2024 - Best LPN Programs in Arkansas

Last Updated/Verified: Oct 23, 2023

Looking for a rewarding career pathway in the healthcare industry? Look no further than becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Arkansas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an 9% increase in LPN employment through 2029, so there’s never been a better time to enroll in an LPN program.

LPNs in Arkansas earn approximately $22.11 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $45,990. This is roughly $9,870 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Arkansas? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Arkansas are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 25 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Arkansas click here.

Details on Arkansas LPN Schools & Classes

To earn an LPN diploma in Arkansas, you’ll need to enroll in one of the many schools in the state that offer an LPN program. These programs are readily found in colleges and technical/vocational schools throughout Arkansas. Upon graduating from an LPN program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to become licensed as a practical nurse. Some of the classes you may take in LPN school might consist of the following, which are actual course titles offered in the LPN program at University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

  • Medical Terminology
  • Clinical Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Nursing Care of Adults

Accreditation

Choosing the right school and LPN program can be daunting. To ensure that you are choosing wisely, you should check to see if your school of choice is properly accredited. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a national accrediting organization to look out for, but there are other regional accrediting bodies as well. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the school and program are endorsed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Students in Arkansas will typically need to meet the following requirements in order to be eligible to enroll in an LPN program:

  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
  • Must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Hold a current CPR for Health Care Providers certification
  • Satisfactory TEAS exam score

Tuition and Costs

Arkansas LPN program costs can vary due to type of school, location, and other factors. Students should plan to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, course materials such as textbooks, and room/board if applicable. As an example, the LPN program at Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale has a total cost of just over $11,000. Most schools have financial aid departments and programs that can help students with these expenses.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Arkansas LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Arkansas LPN Licensing Requirements

Arkansas’ educational requirements for an LPN license include attending a Board-certified nursing school and passing the state-required test. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state prior to graduation, including:

  • Proof of valid social security number
  • Official transcript from state-approved nursing program with degree received (must come directly from school).
  • Verification of graduation date (done by the director of graduated nursing program via secure electronic process).
  • Submit to a criminal background check.

Foreign nurses can apply for a license from the state of Arkansas, but must also provide official transcripts, including a full course-by-course review by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, proof of English proficiency, as well as submit proof of the following:

  • Graduated from an approved nursing school equivalent to Arkansas.
  • Licensed or eligible to be licensed as an LPN in another country.
  • Submit to a criminal background check.
  • Passed all required licensure examinations.

Arkansas LPN licenses expire every 2 years on the licensee’s birthday.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN exam must be passed by LPN program graduates in order to become licensed. The exam consists of between 85 and 205 questions covering different aspects of nursing knowledge. You can learn more about the NCLEX-PN exam here, and even take our NCLEX-PN practice exam to hone your skills before you take the real thing.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, Arkansas allows nurses from other NLC states to work within its boundaries without additional licensing requirements. Nurses from other non-compact states are required to apply for a license by endorsement to practice in the state. They must also submit the following:

  • Proof of having passed the NCLEX.
  • Proof of state licensure in another state.
  • Proof of employment as an LPN in another state.
  • Submit to a criminal background check.

For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Arkansas, check out Arkansas State Board of Nursing's Endorsement page.

2024 AR NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 25
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 832
  • 2022 Average Statewide Arkansas NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 81.2%

Top Ranked Arkansas LPN Programs

1

University of Arkansas at Monticello - McGehee

1609 East Ash, McGehee, AR 71654 - (870) 222-5360 - Visit Homepage

University of Arkansas at Monticello - College of Technology - McGehee's Practical Nursing program is one of the best ways to begin a fulfilling career in the field. After a year of study, students will be qualified to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Once students have passed this exam, they can go right to work as an LPN in a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, or other facility.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Arkansas State University - Beebe

1000 W Iowa St, Beebe, AR 72012 - (501) 882-3600 - Visit Homepage

Arkansas State University-Beebe is a two-year school that operates separately from the Arkansas State University (ASU) System. ASU-Beebe's Searcy campus is home to an 11-month practical nursing program. With high-quality courses and reasonable pricing, students can work today on becoming practical nurses, with the option to move forward to an associate's or bachelor's in nursing later on.

Overall Score: 98.16 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Black River Technical College

1410 Highway 304 East, Pocahontas, AR 72455 - (870) 248-4000 - Visit Homepage

Black River Technical College offers an outstanding practical nursing program at its campus in Pocahontas, Arkansas. By blending tradition, technology, and innovation, BRTC emphasizes quality in its practical nursing program and workforce training. They also believe that nurturing relationships increases access, leading to seamless education.

