Top LPN Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas LPN Schools, License Requirements, Job Outlook, and Salary

The state of Arkansas strives to improve the overall quality of people's lives by enhancing the health care services. It offers advanced education to the nursing aspirants so that they can grab the best employment opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted a 16% hike in demand for the Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) by 2024. There are many LPN schools in Arkansas, but you must opt for the approved one. Arkansas Board of Nursing is responsible for approving the LPN programs in Arkansas.

Various nursing schools in Arkansas offer certification, diploma, or degree courses in practical nursing. For your convenience, we have prepared a list of top nursing schools in Arkansas after performing a detailed analysis based on the NCLEX-PN pass rates. The state of Arkansas is an active participant of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC); thus, if an individual is holding an LPN license in any of the NLC states, s/he needs not apply for an additional license. Though, the license holder of a non-NLC state can apply for the LPN license in Arkansas by endorsement.

Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas
OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

1
Rank

Black River Technical College

Type of Course:3-Semester Certificate Practical Nursing Program

The main campus of the Black River Technical College (BRTC) is located in Pocahontas with an additional campus located in Paragould, Arkansas. BRTC strives to provide the effective and smart learning to the students. The experienced faculty uses the modern teaching techniques to impart education. BRTC concentrates on providing competence and knowledge to the students so that they can contribute and aid in improving the overall health of the community.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.05 %
  • Address:

    1410 Highway 304 East, Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455
  • Contact Number:

    870.248.4000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    3-Semester Certificate Practical Nursing Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
2
Rank

Northwest Technical Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

Northwest Technical Institute (NTI) is situated in Springdale, Arkansas, and is focused on providing the best education in flexible schedules to enlighten and empower the nursing students so that they can achieve high-end professional knowledge. NTI primarily concentrate on enhancing the student’s interaction and teamwork skills by providing them clinical experience under the guidance of experienced teaching staff.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.03 %
  • Address:

    709 South Old Missouri Road, Springdale, Arkansas
  • Contact Number:

    479.751.8824
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
3
Rank

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Type of Course:Certificate

Arkansas State University (ASU) has a total of four campuses in Arkansas: Beebe, Searcy, Heber Springs, and Little Rock Air Force Base. Arkansas State University-Beebe promotes high-quality education at affordable prices. ASU pays attention to providing quality workforce training as well as technical education so that the educational standards can meet the health care requirements of the community. Established in 1927, ASU also offers financial aid programs and scholarships to the deserving candidates.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.57 %
  • Address:

    1000 Iowa Street, Beebe, Arkansas 72012-1000
  • Contact Number:

    501.882.3600
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
4
Rank

North Arkansas College

Type of Course:Certificate

North Arkansas College is situated in Harrison, Arkansas, and is an open-door, two-year public college. North Arkansas College assists its nursing students by developing technical and interpersonal skills that help them make proficient, enduring and dedicated health care professionals. The institute provides affordable and quality education, outstanding learning environment, advanced technical classes, and clinical sessions to aid public health and welfare.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.65 %
  • Address:

    1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, Arkansas 72601-5508
  • Contact Number:

    870.743.3000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
5
Rank

The University of Arkansas at Monticello

Type of Course:Technical Certificate

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has its two other campuses in Crossett and McGehee. UAM is dedicated to delivering highly competent nursing individuals to the community to ensure all the health needs of the patients can be taken care of with utmost proficiency and efficiency. UAM is committed to providing high-tech classrooms, and supervision of the trained instructors and physicians during the clinical sessions to the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.42 %
  • Address:

    346 University Drive, Monticello, Arkansas 71656
  • Contact Number:

    800.844.1826
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
6
Rank

The University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton

Type of Course:Certificate

The University of Arkansas Community College is located in Morrilton, Arkansas, and is known for its exceptional educational environment, small classrooms, experienced teaching staff and student-friendly policies with affordable tuition and fees. It offers not only theoretical classes on flexible schedules to the nursing students, but also provides clinical experience at various well-recognized hospitals and clinics.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.02 %
  • Address:

    1537 University Boulevard, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110
  • Contact Number:

    501.977.2000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
7
Rank

UAM – College of Technology – McGehee

Type of Course:Certificate

8
Rank

Ozarka College – Melbourne

Type of Course:Certificate

Ozarka College is located in Melbourne, Arkansas, and maintains the nursing standards by providing clinical practice and enhanced general education to its students. It is equipped with high-end labs and small classrooms. The experienced faculty emphasizes on students’ personal and professional growth and promotes lifelong learning. Ozarka College is accredited by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.60 %
  • Address:

    218 College Drive, Melbourne, AR 72556
  • Contact Number:

    870.368.2300
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
9
Rank

Pulaski Technical College

Type of Course:Certificate

Aspirants who want to obtain a technical certificate in practical nursing and wish to serve the community by caring patients and fulfilling all their health needs as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can join Pulaski Technical College (PTC). PTC is a two-year, open-door public college that provides traditional 11-month certification and non-traditional 22-month certification programs in practical nursing. PTC is dedicated to providing advanced nursing education, skill enhancement classes, and all the necessary training to the students for better employment opportunities in the future.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.67 %
  • Address:

