8 State-Approved LPN-to-ADN Programs in Arizona (2026)

Arizona offers 8 LPN-to-ADN bridge programs that let licensed practical nurses advance to RN licensure without starting from scratch. These programs recognize your existing LPN training and may award credit for prior coursework, though the amount varies by school. Programs spread across Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, Sierra Vista, and other regions, with NCLEX-RN pass rates ranging from roughly 89% to 92%.

In Sierra Vista, Cochise College reports a 92% average RN NCLEX pass rate alongside a 97.3% LPN pass rate. Cochise structures its Associate of Applied Science nursing program as 64 credits over four semesters, though LPN-to-ADN bridge students may complete fewer credits depending on advanced placement decisions. The college offers three start terms in 2026: spring begins January 12, summer starts May 26, and fall begins August 17. Multiple entry points give you flexibility if you need a few months to prepare transcripts or complete prerequisites.

Prescott's Yavapai College posts an 89.7% average RN NCLEX pass rate and runs a structured advanced placement process for LPNs. The fall 2026 application window opens June 1 and closes June 22, 2026. Before applying, you'll need to take the NLN NACE FON (Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam for PN to RN) between May 4 and June 11, 2026. Yavapai requires a minimum cumulative score of 68% on the NACE FON plus 95% or higher on a separate dosage calculation exam to qualify for LPN-RN advanced placement. These testing requirements add steps to admission but ensure bridge students have the foundational knowledge needed to skip introductory nursing courses.

In Phoenix, Chamberlain University Arizona reports a 92.3% average RN NCLEX pass rate. As a private institution, Chamberlain typically offers more frequent start dates and potentially faster completion than community colleges, though at higher tuition rates. Phoenix location gives you access to major medical centers for clinical placements.

The credit recognition process differs significantly between programs. Some schools grant substantial credit for your LPN education, letting you enter at the second year level and complete your ADN in one to two semesters. Others require you to repeat more content, extending the timeline closer to the full four-semester structure. Always ask for a formal credit evaluation before committing. The school that appears fastest may actually take longer once they assess your transcripts.

Testing requirements beyond standard admission also vary. Yavapai's NACE FON and dosage calculation requirements are explicit. Other programs may use different assessments or rely primarily on transcripts and LPN licensure verification. Understanding these requirements upfront prevents surprises during the application process.

After completing any Arizona LPN-to-ADN program, you'll apply for RN licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The process requires NCLEX registration and fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background checks.

Compare NCLEX outcomes, geographic location, credit recognition policies, and admission testing requirements to identify the most efficient path for your situation below.

Please let us know, if we missed a program that should have been included in the list.

Where possible, we include NCLEX pass rates data for each campus. The average pass rates are calculated using the last 3 years of data. The average scores are then used in our annual RN/PN rankings. You can read more about it here. You can also view this year's rankings for Arizona here.

Updated: March 12, 2026