Key Takeaways
- Lake Village does not have a standalone nursing college, but multiple accredited programs are available within reasonable commuting distance.
- Top nearby options include University of Arkansas at Monticello, Southeast Arkansas College, and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
- Programs range from LPN and ADN to BSN and graduate degrees, with several online and bridge pathways.
- Choosing an ACEN or CCNE accredited school is critical for licensure and employment mobility.
- Healthcare employers near Lake Village include Chicot Memorial Medical Center, Delta Regional Medical Center, and Jefferson Regional.
Your Guide to Nursing Schools Near Lake Village, Arkansas
Lake Village is a tight-knit Delta community with growing healthcare needs. While the city itself does not host a dedicated nursing school campus, aspiring nurses have access to several respected, accredited programs within 30 to 90 minutes. This guide focuses specifically on options accessible to Lake Village residents, including commute times, degree paths, tuition considerations, and career outcomes.If you want to become an LPN, RN, or earn a BSN or higher, the programs below represent your strongest regional options.
Accredited Nursing Programs Within Commuting Distance
To ensure licensure eligibility and employer recognition, all recommended programs below hold accreditation from ACEN or CCNE and prepare students for the NCLEX examination.
School Distance from Lake Village Programs Offered Approx. In-State Tuition Accreditation University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) 30 minutes LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN $170–$200 per credit hour ACEN Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) 75 minutes LPN, ASN $150–$180 per credit hour ACEN University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) 80 minutes BSN, RN-to-BSN $220–$260 per credit hour ACEN Delta Regional Authority Partner Programs (Online + Clinical) Varies MSN, DNP pathways Varies by institution CCNE
Top Choice: University of Arkansas at Monticello
Why UAM Stands Out
For Lake Village residents, UAM is the most convenient and practical option. Located in Monticello, it offers a short commute and a strong reputation for preparing nurses for rural healthcare environments.
Programs Available
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- LPN-to-RN Bridge
- RN-to-BSN Completion (online)
Student Outcomes
Recent NCLEX pass rates for UAM nursing graduates consistently align with or exceed the Arkansas state average, which typically falls between 85 and 90 percent. Graduates often secure positions in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics immediately after licensure.
Clinical Partnerships
Clinical rotations commonly include:
- Chicot Memorial Medical Center in Lake Village
- Drew Memorial Health System
- Jefferson Regional Medical Center
This strong local integration improves employment prospects after graduation.
Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK)
Located in Pine Bluff, SEARK is ideal for students seeking an affordable entry into nursing.
Program Highlights
- Highly affordable tuition
- Small cohort sizes
- Hands-on clinical focus
- High job placement rates in Southeast Arkansas
SEARK’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level hospital roles.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)
For students seeking a traditional four-year BSN, UAPB offers a respected program with expanded leadership and research training.
Why Choose a BSN?
Healthcare employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN can also increase long-term earning potential and open pathways to graduate education.UAPB also provides an RN-to-BSN option for working nurses in Lake Village who already hold associate degrees.
Choosing the Right Nursing Degree
LPN Programs
Ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. Typically completed in 12 months.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN or ASN)
Takes about two years. Prepares students for RN licensure. Often the most cost-effective pathway.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Four-year degree with broader career growth potential. Required for many leadership roles.
Graduate Programs (MSN, DNP)
Available online through Arkansas universities. Required for nurse practitioner, educator, or administrative roles.
Admission Requirements
Most programs near Lake Village require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
- Prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition
- TEAS entrance exam
- Background check and immunizations
Programs are competitive. Maintaining strong grades in science courses significantly improves acceptance chances.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Lake Village
Southeast Arkansas faces ongoing nursing shortages. Rural healthcare systems actively recruit graduates from regional schools.
Local Employers
- Chicot Memorial Medical Center
- Delta Regional Medical Center
- Drew Memorial Hospital
- Jefferson Regional
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
Salary Expectations
According to recent labor data:
- Licensed Practical Nurses in Arkansas earn approximately $42,000 to $50,000 annually.
- Registered Nurses earn approximately $60,000 to $72,000 annually.
- BSN-prepared nurses may earn toward the higher end of the RN range.
Rural employers often offer loan repayment incentives or sign-on bonuses to attract qualified nurses.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Arkansas students may qualify for:
- Arkansas Future Grant
- Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
- Federal Pell Grants
- HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
Many hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
When comparing schools near Lake Village, focus on:
- NCLEX pass rates
- Commute feasibility
- Clinical placement quality
- Total tuition cost
- Bridge program availability
If affordability and proximity are priorities, UAM often ranks as the strongest choice. If a four-year degree is your goal, UAPB provides a competitive BSN pathway.Choosing the right nursing school is not just about rankings. It is about accreditation, outcomes, and your long-term career trajectory in Arkansas healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Lake Village, Arkansas
Does Lake Village have its own nursing school?
No. Lake Village does not have a standalone nursing college, but you can reach several accredited programs within about 30 to 90 minutes, including UAM, SEARK, and UAPB.
What is the closest accredited nursing program to Lake Village?
The closest major option is the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), about a 30‑minute drive from Lake Village. UAM offers LPN, ASN, LPN‑to‑RN, and online RN‑to‑BSN programs accredited by ACEN.
Which nursing degrees can you earn near Lake Village?
You can earn an LPN diploma, ADN/ASN, BSN, and even online MSN or DNP pathways. Nearby schools offer entry‑level, bridge, and completion programs to move from LPN to RN and from RN to BSN.
Why is ACEN or CCNE accreditation important for nursing schools?
ACEN or CCNE accreditation helps you qualify for the NCLEX exam, state licensure, federal financial aid, and jobs with most hospitals. Employers often prefer or require graduates from accredited programs.
What are the basic admission requirements for nursing programs near Lake Village?
Most programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0), key science prerequisites, a TEAS exam score, and a background check with required immunizations.
Where can you work as a nurse after graduating near Lake Village?
You can pursue jobs at Chicot Memorial Medical Center in Lake Village, Delta Regional Medical Center, Drew Memorial Hospital, Jefferson Regional, and local long‑term care and rehab facilities that hire new nurses.
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