Best LPN to RN/BSN Programs in Arkansas 2027

Best LPN to RN/BSN Programs in Arkansas 2027
Updated September 15, 202625+ min read

Best Arkansas LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2027

Ranked by NCLEX pass rates, cost, and flexibility — compare accredited bridge programs for working LPNs across Arkansas.

Fourteen months of bridge coursework versus a four-year restart: that's the practical choice facing Arkansas LPNs eyeing an RN license. The state's Board of Nursing reports RN vacancy rates running well above the national average in rural counties, and hospitals from Jonesboro to Texarkana are paying differentials for BSN-prepared nurses on top of standard RN wages.

The ranking below orders Arkansas LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs by NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, the single clearest measure of whether a program actually produces licensed nurses. Accreditation status and completion rates serve as tie-breakers where pass rates land close together.

Seat availability, not curriculum quality, is what typically bottlenecks entry into these programs statewide.

Top Arkansas LPN to RN/BSN Programs by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate

NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are the closest thing to a public scorecard for a bridge program: they show how well a school actually prepares licensed practical nurses for the exam that changes both their license and their pay. For a working LPN choosing between an associate degree route and a bachelor's completion track, those numbers matter as much as tuition and scheduling. The Arkansas programs below run from compact one-year campus bridges to online and hybrid bachelor's paths, and each entry notes cost, format, and admission expectations so you can compare them side by side.

How we ranked these

Factors considered
  1. Graduation rates weighted most heavily
  2. NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
  3. Accreditation status and program approval
  4. Retention and completion outcomes
  5. Tuition and net price context
Data sources
  • NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
  • IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
  • Internal program database
  • Independent editorial research
UN

University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton

Morrilton, AR · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98% (2-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Working LPNs wanting an on-campus bridge

University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton keeps its bridge offering deliberately narrow: a single 12-month associate degree track for licensed LPNs, approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, with in-person classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and clinical work split between online and on-site sessions on Fridays. The cohort is small and the schedule is fixed, which suits nurses who want a predictable one-year plan rather than a self-paced degree. In-state tuition and fees are listed around $3,648 per year, and the institution-wide net price after aid is about $8,725, a figure that covers all students rather than nursing students alone. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite anatomy, microbiology, and psychology courses, and a passing score on the NACE pre-entrance exam, with applications open March 1 through October 1.

  • LPN/LVN to RN, Associates — On-Campus
    University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
    • 12-month, cohort-based bridge for licensed practical nurses
    • In-person classes Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • Online and in-person clinicals on Fridays
    • NACE pre-entrance exam required for admission
    • 2.5 GPA minimum plus prerequisite courses
    • Spring start with applications open March 1 to October 1
    • Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
    • Background check required upon admission
    Visit Website
AR

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.9% (3-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Degree planners mapping an in-state progression path

Arkansas Tech University runs the broadest bridge catalog in the state, pairing an on-campus associate degree LPN to RN track at its Ozark campus with three bachelor's-level LPN to BSN routes: a general program, a traditional on-campus format, and a hybrid option built for nurses who keep working. The nursing department states that it follows the Arkansas Nursing Education Progression Model, and its baccalaureate program carries ACEN accreditation along with Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval. LPNs can bring 16 articulated credit hours in for their license, while the hybrid bachelor's route substitutes 1,000 hours of documented LPN work experience for an entrance exam. In-state tuition and fees are about $8,674 and the institution-wide net price after aid is near $12,970, with campus retention around 74 percent.

  • LPN/LVN to RN, Associates — On-Campus
    Arkansas Tech University
    • Associate degree bridge based at the Ozark campus
    • 67 total credit hours
    • HESI entrance exam required
    • Hybrid online and on-campus classes
    • One fall cohort admitted each year
    • Work experience and prerequisite courses required
    • High-fidelity mannequin simulation labs
    • Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
    Visit Website
  • LPN/LVN to BSN — Hybrid
    Arkansas Tech University
    ACEN accredited
    • 120 total credit hours to complete the bachelor's degree
    • 16 articulated credit hours awarded for LPN licensure
    • Hybrid or traditional format available
    • Degree must be completed within four years
    • ACEN accredited bachelor's completion program
    • May 1 application deadline for fall entry
    • 2.8 GPA minimum and prerequisite courses required
    Visit Website
  • LPN/LVN to BSN Traditional — On-Campus
    Arkansas Tech University
    ACEN accredited
    • TEAS entrance exam required
    • Fall and spring start terms
    • Application deadlines February 15 and September 15
    • Traditional on-campus class schedule
    • Current LPN license required
    Visit Website
  • LPN/LVN to BSN Hybrid — Hybrid
    Arkansas Tech University
    ACEN accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • 1,000 hours of LPN work experience required
    • Hybrid format for nurses who keep working
    • Fall admission only
    • Clinical competency requirements apply
    Visit Website
HA

