Key Takeaways
- Forrest City’s primary nursing education providers are East Arkansas Community College (EACC) and Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute (CRTI), both approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
- Students can pursue Practical Nursing (LPN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/RN) pathways locally, with BSN options available through online or transfer partnerships.
- NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and admission competitiveness vary significantly between programs.
- Graduates benefit from strong regional demand, with healthcare employers such as Forrest City Medical Center and regional clinics hiring consistently.
- Choosing the right program depends on your career goals, timeline, financial situation, and long-term education plans.
Why Study Nursing in Forrest City, Arkansas?
Forrest City offers aspiring nurses an affordable, community-centered path into one of the fastest-growing professions in Arkansas. With healthcare demand increasing statewide, especially in rural counties, graduates from local programs are well-positioned for employment shortly after licensure.
The area combines lower tuition costs with accessible admission standards and strong clinical partnerships at local healthcare facilities. For students who want hands-on clinical training without relocating to a major metro area, Forrest City delivers practical advantages.
Accreditation and State Approval: What to Look For
Before choosing a school, verify two essentials:
- Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) approval
- National accreditation through ACEN or CCNE for degree programs
State approval ensures eligibility to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam. Without it, you cannot become licensed in Arkansas.
Top Nursing Schools in Forrest City, Arkansas
1. East Arkansas Community College (EACC)
Location: Forrest City, AR
Programs Offered: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), LPN-to-RN pathway
Format: On-campus with clinical rotations
Approval: Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved
EACC is the most comprehensive nursing provider in Forrest City. Its Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue registered nurse licensure.
Why EACC Stands Out
- Established clinical partnerships with local hospitals and long-term care facilities
- Competitive tuition rates for in-district students
- LPN-to-RN advancement pathway
- Transfer opportunities toward Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Estimated Costs
Tuition varies by residency status, but community colleges in Arkansas typically offer some of the lowest per-credit rates in the state. Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are widely available.
Admissions Snapshot
- Completion of prerequisite science courses
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Entrance exam such as TEAS
- Background check and immunizations
This program is competitive, so strong grades in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology are essential.
2. Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute (CRTI)
Location: Forrest City, AR
Program Offered: Practical Nursing (LPN)
Format: On-campus, career-focused training
Approval: Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved
CRTI focuses on workforce-driven education. Its Practical Nursing program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN and enter the workforce more quickly than an RN pathway.
Why CRTI Is a Strong Option
- Shorter program length compared to RN degrees
- Hands-on skills training
- Strong track record of preparing students for entry-level nursing roles
- Ideal stepping stone to later LPN-to-RN bridge programs
Career Outlook After Graduation
LPNs commonly work in long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health settings across St. Francis County and surrounding areas.
Side-by-Side Comparison
SchoolProgramCredentialTypical LengthNCLEX ExamBest ForEACCADNAssociate Degree2 YearsNCLEX-RNStudents seeking RN licensureEACCLPN-to-RNAssociate DegreeAdvanced StandingNCLEX-RNLicensed Practical Nurses advancingCRTIPractical NursingDiploma/CertificateAbout 12 MonthsNCLEX-PNStudents entering workforce quickly
NCLEX Pass Rates and Outcomes
One of the most important metrics when evaluating nursing schools is NCLEX pass rate performance. While specific yearly data changes, Arkansas State Board of Nursing reports consistently show that Board-approved programs in Forrest City maintain competitive pass rates relative to state averages.
Prospective students should request the most recent three-year average pass rate from each institution. A consistently strong pass rate signals effective instruction and student preparation.
Online and BSN Pathways Near Forrest City
Neither Forrest City institution currently offers a stand-alone BSN program on campus. However, students can transition to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through:
- RN-to-BSN online programs in Arkansas
- Transfer agreements with state universities
- Hybrid programs that accept ADN graduates
This pathway is increasingly important because many hospitals prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses for advancement and leadership roles.
Admission Requirements Breakdown
While requirements vary slightly, most nursing applicants in Forrest City must complete:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Microbiology
- College-level English and Math
- Background check and drug screening
- CPR certification
Tip: Apply early. Nursing programs often have limited clinical slots and operate on selective admissions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Community college and technical institute tuition is significantly more affordable than private nursing schools. Cost considerations include:
- Per-credit tuition
- Lab and clinical fees
- Uniforms and equipment
- Licensing exam registration
Most students qualify for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. Arkansas also offers workforce grants and scholarships for high-demand healthcare careers.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Forrest City
Nursing remains one of Arkansas’ most stable and high-demand professions. Registered Nurses typically earn higher salaries than LPNs, but both roles are essential to regional healthcare systems.
Common employers near Forrest City include:
- Forrest City Medical Center
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Community health clinics
- Home health agencies
Rural healthcare shortages mean new graduates often find employment quickly, particularly those willing to work flexible shifts.
How to Choose the Right Program
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to become an RN or start as an LPN?
- How quickly do I want to enter the workforce?
- Will I pursue a BSN later?
- Can I commit to a competitive, full-time program?
If your goal is long-term advancement, starting with the ADN at EACC may offer greater upward mobility. If speed and affordability are top priorities, CRTI’s Practical Nursing program provides a faster route into patient care.
Steps to Get Started
- Verify program approval with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
- Complete prerequisite coursework.
- Take required entrance examinations.
- Apply before deadlines.
- Prepare financially and arrange clinical transportation.
For students committed to serving their community while building a stable, respected career, Forrest City provides accessible, accredited pathways into nursing with strong regional employment potential.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Forrest City, Arkansas
What nursing programs are offered in Forrest City, Arkansas?
In Forrest City, you can study Practical Nursing (LPN) at Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute (CRTI) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/RN) or LPN-to-RN at East Arkansas Community College (EACC). Both schools are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Is EACC or CRTI better if I want to become an RN?
If you want to become an RN, EACC is the direct choice because it offers the Associate Degree in Nursing and an LPN-to-RN pathway. CRTI prepares you as an LPN first, and you can later bridge to RN at EACC or another college.
How long does it take to finish a nursing program in Forrest City?
CRTI’s Practical Nursing (LPN) program usually takes about 12 months. EACC’s ADN program typically takes about two years after you finish your prerequisites. LPN-to-RN students may complete the program faster because they receive advanced standing.
Are nursing programs in Forrest City accredited and state approved?
Yes. EACC and CRTI nursing programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, which lets you sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam. You should also ask each school about current national accreditation for its degree programs.
Can you start as an LPN in Forrest City and later earn a BSN?
Yes. You can become an LPN through CRTI, bridge to RN through EACC’s LPN-to-RN option, and then complete an online RN-to-BSN program through an Arkansas university. Many ADN graduates in Forrest City use this step-by-step path to a BSN.
What jobs can you get after nursing school in Forrest City?
After graduation and licensure, you can work at places like Forrest City Medical Center, long-term care and rehab facilities, community clinics, and home health agencies. RNs often earn higher pay and take on more responsibility than LPNs in these settings.
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