The Best Arkansas LPN Programs
- Best Arkansas LPN Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to an Arkansas LPN Program
- Program Accreditation
- FAQ
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Credit: DenisTangneyJr / iStock / Getty Images PlusA licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides direct patient care, such as personal hygiene, therapeutic procedures, and medication administration, under the supervision of a registered nurse. An LPN track benefits students who are still determining their nursing career path. LPN programs allow nurses to begin working and later decide if they want to further their education.
This guide offers information on how LPN programs in Arkansas work, how to apply, and the importance of accreditation.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best Arkansas LPN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn More About the Best Arkansas LPN Programs and Schools
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Newport site was founded in 1976 as a vocational technical school. However, it merged with ASU in 1992 and it became a stand-alone campus in April 2000. The school currently has three campuses, which all offer practical nursing certificates.
- Campus: Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Tuition: $5,310
- Completion Time: 10 months
- Online Availability: Yes
- Degree Requirements: Open admission
- Programs: Practical Nursing
- In-State$6,888
- Out-of-state$12,744
- In-State$6,282
- Out-of-state$11,520
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled13,024
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Baptist Health College Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 2 year
- Campus
Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses. They help patients with their direct care, which includes such things as treatment, personal hygiene and the administration of medication. The Baptist Health Schools Little Rock has a fantastic program in place to help students become the best at being an LPN, while being driven by faith.
- Campus: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: NLNAC
- Tuition: Varies depending on the needs of the student
- Completion Time: 2 semesters
- Online Availability: Yes
- Degree Requirements: GED, transcripts, ACT
- Programs: Practical Nursing
- In-State$10,098
- Out-of-state$10,098
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled666
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment1%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- Malvern, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Arkansas State University Three Rivers is a two year college that also oversees the OACC (Ouachita Area Career Center). Furthermore, it works with a range of post-secondary programs, offers adult education and has a full workforce center. It is a popular school both for those who want to achieve a certificate and go straight into the workforce, and those who want to move on to further education.
- Campus: Malvern, Arkansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Tuition: $1,950 in state or $3,900 out of state
- Completion Time: One year
- Online Availability: Yes
- Degree Requirements: Open admission
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, Practical Nursing Technical Certificate, Medication Administration Program Certificate of Proficiency, Nursing Assistant Certificate of Prophiciency
- In-State$2,448
- Out-of-state$6,560
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,597
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Technical Institute
- Springdale, AR
- Campus
Northwest Technical Institute offers a practical nursing program together with the NWA community. Their commitment is in making sure that the best nursing education is provided. Hence, the educational needs of the students are fully met, whether they wish to enter the nursing profession directly or whether they wish to continue in their educational pathway.
- Campus: Springdale, Arkansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education and/or the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the State Board of Career Education
- Tuition: $2,016
- Completion Time: One year
- Online Availability: Yes
- Degree Requirements: COMPASS, TEAL, GED, transcripts, immunization records, references
- Programs: Practical nursing
- In-State$4,000
- Out-of-state$4,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled155
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
How Do Arkansas LPN Programs Work?
Arkansas LPN programs are usually fast-paced, allowing students to complete coursework in 12 months. Classes take place on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. The curriculum includes fundamentals of nursing, documentation, and specialty nursing areas, such as medical/surgical nursing, women’s health, pediatrics, and gerontology.
Clinical practicums concentrate on providing healthcare to people of all ages. Arkansas LPN programs must provide at least 560 hours of theory and 768 clinical practicum hours.
Once the coursework and clinical practicums are completed, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed as an LPN.
Applying to an Arkansas LPN Program
Applying to an Arkansas LPN program usually involves the submission of an online application and high school transcripts. Admission requirements vary from one institution to another. Some schools require minimum ACT or other college test scores. There may be pre-requisite requirements, such as an anatomy and physiology course.
- Admission Materials: High school or GED diploma; official high school or GED transcripts; anatomy and physiology with a lab component; ACT exam scores
- Other Requirement: Immunization records
Why Is Arkansas LPN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation involves a third party’s thorough review of a school’s faculty, coursework, study materials, and labs to meet quality standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) often accredits LPN programs. It is essential to select an accredited program for many reasons, including:
- Accredited programs provide quality education.
- Graduates of accredited institutions gain the skills and knowledge to practice nursing at LPN diploma-level nursing standards.
- Many institutions do not accept the transfer of credits from an unaccredited college or university.
- Several types of student financial aid, including federal loans, are only available to accredited schools.
Our top-ranked list of LPN programs in Arkansas includes only accredited schools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas LPN Programs
To get an LPN license in Arkansas, you must graduate from an accredited LPN program, complete all clinical requirements, and pass the NCLEX-PN for licensure.
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