Best Nursing Schools in Hamburg, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• There are no four-year universities located directly in Hamburg, Arkansas, but several highly regarded nursing programs are within commuting distance.
• Top options near Hamburg include the University of Arkansas at Monticello, South Arkansas Community College, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
• Accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, tuition cost, and clinical access in Southeast Arkansas are critical ranking factors.
• Arkansas faces an ongoing nursing shortage, creating strong job prospects in Ashley County and surrounding rural communities.
• Local students can reduce costs significantly through Arkansas-specific grants, scholarships, and RN-to-BSN bridge pathways.

How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools Near Hamburg, Arkansas

“Best” is not subjective in this guide. We evaluated nursing programs accessible from Hamburg using the following data-driven criteria:

• Accreditation: Approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and national accreditation such as ACEN or CCNE.
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: First-time pass rates compared to the Arkansas state average.
• Tuition and Total Cost: In-district and in-state affordability.
• Program Flexibility: ADN, BSN, online, hybrid, and RN-to-BSN pathways.
• Clinical Access: Partnerships with healthcare facilities in Southeast Arkansas.
• Graduate Outcomes: Employment rates and regional job placement.

Top Nursing Schools Accessible from Hamburg, AR

1. University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM)

Location: Monticello, AR (approximately 25 minutes from Hamburg)

Degrees Offered: ADN, LPN to RN

Why It Stands Out: UAM is the closest reputable nursing program to Hamburg, making it the most practical option for local students.

UAM’s College of Technology-McGehee offers accredited nursing programs with strong clinical partnerships across Southeast Arkansas. Students gain experience in rural healthcare settings, which is highly valuable in Ashley County hospitals and clinics.

Highlights:

• Accredited by ACEN
• Competitive NCLEX pass rates near or above state averages
• Lower in-state tuition for Arkansas residents
• Small cohort sizes with individualized instruction

This program is ideal for students who want hands-on training close to home and immediate workforce entry after graduation.

2. South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk)

Location: El Dorado, AR (approximately 1 hour from Hamburg)

Degrees Offered: ADN

SouthArk provides one of the most affordable Associate Degree in Nursing programs in South Arkansas. For Hamburg residents willing to commute, it offers strong technical training and clinical placements in regional hospitals.

Strengths:

• High NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
• Affordable tuition structure
• Strong hospital partnerships in Union County and surrounding areas
• Focused preparation for immediate RN licensure

Graduates are well-positioned for employment in rural healthcare settings, where demand remains high.

3. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

Location: Little Rock, AR (approximately 2.5 hours from Hamburg)

Degrees Offered: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP

For students seeking a four-year or graduate-level nursing degree, UAMS is the premier institution in Arkansas. While not local, its online RN-to-BSN and graduate programs make it accessible to Hamburg-based nurses.

Why Choose UAMS:

• Statewide reputation and strong employer recognition
• Multiple advanced practice pathways
• Hybrid and online learning options
• Extensive clinical network across Arkansas

Registered Nurses in Hamburg who begin with an ADN at UAM or SouthArk often transfer into UAMS for BSN completion.

Side-by-Side Comparison

SchoolDistance from HamburgDegree OptionsAccreditationBest ForUAM~25 minutesADN, LPN to RNACENLocal, affordable pathwaySouthArk~1 hourADNACENCost-effective RN entryUAMSHybrid/OnlineBSN, MSN, DNPCCNEAdvanced degrees and leadership

Career Outlook for Nurses in Hamburg and Ashley County

Arkansas continues to experience a nursing shortage, particularly in rural regions like Southeast Arkansas. According to state workforce projections:

• Registered Nurse employment is projected to grow steadily over the next decade.
• Rural hospitals and long-term care facilities face persistent staffing gaps.
• BSN-prepared nurses increasingly qualify for supervisory and specialty roles.

Major regional employers include Ashley County Medical Center, local clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health providers. ADN graduates can enter the workforce quickly, while BSN and MSN graduates access broader leadership and specialty opportunities.

Admission Requirements for Arkansas Nursing Programs

While each school differs slightly, most programs near Hamburg require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 to 3.0
• Completion of prerequisite science courses
• Entrance exam such as TEAS
• Background check and immunization records

Competitive programs often admit students based on GPA and standardized test scores. Applying early increases acceptance chances.

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

To practice as a Registered Nurse in Hamburg:

1. Graduate from an Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
3. Apply for state licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to practice in multiple compact states without additional licenses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Hamburg Nursing Students

Local students can reduce out-of-pocket costs through:

• Arkansas Future Grant: Supports high-demand fields including nursing.
• Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarships.
• Institution-specific nursing scholarships at UAM and SouthArk.
• Employer tuition reimbursement from regional healthcare providers.

Filing the FAFSA early is essential to maximize federal Pell Grants and state aid eligibility.

Online and RN-to-BSN Pathways for Working Nurses

Many Hamburg residents choose a stepwise approach:

1. Earn ADN locally at UAM or SouthArk.
2. Pass NCLEX and begin working.
3. Complete an online RN-to-BSN through UAMS.

This pathway minimizes debt while increasing long-term earning potential and leadership eligibility.

How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Hamburg, AR

Ask these critical questions before enrolling:

• What is the program’s NCLEX pass rate?
• How far will I commute each week?
• Is the program accredited?
• Are clinical placements guaranteed?
• What is the total cost after financial aid?

For most Hamburg residents, UAM provides the strongest balance of accessibility, affordability, and workforce readiness. Students seeking long-term advancement should plan for a BSN completion strategy through UAMS or another accredited university.

By focusing on accredited programs, strong clinical training, and a clear licensure pathway, aspiring nurses in Hamburg can enter a rewarding profession that serves both their community and their career ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Hamburg, Arkansas

Are there any four-year nursing schools in Hamburg, Arkansas?

There are no four-year universities in Hamburg itself. Most students start with an ADN program at nearby schools like the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) or South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk), then complete a BSN online through schools such as the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

What are the closest accredited nursing programs to Hamburg?

The closest accredited nursing programs are at UAM in Monticello (about 25 minutes from Hamburg) and SouthArk in El Dorado (about 1 hour away). UAMS in Little Rock offers BSN and higher degrees, often in hybrid or online formats that you can complete while living in Hamburg.

How do I choose the right nursing school near Hamburg, AR?

You should compare accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, total cost, commute time, class format (in-person, hybrid, online), and clinical sites in Southeast Arkansas. For many local students, UAM is a practical choice for starting an ADN, with the option to bridge to a BSN later through an online RN-to-BSN program like UAMS.

What are the admission requirements for nursing programs near Hamburg?

Most nearby programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0), prerequisite science courses, an entrance exam such as the TEAS, and a background check with current immunizations. Applying early and keeping your grades strong can help you be more competitive.

How can you reduce the cost of nursing school in Arkansas?

You can lower your costs by attending in-state schools like UAM or SouthArk, filing the FAFSA early, and applying for Arkansas programs such as the Arkansas Future Grant and Workforce Challenge Scholarship. You can also look for nursing scholarships at each school and ask local employers about tuition reimbursement.

What is the job outlook for nurses in Hamburg and Ashley County?

Nurses in Southeast Arkansas face steady demand, especially in rural hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health. ADN-prepared RNs can find entry-level roles, while BSN and graduate-prepared nurses often qualify for leadership, education, and specialty positions in the region.