Tucson residents who would like to launch a practical nursing career must, as a first step, graduate from a state-approved licensed practical nurse (LPN) training program.
LPN programs are approved by the states in which they reside as opposed to being approved by the federal government. The Arizona State Board of Nursing is the state agency that approves those LPN Tucson nursing schools situated in and around the city.
This article shows nursing students where they can find Tucson LPN programs approved by Arizona and details the state's licensing requirements.
LPN Tucson Nursing Licensure
Individuals who have never earned a nursing degree from an accredited institution in the United States are required to fulfill the following requirements before being allowed to work as a qualified Tucson LPN:
- graduate from a practical nursing program approved by Arizona
- pass the national NCLEX-PN licensing examination
- submit to a criminal background check
Licensed nurses who plan to move to Arizona and would like to transfer their licensure from out-of-state can contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing to inquire about the state's endorsement process at 602-771-7800.
Tucson LPN Programs' Courses
Board-approved nursing programs in Arizona are allowed to create their own course structures and class listings. However, all state-approved LPN Tucson nursing schools are obligated to present students with the following:
- an academic program that is at least one full year in length
- a classroom-based instructional component
- a clinical training, experiential component that is supervised
Tucson nursing students enrolled in accredited LPN programs are taught a number of important content areas, including:
- Pharmacology
- Physical sciences
- Maternity nursing
- Chemistry
- Pediatric nursing
- Social sciences
- Psychology
- Nursing for the elderly
- General nursing practice
In the experiential training portion of state-approved Tucson LPN programs, students are matched with a supervising professional nurse as they work directly with patients in a clinical setting. This work helps train students for their future jobs and prepares them for the NCLEX-PN exam.
LPN Tucson Nursing Schools
State-approved practical nursing programs in Arizona are offered by a variety of educational providers, including community colleges, technical institutions and career centers.
To find accredited schools in Tucson, see the Arizona LPN programs list and search for those located in the Tucson area.
Tucson LPN Training Benefits
Those who both complete an approved LPN Tucson nursing program and pass the national licensing exam are eligible to work as a practical nurse in state medical facilities throughout Arizona.
As Arizona's population ages, LPN jobs will increase in demand over the coming decade, making an investment in nurse training in Arizona a solid professional investment.
For information on more nurse training options in Arizona and elsewhere, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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