Key Takeaways
- University of the Ozarks in Clarksville offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with strong clinical partnerships and small class sizes.
- Nearby options such as Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus and Northwest Arkansas Community College provide accredited ADN and LPN pathways within commuting distance.
- All reputable programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
- Clarksville-area nursing students benefit from local clinical placements at regional hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive salaries with strong projected job growth statewide through 2030 and beyond.
Why Study Nursing in Clarksville, Arkansas?
Clarksville is home to a growing healthcare network and one of the state’s respected private universities. Located along Interstate 40 between Fort Smith and Little Rock, it provides students with access to both rural and urban clinical settings.
The demand for nurses in Arkansas continues to rise due to an aging population and healthcare workforce shortages. According to federal and state labor data, registered nursing remains one of the fastest-growing occupations in Arkansas, with consistent hiring across hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and public health systems.
Students who study nursing in Clarksville often benefit from:
- Lower tuition and living costs compared to larger metro areas
- Smaller class sizes and individualized instruction
- Close-knit clinical partnerships with regional healthcare providers
- Access to both campus-based and hybrid learning formats
Top Nursing Schools in Clarksville and Nearby Areas
1. University of the Ozarks – Clarksville, AR
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited; approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Location: Clarksville, AR
The University of the Ozarks is the primary four-year nursing school located directly in Clarksville. Its BSN program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, community health, and hands-on clinical training.
Program Highlights:
- Small cohort sizes for personalized instruction
- Early exposure to clinical environments
- Simulation labs to strengthen practical skills
- Preparation for NCLEX-RN licensure
Clinical placements are completed through partnerships with regional healthcare facilities, giving students real-world experience across acute care, pediatrics, mental health, and community health settings.
This program is ideal for students seeking a traditional four-year BSN in a focused academic environment.
2. Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus
Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-RN)
Accreditation: ACEN-accredited; ASBN-approved
Location: Ozark, AR (approximately 30 minutes from Clarksville)
Arkansas Tech’s Ozark Campus provides an affordable pathway to becoming a registered nurse through its Associate Degree in Nursing program.
Key Advantages:
- Strong NCLEX-RN preparation
- Competitive tuition rates for in-state students
- Opportunities to bridge into an RN-to-BSN program later
This option works well for students who want to enter the workforce faster and potentially complete a BSN program later through an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
3. Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)
Degrees Offered: Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: ACEN-accredited; ASBN-approved
Location: Bentonville, AR
While farther from Clarksville, NWACC is a well-regarded school for nursing education in the region. Many students from western Arkansas consider NWACC for its strong reputation and pathway flexibility.
Programs include LPN-to-RN mobility tracks and structured clinical training across high-demand healthcare settings.
Side-by-Side Program Comparison
SchoolDegree TypeAccreditationDistance from ClarksvilleBest ForUniversity of the OzarksBSNCCNEIn ClarksvilleTraditional 4-year bachelor's studentsArkansas Tech – OzarkADN (AAS-RN)ACEN~30 milesFaster RN entry with lower tuitionNWACCLPN, ADNACEN~100 milesLPN pathway and mobility options
Accreditation and Licensure Requirements in Arkansas
Choosing an accredited program is critical. All reputable nursing schools serving the Clarksville area are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Additionally, national accreditation from CCNE or ACEN ensures academic standards meet national benchmarks.
After graduation, students must:
- Apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Pass the NCLEX-RN (for RNs) or NCLEX-PN (for LPNs)
- Complete background checks and required documentation
Graduating from a board-approved program is mandatory for exam eligibility.
Admission Requirements
Admission standards vary by institution, but most programs near Clarksville require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
- TEAS or comparable entrance exam scores
- Background screening and immunizations
BSN programs generally have more competitive entry requirements than ADN or LPN pathways.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Tuition costs vary by institution and residency status. Public schools like Arkansas Tech typically offer lower in-state tuition compared to private institutions.
Students in Clarksville-area nursing programs can explore:
- Federal Pell Grants and student loans
- Arkansas state scholarships
- Institutional merit awards
- Healthcare employer tuition reimbursement
- Workforce shortage repayment programs
Nursing students may also qualify for loan forgiveness programs by working in high-need rural or underserved areas after graduation.
Clinical Experience and Local Job Placement
One of the major strengths of nursing programs in and around Clarksville is access to regional healthcare systems. Clinical placements typically occur in:
- Community hospitals
- Physician clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Public health departments
Hands-on clinical training builds job readiness and often leads to local employment offers upon graduation.
Registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive salaries relative to the state’s cost of living, and the employment outlook remains strong due to ongoing demand.
Online and Hybrid Nursing Options
Students who need flexibility may pursue hybrid or online pathways, especially for RN-to-BSN completion programs. While pre-licensure programs require on-site clinical hours, many theory components may be delivered online.
Hybrid options are ideal for:
- Working adults
- LPNs returning for RN licensure
- RNs seeking a BSN credential
Always confirm that online programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing before enrolling.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Clarksville
The best nursing school for you depends on your career timeline, budget, and long-term goals. Consider asking:
- Is the program fully accredited and board-approved?
- What are the NCLEX pass rates?
- How strong are local clinical partnerships?
- What are total tuition and hidden costs?
- Does the school offer clear advancement pathways?
If you want a bachelor’s degree experience with campus life, the University of the Ozarks stands out locally. If affordability and speed are priorities, Arkansas Tech’s associate pathway may be a strategic route.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Clarksville, Arkansas
What nursing programs are available in or near Clarksville, Arkansas?
You can earn a BSN at University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, an AAS-RN (ADN) at Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus about 30 minutes away, or LPN and ADN credentials at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville.
Are Clarksville-area nursing programs accredited and board-approved?
Yes. University of the Ozarks holds CCNE accreditation, while Arkansas Tech–Ozark and NWACC are ACEN-accredited. All three are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, which is required for NCLEX eligibility.
How do nursing salaries and job prospects look in Arkansas?
Registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive wages compared with the state’s cost of living, and demand is strong due to an aging population and ongoing workforce needs. Federal and state labor data show steady job growth for RNs through at least 2030.
What are the basic admission requirements for these nursing programs?
You typically need a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA around 2.5–3.0, science prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology, an entrance exam like the TEAS, plus required immunizations and background checks. BSN programs are usually more selective than ADN or LPN options.
Can you study nursing online if you live in Clarksville?
You can complete many lecture and RN-to-BSN courses online or in a hybrid format, but pre-licensure programs still require in-person clinical hours. Always confirm that any online or hybrid program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing before you enroll.
What kinds of clinical experiences can you get near Clarksville?
You can gain hands-on experience in community hospitals, clinics, long-term care and rehab centers, and public health settings. Many students complete clinicals at regional facilities and later receive job offers from those same sites.
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