Best Nursing Schools in Fordyce, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• Fordyce does not have a four-year university, but several accredited nursing schools operate within a 30 to 75-mile radius.
• Top nearby options include South Arkansas College, University of Arkansas at Monticello, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and National Park College.
• Look for ACEN or CCNE accreditation and strong NCLEX pass rates when comparing programs.
• Students in Fordyce can access ADN, BSN, LPN, CNA, and RN to BSN pathways with hybrid and online flexibility.
• Dallas County healthcare employers include Dallas County Medical Center and surrounding regional hospitals.

Why Fordyce Students Have Strong Nursing Opportunities

Fordyce, Arkansas, is a close-knit community of roughly 4,000 residents in Dallas County. While the city itself does not operate a stand-alone nursing college, its location in south-central Arkansas provides access to several reputable nursing programs within commuting distance.

This regional model benefits students in three key ways:

• Smaller class sizes and personalized instruction
• Clinical placements in both rural and regional hospital settings
• Lower tuition compared to large metropolitan universities

Healthcare demand remains strong across rural Arkansas. According to state workforce data, registered nurses in Arkansas earn an average annual salary in the low to mid $70,000 range, with steady growth projected through the decade. Rural communities like Fordyce particularly need RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, creating steady local job opportunities.

Top Nursing Schools Near Fordyce, Arkansas

1. South Arkansas College – El Dorado, AR

Distance from Fordyce: Approximately 45 miles
Primary Programs: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited

South Arkansas College is one of the strongest ADN options for Fordyce students seeking an affordable pathway to RN licensure. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and strong NCLEX preparation.

Why it stands out:

• Competitive NCLEX pass rates
• Lower community college tuition
• Structured clinical placements in regional healthcare facilities

This school is ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly as an RN and potentially pursue an online RN to BSN later.

2. University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM)

Distance: Approximately 35 miles
Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN
Accreditation: CCNE accredited

UAM offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. For Fordyce residents seeking a four-year degree with expanded career mobility, UAM is one of the most accessible options.

Key advantages:

• Traditional and bridge pathways
• Regional clinical partnerships
• Smaller campus environment

A BSN prepares graduates for leadership roles, advanced certifications, and future MSN programs.

3. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)

Distance: Approximately 60 miles
Programs: BSN, RN to BSN
Accreditation: CCNE accredited

UAPB provides a comprehensive nursing education with strong academic support. The RN to BSN option is particularly popular among working nurses in southern Arkansas.

• Strong public university reputation
• Financial aid accessibility
• Diverse clinical experiences

4. National Park College – Hot Springs, AR

Distance: Approximately 75 miles
Programs: ADN, LPN
Accreditation: ACEN accredited

For students willing to commute farther, National Park College offers respected nursing pathways with strong licensure preparation.

Comparison of Nursing Schools Near Fordyce

SchoolDistanceDegree OptionsAccreditationBest ForSouth Arkansas College45 milesADNACENAffordable RN pathwayUAM35 milesBSN, LPN-BSNCCNEFour-year degree seekersUAPB60 milesBSN, RN-BSNCCNEPublic university settingNational Park College75 milesADN, LPNACENAlternative ADN option

Program Options Available to Fordyce Students

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNA programs are the fastest entry point into healthcare and are often offered through technical schools and workforce centers in southern Arkansas. Completion typically takes 4 to 12 weeks.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPN programs take about 12 months. Graduates can work in long-term care, clinics, and hospitals while earning a steady income.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An ADN takes about two years and qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the most common route for Fordyce residents.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN expands clinical training and leadership preparation. Hospitals increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses.

Bridge Programs

• LPN to RN
• LPN to BSN
• RN to BSN (often online)

Clinical Training and Local Partnerships

Clinical experience is essential for licensure. Fordyce-area students often complete rotations at:

• Dallas County Medical Center
• Jefferson Regional Medical Center
• Baptist Health Medical Center locations
• Local long-term care and rehabilitation facilities

Rural training environments provide broad hands-on exposure, allowing students to develop versatile clinical skills.

Admission Requirements

While each school differs, most require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA requirements
• Completion of prerequisite science courses
• TEAS or entrance exam scores
• Background check and immunizations

Applying early is critical because nursing programs often have limited cohort sizes.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Community colleges in Arkansas typically offer the lowest tuition rates. Public universities cost more but provide broader scholarship opportunities.

Fordyce students may qualify for:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Arkansas state scholarships
• Institutional aid
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Students working at local healthcare facilities sometimes receive tuition support in exchange for employment commitments.

Career Outlook for Nurses in Fordyce

Healthcare remains one of the most stable career paths in Arkansas. Key employers in and around Fordyce include:

• Dallas County Medical Center
• Regional hospital systems in Pine Bluff and El Dorado
• Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
• Home health agencies

Rural healthcare systems often value nurses with broad clinical competencies and community-focused care experience, making graduates from nearby programs highly employable.

How to Choose the Right Nursing School Near Fordyce

When comparing programs, prioritize:

1. Accreditation status
2. NCLEX pass rates
3. Clinical placement quality
4. Total program cost
5. Commute time and scheduling flexibility

Visit campuses if possible. Speak with admissions advisors. Ask about clinical partnerships and licensure outcomes. A strong nursing school should provide transparent data and clear student support systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools Near Fordyce, Arkansas

Does Fordyce, Arkansas have its own nursing school?

Fordyce does not have a four-year nursing college, but you are within about 30 to 75 miles of several accredited programs, including South Arkansas College, UAM, UAPB, and National Park College.

What types of nursing programs can you access near Fordyce?

You can access CNA, LPN, ADN, BSN, and bridge programs such as LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, and online RN to BSN through nearby community colleges and universities.

Which nearby nursing schools are accredited for Fordyce students?

South Arkansas College and National Park College hold ACEN accreditation for their ADN and LPN programs, while the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff hold CCNE accreditation for their BSN and RN to BSN programs.

Where can you complete clinical training if you live in Fordyce?

You may complete clinical rotations at Dallas County Medical Center, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Baptist Health Medical Center locations, and nearby long-term care and rehabilitation facilities.

What do nurses near Fordyce typically earn?

According to recent Arkansas workforce data, registered nurses in the state earn average annual salaries in the low to mid $70,000 range, with steady demand in rural areas like Dallas County.