Harding University

Searcy, AR · ~$22,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Faith-oriented nurses needing flexible scheduling

Harding University's Carr College of Nursing takes an individualized approach, admitting licensed nurses into a flexible LPN/RN track inside its bachelor's program where a faculty advisor helps build a full-time or part-time completion plan. Coursework moves through assessment, pathophysiology, research, leadership, and community health, with clinical rotations at area hospitals and optional international medical mission work. The college reports that it has held first place among Arkansas nursing programs since 2018 and cites a 100 percent job placement rate for its graduates. Tuition and fees run roughly $26,262 a year with an institution-wide net price near $22,130 after aid, the highest cost on this list, while campus retention sits at about 86 percent with a 13 to 1 student-faculty ratio.

  • LPN/LVN to BSN — On-Campus
    Harding University
    • Individualized completion plan built with a faculty advisor
    • Full-time and part-time enrollment options
    • Upper-level coursework in assessment and pathophysiology
    • Leadership, research, and community health courses included
    • Clinical hours at area hospitals and campus facilities
    • Honors College distinction available for top students
    • International health care mission opportunities
    • Three concentration options within the nursing major
    Visit Website
SO

Southern Arkansas University

Magnolia, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 97.1% (3-yr weighted avg)

Southern Arkansas University's LPN/LVN to RN Fast Track is an associate of science in nursing for practical and vocational nurses, delivered online and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. It sits inside a nursing department that also runs an online RN to BSN completion program, so graduates can keep moving toward a bachelor's degree without starting over somewhere else. In-state tuition and fees are listed around $9,960 a year and out-of-state about $15,690, with an institution-wide net price near $14,027 after aid. Accreditation details for this pathway vary across public listings, so confirm current program approval with the school and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing before applying.

  • LPN/LVN to RN, Associates — Online
    Southern Arkansas University
    • Associate of Science in Nursing for LPNs and LVNs
    • Fast Track pathway designed for working practical nurses
    • Delivered online
    • Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
    • Institution approved by the North Central Association
    • SAU also offers an online RN to BSN completion program
    Visit Website
AR

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Beebe, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 93.4% (3-yr weighted avg)

Arkansas State University-Beebe's fast-track bridge serves two audiences at once: licensed practical nurses and working paramedics moving into registered nursing. The associate degree stacks 34 prerequisite courses under a 30-credit nursing core taught at the Searcy campus, with clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, and leadership threaded through the curriculum. The program holds full approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and the Arkansas Future Grant can reduce costs for eligible students. In-state tuition and fees come to about $3,336, and the institution-wide net price after aid is roughly $11,698.

  • LPN/Paramedic to RN, Associates — On-Campus
    Arkansas State University-Beebe
    • Open to licensed practical nurses and paramedics
    • Fast-track associate degree route to RN licensure
    • 34 prerequisite courses plus a 30-credit nursing core
    • Taught at the Searcy campus
    • Full approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
    • Arkansas Future Grant available for eligible students
    • Financial aid and scholarships offered
    • Prepares graduates for acute care and community health roles
    Visit Website
UN

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · ~$11,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 94.6% (3-yr weighted avg)

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offers a two-year, 65-credit LPN to ADN pathway with ACEN accreditation, a TEAS entrance requirement, and an academic advisor assigned to each student from the start. The curriculum was built with regional healthcare providers and centers on the nursing process, culturally sensitive care, health promotion, and professional accountability, with clinical rotations in local hospitals and clinics. Faculty position the degree as a step toward a BSN or advanced practice later on. In-state tuition and fees are about $7,334 and out-of-state roughly $12,182, with an institution-wide net price near $10,574 after aid and scholarships available.

