Online LPN Programs in Arizona: Top Schools & More
Like other states, Arizona has a nursing shortage. Luckily, a number of schools across the state offer flexible online LPN programs to train practical nurses quickly and fill this need. The following EduMed guide explores top online LPN programs in Arizona, looks at how they work, tuition and fees, licensure, and salary and career expectations after graduation. Take your first steps today.
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How They Work: Inside LPN Programs in Arizona
Since becoming an LPN requires clinical experience, no LPN program in Arizona is completely online, but flexible options still exist. Many programs give you the opportunity to complete most (if not all) of your academic coursework online, and perform your clinicals on campus or at an approved third-party facility. To help you better understand how these hybrid programs work, we’ve profiled three of Arizona’s most convenient LPN programs. See if the format, cost, and curricula might work for you.
Maricopa Community College – Fast Track Practical Nursing
The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Maricopa Community College is a great option for busy students who need the most flexibility because this programs offers a day and an evening option. With the evening option, many of the labs and clinical experiences take place on the weekend. Additionally, 40% of the evening program is completed virtually.
The flexibility of this program makes it one of the best options for online LPN programs in Arizona. To apply, you must be a current certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed nursing assistant (LNA) or have taken the Nurse Assisting Course or Advanced Placement Nurse Assisting.
This program offers a certificate of completion and is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. At the end of this program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN and apply for licensure.
Duration: Two semesters or less
Mode: In-person and hybrid options available
Cost: $4,057
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Passing score on a nursing program admission test
- Documentation of health and safety requirements
- Fingerprint clearance card
Curriculum:
- Basic Certified Nurse/Nurse Assisting
- Practical Nursing Theory and Process I
- Practical Nursing Theory and Process II
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Mohave Community College – LPN Step-Out Program
If in person learning is how you thrive, the LPN Step-Out Program at Mohave Community College gives students the most clinical experience out of these three featured schools. The student-centered curriculum prioritizes student work experience in a variety of healthcare settings from hospitals to nursing homes. You will get to work directly with RNs, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to develop your skills as an LPN.
Although the classes for the LPN Step-Out Program are offered on campus, there are flexible scheduling options. You can schedule evening and weekend classes that fit into your busy schedule. After completing the Step-Out Program, students earn a certificate of proficiency and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to obtain their license.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: In-person
Cost: $76 per credit hour for in-state students
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on required prerequisite courses
- 62% or higher on TEAS version 7
- Active and unencumbered CNA/LNA or Assisted Living Caregiver Certification
Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Nursing Education
- Foundations of Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Medical Surgical Nursing I
- Pediatrics in Nursing
- Obstetrics in Nursing
Addressing Common Student Questions about LPN Programs
The process of starting your career as an LPN can seem overwhelming, especially when there’s a lot of information to wade through. To help you while you research LPN programs in Arizonia, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions aspiring LPNs ask below including questions about financial aid and cost.
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Arizona?
In most LPN programs, you’ll learn a variety of healthcare-related and professional skills. The goal of all LPN programs in Arizona is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to qualify for the NCLEX-PN and LPN licensure.
During your time in an LPN program, you’ll learn skills related to safe nursing care including administration of medication, safe use of medical equipment, and accident/fall/injury prevention. However, you’ll also learn skills that can be applied to other areas of your life such as communication skills, critical thinking skills, and supervisory skills. The scope of these skills will be limited as higher education is needed to have more responsibilities. For example, as an LPN you can check vital signs and report status of patients to RNs and doctors, but as an RN you can administer medication to patients while overseeing LPNs. If you want to have more responsibility and a broader range of skills, pursing an RN program after earning your LPN certificate is a must.
How much do LPN programs cost in Arizona?
Most schools that offer practical nursing programs charge by credit hour. The cost of attendance for an Arizona LPN program depends on several variables including the type of school, type of program, residency status, and enrollment status.
Some programs in Arizona require more credit hours than others so this can also impact on the cost. For example, the cost of attendance for Maricopa Community College is $97 per credit hour and the LPN program requires 22 to 27.5 total credits. On the other hand, the Mohave Community College LPN program costs $81 per credit hour and only requires 42 credits.
Can I get financial to help pay for my LPN program in Arizona?
For most students, there are financial aid options available to help pay for an LPN program. Compared to other academic paths, LPN programs are among the most affordable, but they can still be cost prohibitive for some aspiring students.
Fortunately, there are several financial aid resources to assist students who aren’t able to cover the full cost. In Arizona, there are opportunities for scholarships and grants, employer reimbursement programs, and student loans. Additionally, some programs offer other funding options for students including need and merit-based financial aid.
How long do LPN programs in Arizona take to finish?
