Licensed Practical Nurse in Arizona
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AZ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.
Jobs (AZ)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Arizona
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Arizona, candidates must be at least 18 years old and complete a state-approved practical nursing program. After completing their education, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting. Arizona is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice there. Licenses must be renewed every four years, with renewal requiring either 960 hours of practice in the past five years, recent graduation from a nursing program, completion of a board-approved refresher course, or an advanced nursing degree.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arizona. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Arizona requirements
| Licensing body | Arizona State Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $300 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Arizona is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.Reciprocal states: Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Arizona. If Arizona becomes their primary state of residence, they must apply for an Arizona multistate license. LPNs licensed in non-NLC states can apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires verification of their original license, a criminal background check, and meeting Arizona's educational requirements. |
| Notes | Minimum age: 18 years old. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. To renew, LPNs must meet one of the following within the past 5 years: 960 hours of clinical nursing practice, graduation from a nursing program, completion of a board-approved refresher course, or earning an advanced nursing degree. If renewing after April 1st, a late fee of $50 per month (up to $200) applies. If not renewed by August 1st, the license expires and requires reinstatement. |
Source: Arizona State Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Arizona? See whether Arizona recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleArizona license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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