  • LPN to ADN — On-Campus
    University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
    ACEN accredited
    • Two-year LPN to ADN pathway, 65 total credit hours
    • ACEN accredited associate degree
    • TEAS entrance exam required
    • Clinical rotations in local hospitals and clinics
    • Academic advisor assigned to each student
    • Curriculum developed with regional healthcare providers
    • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN
    • Active LPN license and prerequisite courses required
    Visit Website
UN

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR · NCLEX-RN pass rate 91.5% (3-yr weighted avg)

UAMS is the bachelor's-only entry on this list, aimed at LPNs who want to move straight to a BSN through the College of Nursing in Little Rock. The bridge builds on existing clinical skills with coursework in nursing theory and health assessment plus clinical practice across medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity, psychiatric, and community health settings, and clinicals begin in the first summer session. Nontraditional options such as CLEP exams and correspondence courses can shorten the path, and an Honors Program is open to the top 10 percent of students. Tuition is not reported in the same standardized format as the community college programs, so confirm costs directly with the college; in-state tuition for the nursing program is listed around $7,362 per year and out-of-state around $12,990.

  • LPN/LVN to BSN — On-Campus
    University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
    • LPN to BSN bridge at the UAMS College of Nursing
    • Clinicals begin in the first summer session
    • Rotations in med-surg, pediatrics, maternity, and psychiatric care
    • CLEP exams and correspondence courses can shorten the timeline
    • Program materials cite CCNE accreditation
    • Honors Program open to the top 10 percent
    • Financial aid includes loans, grants, and scholarships
    • Campus-based in Little Rock
    Visit Website
AR

Arkansas Northeastern College

Blytheville, AR · $5,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 92.5% (3-yr weighted avg)

Arkansas Northeastern College runs an ACEN-accredited LPN to RN bridge that awards an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, with bridge students folded into the traditional nursing cohort each spring. Small class sizes and experienced faculty are the selling points, along with a curriculum that pairs general education with medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and critical thinking, plus clinical lab simulation and hands-on patient care in hospitals and healthcare agencies. Admission requires an entrance exam and a 2.0 GPA minimum. In-state tuition and fees are about $2,570 a year and the institution-wide net price after aid is roughly $5,375.

  • LPN/LVN to RN Bridge, Associates — On-Campus
    Arkansas Northeastern College
    ACEN accredited
    • ACEN-accredited LPN to RN bridge
    • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing awarded
    • Bridge students join the traditional cohort each spring
    • Entrance exam required and 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Clinical lab simulation plus hospital patient care
    • Selective admission program
    • Coursework in medical-surgical nursing and pharmacology
    • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN
    Visit Website
NO

North Arkansas College

Harrison, AR · $10,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 93% (3-yr weighted avg)

North Arkansas College's RN Bridge is a one-year, full-time associate degree for licensed LPNs that starts each January and carries ACEN accreditation. Students train in the Health Education Simulation Center and complete clinical hours at area healthcare facilities during day or evening shifts, and graduates can pursue licensure in both Arkansas and Missouri. The college holds articulation agreements with several Arkansas four-year schools for seamless transfer. The program is campus-based and not offered online, with a September 1 application deadline, and in-state tuition and fees run about $3,504 with an institution-wide net price near $10,180 after aid.

  • RN Bridge, Associates — On-Campus
    North Arkansas College
    ACEN accredited
    • One-year, full-time RN Bridge for licensed LPNs
    • January start each year
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Clinicals at area healthcare facilities, days or evenings
    • Campus-based, not offered online
    • Application deadline September 1
    • Articulation agreements with Arkansas four-year colleges
    • Health Education Simulation Center for hands-on practice
    Visit Website
BL

Black River Technical College

Pocahontas, AR · $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 90.3% (3-yr weighted avg)

Black River Technical College's LPN-to-RN Transitional Pathway is a 12-month hybrid associate degree that lets working nurses keep their jobs, combining online theory, on-campus simulation labs in Pocahontas, and clinical rotations spread across northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and clinicals fall on weekends with occasional weekdays, while a classroom site at AMMC in Paragould shortens the commute for nurses in that part of the state. A dedicated bridge instructor and site coordinator support students through the accelerated year. In-state tuition and fees are listed around $4,776 a year and the institution-wide net price after aid is about $5,095.

