Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be a fulfilling career choice for those interested in healthcare. Vocational nursing programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin their careers as LPNs. Phoenix, Arizona, is home to several LPN programs that offer hands-on training and instruction. Applying to these programs can be a great way to start a career in healthcare, as they provide students with the opportunity to learn about patient care, medical terminology, and nursing procedures. In addition, vocational nursing programs can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries, making them a great investment in your future.
We know that finding the right program is crucial to your success. With so many LPN programs to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. That’s why we’ve done the research for you, summarizing and comparing the best LPN programs in Phoenix to help you make an informed decision. Our comprehensive guide includes information on program length, tuition costs, admission requirements, and accreditation, among other factors, so you can find the program that works best for you. Whether you’re just starting out in your nursing career or looking to advance your skills, our guide can help you find the LPN program that fits your needs and goals.
Featured LPN Programs
Explore our carefully chosen assortment of the best LPN programs in the Phoenix area. Our list is consistently updated to guarantee access to the most dependable choices within the Phoenix region. Learn more about the details of each school’s LPN program by choosing your school of interest below.
Smith Chason College
The Practical Nursing diploma program at Smith Chason College is designed to provide students with the skills and competencies they need to become practical nurses. The program includes a flexible, 3-day-a-week schedule and covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical and surgical nursing, pharmacology, communicable diseases, human growth and development, maternity and pediatric nursing, mental health, gerontology, rehabilitation, and professional roles and leadership in the nursing field.
The program takes 12 months to complete, and courses are a combination of online lectures and hands-on lab work. All lecture classes are held online, while skills and simulation labs take place on campus, and clinicals are in-person at assigned clinical sites.
Smith Chason College has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College (ACCSC) as a private post-secondary vocational school since 2001, and the Practical Nursing Diploma program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Financial aid and scholarships are available to students who need assistance.
It’s worth mentioning that the current NCLEX pass rate for the program is 80%. Additionally, the founders of Smith Chason School of Nursing have made it their mission to produce graduates who display academic excellence and the highest levels of integrity.
The Smith Chason College Practical Nursing Program is accredited and approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing, and financial aid and scholarships are available to those who need them.
Admission Requirements
- Meet the College’s general entrance requirements
- Obtain a minimum score of 70% on the HESI test in English Language and Math, including reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and knowledge, taken within the past two years.
- Participate in an interview with the Practical Nursing Program Director.
- Write a 500-word essay on “Why I Want to be a Nurse.”
- Provide evidence of one (1) of the following healthcare experiences: CNA/LNA, MA certification, EMS certification, or other healthcare experience on a case-by-case basis.
- Non-native English speakers must take the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score a minimum of 84, including a minimum speaking score of 26.
- Complete a criminal background check and maintain a current DPS Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card throughout the program.
- Meet the Physical and Emotional Requirements of Practical Nursing.
- Show proof of vaccination for varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella, seasonal flu, and annual TB screening. Clinical sites may also require COVID-19 vaccination and boosters to protect against variants, failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program.
- Submit evidence of current and ongoing “CPR for the Healthcare Professional” certification from the American Heart Association.
- Some clinical facilities may require registration through myClinicalExchange or completion of online clinical orientation modules, and any associated fees are the student’s responsibility. Failure to maintain these requirements may delay the student’s progress through the program.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $22,710 (Tuition: $19,344, Other fees: $3,366) |
| Program Duration | 52 weeks – 1248 total hours |
| Class Schedule | 3 days per week 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday) |
| Website | https://smithchason.com/programs/practical-nursing |
| Location | 3110 North Central Avenue, Suite L-100, Phoenix, AZ 85012 |
| Phone | 888-897-2547 |
Gateway Community College
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse, you may want to consider the Fast Track Practical Nursing program at Gateway Community College. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in acute care, extended care, and intermediate care settings. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). It’s worth noting that licensing requirements are the responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
The program of study consists of nursing theory lectures and planned patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare agencies. This approach allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. The program also focuses on developing critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice through the utilization of the nursing process as a guideline for providing nursing care. Additionally, students will learn how to assist with data collection, contribute to the established plan of care, and implement an established plan of care using appropriate practical nursing knowledge.
Other important skills that students will learn in the Fast Track Practical Nursing program include performing technical aspects of basic, safe nursing care, demonstrating identified caring behaviors, and functioning in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of practical nursing practice. They will also learn how to apply therapeutic communication techniques when providing basic nursing care for clients throughout the lifespan and utilize relevant technology for client care and documentation.
Completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. The program’s website provides examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages, but education requirements vary for each of these occupations. Full-time status is 12 to 18 credits per semester.
Overall, the Fast Track Practical Nursing program at Gateway Community College appears to be a comprehensive and well-rounded program that can prepare students for a career as an LPN. The combination of classroom learning and real-world experiences seems like a great way to ensure that students are fully prepared to enter the workforce. It’s also reassuring that the program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. However, as with any educational program, it’s important to speak with an academic advisor or program director to ensure that this program is the right fit for you.
Admission Requirements
Health and Safety Requirements for the Fast-Track Nursing Program:
- Students must complete and maintain current status of all Health and Safety Documentation Checklist requirements.
- Students must have a licensed health care provider sign the Health Declaration Form.
- A negative result on a timed urine drug screen is required.
- Adherence to the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy is mandatory for admission to the nursing program. This requires submission of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Students must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD background check policy upon conditional admission.
Admission Criteria:
- Applicants must be accepted into the Fast-Track Practical Nursing Program.
- A passing score on the nursing program admission test is required.
- Applicants must provide documentation of Health and Safety Requirements and a Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- A high school diploma or GED is required. Applicants must either provide high school diploma/transcripts or proof of GED completion OR sign the nursing application page containing the “Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion.” In certain cases, high school diploma/transcripts or proof of GED completion may be requested.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Dependent on residency status. Inquire with program |
| Program Duration | 22 – 27.5 credits |
| Class Schedule | Day and Weekend classes |
| Website | https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/health-sciences/fast-track-practical-nursing-5114-ccl |
| Location | 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 |
| Phone | 602-286-8000 |
LPN Salaries in Phoenix
Let’s take a look at the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and see how LPN salaries stack up in the Valley of the Sun compared to the national and state averages.
According to the table, we see that there are approximately 4,320 LPNs working in Phoenix. That’s quite a substantial number! Now, when it comes to hourly wages, LPNs in Phoenix earn around $30.07, which translates to an annual salary of $62,550.
But how does this compare to the national and state averages? Well, let’s crunch those numbers. Across the entire United States, there are about 135,500 LPNs, and on average, they earn an hourly wage of $19.51, amounting to an annual salary of $40,580. Now, let’s bring the focus back to Arizona as a whole. In the entire state, there are approximately 6,280 LPNs, and their average hourly wage is $29.77, with an annual salary of $61,920.
When we compare Phoenix’s LPN salaries to the national average, it becomes clear that LPNs in Phoenix are doing quite well. They earn significantly higher wages than the national average, with an hourly wage that’s around $10.56 higher and an annual salary that’s approximately $21,970 higher. That’s quite a substantial difference!
Even when we zoom in and compare Phoenix to the state average in Arizona, we can see that LPNs in the city are still doing better. They earn slightly higher hourly wages, around $0.30 more, and their annual salary is approximately $630 higher than the state average.
| # of LPNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| Arizona | 6,280 | $ 29.77 | $ 61,920 |
| Phoenix | 4,320 | $ 30.07 | $ 62,550 |
Influences on LPN Salaries in Phoenix
Several factors can impact LPN salaries in Phoenix, AZ. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Experience: One of the primary factors influencing LPN salaries is the level of experience. Generally, LPNs with more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries. Healthcare facilities often value the knowledge and expertise gained through years of practice, which can result in increased compensation.
- Education and Certification: LPNs who have pursued additional education or obtained specialized certifications may have an advantage in the job market and can negotiate higher salaries. Advanced certifications or degrees, such as becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or pursuing specialized training in areas like gerontology or critical care, can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and may result in higher pay.
- Healthcare Setting: The specific healthcare setting in which an LPN works can impact their salary. LPNs employed in hospitals or specialty clinics, for example, may receive higher wages compared to those working in long-term care facilities or home health settings. The demand for LPNs in different healthcare sectors and the complexity of the work involved can influence salary differentials.
- Demand and Supply: The supply and demand dynamics of LPNs in the Phoenix area can affect salary levels. If there is a shortage of LPNs in the region, employers may offer higher salaries to attract and retain qualified candidates. Conversely, if there is an oversupply of LPNs, salaries may be more competitive or relatively lower.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Phoenix, AZ, can also influence LPN salaries. Areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher wages to match the increased expenses. Employers may adjust salaries accordingly to ensure that LPNs can meet their financial needs and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
- Unionization: Unionized LPNs may benefit from collective bargaining agreements that establish minimum wage standards, salary scales, and negotiated benefits. Union representation can provide LPNs with increased bargaining power and potentially lead to higher salaries and better working conditions.