Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 2, 2025
The Arkansas healthcare system relies greatly on its licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to link patients and other medical professionals. Arkansas’ rural communities rely on LPN professionals for local care, making the LPN career path both personally rewarding and essential to the state’s overall health and well-being. The LPN profession provides a fast and budget-friendly nursing entry point that leads to future career growth opportunities.
Mena, AR - Public 2-Year - uarichmountain.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nestled in the scenic Ozark Mountains, University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain delivers a comprehensive 11-month Licensed Practical Nursing program designed for rapid healthcare career entry. Students benefit from an intensive curriculum blending rigorous classroom instruction with immersive clinical training, strategically preparing graduates for the critical NCLEX-PN licensure examination. The program's distinctive approach emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring students develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Prospective students must navigate a comprehensive admission process including transcript submission, immunization documentation, and successfully completing the NEX preadmission exam. Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, this program represents a gold standard in practical nursing education, positioning graduates for immediate professional opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.
Helena, AR - Public 2-Year - pccua.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Phillips Community College's Practical Nursing program offers an intensive 42-hour technical certificate designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals. Students receive comprehensive training across two strategic campus locations in Helena-West Helena and DeWitt, enabling robust clinical experiences. The program's standout feature is its impressive 100% NCLEX-PN licensure exam pass rate, demonstrating exceptional educational quality. Prospective students must meet competitive admission requirements, including maintaining a 2.0 GPA and successfully completing prerequisite reading and critical thinking assessments. This curriculum equips graduates with essential practical nursing skills, preparing them to address diverse community healthcare needs effectively and confidently.
Little Rock, AR - Private 2-year - bhclr.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baptist Health College Little Rock's Practical Nursing program provides comprehensive healthcare training through an intensive two-semester campus-based curriculum. Students gain hands-on skills in direct patient care under professional supervision, with clinical experiences designed to prepare them for real-world nursing environments. The program strategically offers start dates in January and July, accommodating diverse student schedules. Admission requires successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology I with lab and submission of TEAS or ACT scores. Financial aid opportunities make this program accessible, while the curriculum emphasizes practical skills, patient interaction, and professional development in the nursing field.
Batesville, AR - Public 2-Year - uaccb.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nestled in Batesville, this Licensed Practical Nursing Technical Certificate offers an intensive healthcare training pathway. Students engage in comprehensive clinical and didactic learning, strategically designed to meet rigorous Arkansas State Board of Nursing standards. The program provides a robust curriculum emphasizing patient care techniques, medical terminology, and essential nursing skills. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), positioning them for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings. With a strong commitment to hands-on training and professional development, this program transforms aspiring healthcare professionals into competent, compassionate Licensed Practical Nurses ready to serve their communities.
Hope, AR - Public 2-Year - uaht.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana's Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing offers a comprehensive pathway into healthcare, strategically designed to equip students with essential nursing competencies. Students navigate a rigorous curriculum approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, focusing on preparing graduates for the critical licensure examination. Unique program features include diverse clinical rotations across multiple healthcare agencies, providing real-world exposure. Prospective students must complete specific prerequisite courses and pass an entrance exam. The program accommodates varied schedules with day, evening, and weekend clinical hours, making it accessible for diverse learners. Strong emphasis on professional development includes mandatory CPR certification and health screenings, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for nursing careers.
The hands-on requirements of nursing practice drive some Arkansas schools to establish hybrid learning programs, which offer flexible educational opportunities to students. The popularity of hybrid learning programs continues to rise because they unite online academic work with hands-on clinical and laboratory experiences. The lack of virtual clinical experience availability in Arkansas makes fully online LPN programs scarce throughout the state. Students who work can enroll in evening or weekend classes at many institutions, as these programs accommodate their work schedules. Some schools also offer accelerated training programs that allow students to finish their education within a 10-month period.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health College Little Rock |
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| Arkansas Northeastern College |
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| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
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| Certifying Board | Arkansas State Board of Nursing, Division of Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) administered by Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an ASBN-approved practical nursing program, affidavit of graduation by the program director, and submission of an official transcript |
| Application & Background Check | Online application via the Arkansas Nurse Portal (about 60 days before graduation) with a $125 state application fee plus a $36.25 fingerprint processing fee for state and federal criminal background checks |
| Application Processing Time | Allow 8–12 weeks for review and licensure issuance once all documentation and fees are received |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal on your birth month every two years with a $40 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | 15 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education required each renewal cycle (first renewal exempt if initial license term is under two years) |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs may endorse with a $125 endorsement fee, Nursys verification of a current unrestricted license, fingerprint/background check, and proof of recent practice or completion of a board-approved refresher. |
There is a significant need for LPNs in the state of Arkansas, in rural areas and long-term care facilities in particular. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Arkansas make an average annual salary of just under $48,000; however, compensation will be influenced by location and experience as well as work environment. Arkansas LPN jobs will increase steadily through the year 2030, particularly for elder care providers, rehabilitation services, and community health professionals. It is a career that promotes job security along with day-to-day opportunities to help people, and it’s an option that, for many Arkansans, leads to a good-paying job in a reliable, satisfying line of work.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Arkansas | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $49,918 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $22.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$58,013 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $51,030 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$46,933 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 6.7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~470 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University-Newport |
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| Arkansas State University-Mountain Home |
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| North Arkansas College |
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Working as an LPN creates a fulfilling experience which establishes a strong foundation for nurses to progress in their nursing careers. Different Arkansas schools offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs which enable working LPNs to earn their associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing without stopping their work. LPNs can get specialized certifications through programs that focus on wound care, pediatric nursing, and dialysis practice. The LPN program in Arkansas provides a solid base that leads to various career advancement opportunities in education, management, and specialized clinical positions.
Additional Nursing Programs in Arkansas
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