  • LPN-to-RN Transitional Pathway, Associates — Hybrid
    Black River Technical College
    • 12-month hybrid LPN to RN bridge
    • Online theory with on-campus simulation labs in Pocahontas
    • Evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • Weekend clinicals across northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri
    • Classroom space at AMMC in Paragould
    • Dedicated bridge instructor and site coordinator
    • 2.0 GPA minimum plus prerequisite courses
    • Spring admission only
    Visit Website

LPN to ADN vs. LPN to BSN: Choosing Your Bridge Pathway

Arkansas LPNs weighing bridge programs face a core decision: pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for a faster path to RN licensure, or invest more time in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for broader career options. Both routes lead to the same NCLEX-RN exam, but they differ in duration, cost, and long-term trajectory. Many ADN graduates later complete an RN-to-BSN program, making the associate degree a practical first step rather than a dead end.

Side-by-side comparison of LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN bridge pathways in Arkansas across duration, cost, degree, career ceiling, and employer preference

How Long Does It Take to Go From LPN to RN in Arkansas?

Most Arkansas LPN to RN bridge programs run 12 to 18 months of full-time study after prerequisites are complete. LPN-to-BSN routes generally stretch to 2 or 3 years depending on how many general education credits transfer in and whether you enroll full or part time.

ADN Bridge Timelines

The ADN bridge is the fastest legal route from LPN to RN among LPN bridge programs in the state. Concrete examples:

  • NorthWest Arkansas Community College: LPN-to-RN Advanced Placement ADN Track runs 3 semesters, 27 credits, with a cohort of 40.
  • University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana: AAS Nursing LPN/LPTN/LVN to RN Transition is a 12-month evening program with clinicals every other weekend.
  • Arkansas State University Mountain Home: PN/PAR to RN Bridge is 3 semesters, 60 total credits, with evening classes and a weekly clinical day.
  • North Arkansas College: LPN-to-RN Bridge cohort starts each January.

BSN Bridge Timelines

LPN-to-BSN pathways carry more general education and upper-division nursing coursework, which is why they run longer. Students entering with a completed associate degree or a heavy transcript of transferable credits can finish faster; students starting prerequisites from scratch should plan on the full 2 to 3 years.

What Actually Moves the Timeline

When choosing the right LPN/LVN bridge program, three variables drive whether you finish on the short end or the long end:

  • Prerequisite status: Anatomy, microbiology, and English composition done before you apply shave semesters off. Programs will not let you start core nursing courses until prereqs are complete.
  • Enrollment intensity: Part-time enrollment can double the calendar. Fully online and hybrid programs sometimes offer year-round scheduling that compresses the timeline.
  • Clinical scheduling: Clinicals cannot be done online. Programs like UAHT (every other weekend) and NWACC (nights and weekends) are built around working LPNs, but you still have to physically show up. NWACC also mandates 3 weeks of clinicals in Arkansas for bridge students, which matters if you live near a state border.

LPN to RN Program Costs and Financial Aid in Arkansas

Tuition at Arkansas community colleges remains among the most affordable in the South, but the sticker price is only part of the picture. The net price column below reflects each institution's average cost after all grant and scholarship aid; keep in mind that this figure is calculated across the entire student body, so your actual out-of-pocket cost as an LPN bridge student may be higher or lower depending on the aid you receive. Arkansas LPNs have several funding avenues worth exploring. The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, awards up to $800 per year to residents enrolled in an approved associate degree or certificate program in a high-demand field such as health care. To qualify you must be an Arkansas resident for at least six months, hold a high school diploma or GED, and not be a current Academic Challenge Scholarship recipient. Because bridge programs award an associate degree in nursing, they may fall under eligible programs, though applicants should confirm directly with ADHE. On the federal side, most LPN to RN students at these public colleges qualify for Pell Grants, which do not need to be repaid. After earning your RN license, two powerful loan-relief programs come into play. The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program covers a portion of qualifying nursing education debt for RNs who commit to working full time (at least 32 hours per week for a minimum of 45 weeks per service year) at a Critical Shortage Facility in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area; note that awards are taxable. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments made while working full time for a nonprofit 501(c)(3) hospital, government facility, community health center, or similar qualifying employer, and the forgiven amount is tax free. Major Arkansas health systems such as Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and UAMS are known to offer tuition assistance benefits, but specific amounts and eligibility details for LPN bridge students vary by employer and should be verified with each system's human resources department.

SchoolCityIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionEstimated Net Price (Institution Wide)
Black River Technical CollegePocahontas$4,776$7,488$5,095
Arkansas Northeastern CollegeBlytheville$2,850$4,250$5,375
NorthWest Arkansas Community CollegeBentonville$4,926$5,238$7,196
South Arkansas CollegeEl Dorado$3,684$5,532$7,486
UA Community College, BatesvilleBatesville$4,014$4,662$8,044
UA Community College, MorriltonMorrilton$3,888$4,728$8,725
Arkansas State University, Mountain HomeMountain Home$3,312$4,776$8,847
Southern Arkansas University TechCamden$5,040$6,480$9,018
UA Hope-TexarkanaHope$4,455$5,565$9,270
North Arkansas CollegeHarrison$3,864$5,592$10,180

Salary Boost: What Arkansas LPNs Gain by Becoming RNs

Completing an LPN to RN bridge program in Arkansas typically translates to a raise of roughly $15,000 to $25,000 per year. With most bridge programs costing between $8,000 and $20,000 in total tuition, newly licensed RNs can recoup their investment within one to two years. The BLS median wage for RNs in Arkansas is $78,940, well above the national LPN median of $59,730, making the financial case for bridging especially strong in the state's major metro areas.

Grouped bar chart comparing the national LPN median salary of $59,730 with Arkansas RN medians of $77,910 to $81,070 across three metro areas, May 2025

Accreditation and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates for Arkansas Bridge Programs

NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are one of the most useful signals for applicants comparing LPN to RN Bridge Programs, but a single year can be noisy. In Arkansas, several bridge-friendly nursing programs report first-time pass rates that stay solid over multiple years, even when small graduating classes make year-to-year swings more common.

Multi-year first-time pass rates

  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: 88.5% (2023), 96.7% (2024), 89.4% (2025)
  • National Park College: 98.1% (2023), 97.9% (2024), 87.5% (2025)
  • Southern Arkansas University Magnolia: 90.6% (2023), 96.77% (2024), 100% (2025)
  • University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: 87.1% (2023), 94.5% (2024), 97.5% (2025)
  • University of Arkansas at Monticello BSN: 92% (2023-2024), 90% (2024-2025)
  • Arkansas State University: 100% (2023-2024)

For comparison, Baptist Health College Little Rock reported a 90.2% first-time pass rate for the 2022-2023 reporting year. These are program-level rates, not statewide averages, and small cohorts can move percentages quickly. Look for consistency across two or three years rather than one perfect score.

ACEN vs. CCNE: why the distinction matters

Two national nursing accreditors are most relevant to Accredited LPN and RN Programs. ACEN, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, accredits practical nursing, associate degree, and some baccalaureate programs. CCNE, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, focuses on baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. National accreditation is a voluntary quality review beyond state approval. It can affect federal financial aid eligibility, whether employers accept the degree, and how smoothly credits transfer into a future BSN or MSN.

State approval is not national accreditation

Every program ranked by PracticalNursing.org must meet Arkansas State Board of Nursing requirements. That means the program is state-approved and its graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. However, ASBN approval is not the same as ACEN or CCNE accreditation. A program may be approved to operate and still lack national accreditation, which can limit some financial aid and graduate school options.

Because ASBN public reporting does not consistently list ACEN or CCNE status for each bridge pathway, school-by-school accreditation status is not assigned here. Confirm the specific accreditation status with the nursing department before applying. A BSN bridge may fall under the parent university's CCNE accreditation, while LPN to ADN Programs are more likely to fall under ACEN, but that is not guaranteed.

Admission Requirements and Credit Transfer Policies

A 65% minimum TEAS score, 2,000 hours of recent LPN work experience, and an active unencumbered license form the core eligibility threshold for the University of Arkansas LPN to BSN, though specific requirements vary by institution and pathway.

Common Baseline Requirements

Most Arkansas LPN Programs offering LPN to RN pathways share a standard set of prerequisites:

  • Active LPN license: Must be unencumbered with no disciplinary actions
  • Minimum GPA: Typically 2.5 to 2.75 on prerequisite coursework
  • Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, microbiology with lab, English composition, developmental psychology, and college algebra
  • Current CPR certification: Usually BLS for Healthcare Providers

Some programs add entrance exams like the TEAS or Casper assessment, while others accept prior LPN program completion as demonstration of foundational competency.

