Key Takeaways
- Jacksonville, Arkansas offers proximity to several highly accredited nursing programs within a 30-minute drive.
- Top choices include programs with strong NCLEX pass rates, Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval, and clinical partnerships with local hospitals.
- Students can pursue LPN, ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN pathways depending on career goals.
- Clinical rotations near Jacksonville often take place at Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and Jacksonville Care Center.
- Choosing a school should involve comparing tuition, accreditation, student outcomes, and commute time.
Why Study Nursing Near Jacksonville, Arkansas?
Jacksonville sits just northeast of Little Rock, giving students access to some of Central Arkansas’ most respected nursing programs. With steady demand for registered nurses across hospitals, outpatient centers, long-term care facilities, and military healthcare systems at Little Rock Air Force Base, the area offers strong employment potential after graduation.
According to workforce projections for Arkansas, registered nursing remains one of the fastest-growing healthcare occupations in the state. Graduating from an Arkansas State Board of Nursing-approved and nationally accredited program ensures eligibility for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN and long-term career mobility.
Top Nursing Schools Near Jacksonville, Arkansas
School Distance from Jacksonville Programs Offered Accreditation Best For University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) 20 miles BSN, RN to BSN CCNE, ASBN Approved Traditional 4-year students University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) 22 miles BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN CCNE, ASBN Approved High-achieving candidates Pulaski Technical College 15 miles ADN, LPN ACEN, ASBN Approved Affordable path to RN Baptist Health College Little Rock 23 miles ASN, Practical Nursing ACEN, ASBN Approved Hospital-based training
Detailed School Profiles
1. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)
Best for: Students seeking a traditional university nursing experience with strong academic support.
UALR offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that prepares students for RN licensure. The program emphasizes evidence-based care, leadership development, and hands-on clinical rotations at leading healthcare facilities in the Little Rock metro area.
- Competitive admission with prerequisite science courses required
- Clinical placements in regional hospitals and community clinics
- RN to BSN option for licensed nurses
Students benefit from a comprehensive campus environment while commuting easily from Jacksonville.
2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Best for: Students focused on academic excellence and advanced clinical experiences.
UAMS is one of the most respected healthcare institutions in Arkansas. The College of Nursing offers multiple BSN tracks, including an accelerated option for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Renowned medical center for clinical immersion
- Strong NCLEX preparation support
- Advanced simulation labs
Graduates are highly competitive in hospital systems across the region.
3. Pulaski Technical College
Best for: Cost-conscious students seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Pulaski Technical College provides an affordable ADN pathway that prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure. Many students begin their nursing journey here and later complete an RN to BSN program.
- Lower tuition compared to four-year universities
- Day and selective-entry format
- Articulation agreements with Arkansas universities
Its accessible location makes it popular for Jacksonville residents.
4. Baptist Health College Little Rock
Best for: Students desiring hospital-integrated clinical training.
Baptist Health College offers Associate of Science in Nursing and practical nursing tracks. Because of its hospital-based structure, students gain direct exposure to real healthcare environments from the early stages of training.
- Close partnership with Baptist Health hospitals
- Strong emphasis on patient-centered care
- Small class sizes
Accreditation and Licensing in Arkansas
Before enrolling, confirm that the program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. National accreditation from CCNE or ACEN ensures credits transfer and employers recognize your degree.
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed. Schools with strong student support, tutoring, and documented NCLEX preparation programs can significantly improve first-time pass rates.
Program Options Explained
LPN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurse programs typically take 12 to 18 months and prepare students for entry-level nursing positions in clinics and long-term care settings.
ADN or ASN Programs
Associate degrees take about two years and allow graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Many students later bridge into BSN programs while working.
BSN Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs require four years and open doors to leadership roles, hospital residency programs, and graduate studies.
RN to BSN Bridge
Designed for licensed RNs seeking advancement, these programs are often available online and can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
Clinical Training Opportunities Near Jacksonville
Nursing students in the Jacksonville area often complete clinical rotations at:
- Baptist Health Medical Center
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary
- UAMS Medical Center
- Jacksonville Care Center
- Little Rock Air Force Base medical facilities
Access to diverse healthcare settings allows students to gain experience in acute care, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and long-term care.
Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations
Tuition varies depending on the institution and residency status. Community colleges generally provide the most cost-effective path, while universities offer broader campus experiences.
Students should explore:
- Arkansas state grants
- Federal financial aid through FAFSA
- Healthcare scholarships and workforce grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
How to Choose the Right Nursing School
When evaluating nursing schools near Jacksonville, consider:
- Accreditation status and state approval
- NCLEX pass rates
- Clinical placement partnerships
- Commute time and schedule flexibility
- Total tuition and financial aid options
- Bridge or graduate pathways for long-term goals
Visiting campuses, speaking with admissions counselors, and reviewing outcome data can help you make a confident and informed decision.
Nursing Career Outlook in Jacksonville, Arkansas
The demand for qualified nurses in Central Arkansas remains strong due to population growth, aging residents, and healthcare expansion. Registered nurses in the region benefit from competitive salaries, job stability, and opportunities to advance into specialized or leadership roles.
Earning your nursing degree near Jacksonville positions you to serve in hospitals, outpatient clinics, military healthcare systems, and private practices throughout Pulaski County and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools Near Jacksonville, Arkansas
What nursing programs can you find near Jacksonville, Arkansas?
Within about a 30-minute drive of Jacksonville, you can find LPN, ADN/ASN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs. Schools nearby include the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UAMS, Pulaski Technical College, and Baptist Health College Little Rock.
How do you choose the right nursing school near Jacksonville?
Start by checking Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval and national accreditation (CCNE or ACEN). Then compare NCLEX pass rates, total tuition, clinical sites, commute time, and whether the school offers bridge options like RN-to-BSN.
How long does it take to become a nurse near Jacksonville?
An LPN program usually takes 12–18 months. ADN/ASN programs take about two years. A traditional BSN takes about four years, while an RN-to-BSN bridge can often be finished in 12–18 months once you are a licensed RN.
Where do nursing students near Jacksonville complete clinicals?
You may complete clinical rotations at Baptist Health Medical Center, CHI St. Vincent, UAMS Medical Center, Jacksonville Care Center, and Little Rock Air Force Base medical facilities, depending on your program.
What financial aid is available for nursing students in this area?
You can apply for federal aid through the FAFSA, Arkansas state grants, nursing and healthcare scholarships, workforce grants, and possible employer tuition reimbursement programs. Community colleges often have lower base tuition as well.
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