Licensing
How to Get Your LPN License in Arizona (2026)
In brief
Step-by-step guide to earning your LPN license in Arizona: covering accredited programs, NCLEX-PN, the Arizona State Board of Nursing, eNLC compact, mandatory opioid CE, and top employers like Banner, Dignity, and HonorHealth.
In this article
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Arizona
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and its healthcare sector has grown to match, with major health systems expanding across the Phoenix metro, Tucson, and beyond. LPNs are in high demand in SNFs, home health, and physician group practices throughout the state. Here's everything you need to know to earn your Arizona LPN license in 2026.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Practical Nursing Program
Arizona LPN programs must be approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Most are accredited by ACEN or hold direct state board approval. Programs at community colleges (Maricopa Community Colleges, Pima Community College) and private vocational schools are widely available across the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.
A standard Arizona LPN program runs 12-18 months (certificate or diploma) and includes:
- Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, foundational coursework
- Pharmacology, drug classifications, dosage calculations, high-alert medications
- Clinical nursing skills, IV therapy, wound care, catheter care, vital signs, patient assessment
- Geriatric nursing, heavily weighted given Arizona's large retirement-age population
- Clinical rotations, in hospitals, SNFs, and community health settings
Arizona has a competitive LPN program market; confirm AZBN approval before enrolling, especially with private career schools.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
After graduating, the AZBN must approve your application to test before Pearson VUE releases your Authorization to Test (ATT). Then sit for the NCLEX-PN:
- Format: Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), 85 to 150 questions
- Exam fee: ~$200 (NCSBN rate, paid to Pearson VUE)
- Time limit: 6 hours
- National first-time pass rate: ~83-85%
- Pearson VUE centers: Multiple locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson, and Scottsdale
The exam tests safe care environments, pharmacological therapies, psychosocial integrity, and physiological adaptation.
Step 3: Apply for Your Arizona LPN License
Submit your initial licensure application to the Arizona State Board of Nursing:
- Application fee: approximately $75-$100
- Fingerprint clearance card: Arizona requires an AZBN-specific fingerprint clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Official transcripts from your nursing program
- NCLEX-PN passage (transmitted electronically by Pearson VUE)
Out-of-state LPNs can apply for licensure by endorsement. You'll still need the Arizona fingerprint clearance card and application fee.
Licenses renew on a 2-year cycle, tied to your birth month in some cases, check the AZBN website for your specific renewal date.
eNLC Compact Membership
Arizona is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). If Arizona is your primary state of residence, your Arizona LPN license grants multistate practice privileges in all other compact member states, currently 40+ states, with no additional license required.
This benefits Arizona LPNs who:
- Work for travel staffing agencies
- Live in the greater Phoenix/Tucson area and may cross into Nevada, Utah, or New Mexico for work
- Want relocation flexibility within the compact
You must declare Arizona as your primary state of residence to hold the compact privilege.
Continuing Education Requirements
Arizona LPN licensees must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal period, including:
- 1 hour mandatory: opioid-related continuing education. This is a hard requirement per ARS §36-2606; content must address safe opioid prescribing, dispensing, or patient counseling
- Remaining 29 hours: any board-approved nursing CE
Approved CE sources include ANCC-accredited providers, AZBN-approved online courses, and employer-sponsored training that meets board criteria. Keep CE certificates for at least 4 years.
Arizona LPN Salary Ranges
Arizona LPN salaries typically range from $40,000 to $57,000 per year:
- Phoenix metro: highest concentration of employers and highest salaries, averaging $47,000-$55,000
- Tucson: second-largest market, slightly lower than Phoenix
- SNFs / long-term care: Phoenix and Tucson SNF markets are large given Arizona's retiree population; competitive sign-on bonuses at some facilities
- Home health: strong demand, mileage reimbursement common
- Corrections: ADOC has ongoing LPN vacancies, often with shift differentials
- Travel LPN: Arizona is a popular travel destination state; 13-week contracts with premium pay are widely available
Top Employers for LPNs in Arizona
- Banner Health, largest health system in Arizona, multiple hospitals across Phoenix and beyond
- Dignity Health (CommonSpirit), Chandler, Gilbert, Mercy Gilbert, and other facilities
- HonorHealth, Scottsdale-based system with multiple acute care campuses
- Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health), safety-net system serving Phoenix metro
- Carondelet Health Network (Tucson), Dignity Health affiliate serving southern Arizona
- Kindred / SavaSeniorCare / Ensign Group, SNF chains with large Arizona footprints
- Amedisys, LHC Group, Bayada, major home health employers statewide
- Arizona Department of Corrections, consistent statewide LPN demand
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