Credit Transfer Policies

How programs handle your existing LPN education affects both cost and completion time. Policies fall into three general categories:

  • Block credit: Some programs grant 15 to 20 credit hours automatically for completed LPN coursework
  • Challenge exams: Others require you to pass competency tests in areas like fundamentals of nursing or pharmacology before awarding credit
  • Portfolio review: A few institutions evaluate clinical logs, continuing education, and work history to determine credit equivalency

Confirm transfer policies directly with your target program or through Practical Nursing Resources, as even schools within the same system may differ.

University of Arkansas LPN to BSN Pathway

The University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers an online, part-time LPN to BSN program with an approximate three-year completion timeline. Admission requires 48 prerequisite credits (including chemistry with lab, statistics, humanities, and social science courses) with grades of C or better. The program accepts applications for fall entry only, with a July 15 deadline. Current enrollment is limited to residents of Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. Applicants must also complete a state-approved PN refresher course within 12 months if their 2,000 hours of work experience falls outside the most recent 12 to 24 months.

Baptist Health College Little Rock

Baptist Health College Little Rock does not currently offer an LPN bridge pathway. The institution provides an RN to BSN program for nurses who already hold associate-level RN licensure, but LPNs seeking initial RN credentials will need to explore other Arkansas options.

Online and Hybrid LPN to RN Options in Arkansas

Six of the top ten Arkansas LPN to RN programs offer some form of flexible scheduling or online coursework, though fully online completion remains impossible for any nursing bridge pathway due to mandatory clinical hours.

What Hybrid Really Means

When Arkansas schools describe their programs as "hybrid" or mention online components, they typically deliver didactic coursework through online platforms while requiring students to complete clinical rotations in person. Black River Technical College operates a true hybrid model with evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekend clinical requirements at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. This structure lets working LPNs maintain employment during the week while progressing toward their RN credential.

UA Community College at Batesville offers an online LPN to RN pathway where the classroom portion is delivered entirely through distance learning, but students still complete hands-on clinical experiences at approved facilities.

Schedule Flexibility for Working LPNs

Several programs structure their schedules around the reality that most students cannot quit their nursing jobs:

  • NorthWest Arkansas Community College: Online classes paired with evening and weekend clinicals accommodate full-time employment
  • UA Community College at Morrilton: In-person courses meet only Tuesdays and Thursdays, with online and in-person clinical options on Fridays
  • Black River Technical College: Evening and weekend scheduling at the Paragould location minimizes daytime conflicts

Clinical Placement Considerations

Some programs arrange clinical rotations at facilities near where students already work or live, reducing commute burden significantly. Arkansas Tech University and North Arkansas College partner with area healthcare facilities for clinical experiences, which can sometimes include the hospital or clinic where an LPN already holds a position. Students should confirm clinical placement policies during the application process, as arrangements vary by cohort size and facility availability.

Licensure Steps and the Nurse Licensure Compact in Arkansas

Once you complete an ASBN-approved bridge program, earning your RN license follows a clear sequence. Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so graduates whose primary residence is Arkansas receive a multistate license valid in 40+ compact states, provided they meet all 11 uniform licensure requirements.

Licensure Steps and the Nurse Licensure Compact in Arkansas

More Arkansas LPN to RN/BSN Programs to Consider

The ranking above covers the Arkansas bridge programs with the strongest NCLEX-RN pass rates. This directory lists additional options across the state, grouped by region, so you can compare location, delivery format, and degree level side by side. In-state tuition figures come from published college data and are included where available.

Northwest Arkansas

University of Arkansas
This fully online LPN to B.S.N. option runs part time over about three years with no campus visits, and practicum hours are arranged through a preceptor in your own area. Coursework covers clinical decision-making, patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and health care leadership. In-state tuition is $10,104.
  • LPN to B.S.N. Online
  • LPN to BSN
Fayetteville, AR · Online
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NWACC runs a three-semester LPN/Paramedic to RN bridge that starts each spring, pairing online coursework with evening, overnight, and weekend clinicals. Cohorts cap at 40 students, and prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and college algebra. The program is ACEN accredited. In-state tuition is $3,342.
  • LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge
Bentonville, AR · On-Campus

