Best Online LPN Programs in Arkansas
Looking for a role in a healing profession? See how you can jumpstart a meaningful career as an LPN in Arkansas.
If you’re ready to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the great state of Arkansas, you’re likely looking for information that can help you navigate the world of nursing education. No doubt you have questions about finding the best program, understanding licensing requirements, and much more. If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Arkansas is home to multiple nursing programs, but finding the school that best aligns with your academic needs, career goals, and personal life can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. The best online LPN programs in Arkansas offer quality training and the flexibility to complete coursework while keeping up with personal and professional obligations.
The best online LPN programs in Arkansas offer the theoretical and practical training you need to secure your licensure, jumpstart your career, and, most importantly, provide excellent and compassionate care to your patients. Throughout this page, we highlight two standout LPN programs, dive into what it takes to earn and keep your LPN license, and share what you can expect regarding earning potential and the Arkansas job market. Keep reading to learn about what the best schools have to offer and how you can begin your journey toward a career in allied healthcare.
Inside Look at LPN Programs Online in Arkansas
The best online LPN programs in Arkansas provide quality instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and experienced instructors. Finding the best school for you is an important choice. Read on as we highlight two of the state’s best online LPN programs.
Baptist Health College Little Rock
Established in 1920 as Baptist State Hospital, Baptist Health College Little Rock offers multiple academic programs, including a two-semester LPN program. This flexible and affordable program includes campus-based instruction, extensive hands-on learning opportunities, and online coursework for select students.
Throughout this two-semester LPN program, students develop the knowledge and skills to secure licensure and provide competent nursing care. As they progress through academic requirements, they encounter essential courses such as medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology. Students must complete each course with a minimum grade of 77% to secure their diploma.
Prospective students apply online and must include an official high school or GED transcript. Additionally, applicants must include transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities along with ACT or TEAS test scores. As one of the top online LPN programs in Arkansas, Baptist Health College Little Rock considers applicants primarily based on past academic achievement.
University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech
Founded in 1945, the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech is a public technical college that’s home to one of the best online LPN programs in Arkansas. This Little Rock institution serves over 6,000 students and prioritizes the experiential learning vital to an LPN program. Students complete this program in about three semesters.
Throughout this 49- to 54-credit LPN program, students dive into the theoretical foundations of practical nursing while gaining direct experience working with patients in a real-world setting. Students complete a variety of essential courses, including nursing care of adults, nutrition in health and illness, clinical nursing, and nursing care of mothers. Students must hold a 2.0 GPA to secure their diploma.
While hands-on learning is vital in LPN programs, the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech utilizes online learning opportunities to maximize the program’s flexibility. Students can expect extensive clinical experiences while completing various assignments via email and online message boards.
Arkansas LPN Licensing Information and Requirements
One of the most vital elements of your LPN career is state license. Without it, you can’t practice. In the next section, we highlight some essential things you need to know to secure and maintain your Arkansas LPN license.
Background Check
A state and federal criminal background check ensures that every prospective LPN in Arkansas is fit to take on the responsibilities of an essential healthcare worker. As a result, every prospective LPN must undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.
A background check not only ensures that an LPN complies with state rules and ethical expectations, but it also fosters a sense of patient confidence and promotes patient safety. In short, a background check reviews each applicant’s criminal history and other relevant information.
Education and Training
Education acts as the foundation for LPN licensure, and all LPN candidates in Arkansas must successfully complete an accredited LPN program to secure their licenses. Standout online LPN programs in Arkansas foster a learning environment where students develop knowledge while gaining vital hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
Throughout their program, LPN students cover a wide range of essential topics, from biology and pharmacology to gerontology and interpersonal skills. When searching for the right LPN program, be sure to prioritize schools accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Professional Nursing Examination
As your online LPN program in Arkansas winds down, you’ll spend considerable time preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The NCLEX-PN exam is one of the final steps to securing your license, acting as the ticket to your healthcare career.
This comprehensive, multiple-choice test scrutinizes your nursing knowledge while simultaneously challenging your critical thinking skills. Requiring about two hours, the test includes as many as 200 questions, covering a wide range of information including standard nursing procedures, nursing ethics, pharmacology, and the ins and outs of patient care.
Renewal of Licensure & Continuing Education
After securing your Arkansas LPN license, you’ll need to renew it every two years. The license expires on the last day of your birth month, every other year. To remain in compliance with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, LPNs must complete 15 contact hours of continuing education. These classes help ensure that LPNs continue to learn and keep up with new developments in the field. Continuing education course topics vary, covering everything from comprehensive acute stroke care to elder care. Be sure to leave enough time to complete all necessary requirements while preparing for any unplanned administrative hiccups.
Career and Salary Insights for Arkansas LPNs
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.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Arkansas | 10,930 | 11,660 | 730 | 6.70% | 930 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $38,100 | $48,790 | $60,390 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | $40,630 | $55,550 | $63,190 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $42,010 | $49,330 | $57,390 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $36,590 | $48,120 | $58,230 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $37,200 | $47,510 | $55,780 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $40,550 | $49,780 | $60,650 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | $40,360 | $52,320 | $64,590 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Arkansas LPN Students and Professionals
- Arkansas Center for Nursing: The Arkansas Center for Nursing is a workforce development nonprofit with the mission of promoting health and wellness within the state through nursing education, competent practice, and leadership. In addition to serving as a statewide clearinghouse for nursing employment data, this group promotes diversity within the profession.
- Arkansas Nurses Association: The leading professional organization for nurses in Arkansas, the Arkansas Nurses Association not only advocates for the professional development of its licensed members but it also works toward expanding access to quality healthcare throughout the state. This site also posts job opportunities, industry news, and other vital information.
- Arkansas Nursing Students’ Association: The Arkansas Nursing Students’ Association is an essential organization dedicated to supporting the state’s nursing students throughout their academic and professional journeys. Additionally, this group promotes professional development while advocating for accessible, high-quality healthcare.
- Arkansas State Board of Nursing: The Arkansas State Board of Nursing is your hub for everything LPN licensure-related. From license renewals to criminal background checks, if you become an Arkansas-based LPN, you’ll become familiar with this site.
- Beginner’s Guide to the NCLEX: Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is perhaps the most vital element in your journey to becoming a healthcare professional. Through this page, you’ll gain study strategies, resources, and expert exam advice to help you ace the test on your first go.
- Scholarships and Online Resources for Nursing Students: This page is dedicated to the financial needs of nursing students. From scholarship information to an exhaustive list of online resources for nursing students, this guide will prove beneficial throughout your academic journey.
