Key Takeaways
- Dumas, Arkansas does not have a standalone nursing college, but several accredited programs are located within commuting distance.
- The closest high-quality options include programs in Monticello, Pine Bluff, and Lake Village.
- Look for ACEN or CCNE accreditation and strong NCLEX pass rates when comparing programs.
- Arkansas nurses earn competitive wages compared to the state’s cost of living, with strong job demand in rural areas like Desha County.
- Bridge pathways such as LPN to RN and RN to BSN make it easier to advance your nursing career from Dumas.
Why Dumas Students Must Look Beyond City Limits
Dumas, Arkansas is a tight-knit community in Desha County with growing healthcare needs. While there is no four-year university located directly in Dumas, prospective nursing students have strong options within a 30 to 75 mile radius. Most students commute to nearby colleges in Monticello, Pine Bluff, Lake Village, or Helena-West Helena.
This guide highlights the best nursing schools near Dumas, Arkansas based on accreditation, NCLEX performance, affordability, and career outcomes. It also explains how to become a nurse in Arkansas step by step.
Top Nursing Schools Near Dumas, Arkansas
SchoolLocationDistance from DumasTop ProgramsAccreditationUniversity of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM)Monticello, AR~30 milesLPN, RN, ASNACENSoutheast Arkansas College (SEARK)Pine Bluff, AR~55 milesLPN, ADNACENUniversity of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)Pine Bluff, AR~55 milesBSN, RN-BSNCCNEPhillips Community College of the U of A (PCCUA)Helena-West Helena, AR~75 milesLPN, ADNACEN
1. University of Arkansas at Monticello
For students in Dumas, UAM is often the most convenient option. Its College of Technology offers practical nursing and associate-level registered nursing programs. Graduates consistently perform well on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Best for: Students seeking a short commute and affordable tuition. UAM is known for smaller class sizes and supportive faculty, ideal for first-generation college students in Southeast Arkansas.
2. Southeast Arkansas College
SEARK in Pine Bluff offers both LPN and Associate Degree in Nursing pathways. The curriculum blends classroom instruction, simulation labs, and supervised clinical rotations at regional medical centers.
Clinical partners may include:
- Jefferson Regional Medical Center
- Southeast Health facilities
- Local long-term care and rehabilitation centers
3. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Students aiming for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing often choose UAPB. A BSN can improve long-term earning potential and leadership opportunities. UAPB also offers an RN to BSN program for working nurses who started with an associate degree.
Best for: Students planning graduate study or advanced practice roles in the future.
4. Phillips Community College (PCCUA)
PCCUA provides career-focused nursing education with strong rural healthcare connections. This is a solid option for Dumas residents willing to travel farther for academic flexibility.
Nursing Degree Options Available to Dumas Students
LPN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurse programs typically take 12 to 18 months. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN. LPNs often work in long-term care facilities, clinics, and assisted living centers.
ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing takes about two years and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN. This is the fastest path to becoming a registered nurse.
BSN Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing takes four years and is increasingly preferred by hospitals. BSN graduates are competitive for management roles and graduate programs.
Bridge Programs
- LPN to RN
- RN to BSN (often online)
- RN to MSN
Bridge pathways are ideal for working professionals in Dumas who want to advance without relocating.
How to Become a Nurse in Arkansas from Dumas
- Complete prerequisite coursework in biology, anatomy, and general education.
- Apply to an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program.
- Complete clinical training at approved healthcare facilities.
- Graduate and apply to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
- Secure employment in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility.
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing requires a background check and ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure.
Nursing Job Outlook and Salary in Southeast Arkansas
Nurses in rural Arkansas communities are in steady demand. According to federal labor data:
- Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn an average annual salary around $65,000.
- LPNs earn approximately $42,000 annually.
- Employment growth for RNs is projected to increase statewide through the end of the decade.
In Dumas specifically, common employers include:
- Mainline Health Systems clinics
- McGehee Hospital (nearby)
- Dermott City Hospital
- Local long-term care facilities
Rural nurses often benefit from strong job security and community impact.
Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations
Community college ADN programs in Arkansas typically cost significantly less than four-year universities. In-state tuition can range from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per year at two-year institutions, while BSN programs may cost more.
Dumas students should explore:
- Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
- Federal Pell Grants
- Local hospital-sponsored tuition assistance
- Workforce development grants for rural healthcare
Many employers in Southeast Arkansas offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for service commitments.
What Makes a Nursing School the “Best” Choice?
Choosing the best nursing school near Dumas depends on your goals. Evaluate programs based on:
- NCLEX pass rates
- Accreditation status
- Clinical placement quality
- Program completion rates
- Class size and faculty support
- Flexibility for working students
Students in small towns often benefit from community-based programs that prioritize hands-on experience and local hiring pathways.
Online and Hybrid Nursing Options for Dumas Residents
While clinical components must be completed in person, many Arkansas schools offer hybrid formats for nursing theory courses. RN to BSN programs are frequently available online, allowing registered nurses in Dumas to advance their degrees without commuting daily.
When considering online options, confirm that:
- The program is fully accredited.
- Clinical placements can be arranged near Dumas.
- The school has strong licensure pass rates.
Is Nursing the Right Career Path in Dumas?
Nursing offers stability, competitive pay, and meaningful community impact. In towns like Dumas, nurses are essential healthcare leaders. With multiple accredited schools within driving distance and growing rural healthcare demand, becoming a nurse in Southeast Arkansas is both practical and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Dumas, Arkansas
Does Dumas, Arkansas have its own nursing school?
No. Dumas does not have a standalone nursing college. You will need to commute to nearby schools such as the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Southeast Arkansas College, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, or Phillips Community College.
What are the closest nursing schools to Dumas?
The closest options are the University of Arkansas at Monticello in Monticello (about 30 miles), Southeast Arkansas College and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff (about 55 miles), and Phillips Community College in Helena-West Helena (about 75 miles).
What nursing degrees can you earn near Dumas?
You can earn an LPN certificate, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Bridge options such as LPN to RN and RN to BSN are also available, with many RN to BSN programs offered online.
How do you become a licensed nurse in Arkansas from Dumas?
You complete prerequisites, enroll in an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program, finish classroom and clinical training, graduate, pass a background check, apply to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
How much do nurses earn in Arkansas and Southeast Arkansas?
Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn about $65,000 per year on average, and LPNs earn around $42,000 per year, based on recent federal labor data. Pay compares well to the state’s cost of living, and demand for nurses in rural areas like Desha County is strong.
Can you complete a nursing degree online from Dumas?
You can complete many theory and RN to BSN courses online, but you must do clinical hours in person. When you choose an online or hybrid program, confirm that it is accredited and that you can arrange clinical placements near Dumas.
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