    3000 West Scenic Drive North, Little Rock, Arkansas 72118
  • Contact Number:

    501.812.2200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
10
Rank

Arkansas Northeastern College – Burdette

Type of Course:Certificate

The main campus of Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) is located in Blytheville, Arkansas, with other campuses in Burdette, Osceola, Crisp Leachville, and Paragould. ANC is one of the most affordable practical nursing colleges in Arkansas that is committed to offering opportunities to achieve great lengths in the health care sector and stay one step ahead in the competitive world. ANC provides small-sized classrooms, highly-experienced and caring faculty, personal attention & development, multi-cultural and friendly environment and the real-world experience to the students to hone their practical skills and enhance their endurance at work.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.52 %
  • Address:

    2501 South Division Street, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315
  • Contact Number:

    870.824.6102
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
11
Rank

Cossatot Technical College- DeQueen

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.37 %
  • Address:

    183 College Drive, De Queen, Arkansas 71832
  • Contact Number:

    870.584.4471
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
12
Rank

Rich Mountain Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Rich Mountain Community College (RMCC) is one of the best practical nursing colleges in Arkansas. It is focused on delivering reliable, enthusiastic, and trained nursing individuals who possess detailed theoretical, as well as practical knowledge, and are responsible for their own actions. RMCC provides various certificate, diploma, and degree programs to its students at affordable costs. These programs include professional development programs, general educational development programs, technical degree programs, and workforce development programs.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.18 %
  • Address:

    1100 College Drive, Mena, Arkansas 71953
  • Contact Number:

    479.394.7622
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
13
Rank

Baptist Health College- Little Rock

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.87 %
  • Address:

    11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210-2820
  • Contact Number:

    501.202.6200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
14
Rank

South Arkansas Community College – El Dorado

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.85 %
  • Address:

    300 South West Avenue, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730
  • Contact Number:

    870.862.8131
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
15
Rank

Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute focuses on increasing the work-related skills of the nursing students by providing them high-quality workforce development courses, necessary academic education, clinical training, and career instructions. Upon completion of a 40-week practical nursing program, students are awarded a certificate in practical nursing and are encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN exam to avail the job opportunities.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.82 %
  • Address:

    1620 Newcastle Road, Forrest City, Arkansas 72335
  • Contact Number:

    870.633.5411
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
16
Rank

Arkansas Tech University – Ozark

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.37 %
  • Address:

    1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, Arkansas 72949
  • Contact Number:

    866.225.2884
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
17
Rank

College of the Ouachitas – Malvern

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.77 %
  • Address:

    One College Circle, Malvern, Arkansas 72104
  • Contact Number:

    501.337.5000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
18
Rank

Arkansas State University – Mt. Home

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    88.82 %
  • Address:

    1600 South College Street, Mountain Home, Arkansas
  • Contact Number:

    870.508.6100
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
19
Rank

National Park Community College – Hot Springs

Type of Course:Technical Certificate

National Park Community College (NPCC) is located near Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. NPCC strives to provide theoretical and practical learning through on-campus regular classroom sessions, technical labs, and off-campus clinical experiences. NPCC also offers 2-year online certificates and degrees. Scholarships and financial aid are also available to the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.95 %
  • Address:

    101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71913
  • Contact Number:

    501.760.4222
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
20
Rank

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

Type of Course:Certificate

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) is known for offering a high-quality practical nursing program in a featured and employment-oriented way. It prepares the students to pace up with the ever-changing global world. It was established in 1928 as a junior college with just 34 students. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.25 %
  • Address:

    5210 Grand Avenue P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913-3649
  • Contact Number:

    479.788.7000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
21
Rank

Arkansas State University – Newport Jonesboro Campus

Type of Course:Technical Certificate

Arkansas State University is one of the most well-recognized colleges to provide LPN programs in Arkansas. It offers quality education and promotes lifelong learning through workforce development program, technical education, theoretical sessions, and lab practices. While keeping standards high, the university keeps overall costs low.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.15 %
  • Address:

    7648 Victory Boulevard, Newport, Arkansas 72112
  • Contact Number:

    870.512.7800
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
22
Rank

Southeast Arkansas College – Pine Bluff

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    85.85 %
  • Address:

    1900 South Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603
  • Contact Number:

    870.543.5900
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
23
Rank

Arkansas State University – Newport

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.27 %
  • Address:

    7648 Victory Boulevard, Newport, Arkansas 72112
  • Contact Number:

    870.512.7800
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
24
Rank

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Tech – Camden

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    81.90 %
  • Address:

    PO Box 3499, 6415 Spellman Road, Camden, Arkansas 71711
  • Contact Number:

    870.574.4500
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
25
Rank

University of Arkansas Community College at Hope

Type of Course:Technical Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.17 %
  • Address:

