Your Quick Guide to Nursing Schools in Beebe, Arkansas
Choosing the right nursing school in Beebe, Arkansas requires more than scanning a list of programs. You need verified accreditation, strong NCLEX pass rates, affordable tuition, and hands-on clinical training that prepares you for real healthcare settings. This guide provides a data-driven comparison of the top nursing pathway in Beebe, along with nearby options that expand your opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASU-Beebe) is the primary accredited nursing school located in Beebe.
- The most popular pathway is the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN), leading to RN licensure.
- Accreditation and Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval are essential when choosing a program.
- Clinical training partnerships in central Arkansas enhance hands-on experience.
- Graduates benefit from steady RN job growth and competitive wages across Arkansas.
Top Nursing Program in Beebe: Arkansas State University-Beebe
When searching for the best nursing school in Beebe, Arkansas, one institution stands out: Arkansas State University-Beebe. ASU-Beebe offers high-quality, board-approved nursing programs with strong outcomes and transfer options.
1. Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASU-Beebe)
Location: Beebe, AR
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)
Pathway: Pre-Licensure Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Why ASU-Beebe Ranks #1 in Beebe
- State Board Approval: Ensures eligibility for NCLEX-RN licensure.
- Affordable Tuition: Competitive community college rates for Arkansas residents.
- Clinical Experience: Hands-on training in hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout central Arkansas.
- Transfer Opportunities: Seamless RN-to-BSN pathways through Arkansas State University and other four-year partners.
- Student Support: Academic advising, tutoring services, and financial aid assistance.
Program Curriculum Overview
The AASN curriculum blends classroom instruction with lab simulations and supervised clinical rotations. Key courses typically include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Adult Health Nursing
- Maternal and Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Students graduate prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and enter the workforce as registered nurses.
Program Comparison Snapshot
SchoolDegree OfferedAccreditationClinical TrainingTransfer OptionsArkansas State University-BeebeAASN (RN)Arkansas State Board ApprovedLocal hospitals & healthcare facilitiesRN-to-BSN partnershipsNearby Options (Little Rock area)ADN, BSN, LPNBoard & National AccreditationMajor regional medical centersAdvanced degree pathways
While ASU-Beebe is the only nursing school located directly in Beebe, students may also consider nearby programs in Little Rock and Searcy for expanded options, including BSN programs.
Admission Requirements for ASU-Beebe Nursing Program
Nursing programs in Arkansas are competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Typical prerequisites include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite science courses
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Entrance exam scores if required
- Background check and immunizations
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete prerequisite coursework with high grades, particularly in science subjects.
Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid
One of ASU-Beebe’s strongest advantages is affordability. Community college tuition in Arkansas remains significantly lower than four-year institutions.
Estimated Costs
- In-state tuition: Lower per credit hour compared to state universities
- Additional expenses: Lab fees, uniforms, textbooks, clinical supplies
Financial Aid Options
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arkansas state scholarships
- Institutional scholarships
- Federal student loans
- Work-study programs
Students should complete the FAFSA early to maximize eligibility.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Career Outcomes
The most important metric for evaluating nursing schools is NCLEX-RN pass rates. Programs approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing must maintain acceptable performance standards.
Graduates of ASU-Beebe are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, the national standard for licensure. Prospective students should always request the most recent pass rate data directly from the school.
Career Outlook in Arkansas
- Strong Demand: Continued need for RNs across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- Median Salary: Competitive wages aligned with national trends for ADN-prepared nurses.
- Employment Settings: Baptist Health, Unity Health, CHI St. Vincent, and regional medical centers.
Beebe’s proximity to Little Rock expands employment opportunities significantly.
Local Clinical Training Opportunities
Hands-on experience is critical in nursing education. ASU-Beebe partners with healthcare facilities in central Arkansas, providing exposure to:
- Acute care hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Community health settings
This real-world immersion builds patient care competence, teamwork skills, and professional readiness.
Pathways Beyond the Associate Degree
Many students begin with an associate degree for faster workforce entry, then pursue advanced education.
Common Advancement Routes
- RN-to-BSN Programs: Typically 12 to 18 months after ADN completion.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For leadership, education, or advanced practice roles.
- Specialization Certifications: Critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, and more.
Arkansas State University system partnerships make academic progression seamless.
How to Choose the Best Nursing School in Beebe
Use this checklist when evaluating your options:
1. Verify Accreditation
Confirm approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
2. Review NCLEX Pass Rates
Look for consistently strong performance over multiple years.
3. Compare Total Costs
Include tuition, fees, and opportunity cost.
4. Evaluate Clinical Partnerships
Hands-on exposure in reputable facilities strengthens resumes.
5. Assess Transfer Opportunities
Ensure smooth transition to BSN or higher degrees if desired.
Who Should Consider Nursing School in Beebe?
Beebe is ideal for students seeking:
- Affordable education close to home
- Smaller campus environment
- Direct RN preparation without relocating to a major city
- Access to central Arkansas healthcare networks
The combination of affordability, clinical exposure, and transfer flexibility makes ASU-Beebe a strong starting point for aspiring registered nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Beebe, Arkansas
What nursing program does Arkansas State University-Beebe offer?
ASU-Beebe offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN). This program is a pre-licensure pathway that prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse (RN).
Is the ASU-Beebe nursing program accredited and state approved?
Yes. The AASN program at ASU-Beebe is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, which lets you become eligible for RN licensure after you pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
What are the basic admission requirements for ASU-Beebe’s nursing program?
You typically need a high school diploma or GED, required prerequisite science courses, a minimum GPA, any required entrance exam scores, and a background check with up-to-date immunizations. Meeting minimums does not guarantee admission.
How much does the nursing program at ASU-Beebe cost?
Tuition is charged at community college rates, which are usually lower than four-year universities. You should also budget for lab fees, uniforms, textbooks, and clinical supplies. Financial aid, including federal and state aid, may help lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Where will you complete clinical training if you study nursing in Beebe?
As a nursing student at ASU-Beebe, you complete clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community health settings in central Arkansas, including the greater Little Rock area.
Can you continue to a BSN after earning the AASN at ASU-Beebe?
Yes. After you earn your AASN and RN license, you can move into RN-to-BSN programs through Arkansas State University and other partner schools, often in a mostly online or flexible format.
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