LPN to RN Programs Phoenix, AZ

The Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing (LPN-to-RN) paves the way for licensed practical nurses to advance to the level of a registered nurse. LPNs operate on the lower end of the nursing team and do not have the same privileges or autonomy as registered nurses. Transition programs provide an opportunity for practical nurses to take a leadership role in patient care. More than this, it eliminates the need for duplicating coursework as credit is granted for prior education. Nursing as a profession generally has several paths for upward mobility. Completing the LPN-to-RN pathway is one step forward on a ladder that has numerous rungs. The ADN degree is required to take the National Council Licensure Exam to become a Registered Nurse. Although this is a commendable step for licensed practical nurses, it should not stop there as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is fast-becoming the accepted standard for registered nurses.

Phoenix College

The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at Phoenix College offers an entry pathway for licensed practical nurses in good standing. The education and experience as a licensed practical nurse qualify for credit and advancement placement reducing the required completion time by at least one semester. The training includes instruction in the classroom as well as clinical rotations conducted in a variety of health care settings. LPNs must remain in food standing with the Regulatory Board to continue in and graduate from the program. Participation in the clinical experience and involvement in patient care may be impacted if the license is invalid or unrestricted. Graduates of the ACEN accredited program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 62
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – College Math, General Biology, First Year Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Fundamental Chemistry and Lab

General education courses – College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking, Humanities, Arts, and Design course, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, microbiology

Core course – Nursing Theory & Science I, Nursing Theory & Science II, Nursing Theory & Science III, Nursing Theory & Science IV

Admission criteria:

• Apply for admission to Maricopa Community College – applications must be completed and include all requested documents
• Provide high school diploma or transcripts or GED certificate or sign the nursing application page containing the “Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion”
• Submit a formal application to the nursing program
• Obtain a passing score on the nursing program admission test
• Must obtain a passing score on the practical nursing content exam for placement into Block 3
• Must have a valid and unrestricted license to practice as an LPN
• Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Complete a criminal background check and drug screen during the registration process
• Submit official transcripts indicating a passing grade of C or above
• Submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program
• Submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider
• Must test negative on a timed urine drug screen
• Provide documentation of immunization records – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. The student must provide documentation of obtaining a flu vaccine during the flu season
• A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level)

Program Cost

The cost of the program is $5,270 for up to 62 credits. Additional expenses for textbook, fingerprint clearance card, background check, immunization, drug screen, uniform and clinical supplies, health requirements, and health document tracking.

• Website: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/
• Address: 1202 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
• Phone: 602-285-7777
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.36%

Gateway Community College

The Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares licensed practical nurses for practice as a registered nurse. LPN candidates will receive credit for advanced placement after an evaluation of their prior education and experience. They must have a valid and unencumbered license to practice to be eligible for admission through the Advanced placement route. Students will train in the classroom and at various clinical facilities to prepare for practice as a registered nurse.  Some courses may be delivered through hybrid/online learning. Upon completion of the requirements, students will receive an AAS degree and will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Several class schedules are offered to meet students’ needs. Day classes begin in the Fall semester – students will complete classes and clinical rotations during the daytime hours. A full-time evening program requires attendance two evenings weekly in the classroom and the in the evening or weekend for the clinical rotations. An accelerated 16-month class schedule is also available which requires attendance during the day, evening, and weekends.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 62
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – College Math, General Biology, First Year Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Fundamental Chemistry and Lab

General education courses – College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking, Humanities, Arts, and Design course, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, microbiology

Core course – Nursing Theory & Science I, Nursing Theory & Science II, Nursing Theory & Science III, Nursing Theory & Science IV

Admission criteria:

• Attend a mandatory pre-nursing information session
• Apply for admission to Maricopa Community College – applications must be completed and include all requested documents
• Provide high school diploma or transcripts or GED certificate or sign the nursing application page containing the “Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion”
• Submit a formal application to the nursing program
• Obtain a passing score on the nursing program admission test
• Must obtain a passing score on the practical nursing content exam for placement into Block 3
• Must have a valid and unrestricted license to practice as an LPN
• Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Complete a criminal background check and drug screen during the registration process
• Submit official transcripts indicating a passing grade of C or above
• Submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program
• Submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider
• Must test negative on a timed urine drug screen
• Provide documentation of immunization records – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. The student must provide documentation of obtaining a flu vaccine during the flu season
• A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level)

Program Cost

Tuition costs $5,270 for 62 credits for full-time students. Additional expenses for textbook, fingerprint clearance card, background check, immunization, drug screen, uniform and clinical supplies, health requirements, and health document tracking.

• Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/
• Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
• Phone: (602) 286-8000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.30%

PIMA Medical Institute

The Nursing program at Pima Medical Institute leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing and has a point of entry for Licensed Practical Nurses. The school seeks to provide a student-centered environment for learning, develop graduates who will strive for excellence in nursing as critical thinkers, and educate students to provide safe, quality, evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care. Persons seeking entry to the program must already possess established competencies including reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking. They must have a current and unencumbered license to practice as an LPN. LPNs will enter the program at the third semester and will complete 504 clinical hours. Graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse. They will be prepared to promote the best evidence-based patient outcomes and improve the quality of patients’ lives when possible.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 40.5
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:

General education and core courses – Nutrition, Family Centered Care Across the Lifespan, Acute Care Nursing Across the Lifespan, Professional Transition I, Sociology, Pharmacology for the Complex Patient, Nursing Care for the Complex Patient, Health Care Informatics, Nursing Care in Challenging Situations, Role Development of the Graduate Nurse

Admission criteria:

• Schedule and attend an interview with an admission representative
• Obtain a minimum score of 25 points on the Wonderlic SLE exam
• Obtain a minimum score of 80% on the PMI math test
• Submit high school transcripts or GED – points will be awarded for math and science courses
• Submit college transcripts
• Provide documentation of any health care certificates
• Provide documentation of any health care experience –points will be awarded for experience
• Complete the interview form
• Submit a writing sample outlining factors contributing to interest in nursing
• Complete a background check and obtain clearance
• Attend an orientation session
• Provide documentation of immune status – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, seasonal flu vaccine
• Have a negative 2-step TB test or chest x-ray
• Have current CPR card at the Healthcare Provider for Professional Rescuer level – AHA
• Provide proof of health insurance – must be maintained throughout the course
• Complete fingerprinting and application for the fingerprint clearance card
• Complete a physical exam by a licensed health care provider and obtain a certificate of satisfactory health

Program Cost

The program cost of $27,712 includes tuition, registration fee, textbooks, and uniforms.

• Website: https://pmi.edu/
• Address: 957 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202
• Phone: 800-477-PIMA
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.48%

Paradise Valley Community College

The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Paradise Community College is offered at eight Maricopa Colleges. The program has an entry point for licensed practical nurses to prepare for practice as a professional nurse. The advanced placement option is based on evaluation of the candidate’s practical nursing education and experience. An admission assessment will determine the need for supplemental training before admission is granted. A valid and unencumbered license is also required. Practical nurses will take up the program at the second or third semester and will participate in the classroom, lab, and clinical activities to complete the requirements for an associate degree. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 62
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – College Math, General Biology, First Year Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Fundamental Chemistry and Lab

General education courses – College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking, Humanities, Arts, and Design course, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, microbiology

Core course – Nursing Theory & Science I, Nursing Theory & Science II, Nursing Theory & Science III, Nursing Theory & Science IV

Admission criteria:

• Attend a mandatory pre-nursing information session
• Apply for admission to Maricopa Community College – applications must be completed and include all requested documents
• Provide high school diploma or transcripts or GED certificate or sign the nursing application page containing the “Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion”
• Submit a formal application to the nursing program
• Obtain a passing score on the nursing program admission test
• Must obtain a passing score on the practical nursing content exam for placement into Block 3
• Must have a valid and unrestricted license to practice as an LPN
• Complete a Level One DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Complete a criminal background check and drug screen during the registration process
• Submit official transcripts indicating a passing grade of C or above
• Submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program
• Submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider
• Must test negative on a timed urine drug screen
• Provide documentation of immunization records – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. The student must provide documentation of obtaining a flu vaccine during the flu season
• A current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level)

Program Cost

Tuition costs $5,270 for 62 credits for full-time students. The tuition cost does not cover textbooks, uniform, and other supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

• Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/
• Address: 18401 N. 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032
• Phone: 602.787.7000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.54%