See Arizona’s approved practical nursing (LPN) programs, how we selected them, standout options, admissions basics, deadlines, tuition/aid, and FAQs—before the Summary.
Editor’s note (YMYL): Informational only. Always verify Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) approval and any programmatic accreditation (e.g., ACEN) on official sites before you apply.
Selection Criteria (Accreditation & Outcomes)
- State approval (must-have): Programs preparing you for the NCLEX-PN must be approved by AZBN; the Board posts the current list of approved pre-licensure programs and updates it after each meeting. azbn.gov+1
- National accreditation (signal of quality): Many PN programs pursue ACEN accreditation; use ACEN’s directory to confirm campus-level status. (CCNE accredits BSN+ only, not PN.) acenursing.org
- Transparency & outcomes: We prioritize schools with clear approval/accreditation pages and published admissions/prereqs, calendars, and costs. gatewaycc.eduyc.edu
Best Programs & Highlights
Representative, AZBN-approved PN options. Check each site and ACEN for the latest status.
| School | Credential | Approval/Accreditation | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| GateWay CC (Maricopa) | PN Certificate (“Fast Track”) | AZBN approved; college HLC-accredited | Info packet details scope/eligibility; NCLEX-PN pathway. gatewaycc.edu+2gatewaycc.edu+2 |
| Yavapai College | PN Fast-Track Certificate | AZBN approved | Requires ATI TEAS; CNA/LNA + work experience noted; cohort deadlines published. yc.educatalog.yc.edu |
| Mohave CC | PN Certificate | AZBN approved | Explicit NCLEX-PN eligibility on completion; career mobility emphasis. catalog.mohave.edu |
| Northland Pioneer College | Practical Nursing (CAS) | State approval; nursing division lists PN track; ACEN referenced college-wide | Rural coverage; PN “direct-to-work” pathway. npc.edu+1 |
| Carrington College (AZ campuses) | Practical Nursing | AZBN approval; ACEN notes continuing accreditation (check campus) | Multiple AZ locations; accelerated schedules. Carrington College+1 |
Use the AZBN Approved Programs list + each school’s page to confirm location(s), start dates, and any program changes. azbn.gov
Admission Requirements & Deadlines
- Common prereqs: High school diploma/GED; support courses (A&P, Microbiology, Math/English per school).
- Entrance testing: Many AZ PN programs require ATI TEAS (example: Yavapai). Minimums and test currency vary. yc.edu
- Experience/credentials: Some cohorts require CNA/LNA status and recent work experience (example: Yavapai). yc.edu
- Clinical clearances: Immunizations, BLS/CPR, background check, drug screen (school & site-specific).
- Deadlines: Competitive/rolling depending on campus; GateWay and others publish cohort info packets and calendars. gatewaycc.edu
Tuition & Financial Aid
- Community college pricing: In-district vs out-of-district rates; see each college’s tuition page.
- Aid to consider: File the FAFSA for federal grants/loans/work-study; then layer institutional scholarships or Arizona-specific awards where eligible (e.g., Promise Program for public universities, not most CC certificates). studentaid.gov+1azregents.edu
- Program cost sheets: Many PN programs (e.g., Yavapai) publish program cost PDFs—use them for budgeting. yc.edu
FAQ
Is national accreditation required for PN in Arizona?
State approval (AZBN) is required for licensure eligibility. Some PN programs also hold ACEN accreditation, which is a recognized quality signal—but licensure hinges on AZBN approval. Verify both. azbn.govacenursing.org
Do Arizona PN programs offer online options?
Theory may be hybrid/online at some schools, but skills labs and clinicals are in person at approved sites. Always check each program’s delivery format and clinical placement details. gatewaycc.edu
What tests or credentials do I need to apply?
Many cohorts require ATI TEAS, and some (e.g., Yavapai) require CNA/LNA with recent work experience. Requirements vary by campus—read the program’s admissions page carefully. yc.edu
Which Arizona PN programs are currently approved?
See the AZBN Approved Pre-Licensure Programs list and filter for Practical Nursing; AZBN updates the PDF after board meetings. Cross-check on school sites. azbn.gov
What’s after PN—can I bridge to RN?
Yes. Several Arizona colleges offer PN→RN mobility or advanced placement options; check each RN program’s criteria for PN licensure and coursework transfers. (See your target college’s nursing division pages.) npc.edu
Summary/Conclusion
Arizona offers a solid mix of AZBN-approved PN programs across community colleges and private campuses. Start by confirming state approval and any ACEN status, then compare admissions hurdles (TEAS, CNA/LNA), clinical placement logistics, and total program cost using each school’s official materials. With those boxes checked, PN provides a fast, skills-forward route to NCLEX-PN and entry into nursing—with clear pathways to RN later. azbn.govacenursing.org
Sources
- Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) — Education Program Lists & Approved Pre-Licensure Programs (updated after board meetings). azbn.gov+1
- ACEN — Searchable directory for Practical Nursing accreditation (campus-level). acenursing.org
- GateWay CC — Fast Track PN (approval statement & info packet). gatewaycc.edu+1
- Yavapai College — PN program page (AZBN approval; TEAS and CNA/LNA requirements; dates). yc.edu
- Mohave Community College — PN Certificate (AZBN approval). catalog.mohave.edu
- Northland Pioneer College — Nursing division/PN (program overview; financial-aid pointers). npc.edu+1
- Carrington College — PN approvals & ACEN continuing accreditation notice. Carrington College+1
- Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov) — FAFSA guidance and application. studentaid.gov+1
