Best Nursing Schools in Charleston, Arkansas

5 minute read

Courses and Subjects

Key Takeaways

There are no accredited nursing schools physically located in Charleston, Arkansas, but several high-quality ADN and BSN programs are within commuting distance.
Top nearby options include the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus, and Western Arkansas Technical Center.
Most programs offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways with strong NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Local clinical rotations often take place in River Valley hospitals and healthcare facilities near Charleston and Fort Smith.
Graduates benefit from solid job prospects in the River Valley region, where registered nurses earn competitive salaries and are in steady demand.

Why Charleston, Arkansas Is a Strategic Place to Start a Nursing Career

Charleston, Arkansas, located in Franklin County near the Arkansas River Valley, offers aspiring nurses access to respected nursing programs within a short commute. While Charleston itself does not host a standalone nursing college, students can enroll in accredited programs in nearby Fort Smith, Ozark, and other surrounding communities.

The River Valley region provides consistent demand for nurses in hospitals, long-term care centers, outpatient clinics, and rural health facilities. Major employers within driving distance include:

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
Baptist Health Fort Smith
Franklin Regional Medical Center (Ozark)
Local primary care and long-term care facilities in Franklin County

This regional job market makes Charleston a practical and affordable starting point for earning a nursing degree and securing employment close to home.

Best Nursing Schools Near Charleston, Arkansas

The following schools offer accredited nursing programs within a reasonable commute from Charleston. Rankings are based on program reputation, accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, affordability, and clinical partnerships.

1. University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS)

Distance from Charleston: Approximately 35 minutes

Programs Offered: ADN, Traditional BSN, LPN to BSN

Accreditation: ACEN and CCNE accredited

UAFS is widely recognized as the top nursing option near Charleston. The Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing offers multiple pathways, including a traditional four-year BSN and transition programs for licensed practical nurses.

Program Strengths:

Consistently strong NCLEX-RN pass rates
Competitive clinical placements in major Fort Smith hospitals
Modern simulation labs and skills training facilities
Clear progression pathways from ADN to BSN

Admission Snapshot:

Completion of prerequisite sciences with competitive GPA
Standardized entrance testing
Background check and immunization requirements

UAFS is ideal for students who want strong hospital partnerships and a direct path to RN licensure.

2. Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus

Distance from Charleston: Approximately 20 minutes

Program Offered: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accredited by ACEN

Located closest to Charleston, Arkansas Tech University in Ozark provides one of the most convenient and affordable nursing pathways in the region.

Why It Stands Out:

Short commute from Charleston
Strong ties to Franklin Regional Medical Center
High first-time NCLEX pass performance
Cost-effective tuition for in-state residents

This program focuses on preparing students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce quickly.

3. Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC)

Distance from Charleston: Located in Charleston

Program Offered: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

For students looking to enter nursing faster, Western Arkansas Technical Center offers practical nursing training that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Best For:

Students seeking entry-level nursing licensure
Career changers wanting a faster path to employment
Those planning to bridge from LPN to RN later

An LPN credential allows graduates to work in clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities while pursuing advanced education.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

School Program Type Distance from Charleston Accreditation Ideal For UAFS ADN, BSN 35 Minutes ACEN, CCNE Students seeking hospital-based RN careers ATU Ozark ADN 20 Minutes ACEN Affordable local RN pathway WATC LPN In Charleston State Approved Fast entry into nursing

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Arkansas from Charleston

Step 1: Complete Prerequisites

Most RN programs require anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, and mathematics with a competitive GPA. Strong science grades significantly improve admission chances.

Step 2: Graduate from an Accredited Nursing Program

Choose an ACEN or CCNE-accredited ADN or BSN program. Accreditation ensures eligibility for licensure and federal financial aid.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

After graduation, apply to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Step 4: Secure Employment in the River Valley Region

Healthcare facilities in Fort Smith, Ozark, and surrounding areas regularly hire new graduate RNs. Many students receive employment offers from clinical rotation sites.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Charleston Nursing Students

Tuition varies depending on program type and residency status, but Arkansas public institutions remain relatively affordable.

Community College ADN: Often the lowest tuition option for in-state students
Public University BSN: Higher overall tuition but expanded career mobility
LPN Programs: Shorter duration with lower total program cost

Financial aid opportunities include:

Federal Pell Grants and student loans
Arkansas Lottery Scholarships
Healthcare employer tuition assistance programs
Local and regional hospital scholarship incentives

Some River Valley healthcare providers offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for work commitments after graduation.

Career Outlook for Nurses in Charleston and Surrounding Areas

Registered nurses in Arkansas enjoy steady employment demand. Rural and regional healthcare expansion has increased hiring in outpatient care, long-term care, and critical access hospitals.

Nurses in the Fort Smith metropolitan area typically earn competitive wages relative to cost of living. Career pathways include:

Hospital staff nurse
Emergency and critical care RN
Rural health clinic nurse
School nurse
Nurse educator after advanced study

Graduating from a respected program near Charleston positions students for both immediate employment and long-term advancement.

Choosing the Right Nursing Program Near Charleston

When deciding, focus on measurable outcomes rather than rankings alone. Ask each school about:

First-time NCLEX pass rates
Clinical placement partnerships
Graduate employment rates
Faculty-to-student ratios
Simulation lab resources

If your goal is rapid workforce entry, a local ADN or LPN program may be ideal. If you plan to pursue leadership, advanced practice, or graduate nursing education, starting with a BSN pathway provides greater long-term flexibility.

Charleston residents benefit from proximity to multiple accredited programs without the costs associated with relocating. By selecting a high-performing school with strong regional clinical ties, students can build a solid nursing career while remaining rooted in the River Valley community.

Find my College

Invalid First Name

Invalid Last Name

Invalid Email Address

Invalid Phone Number

Invalid Zip Code

By checking this box, I consent to representatives of Education Directory to contact me about educational opportunities via email, text, or phone, including my mobile phone number using an automatic dialer. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for enrollment, and I may withdraw my consent at any time.

🔒 Your information is secure and only used to match you with relevant programs.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Usually takes less that 5 minutes to get results

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools Near Charleston, Arkansas

Are there any nursing schools in Charleston, Arkansas?

There are no accredited RN nursing schools physically in Charleston. Your closest options are Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, and the LPN program at Western Arkansas Technical Center in Charleston.

How long does it take to become a registered nurse near Charleston?

If you choose an ADN program at Arkansas Tech – Ozark or UAFS, you can usually become an RN in about 2–3 years, including prerequisites. A traditional BSN at UAFS typically takes about 4 years of full-time study.

What nursing programs can you access within commuting distance of Charleston?

You can access an LPN program at Western Arkansas Technical Center in Charleston, an ADN program at Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus, and ADN, BSN, and LPN-to-BSN pathways at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

Where will you complete clinical rotations if you study near Charleston?

You will likely complete clinicals in River Valley facilities such as Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, Baptist Health Fort Smith, Franklin Regional Medical Center in Ozark, and local primary care and long-term care centers in Franklin County.

Is nursing a good career choice in the River Valley region?

Yes. The River Valley area has steady demand for RNs and LPNs in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and rural health. Pay is competitive for the low cost of living, and new graduates often find jobs with employers where they completed clinical rotations.

Conclusion