Arizona LPN to RN/BSN Programs
The southwestern state of Arizona is meeting the rising need for quality healthcare by offering several LPN to RN programs. These programs are increasingly popular for LPNs looking to cast a wider net in employment opportunities and move up in the nursing world, as registered nursing offers a variety of career pathways. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that RNs in the state make an estimated $21,760 more per year than LPNs, it’s easy to see why these programs are gaining traction.
Read more on the LPN to RN educational pathway as well as taking and passing the NCLEX-RN examination. Check out the Arizona State Board of Nursing for information on licensing and available organizations for registered nurses in the state.
2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Arizona
Looking for the best LPN to RN programs in Arizona? practicalnursing.org has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you make an informed decision. Our list considers key factors like program quality, cost, and student support. Start your journey to becoming an RN today with our trusted recommendations. For more on how we rank programs, visit https://practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
Tucson, AZ - Private 4-year - pmi.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson's LPN to ADN program is a 20-month, campus-based curriculum tailored for LPNs seeking to transition into registered nursing roles. It integrates comprehensive theoretical instruction with practical clinical training, focusing on enhancing critical thinking, patient-centered care, and applying evidence-based practices. Prospective students must pass the Wonderlic exam, a math test, and the Kaplan Pre-Entrance Examination for admission. The program is notable for its high NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates, underscoring its effectiveness in preparing graduates for the licensing exam. Financial aid options support students in achieving their career advancement goals in nursing.
- 20-month program duration.
- Campus-based learning environment.
- High NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates.
- Requires Wonderlic and math tests.
- Kaplan Pre-Entrance Examination needed.
- Focus on critical thinking and patient care.
- Hands-on clinical experiences included.
- Financial aid available for eligible students.
- Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Emphasizes evidence-based nursing practice.
Central Arizona College
Coolidge, AZ - Public 2-Year - centralaz.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Arizona College's LPN to RN Bridge Program is designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to transition into registered nursing roles. This program stands out for its focus on evidence-based practice and cultural sensitivity, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a rigorous 2.5-semester curriculum. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.75 GPA, prerequisite courses, and entrance exams. Students benefit from hands-on training in advanced simulation labs and diverse clinical settings across Pinal and Maricopa counties, ensuring a well-rounded nursing education. The program's limited class size fosters a supportive learning environment, ideal for those with at least one year of LPN experience seeking career advancement.
- LPN to RN Bridge track
- 2.5 semester course sequence
- Competitive admission process
- Limited class size
- Requires 1+ year LPN experience
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- State-of-art simulation labs
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Culturally diverse learning environment
Mohave Community College
Kingman, AZ - Public 2-Year - mohave.edu
Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Track, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mohave Community College offers a hybrid Nursing - LPN to RN Track, A.A.S. program tailored for LPNs seeking to advance their careers to RN status. This program stands out for its blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical rotations, including opportunities in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a focus on advanced nursing and pharmacology, it prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Prerequisites include a current LPN license, one year of experience, and a satisfactory TEAS score. Accredited by the NLNAC and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, the program efficiently transitions LPNs to RNs in just two semesters, leveraging prior education for credit.
- Hybrid program format.
- Requires current LPN license.
- One year LPN experience needed.
- Approved by Arizona State Board.
- Accredited by NLNAC.
- Eligible for RN licensure exam.
- Includes clinical rotations.
- Mandatory training/orientation required.
- Computer and Internet access required.
- Two-semester duration.
- Focus on advanced nursing.
- Includes pharmacology courses.
- Prerequisite courses required.
- Satisfactory TEAS score needed.
- Clinical experiences in multiple cities.
- Total degree credits: 71-72.
- Fall semester: 9 credits.
- Spring semester: 9 credits.
- Prerequisite hours: 37-38.
- LPN license grants 16 credits.
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ - Public 2-Year - pima.edu
Associate - LPN Transition to AAS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Community College's LPN to AAS Nursing program is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers to registered nursing. This campus-based program condenses the transition into a focused 3-semester curriculum, accommodating the schedules of working professionals. Prerequisites such as biology, math, and writing lay the groundwork for the program's rigorous coursework. Admission demands include passing the NLN Nursing Entrance Exam and submitting up-to-date vaccination records. Emphasizing clinical skill enhancement, the program opens doors to advanced nursing roles, making it a prime choice for LPNs in Arizona seeking career growth.
- 3-semester nursing pathway
- West Campus full-time program
- Prerequisites include biology courses
- NLN Nursing Entrance Exam required
- Vaccination documentation mandatory
List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in AZ
Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Arizona. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.
Coolidge, AZ
Central Arizona College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN Bridge track
- 2.5 semester course sequence
- Competitive admission process
- Limited class size
- Requires 1+ year LPN experience
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- State-of-art simulation labs
- Evidence-based nursing practice
Kingman, AZ
Mohave Community College
- Associate - Nursing - LPN to RN Track, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Requires current LPN license.
- One year LPN experience needed.
- Approved by Arizona State Board.
- Accredited by NLNAC.
- Eligible for RN licensure exam.
- Includes clinical rotations.
- Mandatory training/orientation required.
Tucson, AZ
Pima Community College
- Associate - LPN Transition to AAS
Campus Based - Website
- 3-semester nursing pathway
- West Campus full-time program
- Prerequisites include biology courses
- NLN Nursing Entrance Exam required
- Vaccination documentation mandatory
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
- Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- 20-month program duration.
- Campus-based learning environment.
- High NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates.
- Requires Wonderlic and math tests.
- Kaplan Pre-Entrance Examination needed.
- Focus on critical thinking and patient care.
- Hands-on clinical experiences included.
- Financial aid available for eligible students.
Arizona LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area
The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in Arizona.
On average an RN in Arizona earns $54,282, which is 13% more than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).
| City/Area | Avg LPN Salary | Avg RN Salary | % Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale - AZ | $56,000 | $78,080 | 39.4% |
| Tucson - AZ | $50,460 | $74,450 | 47.5% |
| Flagstaff - AZ | $54,820 | $78,880 | 43.9% |
| Prescott - AZ | $51,060 | $77,410 | 51.6% |
| Lake Havasu City, Kingman - AZ | $43,520 | $72,250 | 66.0% |
| Yuma - AZ | $50,680 | $71,740 | 41.6% |
| Sierra Vista, Douglas - AZ | $44,940 | $66,190 | 47.3% |
Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm