Key Takeaways
- Benton, Arkansas is served primarily by Saline Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, with additional top-ranked nursing programs located within 30 minutes in Little Rock.
- Prospective students can pursue LPN, ASN (RN), and BSN pathways, with options for bridge programs and online coursework.
- All reputable programs serving Benton students hold state approval and national accreditation, a critical factor for NCLEX eligibility.
- Clinical partnerships with major healthcare systems like Saline Memorial Hospital, UAMS Medical Center, and CHI St. Vincent provide strong hands-on training.
- Comparing NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, program length, and hospital affiliations is essential to finding the best fit.
Why Benton, Arkansas Is a Strong Choice for Nursing Students
Benton is located in Saline County, just southwest of Little Rock, and continues to experience steady healthcare growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive salaries relative to cost of living, and demand remains strong due to an aging population and expanding regional medical facilities.
Local students benefit from:
- Access to community-based clinical rotations
- Short commute to major academic medical centers in Little Rock
- Lower average tuition compared to national private institutions
- Opportunities for employment immediately after licensure
Top Nursing Schools in and Near Benton, Arkansas
1. Saline Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (Benton)
Best for: Students seeking a hospital-based Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ASN)
Located directly in Benton, Saline Memorial Hospital School of Nursing is the city’s primary nursing education provider. This hospital-based program focuses on intensive clinical training and workforce readiness.
- Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Program Length: Approximately 18–24 months
- Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Clinical Sites: Saline Memorial Hospital and partner healthcare facilities
Why it stands out: Students gain early and consistent hands-on experience in a real hospital setting. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Ideal for: Students who want a focused, clinically intensive pathway into RN licensure without commuting.
2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – Little Rock
Best for: Students seeking BSN, accelerated, or advanced nursing pathways
Located about 25 minutes from Benton, UAMS is Arkansas’s premier academic medical institution. Its College of Nursing offers multiple degree tracks, including traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs.
- Degrees: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Accreditation: CCNE accredited
- Clinical Training: UAMS Medical Center and statewide partnerships
Why it stands out: Strong NCLEX pass rates, research-driven curriculum, and exposure to complex patient care environments.
Ideal for: Students seeking long-term leadership, advanced practice, or specialized nursing careers.
3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock)
Best for: Traditional BSN students who want a public university experience
Roughly 30 minutes from Benton, UA Little Rock offers a competitive Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that blends classroom instruction with clinical practice.
- Degree: Traditional BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE accredited
- Admission: Selective, requires prerequisites and GPA standards
Strength: Affordable in-state tuition and strong employer recognition across central Arkansas.
4. Baptist Health College Little Rock
Best for: Students interested in smaller class sizes and faith-based education
Baptist Health College offers Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree Nursing (RN), and BSN pathways within commuting distance from Benton.
- Programs: LPN, Associate Degree RN, Pre-Licensure BSN
- Clinical Affiliate: Baptist Health system hospitals
- Learning Model: Structured cohorts with strong faculty support
Why it stands out: Direct integration with one of Arkansas’s major hospital systems provides strong employment networks.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Programs
SchoolLocationDegree OptionsAccreditationIdeal ForSaline Memorial Hospital School of NursingBentonASNState ApprovedFast RN entryUAMSLittle RockBSN, MSN, DNPCCNEAdvanced careersUA Little RockLittle RockBSNCCNEAffordable public optionBaptist Health CollegeLittle RockLPN, ADN, BSNAccreditedHospital-integrated path
Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites
While requirements vary, most programs serving Benton require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
BSN programs typically have more competitive admissions than ASN programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
Costs vary depending on program type and institution:
- ASN Programs: Generally lower tuition, especially hospital-based or community programs
- Public BSN Programs: In-state tuition provides strong value
- Private Colleges: Higher tuition but often smaller class sizes
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arkansas state scholarships
- Hospital tuition reimbursement programs
- Work-study opportunities
Online and Hybrid Nursing Options
Students in Benton can take advantage of hybrid and online pathways, particularly for:
- RN to BSN programs
- Graduate nursing degrees
- Prerequisite coursework
Even online nursing programs require in-person clinical components, typically completed in approved Arkansas healthcare facilities.
Clinical Training and Local Career Opportunities
One of the most important factors in choosing a nursing school is clinical placement. Schools serving Benton frequently partner with:
- Saline Memorial Hospital
- UAMS Medical Center
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary
- Baptist Health Medical Center
Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Acute care hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Home health services
- Pediatric clinics
- Public health and community outreach
Many students secure job offers through clinical rotations before graduation.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Benton
Before applying, evaluate programs based on:
- NCLEX first-time pass rates
- Total program cost
- Commute time and schedule flexibility
- Class size and faculty accessibility
- Graduate employment outcomes
Visiting campuses, speaking directly with admissions advisors, and researching Arkansas State Board approval status can help confirm legitimacy and quality.
Application Tips for 2026 Applicants
- Complete prerequisites early to remain competitive.
- Prepare thoroughly for the TEAS exam.
- Submit FAFSA as soon as it opens.
- Request recommendation letters at least one month in advance.
- Apply to more than one program to increase acceptance chances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in and near Benton, Arkansas
What nursing programs can you study in or near Benton, Arkansas?
You can study LPN, Associate degree in Nursing (ASN/ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) near Benton. Saline Memorial Hospital School of Nursing offers an ASN in Benton, while UAMS, UA Little Rock, and Baptist Health College in Little Rock offer BSN and other pathways within about 30 minutes.
Is Saline Memorial Hospital School of Nursing a good option if you live in Benton?
Yes. If you live in Benton, Saline Memorial Hospital School of Nursing is a practical choice because it is local, focuses on an ASN (RN) program, and offers strong hands-on clinical training at Saline Memorial Hospital and partner sites.
How do you choose between an ASN and a BSN near Benton?
Choose an ASN if you want a shorter, lower-cost path to become an RN, such as at Saline Memorial or Baptist Health College. Choose a BSN at UAMS or UA Little Rock if you want broader career options, more leadership roles, and an easier path to graduate school later.
What are the basic admissions requirements for nursing schools serving Benton?
Most programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses like Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology, a minimum GPA around 2.5–3.0, TEAS exam scores, a background check, and proof of required immunizations. BSN programs are usually more selective than ASN programs.
Can you complete nursing school online if you live in Benton?
You can complete many theory and general education courses online, and programs like RN to BSN and graduate nursing degrees are often partly or fully online. However, you still need in-person clinical hours at approved Arkansas healthcare facilities for any pre-licensure nursing program.
What should you look at when comparing nursing schools near Benton?
You should compare NCLEX pass rates, total tuition and fees, program length, commute and schedule, class size, accreditation status, and clinical partnerships with hospitals such as Saline Memorial, UAMS Medical Center, CHI St. Vincent, and Baptist Health.
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