Online LPN Programs in Arizona: Top Schools & More

In-Depth Review of Online LPN Classes in Arizona

The path to certification for aspiring LPNs in Arizona usually takes less than 18 months and there are hybrid learning opportunities that allow you to complete some of the coursework on your own time. Since becoming an LPN requires clinical experience, no LPN program in Arizona is completely online–but that doesn’t mean there aren’t flexible options available for you. Some programs offer options for online case studies while other programs offer evening and weekend classes.

Most LPN programs in Arizona offer for-credit certificates/diploma that can be used towards earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which is necessary if you would like to eventually become a registered nurse (RN). The main difference between LPNs and RNs, apart from the required education level, is that LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam while RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing the NCLEX for LPNs is essential for licensing after you complete your training.

To help you with your search for the right online LPN program for you, we have profiled three potential Arizonia programs including details on duration, cost, admission requirements, and curriculum. Here’s a closer look at some of the options in Arizona.

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

Now that you know the steps to take for obtaining your LPN education and license, it’s time to consider the outlook for your career as a nursing professional. To help you get started, we’ve compiled recent job growth and earnings data for LPNs from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which you’ll find in the following tables. As shown in the first table, the total number of LPN jobs in Arizona is projected to grow by more than 25% between 2022 and 2032. That’s almost five times the growth rate for LPN jobs nationwide and over nine times that for all jobs across all occupations in the U.S. combined.

Regarding pay, Arizona LPNs can expect to find annual salaries ranging from the low- to mid-$50,000s for new LPNs, reaching as high as the mid- to upper-$70,000s for those with professional seniority. Salary amounts are also influenced by the specific community or region in the state where jobs are located, as indicated in the second table below.