🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Arkansas
Arkansas runs practical nursing through its community and technical college system. UACCM (University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton) offers one of the fastest programs in the state. Baptist Health College in Little Rock provides a premium option with strong Baptist Health system hiring pipeline. At 1,100 required hours, Arkansas programs are shorter than most states without sacrificing NCLEX-PN pass rates.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University–Beebe | Beebe | University Branch | 12 months | $5,800 |
| South Arkansas Community College | El Dorado | Community College | 12 months | $4,900 |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas | Technical College | 11 months | $5,200 |
| National Park College | Hot Springs | Community College | 12 months | $5,100 |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College | Bentonville | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Arkansas
No Arkansas LPN program is fully online — the Arkansas State Board of Nursing requires supervised clinical hours. Several community colleges offer hybrid formats with online lectures and local clinicals. The shorter 1,100-hour requirement means the hybrid timeline in Arkansas (12–15 months) is still faster than full-time programs in higher-hour states.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Arkansas residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Arkansas LPN Program
Arkansas admission requirements are generally less restrictive than neighboring states — some programs accept students without a separate entrance exam, using GPA and prerequisite completion as primary criteria. Check individual schools, as requirements range from basic GPA cutoffs to full TEAS testing.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Arkansas
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Arkansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Arkansas earn an average of $52,540 per year ($25.26/hour). This places Arkansas below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Arkansas typically range from $39,400 for entry-level positions to $64,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Arkansas
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $54,200 |
| Fort Smith | $51,800 |
| Fayetteville | $53,100 |
| Jonesboro | $50,900 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Arkansas is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 900 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Arkansas
The majority of LPNs in Arkansas work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Arkansas is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Arkansas
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Arkansas
Arkansas LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Arkansas LPNs are regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). Arkansas is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Arkansas LPNs practice under the direction of an RN, APRN, physician, or PA:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused patient assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and care
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to the nursing care plan
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
Arkansas permits LPN IV therapy with additional education:
- LPNs may perform peripheral IV therapy after completing an ASBN-approved IV therapy course
- LPNs may start peripheral IVs, administer IV fluids, and give approved IV medications
- An RN must be available (not necessarily in the room) for consultation and intervention
- LPNs CANNOT administer IV push medications, blood products, or chemotherapy agents
- LPNs CANNOT access or manage central venous lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Initial comprehensive assessments
- Formulating or modifying the nursing care plan
- IV push medications
- Blood product administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Arkansas LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Tech University | Hybrid | 12–18 months | LPN-to-RN bridge with online courses and local clinicals |
| National Park College | On-campus + clinical | 12 months | ADN bridge in Hot Springs area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Arkansas Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: arsbn.org
- Phone: (501) 686-2700
- Address: 1123 S. University Ave, Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72204
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →