Key Takeaways
- There are no four-year nursing schools physically located in Huntsville, Arkansas, but several accredited programs operate within 45 to 90 minutes.
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas, and Arkansas Tech University are the top options for Madison County residents.
- Students can pursue ADN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate-level programs within commuting distance.
- When choosing a program, compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition, clinical placements, and accreditation.
- Registered nurses in Arkansas earn a median salary of approximately $65,000 per year, with strong demand across Northwest Arkansas healthcare systems.
Nursing Education Options Near Huntsville, Arkansas
Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County, located in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. While the city itself does not host a standalone nursing school, students have access to several reputable and accredited programs within commuting distance. Many Huntsville residents pursue nursing degrees in nearby Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, or Russellville.
Below are the best nursing schools serving students in Huntsville, Arkansas, based on accreditation status, program options, NCLEX performance, clinical partnerships, and reputation.
Top Nursing Schools Serving Huntsville, AR
1. NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) – ADN Program
Location: Bentonville, AR (approximately 1 hour from Huntsville)
Degree Offered: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited
NWACC is one of the most affordable and accessible nursing pathways for Huntsville students. The ADN degree prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses in approximately two years.
Why it stands out:
- Competitive NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently near or above state averages
- Strong clinical partnerships across Northwest Arkansas hospitals
- Lower tuition for in-district students
- Clear transfer pathways to BSN programs
This option is ideal for students seeking a cost-effective entry into nursing or those planning to bridge into a BSN later.
2. University of Arkansas – Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
Location: Fayetteville, AR (45 minutes from Huntsville)
Degrees Offered: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The University of Arkansas offers the most comprehensive nursing education in the region. Its BSN program is highly competitive and well regarded across the state.
Program highlights:
- High first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Access to research and leadership opportunities
- Direct connections to major regional health systems
For students who want broader career mobility or eventual graduate education, the University of Arkansas provides the strongest long-term trajectory.
3. Arkansas Tech University – BSN Program
Location: Russellville, AR (about 90 minutes from Huntsville)
Degrees Offered: Traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Arkansas Tech offers another respected four-year nursing pathway. While a longer commute, it remains an option for students seeking smaller cohort sizes.
Best for:
- Students seeking direct-entry BSN programs
- LPNs advancing to RN status
- Those preferring a mid-sized university environment
Side-by-Side Comparison of Nursing Schools Near Huntsville
SchoolDistance from HuntsvilleDegree OptionsAccreditationBest ForNWACC~60 milesADNACENAffordable RN entryUniversity of Arkansas~35 milesBSN, MSN, DNPCCNEComprehensive educationArkansas Tech~85 milesBSN bridgesCCNETraditional 4-year path
Program Types Available to Huntsville Students
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Typically two years. Prepares graduates for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Most affordable entry point.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Four-year program preferred by many hospitals. Increases eligibility for leadership roles and higher pay.
Accelerated BSN
Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Usually completed in 12 to 18 months.
RN-to-BSN Programs
Online or hybrid options allow working nurses in Madison County to complete their bachelor’s while maintaining employment.
Accreditation and Licensing in Arkansas
Before enrolling, verify that the program is approved by:
- The Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure. Choosing a school with strong pass rates significantly improves your chances of first-time success.
Clinical Placement Opportunities Around Huntsville
Students in Madison County typically complete clinical rotations at major healthcare facilities across Northwest Arkansas, including:
- Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville
- Northwest Health System in Springdale and Bentonville
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers
- Community clinics and long-term care facilities across Madison County
These partnerships provide exposure to acute care, rural health, emergency medicine, and specialty units.
Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations
Tuition varies depending on residency status and program type. Community colleges like NWACC typically offer the lowest per-credit costs. Public universities provide competitive in-state tuition rates.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants and loans
- Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
- Workforce Challenge scholarships
- Hospital-sponsored tuition reimbursement
- Private nursing scholarships
Many Northwest Arkansas hospitals offer tuition repayment programs in exchange for post-graduation employment commitments.
Nursing Career Outlook in Northwest Arkansas
Demand for registered nurses in Arkansas continues to grow due to population increases and healthcare expansion. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, registered nurses in Arkansas earn a median annual salary of approximately $65,000, with higher earnings in metropolitan areas like Fayetteville and Rogers.
Nurses with BSN or graduate degrees often access leadership, specialization, and advanced practice roles with higher salary ceilings.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School Near Huntsville
- Compare NCLEX pass rates for recent years
- Verify accreditation and Arkansas Board approval
- Evaluate total program cost, not just tuition
- Ask about clinical placement guarantees
- Consider commute time and scheduling flexibility
- Review admission GPA and prerequisite requirements
If you live in Huntsville, driving distance and winter weather conditions in the Ozarks should factor into your decision. Hybrid and online coursework may reduce commuting frequency.
Nursing School Application Checklist for Madison County Students
- Complete prerequisite sciences such as Anatomy and Physiology
- Take the TEAS or required entrance exam
- Submit official transcripts
- Prepare immunization and background check documentation
- Apply early due to competitive cohorts
Prospective students are encouraged to attend campus information sessions in Fayetteville or Bentonville to better understand clinical expectations and admission competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Huntsville, Arkansas
Are there any four-year nursing schools in Huntsville, Arkansas?
No. There are no four-year nursing schools physically in Huntsville, Arkansas. Your closest options are in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Russellville, all within about 45 to 90 minutes by car.
What are the best nursing school options near Huntsville if I live in Madison County?
If you live in Madison County, your main options are NorthWest Arkansas Community College (ADN) in Bentonville, the University of Arkansas (BSN and graduate programs) in Fayetteville, and Arkansas Tech University (BSN pathways) in Russellville.
What types of nursing degrees can you earn within commuting distance of Huntsville?
Within commuting distance, you can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN degrees. You can also pursue graduate options like MSN and DNP programs at the University of Arkansas.
How much do registered nurses make in Arkansas?
Registered nurses in Arkansas earn a median salary of about $65,000 per year, based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS RN wage data). Nurses in Northwest Arkansas metro areas often earn toward the higher end of the state range.
How should you choose a nursing program near Huntsville, AR?
You should compare NCLEX pass rates, verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation and Arkansas Board approval, review total program cost, ask about clinical placements, and consider commute time, schedule flexibility, and admission requirements.
.svg)
