Best nursing schools in Arkansas: Largest to smallest

In 2014, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reported a nationwide nursing shortage, particularly in the registered nursing field. Registered nursing, along with licensed practical nursing and nursing assistant, are just a few of the nursing fields for which a student can earn certification or obtain a degree. Given the AACN’s findings, nursing students of any program can rest assured of finding relevant and rewarding work quickly.

The median hourly wage for a nurse in Arkansas ranges from $26 to $65 per hour. This salary helps nursing students repay their student loans quickly. There are a broad range of two-year and four-year programs available in Arkansas, including noteworthy programs at the University of Arkansas and Henderson State University. As state schools, these two universities have lower tuition costs and larger classes than private schools, such as Harding University or Jefferson Regional Medical Center School of Nursing. For some students, the smaller classes these private universities offer are more desirable because of the intimate class discussions and availability of the professors. In the end, there are benefits to attending both public and private universities, depending on the student, her budget, and her preferred learning environment.

We have put together a list of accredited nursing programs in Arkansas, ordered below by class size, to help nursing students jump-start their education.