Arkansas Online LPN Programs: Top Schools, Tuition & More

Comparing Arkansas’s LPN Programs

LPN programs provide flexibility for students pursuing a nursing career who are looking for entry-level positions. Arkansas offers a mix of hybrid LPN programs that combine theoretical coursework in an online format with practical in-person clinical training. Online components typically cover essential nursing topics like foundational concepts, anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care skills. Hands-on clinical training is completed at local healthcare facilities and is necessary to obtain licensure.

When comparing LPN programs to registered nurse (RN) programs, LPN programs are shorter in length, taking students around 12 to 18 months to complete. LPN programs also differ from certified nursing assistant (CNA) training, as LPN programs are more extensive in its nursing education, preparing students for a vaster range of patient care responsibilities. Some schools also offer bridge programs for CNAs who want to earn their LPN credentials.

As you select an online LPN program, ensure that the one you land on is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and/or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon graduating from their practical nursing program, students should qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is also required to become licensed. One solid way to determine a program’s quality is noting its NCLEX-PN pass rate, which can often be found on the school’s program page.

The three standout practical nursing programs below offer strong options for potential students like you.

Student Support: FAQs About LPN Programs

As you search for the right LPN program in Arkansas, it’s natural to still have questions. Here, we’ve answered some of the most common student questions about admissions requirements, prerequisites and testing, curriculum content, and clinical placements. Find out more vital information for your career journey below.

How long does it take to complete an LPN program?

LPN programs in Arkansas typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on the school and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. In some cases, LPN programs may be completed in just six months. The program length will depend on the clinical requirements, as well.

How much does it cost to become an LPN?

The cost of these programs can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on whether the institution is public or private. The program length can also be a factor, especially for schools that charge a cost per credit. By searching for LPN programs in Arkansas, you’ll already save money by being a state resident, as out-of-state programs generally charge higher tuition for non-residents. If budget is an issue, try searching for affordable online LPN programs or searching for field-specific financial aid and scholarships.

How do clinical placements work for online or hybrid LPN programs?

Schools generally assist students in finding suitable placement sites. Clinical placements are essential to LPN programs in Arkansas, offering students valuable hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. These placements typically occur in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or other medical facilities where students work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.

Through these clinical experiences, students can apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned in the classroom, practice their nursing skills, and develop effective patient care techniques. The number of required clinical hours varies by program, but completing these hours is crucial for finishing the program and meeting state licensure requirements.

Can I take the NCLEX-PN without going to school?

No, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program to qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam. These requirements are in place to ensure that practical nurses have received the appropriate amount of training and education to provide optimal patient care. While LPNs may have less responsibility than registered nurses, they still deal with sensitive patient data and vulnerable populations. LPNS must receive the proper education to successfully handle patients and sensitive patient data.

Once I become an LPN, what other nursing career paths are available to me?

Working as an LPN is a great way to enter the nursing field quickly and without acquiring much (if any) student debt. Once you become an LPN, several bridge programs are available that serve as a stepping stone toward your next career path. For example, LPN to ADN bridge programs set you up to become an associate nurse, while LPN to BSN bridge programs help you earn a bachelor’s degree and become a registered nurse.

The best route is to begin working as an LPN and get a taste of what higher-level nurses do by observing them in the field. From there, you can decide which pathway is best for your career and salary goals.

Arkansas LPN Licensing Explained

Becoming an LPN in Arkansas means that candidates must fulfill both national and state-specific requirements. Students must complete a state-approved practical nursing education program. These can typically be done in about one year and prepares students through classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.

Upon graduation, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Successful completion of the exam verifies a candidate’s knowledge and skills in various aspects of nursing practice, and is essential for obtaining licensure in Arkansas.

Once the NCLEX-PN is completed, applicants must apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). The application process requires submitting proof of education, evidence of passing the NCLEX-PN, and undergoing a criminal background check. The ASBN may also request additional documentation, such as verification of any prior nursing experience, if applicable.

LPNs in Arkansas are required to renew their licenses every two years. The renewal process includes completing continuing education requirements and paying the renewal fee. The ASBN mandates that LPNs complete at least 15 contact hours of continuing education (CE) or a combination of education and professional practice hours during each renewal period.

The state accepts various CE courses, including those focused on nursing practice, patient care, and healthcare laws. Additionally, LPNs must have worked at least 1,000 hours in a healthcare setting within the past two years to qualify for renewal. LPNs need to stay informed about any changes in renewal requirements, as these may be updated periodically by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Salary & Career Outlooks for Practical Nurses in Arkansas

The general outlook for healthcare-related careers in the U.S. continues to be strong, and this positive trend extends to the employment market for LPNs in Arkansas. This is evident in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data presented in the two tables below. Table one lists long-term (2022-2032) job growth figures for LPNs in the U.S. and Arkansas. The 6.7% projected growth rate for LPN jobs in Arkansas is slightly higher than the national rate for LPN jobs. It is also more than double the 2.8% projected job growth for all occupations in the U.S. over the same ten-year period.

In terms of earnings, average annual salaries for LPNs in Arkansas range from just under $40,000 to just over $60,000. Generally speaking, salaries for LPNs in Arkansas are somewhat lower than those in the U.S. overall, likely due to the lower cost of living in the state compared to the rest of the nation. Factors affecting your actual earnings in an LPN job include your specific employer, the amount of nursing work experience you have, and (as seen in table two) your particular geographic location within the state.