Most LPN programs in Arizona can be completed in 18 months or less. The length of LPN programs can vary, depending on whether it’s a traditional program or fast-track program. There are many schools that offer three-semester programs that can be completed in about a year.
If you’re looking for a way to complete the requirements to become an LPN in less than a year, there are fast-track and accelerated LPN programs available, many of which allow you to finish your education in less than a year. Keep in mind different LPN programs may have different requirements and prerequisites for admission. These accelerated programs might also require you to be a full-time student to meet the demands of the intensive workload.
Does Arizona have an LPN to RN program?
There are many options in Arizona for LPN to RN programs. Even if you’re planning on completing the training to become an LPN, you might consider transitioning to the role of an RN in the future. While there are many differences between LPN and RNs, many colleges have LPN to RN bridge programs that allow you to transition from one to the other.
Instead of starting from scratch with your academic coursework, LPN to RN bridge programs allow you to become an RN in less time while taking fewer courses. There are many colleges, such as Central Arizona College, that offer a program that allow you to use your LPN education and experience to count as credit towards an associate degree.
Arizona LPN License Requirements
The steps to obtaining your LPN license include completing an LPN program approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and submitting documentation to the state.
After completing your LPN program, you’ll need to submit an application with the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Once your LPN license application has been approved, it’s time to schedule your NCLEX-PN exam. If you already hold an LPN license from a participating state member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you don’t have to apply for Arizona licensure to work as an LPN in Arizona.
In Arizona, LPNs have to renew their license every four years. Since there are specific requirements for renewal, it’s important to plan ahead. Renewal applicants must meet at least one of the following four requirements within the last five years:
- Completed a minimum of 960 hours of nurse practice
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree
- Completed an approved nursing refresher course
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree (LPN to RN, RN to BSN, MSN, or nursing doctorate)
Even though these are steps every aspiring LPN needs to take, the path to obtaining your license can vary depending on your experience and education.
Career Prospects and Salary for Practical Nurses in Arizona
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $47,960 | $62,340 | $80,510 |
| Arizona | $58,330 | $74,020 | $82,580 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $60,590 | $76,560 | $88,950 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $53,390 | $64,910 | $80,660 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $58,780 | $74,670 | $82,780 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $59,180 | $75,330 | $82,910 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $51,780 | $68,470 | $76,520 |
| Tucson, AZ | $58,010 | $70,890 | $81,970 |
| Yuma, AZ | $59,490 | $69,350 | $77,540 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 8,210 | 1,670 | 25.50% | 730 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online LPN Programs in Arizona
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,713 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Glendale Community College
- The Practical Nursing Fast Track program at GCC offers an accelerated path to licensure, enabling students to complete training more quickly and enter the workforce sooner.
- Students benefit from high-quality clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, enhancing real-world skills and employability upon graduation.
- The program features dedicated faculty and strong employer partnerships, supporting networking opportunities and increased job placement potential after completion.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,713 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,769 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Paradise Valley Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at Paradise Valley Community College offers affordable tuition with potential access to scholarships and tuition discounts, making it financially accessible for many students.
- It provides extensive clinical experiences through rotations at local hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, ensuring real-world hands-on training in diverse healthcare settings.
- The program features flexible course delivery with hybrid classes combining online learning and in-person clinical and lab sessions at multiple campus locations, supporting varied student schedules.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,769 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arizona Western College
- The Practical Nursing program offers an accelerated exit option after completion of the first two or three semesters, allowing students to quickly become eligible for Practical Nurse licensure.
- Students benefit from a curriculum that combines classroom, lab, clinical, online learning, and simulation to enhance practical skills and readiness for real-world nursing environments.
- The program is fully accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ensuring recognized quality education and eligibility for advanced nursing degree transfers.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Cochise County Community College District
Sierra Vista, AZProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,140 Avg. Aid Amount
- 18% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cochise County Community College District
- Cochise College’s Practical Nursing program offers comprehensive hands-on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings across Cochise and Pima counties, ensuring practical readiness for real-world nursing.
- The program prepares students specifically for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and emphasizes essential skills including patient safety, medication administration, CPR, basic first aid, and cultural competence in care management.
- Cochise College Nursing is recognized as Arizona’s #1 nursing school, providing expert instruction with modern laboratories and strong clinical partnerships to support student success and quality training.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,140 Avg. Aid Amount
- 18% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,651 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Pima Community College
- The Practical Nursing program offers a conditional enrollment option, allowing students to begin courses after meeting specific admission requirements and department approval, streamlining their path into the program.
- Graduates from the program qualify for direct admission into Pima’s associate degree in nursing (ADN) program, enabling seamless academic advancement from LPN to RN without reapplying.
- Students benefit from hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare settings and access to the Health Professions Center of Excellence with advanced technology, enhancing real-world readiness before graduation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,651 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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