Key Takeaways
- There are no four-year universities located directly in De Queen, Arkansas, but strong nursing pathways are available through nearby community colleges and hybrid programs.
- Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA) is the closest and most relevant option for De Queen residents seeking RN or LPN credentials.
- All reputable programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and many hold national accreditation.
- NCLEX pass rates, clinical partnerships, tuition costs, and job placement outcomes are the most important factors when comparing schools.
- Sevier County and surrounding regions offer steady demand for RNs and LPNs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rural health clinics.
Why De Queen Is a Strategic Place to Start a Nursing Career
De Queen, located in Sevier County in southwest Arkansas, serves as a healthcare hub for several rural communities near the Oklahoma border. While the city itself is small, it is home to De Queen Medical Center and multiple clinics and long-term care facilities that regularly hire registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
Arkansas continues to experience steady demand for nurses, particularly in rural counties. According to workforce data from the Arkansas Department of Health, healthcare remains one of the state’s fastest-growing employment sectors. For students in De Queen, this means strong local employment prospects after graduation, especially for graduates of regionally connected programs.
Top Nursing Schools Near De Queen, Arkansas
1. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA)
Location: De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown campuses
Programs Offered: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-RN), Practical Nursing (LPN)
Approval: Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Institution Type: Public community college
CCCUA is the most relevant nursing school for De Queen residents. Its De Queen campus provides accessible coursework and clinical training opportunities in surrounding healthcare facilities.
Why CCCUA Stands Out
- Direct local access for Sevier County residents
- Structured pathway from LPN to RN
- Clinical placements at regional hospitals and care centers
- Affordable in-district tuition
The Associate Degree in Nursing prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Practical Nursing program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN. Community colleges in Arkansas historically maintain competitive licensure pass rates, making CCCUA a strong value option.
2. University of Arkansas Cossatot Alliance Nursing Pathways
Students who complete their ADN at CCCUA may pursue RN-to-BSN pathways through partner universities in Arkansas. These hybrid and online completion programs allow working nurses in De Queen to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing without relocating.
Common advancement partners include:
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
- Southern Arkansas University
- Arkansas State University Online
This step is ideal for nurses seeking leadership, public health, or advanced clinical roles.
3. Nearby Nursing Programs Within Driving Distance
If you are willing to commute 45 to 90 minutes, additional options expand considerably.
SchoolDistance from De QueenDegree LevelsPublic/PrivateBest ForUniversity of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana~60 milesLPN, ADNPublicAffordable RN pathwaySouthern Arkansas University Tech~85 milesLPN, ADNPublicCareer-focused nursing trainingTexarkana College (TX)~70 milesADN, LVNPublicCross-state flexibility
These schools are also approved by their respective state boards and generally maintain consistent NCLEX performance.
How to Compare Nursing Programs in Arkansas
1. Arkansas State Board Approval
Every nursing program you consider must be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Approval ensures eligibility for licensure and confirms curriculum standards.
2. NCLEX Pass Rates
NCLEX pass rates indicate how well a program prepares students for licensure. Competitive programs typically report first-time pass rates above 80 percent. Always request the latest three-year average for accurate comparison.
3. Clinical Experience in Rural Healthcare
For De Queen students, local clinical placements are critical. Programs partnered with De Queen Medical Center or Sevier County facilities provide networking advantages and real-world exposure to rural healthcare delivery.
4. Tuition and Financial Aid
Public community colleges offer the most affordable pathway. Arkansas residents often qualify for:
- Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
- Federal Pell Grants
- Workforce Opportunity grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement through local hospitals
5. Program Format
Many schools now offer hybrid nursing models. While clinical components require in-person hours, general education and theory courses may be completed online, which benefits working adults.
Nursing Career Outlook in Sevier County
Employment Settings
- De Queen Medical Center
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Rural primary care clinics
- Home health agencies
- Public health departments
Expected Salary Range
Salaries vary by credential and setting. In southwest Arkansas:
- LPNs typically earn moderate entry-level wages with opportunities for overtime.
- RNs earn significantly higher median salaries and benefit from advancement potential.
- BSN-prepared nurses qualify for supervisory and administrative roles.
Rural healthcare systems often provide sign-on bonuses and tuition assistance due to workforce demand.
Admission Requirements for Local Nursing Programs
Although each school differs slightly, most Arkansas nursing programs require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA requirement, often 2.5 or higher
- Completion of prerequisite science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology
- Entrance exam such as TEAS
- Background check and immunization records
Competitive programs use point-based admissions, emphasizing science GPA and entrance exam scores.
Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Nurse in De Queen
Step 1: Choose Your Credential
Decide between LPN, ADN, or BSN based on career goals and time commitment.
Step 2: Apply to an Arkansas Board-Approved Program
Submit application materials and meet all prerequisite requirements.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Training
Gain hands-on experience through supervised rotations in hospitals and community settings.
Step 4: Pass the NCLEX Exam
Apply through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to sit for the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN.
Step 5: Begin Employment in Sevier County or Surrounding Areas
Many graduates secure positions shortly after licensure due to strong regional demand.
Is Online Nursing School an Option in De Queen?
Fully online nursing degrees do not exist for initial licensure because clinical requirements must be completed in person. However, De Queen residents can:
- Complete prerequisite coursework online
- Enroll in hybrid ADN programs
- Pursue RN-to-BSN programs fully online after licensure
This blended approach allows flexibility while maintaining professional standards.
Choosing the Right School for Your Goals
For most De Queen residents, CCCUA offers the most direct and cost-effective path to licensure. Students willing to commute may gain additional flexibility or start dates through nearby institutions. Those aiming for leadership or specialized nursing roles should plan for a BSN completion program after earning their RN credential.
By evaluating accreditation, NCLEX outcomes, tuition, and local clinical connections, prospective students can confidently choose a nursing program that aligns with both their career goals and the healthcare needs of southwest Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near De Queen, Arkansas
Are there any four-year nursing schools in De Queen, Arkansas?
No, there are no four-year universities in De Queen. You typically start with an LPN or ADN program at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA) or a nearby community college, then complete an RN-to-BSN program online or in a hybrid format through a partner university.
What is the best nursing school option if I live in De Queen?
If you live in De Queen, CCCUA is usually the most convenient choice. It offers Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-RN) programs with classes and clinicals tied to local and regional healthcare facilities.
Can you complete nursing school online if you live in De Queen?
You cannot earn your first nursing license fully online because you must complete in-person clinical hours. You can, however, take many prerequisites and lecture courses online and later complete an RN-to-BSN degree fully online after you pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
How do you compare nursing programs in Arkansas?
You compare programs by checking Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval, NCLEX pass rates, tuition and fees, local clinical sites, and whether the format is in-person, hybrid, or online. You can usually find NCLEX pass rate data and approval status on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website or by asking each school.
What are the basic admission requirements for local nursing programs?
Most local programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.5 or higher), completed science prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology, a passing score on an entrance exam like the TEAS, and a background check with required immunizations.
What nursing jobs are available around De Queen after graduation?
After you get your LPN or RN license, you can look for jobs at De Queen Medical Center, local long-term care and rehab facilities, rural health and primary care clinics, home health agencies, and public health departments in Sevier County and nearby areas.
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