    2500 South Main, Hope, Arkansas 71802
  • Contact Number:

    870.777.5722
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
26
Rank

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

Type of Course:Certificate

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) pays attention to providing both classroom instruction and clinical experience to the practical nursing students. The main aim of the college is to make the students proficient and competent enough to meet all the health requirements of the patients and serve the community at their level best. The college is committed to improvement and encourages success through responsive programs and community partnerships.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    79.72 %
  • Address:

    PO Box 3350, Batesville, Arkansas 72503
  • Contact Number:

    870.612.2000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes


Arkansas LPN Licensing Requirements

Licensure by Examination

If you are graduated from an approved nursing program and hold a certificate or degree in nursing, then you can apply for a practical nursing license to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). Individuals who want to apply for a practical nursing license by examination will be required to provide the following information and documents.

  • A valid US Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Make sure to register with Pearson VUE
  • Your home address, email address and telephone number for communication purpose.
  • Verification of your graduation in practical nursing sent directly by the Director of your nursing education program.
  • An official transcript sent directly from your nursing school to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing's office.

In order to apply for licensure by examination, click here. In order to check the status of the application, visit the following link:
https://www.ark.org/bon/licensure/status.php

Temporary Permit for Examination

In order to get a temporary license, candidates need to pay a fee of $25 to the board. It can only be issued within 3 months of completion of the nursing education program. Its limit can’t be extended. Moreover, it can’t be reissued. You need to register with Pearson Vue - the testing vendor. This permit will not be issued if your federal criminal background results are not clear. A temporary permit is valid only for 90 days or till receipt of the examination results.

Licensure by Endorsement

The state of Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC); thus, the nurses from other NLC state need not apply for an additional nursing license to work in Arkansas. Nurses who possess a license from a non-NLC state are required to submit the following information and documents in order to apply for an Arkansas state practical nursing license:

    • Fingerprint cards
    • A physical address, telephone number, and email address
    • Social Security Number issued by the US government
    • A verification of license submitted to the ASBN

Note: Nurses who have been inactive for five years are also required to submit:

  • Documents regarding working as a nurse for more than 1000 hours within past one year.

To apply for licensure by endorsement, click here.

Temporary Permit for Endorsement

The state board issues a temporary permit to the qualified applicant who has a current license in some other jurisdiction. Applicants can apply for this permit while waiting for endorsement. It is valid for a period of 6 months and cannot be reissued.

Arkansas Nursing License Verification

In order to verify your nursing license in Arkansas, click here. You can verify your LPN license either by searching the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry or can log into www.nursys.com.

Arkansas Nursing License Renewal

Renewal of your LPN license can be done online before 60 days of the expiration date of your license. In order to apply for the license renewal, you will also need to provide the following:

  • Your license number
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Your date of birth along with the copies of education certificates and official transcript

Note: If your license has been expired for more than five years, then you may not renew your license online.

Duplicate License

In case your license was lost or stolen; you can apply for a duplicate license. All the fees related to this procedure is non-refundable.

Address Change

In case, you have undergone address change; you need to inform the board about it. In order to apply online, click here.

Average Annual Salary of Practical Nurses in Arkansas

According to indeed.com, the average salary of practical nurses in Arkansas was $52,000 per annum (as of Apr 26, 2016). As per the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mean annual and hourly wages of the LPNs were $36,370 and $17.49, respectively.

Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs with Average Annual Salaries

Job Titles Salary
Long Term Care LPN $27,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $53,000
LPN Ambulatory $35,000
Nurse RN LPN $50,000
CNA Medical Surgical $28,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $25,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $38,000
LPN Primary Care $47,000
Patient Care Technician Student $17,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $30,000
Correctional Prison Facility LPN $24,000
LPN Cma Rma $31,000
LPN Long Term Care $33,000
LPN LVN $41,000
Psychiatric Nurse $58,000

Information Source: indeed.com

From the above table, we can infer that Psychiatric Nurses earned the highest salary, i.e., $58,000 per annum, and the Patient Care Technician Student earned the least, i.e., $17,000 per annum.

Annual Average Salaries of LPNs in Various Cities of Arkansas

Name of the City Salary
Conway $38,716
Bentonville $37,058
Fort Smith $38,277
Fayetteville $37,058
Jonesboro $40,430
Jacksonville $40,242
Pine Bluff $40,242
Little Rock $40,242
Springdale $37,058
Rogers $37,058
Texarkana $38,183

Information Source: salary.com (as of July 29, 2016)

According to the data mentioned in the above table, Licensed Practical Nurses got the maximum salary (i.e., $40,430 per annum) in Jonesboro, whereas the minimum wages (i.e., $37,058) of these professionals were in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Arkansas

Numerous job opportunities are available for the individuals who want to serve the community by taking care of ill ones and meeting all their health needs. A large number of colleges in Arkansas provide LPN to RN transition for the students, who want to move for higher education after completing the LPN program. The increased number of jobs is attributed to the fact that a large number of current LPNs are going to retire in the upcoming years.