North Central Arkansas

Ozarka College
Ozarka's on-campus LPN to RN transition blends nursing process courses and practicums with general education in English composition, nutrition, and psychology. Lectures meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, clinicals fall on weekends, and the program holds Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval through 2027. In-state tuition is $3,820.
  • LPN to RN Transition Program
Melbourne, AR · On-Campus
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
The LPN to RN pathway at UACCB comes in both on-campus and fully online formats, with new cohorts each fall and spring. Admission requires the NACE Foundations of Nursing entrance exam, and veterans and NREMT-certified applicants receive bonus points. The nursing program is ACEN accredited. In-state tuition is $3,630.
  • LPN to RN
Batesville, AR · Online
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
The PN/Paramedic to RN Bridge meets one evening a week with clinicals one additional day, spanning four semesters and 60 credits at $115 per credit hour. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and health-illness concepts, and the program is approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing with no advanced placement offered.
  • Nursing - PN/Paramedic to RN Bridge
Mountain Home, AR · On-Campus

Northeast Arkansas

Arkansas State University
A-State's LPN to AASN bridge can be finished in one year and covers 66 credits, combining online coursework with clinicals at partner health care facilities. The program is ACEN accredited and state board approved, and the university also offers an online LPN-to-BSN option. In-state tuition is $8,090.
  • LPN to AASN
  • LPN-to-BSN Option
Jonesboro, AR · Hybrid
Arkansas State University-Newport
This roughly 11-month transition pathway starts each spring at the Newport and Marked Tree campuses and builds on existing LPN skills with medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and mental health nursing. Clinicals take place in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. Admission requires a NACE score of at least 60%. In-state tuition is $3,312.
  • Nursing (LPN to RN Transition Pathway)
Newport, AR · Hybrid

Central Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The LPN/Paramedic to RN track at UA Little Rock is a one-year, three-term associate degree with courses in adult nursing, mental health, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Training blends lecture, clinical rotations, and a simulation hospital on campus, and graduates can move into the online RN-BSN program. In-state tuition is $9,748.
  • LPN/Paramedic to RN
Little Rock, AR · On-Campus
University of Central Arkansas
UCA's LPN to BSN track awards up to 13 hours of BSN credit for prior learning, then moves into upper-division coursework in health assessment, pharmacology, community health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice. Clinicals take place at central Arkansas hospitals, clinics, and community agencies, plus the Simulation Center. Admission is once a year in fall. In-state tuition is $10,523.
  • LPN to BSN
  • Bridge2BSN
Conway, AR · On-Campus
Arkansas State University Three Rivers
This 12-month LPN to RN bridge admits 50 students each January and August. Classes meet twice a week and clinicals run every other weekend, with coursework spread across spring, summer, and fall semesters. The program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. In-state tuition is $3,788.
  • Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Malvern, AR · On-Campus

Southwest Arkansas

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
Cossatot's 12-month LPN to RN transition awards an Associate of Applied Science with 66 credits, pairing live-streamed theory on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with weekend clinicals. It is built for rural nurses, and the ARFuture grant may help with costs. In-state tuition is $4,200.
  • REGISTERED NURSING (LPN to RN)
De Queen, AR · Hybrid
Southern Arkansas University Tech
SAU Tech's LPN-to-RN transition uses in-person instruction with simulation labs and clinical rotations, and graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and uses stackable credentials. Applications run January 14 through June 2, 2026. In-state tuition is $5,040.
  • LPN-to-RN transition
Camden, AR · On-Campus
Henderson State University
Henderson State's LPN to BSN track folds a practical nursing background into a bachelor's degree plan rather than starting over. Coursework reaches into patient assessment, community and public health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based care, and students study on the Arkadelphia campus. In-state tuition is $8,244.
  • Nursing (LPN to BSN)
Arkadelphia, AR · On-Campus

Southeast Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Monticello
UAM offers a one-year LPN to RN bridge leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, starting in May with a cohort model and an NLN entrance exam requirement. A hybrid LPN-BSN option is also available. In-state tuition is $9,292.
  • AAS in Nursing degree (LPN to RN)
  • LPN-BSN
Monticello, AR · On-Campus
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
PCCUA admits LPNs and LPTNs by advanced placement into Level II of its associate degree nursing program, with 7 credits awarded for prior LPN training after Level IV. The 63-credit curriculum is ACEN accredited, and campuses sit in Helena-West Helena and Stuttgart. In-state tuition is $3,380.
  • Associate Degree Nursing AAS (LPN advanced placement)
Helena, AR · On-Campus

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