Overall Score: 97.86 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Southeast Arkansas College

1900 S Hazel St, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 - (870) 543-5900 - Visit Homepage

Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) is a public institution nestled in the scenic region of Arkansas. Renowned for its high-quality education, SEARK offers a licensed practical nursing program that prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare. With a focus on individualized learning and a welcoming campus community, SEARK provides a supportive environment for students to excel in their studies.

Overall Score: 97.16 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Arkansas Tech University

1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949 - (866) 225-2884 - Visit Homepage

Arkansas Tech University's Ozark campus accepts students to their practical nursing program in August and January each year. ATU Ozark's curriculum theory centers on holistic patient care, taking physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being into account. They also offer an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health with a PN exit option.

Overall Score: 95.17 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

University of Arkansas at Monticello - Crossett

1326 HWY 52 West, Crossett, AR 71635 - (870) 364-6414 - Visit Homepage

University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) in Crossett, Arkansas, with additional campuses at McGehee and Monticello. UAM seeks to offer quality educational opportunities through masters, baccalaureate, and associate degrees, as well as certifications in various programs and workforce training. These well-rounded programs are designed to broaden and enrich student awareness.

Overall Score: 94.72 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

1537 University Blvd, Morrilton, AR 72110 - (501) 977-2053 - Visit Homepage

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) is approximately 50 miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas, in the town of Morrilton. By offering affordable tuition, small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, hands-on training, and career transfer services, UACCM helps to ensure collegiate and professional success in the practical nursing realm.

Overall Score: 93.39 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

183 College Dr, De Queen, AR 71832 - (870) 584-4471 - Visit Homepage

De Queen's Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas offers students several convenient pathways to a practical nursing certificate: the 11-month daytime program or the 18-month evening program. With these flexible scheduling options, students are able to complete the classroom coursework and clinical experiences on a timetable that works for them. Enrollment is limited, so students are encouraged to apply before within the designated application window.

Overall Score: 92.42 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Arkansas Northeastern College

2501 South Division Street, Blytheville, AR 72315 - (870) 762-1020 - Visit Homepage

Arkansas Northeastern College has several quality campus locations, but the main ANC campus in Blytheville is where students will find the practical nursing program. Arkansas Northeastern College is not only committed to providing accessible, quality practical nursing education programs and services for lifelong learning opportunities for it students, but it's also committed to the idea of worth and dignity in individuals.

Overall Score: 89.66 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Arkansas State University - Mountain Home

1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653 - (870) 508-6100 - Visit Homepage

Located in the picturesque setting of Mountain Home, Arkansas State University - Mountain Home (ASUMH) is a public institution committed to academic excellence. ASUMH offers a licensed practical nursing program, providing students with a pathway to enter the rewarding field of healthcare. With a focus on personalized education, ASUMH creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students to thrive.

Overall Score: 86.99 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Arkansas

RankedProgramScore
#11 Ozarka College
218 College Dr, Melbourne, AR 72556
(870) 368-7371
86.60
#12 University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
86.05
#13 East Arkansas Community College
1700 Newcastle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-4480
85.17
#14 National Park College
101 College Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 760-4222
84.18
#15 Arkansas State University Three Rivers
One College Circle, Malvern, AR 72104
(501) 337-5000
82.37
#16 South Arkansas Community College
300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730
(870) 862-8131
82.08
#17 North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 743-3000
81.11
#18 University of Arkansas Community College at Hope
2500 S Main St, Hope, AR 71801
(870) 777-5722
79.41
#19 Northwest Technical Institute
709 S Old Missouri Rd, Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 751-8824
79.16
#20 University of Arkansas Rich Mountain
1100 College Dr, Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-7622
77.23
#21 Baptist Health College Little Rock
11900 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210
(501) 202-6200
77.01
#22 University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
3000 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118
(501) 812-2200
74.13
#23 Arkansas State University - Newport
7648 Victory Blvd, Newport, AR 72112
(870) 512-7800
71.41
#24 University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904
(479) 788-7000
69.16
#25 Southern Arkansas University Tech
6415 Spellman Road, Camden, AR 71701
(870) 574-4500
57.53

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional AR Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Arkansas

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Arkansas. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway2,780$23.12$48,090
Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers1,370$23.86$49,640
Fort Smith1,060$22.35$46,480
Jonesboro640$20.77$43,200
Hot Springs490$21.33$44,370
Pine Bluff370$23.13$48,110

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)