Key Takeaways
- Ashdown, Arkansas does not currently have a standalone nursing school, but several accredited programs are located within 30 to 90 miles.
- Top nearby options include the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, Texarkana College, Southern Arkansas University, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
- Students can pursue CNA, LPN, ADN, BSN, and MSN pathways near Ashdown with strong NCLEX-RN preparation.
- Arkansas reports strong demand for registered nurses, particularly in rural and southwest communities.
- Choosing the right program requires comparing accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, tuition, commute time, and hospital partnerships.
Nursing Education Options Near Ashdown, Arkansas
Ashdown is a small city in Little River County, located in southwest Arkansas near the Texas border. While Ashdown itself does not host a college of nursing, residents have access to several reputable nursing schools within commuting distance. These institutions offer practical nursing certificates, Associate Degree in Nursing programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathways, and graduate-level options.
For students seeking the best nursing schools in Ashdown, Arkansas, the smartest strategy is to evaluate high-quality accredited programs within a reasonable drive and compare cost, outcomes, and career alignment.
Top Nursing Schools Within Commuting Distance of Ashdown
SchoolDistance from AshdownDegree OptionsAccreditationBest ForUniversity of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana~20 milesLPN, ADNACENAffordable local RN pathwayTexarkana College (TX)~25 milesADN, LVNACENBorder-region studentsSouthern Arkansas University~75 milesBSN, RN-to-BSNCCNEFour-year degreesUniversity of Arkansas at Monticello~90 milesBSN, RN-to-BSNCCNEFlexible completion pathways
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
This is the closest in-state option and one of the most accessible for Ashdown residents. UAHT offers a practical nursing program and an Associate Degree in Nursing that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Strong clinical partnerships in southwest Arkansas healthcare facilities
- Competitive tuition, especially for in-district students
- Smaller class sizes ideal for hands-on learning
This program is ACEN-accredited, which means it meets national nursing education standards and supports seamless progression into BSN programs.
Texarkana College
Located just across the Arkansas-Texas border, Texarkana College offers a well-established Associate Degree Nursing program. Many Ashdown students consider this option due to proximity and hospital partnerships in the Texarkana region.
Graduates are eligible for Texas or Arkansas licensure, providing flexibility in the regional job market.
Southern Arkansas University
Based in Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University offers a traditional BSN program and an RN-to-BSN pathway. This is an excellent choice for students who want to enter the workforce with a four-year degree or advance from an associate background.
BSN graduates often have expanded leadership opportunities and higher earning potential.
University of Arkansas at Monticello
UAM provides flexible BSN and RN-to-BSN programs designed for working nurses. Many students begin at community colleges and complete their bachelor's here, making it a strong step-up option for Ashdown-area RNs.
Nursing Degree Pathways for Ashdown Students
CNA to LPN
Many students begin as Certified Nursing Assistants while completing prerequisites. Local long-term care facilities in Little River County provide entry-level work experience and tuition support in some cases.
LPN to RN
Practical nurses can bridge into associate programs such as UAHT’s ADN track. This pathway shortens training time and builds on existing clinical skills.
ADN to BSN
Registered nurses with an associate degree can enroll in online or hybrid RN-to-BSN programs through SAU or UAM. This pathway typically takes 12 to 18 months and improves eligibility for management or public health roles.
Graduate Nursing Options
Students seeking MSN or DNP degrees can access programs through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences or online universities serving Arkansas residents.
Accreditation and NCLEX Pass Rates
When evaluating the best nursing schools near Ashdown, accreditation is non-negotiable. Look for:
- ACEN accreditation for associate programs
- CCNE accreditation for bachelor’s and graduate programs
- Approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
NCLEX-RN pass rates reflect program effectiveness. Prospective students should request the most recent three-year average pass rate from admissions offices. Strong programs typically maintain pass rates above 85 percent.
Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
Community colleges near Ashdown often provide the most affordable pathway to RN licensure. In-state tuition is significantly lower than private institutions.
Financial aid options include:
- FAFSA-based federal grants and loans
- Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarships
- Hospital tuition reimbursement programs
- Local healthcare employer sponsorships
Students planning to continue to a BSN can save substantially by starting with an ADN and later completing a bridge program.
Clinical Training and Local Hospitals
Hands-on clinical hours are completed in healthcare facilities across southwest Arkansas and nearby Texas communities. Key clinical partners often include:
- Little River Memorial Hospital in Ashdown
- Christus St. Michael Health System in Texarkana
- Wadley Regional Medical Center
- Area long-term care and rehabilitation centers
Proximity to these facilities allows Ashdown nursing students to build professional relationships before graduation.
Job Outlook for Nurses in Southwest Arkansas
Arkansas continues to experience demand for registered nurses, especially in rural counties where workforce shortages are more pronounced. According to labor projections, healthcare remains one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the state.
In southwest Arkansas, RNs work in:
- Critical access hospitals
- Primary care clinics
- Geriatric and long-term care centers
- Home health agencies
Graduates willing to remain in rural areas often benefit from job placement assistance, signing incentives, or loan repayment programs.
How to Choose the Right Program Near Ashdown
Selecting the best nursing school is about more than ranking lists. Consider the following criteria:
- Commute time and scheduling flexibility
- Clinical site quality and rotations
- NCLEX preparation support
- Total cost including books and fees
- Transfer agreements for BSN advancement
Visit campuses when possible. Speak with current students and faculty. Ask about class sizes, simulation labs, and faculty-to-student ratios.
Application Requirements
Most nursing schools near Ashdown require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology
- TEAS or similar entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 to 3.0
Application deadlines can be competitive. Students should begin prerequisite coursework early and prepare for entrance exams several months in advance.
Online and Hybrid Study Options
While initial RN training requires in-person clinical hours, many upper-level nursing courses are delivered online or in hybrid formats. RN-to-BSN programs serving Arkansas residents are often fully online, making advancement convenient for working nurses in Ashdown.
Hybrid flexibility is especially valuable for students balancing employment at facilities like Little River Memorial Hospital or commuting from rural communities.
Prospective students in Ashdown have multiple strong nursing school options within a short radius. By comparing accreditation, clinical opportunities, affordability, and advancement pathways, aspiring nurses can create a clear roadmap from entry-level certification to advanced practice while serving the healthcare needs of southwest Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Ashdown, Arkansas
Does Ashdown, Arkansas have its own nursing school?
Ashdown does not have a standalone nursing school. You can attend nearby programs within about 20 to 90 miles, such as the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, Texarkana College, Southern Arkansas University, or the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
What types of nursing programs can you study near Ashdown?
Near Ashdown, you can study CNA, LPN/LVN, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN-to-BSN, and some graduate options such as MSN or DNP through in-state universities and online programs.
Which nearby nursing schools are closest to Ashdown?
The closest options are the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, about 20 miles away, and Texarkana College in Texas, about 25 miles away. Both offer accredited associate-level nursing programs with NCLEX-RN preparation.
How do you choose the right nursing program near Ashdown?
You should compare accreditation (ACEN or CCNE), NCLEX pass rates, total tuition and fees, commute time, clinical sites, and transfer options for BSN or higher degrees. Visiting campuses and talking with advisors and current students also helps you decide.
Is there strong demand for nurses in southwest Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas reports steady demand for registered nurses, especially in rural and southwest regions. You can find roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, and home health agencies around Ashdown and Texarkana.
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