional expenses, you can expect a total of about $22,695.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Arizona – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Arizona
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Gateway Community College | 108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 8504 |
| Cochise College | 901 Colombo Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 |
| Mohave Community College | 480 S Central St, Colorado City, AZ 86021 |
| Pima Community College | 4905 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711 |
| Smith Chason School of Nursing | 3110 N Central Ave Suite L-100, Phoenix, AZ 85012 |
Salary
Becoming an LPN in Arizona can be a lucrative move.
Most Arizona LPNs make anywhere from $45,431 to $55,655, but the average annual salary is about $50,034.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Arizona
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $49,992 |
| Tucson | $47,551 |
| Mesa | $50,000 |
| Glendale | $49,992 |
| Scottsdale | $50,000 |
| Chandler | $50,000 |
| Tempe | $50,000 |
| Gilbert | $50,000 |
| Peoria | $49,891 |
| Yuma | $51,898 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 40 | $69,310 | $33.32 | $77,870 | $58,440 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 180 | $60,620 | $29.15 | $73,930 | $51,360 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 3,680 | $67,760 | $32.58 | $77,540 | $55,830 |
| Prescott, AZ | 160 | $69,480 | $33.41 | $77,660 | $56,480 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 70 | $64,700 | $31.11 | $74,050 | $49,620 |
| Tucson, AZ | 920 | $64,330 | $30.93 | $73,480 | $53,060 |
| Yuma, AZ | 110 | $65,920 | $31.69 | $74,050 | $58,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to earning an LPN license in Arizona?
The first step is to complete your LPN program.
After that, you will need to apply for your license through the Arizona State Board of Nursing, register for your NCLEX-PN, and schedule your exam once you’ve received authorization.
You will then need to go through a background check and pass your exam.
When you have completed these steps, you will receive your license.
How many times can you take the NCLEX-PN if you fail?
Arizona has no limit on the number of times you can take the test, but you will need to pay the registration fee each time.
Additionally, if two years have passed since your clinical training, you will have to pass a refresher course before you can take the exam again.
Is becoming an LPN in Arizona a good career for the future?
In short, yes – medical care professionals are always in demand.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for LPNs to grow at least nine percent by 2030.
Where can I work as an LPN in Arizona?
Arizona is considered one of the top states for employment for LPNs, and there are many great places to work in that position.
Some of the best Arizona cities for employment are Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, and Yuma.
As an LPN, you can work in any medical facility, including hospitals, residential care facilities, doctors’ offices, and home health.
How much does it cost to become an LPN in Arizona?
In addition to the cost of your LPN program, you will need $200 to register for the NCLEX-PN, $100 to apply for your license, and $50 for the required fingerprinting process.
