Arizona LPN to RN Guide
Requirements, Programs, Salary & Career Pathways
📋 Quick Summary: Arizona LPN to RN Path
- Bridge Program Duration: 12 months to 2.5 years
- Average Cost: $9,000 - $26,000
- LPN Salary: $57,800/year
- RN Salary: $83,860/year (Potential increase: $26,060/year)
- Board of Nursing: Arizona State Board of Nursing
1. Why Advance from LPN to RN in Arizona?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Arizona who advance to Registered Nurse (RN) credentials can expect significant career benefits:
- Higher Salary: RNs in Arizona earn an average of $83,860/year compared to $57,800/year for LPNs (a $26,060 increase)
- Expanded Scope of Practice: RNs can administer medications, interpret test results, and create patient care plans
- Career Advancement: RN credentials open doors to management, specialization, and advanced practice roles
- Job Security: 7% projected job growth for RNs in Arizona through 2034
- Growing Healthcare Market: Arizona's expanding population creates increasing demand for skilled RNs
2. Arizona LPN to RN Bridge Program Requirements
2.1 Prerequisites
To enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program in Arizona, you typically need:
- Active, unencumbered LPN license in Arizona
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA: 2.5-3.0 (varies by program)
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Psychology, English Composition
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
- Minimum 1 year of LPN work experience (required by some programs)
- TEAS or HESI entrance exam (varies by institution)
2.2 Program Options
| Program Type | Duration | Format | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN to ADN (Associate Degree) | 12-18 months | Campus, Hybrid | $9,000 - $20,000 |
| LPN to BSN (Bachelor's Degree) | 2-3 years | Campus, Hybrid, Online | $16,000 - $38,000 |
| Accelerated LPN to RN | 12-15 months | Intensive, Full-time | $14,000 - $26,000 |
3. Top Accredited LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Arizona
3.1 Recommended Programs
- Jersey College - LPN to RN Bridge Program – Mesa, Arizona
Duration: 18 months | Format: Hybrid | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.jerseycollege.edu/nursing-programs/lpn-to-rn-bridge/mesa - Central Arizona College - LPN to RN Bridge Program – Coolidge, Arizona
Duration: 12-15 months | Format: Campus | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: centralaz.edu/divisions-programs/nursing-health-emergency-careers/nursing-aas - Mohave Community College - Nursing LPN to RN Track – Kingman, Arizona
Duration: 18 months | Format: Campus | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.mohave.edu/programs/nursing
4. Arizona LPN vs RN Salary Comparison
| Experience Level | LPN Salary | RN Salary | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $50,000/year | $72,000/year | +$22,000 |
| Mid-Career (3-5 years) | $57,800/year | $83,860/year | +$26,060 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $64,000/year | $92,000/year | +$28,000 |
💰 Return on Investment: With an average salary increase of $26,060/year, most LPN-to-RN bridge programs pay for themselves within 1 year. Arizona's growing healthcare market offers excellent career opportunities for RNs.
5. How to Apply to LPN to RN Programs in Arizona
5.1 Application Timeline
| Step | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Research Programs | 4-6 months before | Compare programs, costs, formats, accreditation |
| 2. Complete Prerequisites | 6-12 months before | Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology courses |
| 3. Submit Application | 3-6 months before start date | Transcripts, LPN license, references, work history |
| 4. Entrance Exam | 2-3 months before | TEAS, HESI, or program-specific exam |
| 5. Acceptance & Enrollment | 1-2 months before | Secure funding, register for classes |
6. Financial Aid for LPN to RN Students in Arizona
Funding options for Arizona LPN-to-RN students include:
- Federal Financial Aid: Complete FAFSA for Pell Grants, Direct Loans
- Arizona Nursing Workforce Development Grants: State-funded grants for nursing students
- Arizona Board of Nursing Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for Arizona nursing students
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many Arizona hospitals offer $2,500-$5,000/year
- Native American Health Scholarships: For students serving tribal communities
- Private Scholarships: Arizona Nurses Association, AACN, National League for Nursing
7. NCLEX-RN Exam in Arizona
After completing your LPN-to-RN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed in Arizona.
7.1 Arizona NCLEX-RN Requirements
- Application Fee: $150 (Arizona Board of Nursing) + $200 (Pearson VUE exam fee)
- Pass Rate: 86% first-time pass rate in Arizona
- Exam Format: 75-145 questions, adaptive testing
- Scheduling: Test within 90 days of authorization
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks for initial application review
8. Arizona State Board of Nursing Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://azbn.gov/ |
| Phone | 602-771-7800 |
| Fax | 602-771-7888 |
| Contact through online portal | |
| Mailing Address | Arizona State Board of Nursing 1740 W Adams Street, Suite 2000 Phoenix, AZ 85007 |
| Office Hours | Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM AZ Time |