Arizona is the 6th largest U.S state with a number of growing industries including health care, transportation and the government. Arizona’s population is the second fastest growing in the nation behind Nevada. The state makes an ideal place to live, learn and work in because of its abundance of sunshine. There are a variety of colleges and universities in Arizona that offer programs in almost all areas of study including nursing. As healthcare is one of the most prominent industries in the state, pursuing nursing programs can be a suitable option. Nurses are in high demand because Arizona’s population growth, which is the second fastest in the U.S, has increased the need for healthcare services across the healthcare delivery system. Hospitals, long term care facilities, public health centers and other healthcare delivery sites all need more nurses to care for the state’s growing population.
LPN Programs in AZ
LPNs (licensed practical nurses) are entry-level nurses who provide basic medical care to patients. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors and perform a variety of tasks such as monitoring patients’ health, administering basic patient care, and providing for the basic comfort of patients.
The nursing schools in Arizona offer LPN programs in order to prepare students to gain the theory, laboratory and clinical experience for an entry-level career as a practical nurse. Learners in these programs find out how to care for patients of all ages, cultural groups and stages of wellness or illness. Upon completion of a LPN program, students need to take the NCLEX-PN examination to obtain licensure as a practical nurse.
What courses are offered in the LPN programs?
Arizona LPN programs instruct students in a variety of topics and enable them to become familiar with the basic nursing practices. Some of the topics students may study include:
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Anatomy
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Pharmacology
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Diet and nutrition
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Mental health nursing
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Medical surgical nursing
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Parent-child nursing
In addition to classroom-based instruction, students also gain hands on experience by working in clinical settings.
Nursing Scholarship and Grants in Arizona
Nursing students in Arizona can apply for financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships to finance their education. Scholarship and grants in Arizona are funded by a number of organizations, such as philanthropic societies, nursing associations and educational institutions. Each program has its own requirements for eligibility requirements. Some of the options include:
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Arizona Legion Auxiliary Nurse’s Scholarships
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Jeanette and Robert Barnes Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship
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Robin Aileen Klaehn Scholarship
Where do LPNs work?
Licensed practical nurses generally work in nursing care facilities and hospitals. Some are also employed by home health care services, residential care facilities while others work in the offices of physicians.
Career Outlook for Arizona LPNs
There were about 6,600 LPNs in Arizona in 2012, according to ONet. Demand for these healthcare workers is likely to grow between 2012 and 2022 owing to a number of factors including the growing number of aging population, developments in the healthcare technologies and increasing number of LPNs who would be retiring.
How much do Arizona LPNs earn?
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the mean annual pay for LPNs in Arizona in 2013 was $50,770.