Fast-Track LPN Programs Online in Arizona | Accelerated LPN Programs 2025
Several community colleges in Arizona offer accelerated LPN programs that include some amount of online courses to help busy students manage their schedules.
Students who want to complete their licensed practical nurse (LPN) training in a way that's quick and flexible can pursue fast-track LPN programs online. While no LPN programs are completely online, many offer some of the coursework in an online format.
Some of the best LPN programs offer a fast-track option. While you can find six-month LPN programs or even three-month LPN programs, these are pretty rare. More common are nine- and 12-month LPN programs, which allow students to complete their training within a year. Keep reading to discover accelerated online LPN programs in Arizona.
Accelerated LPN Programs Online in Arizona
Accelerated LPN programs provide the shortest time to become an LPN. Through these programs, students can become an LPN fast, usually within a year.
While there are several accelerated LPN programs, online nursing courses aren't particularly common. Most nursing courses in LPN programs have hands-on components that require students to learn online. That being said, some programs will offer a few courses online. Below, we've found some of the fastest LPN programs in Arizona that offer some online courses.
1. Cochise College
Cochise College is a public school in Sierra Vista, AZ. It offers a practical nursing certificate that students can finish in three consecutive semesters, that is, under a year.
This program enables students to provide nursing care to clients of all ages across all cultures, and about half the courses are offered online. The program had an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 100% last year and costs roughly $6,182 total.
2. Northland Pioneer College
At Northland Pioneer College, students can earn a Certificate of Applied Science in practical nursing. This program takes just two semesters to complete for students who have completed the prerequisites or have a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) or certified nursing assistant (CNA) license.
Several of the prerequisite courses, as well as a required psychology course, are available online. NPC, located in Show Low, AZ, had a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2024. The tuition rate is just $73 per credit for students within the district.
3. Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College offers a nursing practical occupational certificate. The public community college is located in Yuma, AZ, and most recently had a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX-PN exam. Tution for in-state residents is $97 per credit.
This program requires two full-time semesters plus one summer course, and several of the required general education courses can be taken online. Students can continue their education for one more year to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which leads to registered nursing licensure.
4. Pima Community College
A practical nurse certificate is available through Pima Community College. It takes 11 months to complete, and some of the non-nursing requirements are available online.
The public college, located in Tucson, AZ, typically has an NCLEX-PN pass rate above 90%. Pima also offers an LPN-ADN bridge program for those who want to further their nursing education. In-state students in the LPN certificate program pay $3,869.25 in tuition.
5. Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College is a member of the Maricopa County Community College District based in Phoenix. It offers a fast-track practical nursing program that leads to a certificate of completion.
Students who have a CNA or LNA credential or who have completed the prerequisites can finish this program in just two semesters. Some prerequisite courses are offered online. In 2024, about 95% of nursing students passed the NCLEX-PN on their first try. Tuition is $97 per credit for in-state students.
6. Glendale Community College
Students at Glendale Community College can also earn a certificate of completion in practical nursing. This fast-track nursing program is only two semesters for students who have their CNA or LNA credential or have completed the prerequisites.
The college is another member of the Maricopa County Community College District and is located in Glendale, AZ. It offers some of the prerequisite courses online and had a 95% pass rate for the NCLEX-PN last year. Like other Maricopa County Colleges, tuition for in-county residents is $97 per credit hour.
7. Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College also offers a fast-track certificate of completion in practical nursing. This member of the Maricopa County Community College District is located in Mesa, AZ, and most recently had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN.
Like the practical nursing programs at the other MCCCD schools, this program can be completed in just two semesters for students with CNA or LNA credentials or completed prerequisites. Some prerequisites are available online. Tuition is $97 per credit for Maricopa County residents.
How We Rank Schools
To choose the fast-track medical LPN programs for this list, we focused on:
- Location: All schools on this list are located within Arizona.
- Accreditation: We chose only programs from accredited schools.
- Approval: Every program on this list has been approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN).
- Fast-paced: We chose programs that can be completed in a year or less.
- Online options: All programs offer at least some courses in an online format.
What To Expect From Fast Track LPN Programs and Licensure
LPN program requirements and prerequisites can vary slightly between accelerated LPN programs. You can generally expect to take most courses in-person, but some courses may be available online.
Fast track medical LPN online courses are usually prerequisites, general education courses, and some lecture-type courses. In addition to lectures and classroom learning, you'll have labs, simulations, and complete on-site clinical experiences.
Once you've completed your program, you can take the NCLEX-PN. If you pass, you'll be able to obtain your nursing practice license through the AZBN.
Coursework in Accelerated LPN Programs
While specific courses can be different from program to program, common course topics include:
- basic nursing skills
- medical terminology
- mental health
- patient care
- pediatrics and obstetrics
- pharmacology
- practical nursing theory
These courses help students develop solid nursing skills while also developing key critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
FAQs About the Fastest LPN Programs Online in Arizona
Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about the quickest LPN programs in Arizona.
What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?
Licensed practical nurses provide basic care to patients, like taking vital signs, changing bandages, and helping with daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the specific tasks that an LPN handles vary based on the healthcare provider they work for. Common healthcare settings for LPNs include:
- nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- hospitals
- home healthcare agencies
- physicians' offices
Many LPNs choose to further their nursing careers by earning an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse. RNs are able to perform advanced patient care, like administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and assessing patients.
How Long Does It Take To Become an LPN in Arizona?
The amount of time it takes to become an LPN will depend on how long your program is and how long it takes you to pass the NCLEX-PN after you complete it. All of the above programs allow you to become an LPN in less than a year, provided that you take and pass the NCLEX-PN right away.
What Is the Fastest LPN Program in Arizona?
While there are no three-, six-, or nine-month LPN programs, there are several LPN programs in Arizona that take only two semesters to complete, provided that you have already finished the prerequisites or have a CNA or LNA credential. Two semesters is less than one year, usually about 11 months.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Accelerated LPN Programs in Arizona?
Admissions requirements for accelerated LPN programs can vary slightly, but most programs require students to:
- have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- have a CNA or LNA credential
- have taken certain prerequisite courses, like anatomy and physiology
- pass a background check
- obtain a fingerprint clearance card
- be up-to-date on immunizations
You can usually find additional information about admissions requirements on the program application page or by attending an information session through the school.
Explore Online Nursing Programs Today
Find the perfect LPN program for you today by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools for specific program information, including info on admissions, enrollment, program costs, and more.