Arkansas does not have as many schools that offer degree programs in nursing as some of the other states do. However the ones they do have are very good schools that will provide future nurses with the training and skills they require to seek employment in their chosen field. These post secondary institutions have degree and certificate programs in nursing, Practical Nursing and Nursing Assistance. Let us look at the top picks from a list of Arkansas nursing schools.
Phillips Community College
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas’s Division of Nursing and Allied Health is found in Helena, Arkansas which is in the eastern part of the state. The college offers nursing students a two year program. Phillips has campuses in a variety of places. Besides the main campus in Helena, there is also one in DeWitt and Stuttgart. Students attending Phillips Community College can study for their Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing or their Technical Certificate in Nursing Assistance. The associate degree requires 72 credit hours to finish. Once students complete this they can then take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Those who choose to enroll in the Nursing Assistant program require 10 credit hours. This program prepares students to work in nursing homes and in home health care.
Southeast Arkansas College
Southeast Arkansas College is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This college offers two year programs to its students. The Division of Nursing puts on two certificate programs. There is the Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing and the Certificate of Proficiency in Nursing Assistant. Those who enroll in the Nursing Assistant program will study anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. A clinical phase is also required. In this phase students will be able to gain valuable hands-on experience. The Practical Nursing Technical Certificate program on the other hand focuses on the skills that are required for certification by the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses.
Southern Arkansas Tech
Southern Arkansas Tech is a two year community college that is located in Camden, Arkansas. Students can earn their associate degrees here. They can then choose to seek work as nurses following graduation or if they wish they can transfer to a university and work towards a four year bachelor’s degree. The Allied Health Division at the college also offers programs for those who wish to become practical nurses and nursing assistants. The Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing takes 12 months to complete. Students can then sit for the state licensing examination. On the other hand, the Certificate of Proficiency in Nursing Assistant takes three weeks. Certified nursing assistants can then look for work in long-term care facilities and home health agencies.
