Best Nursing Schools in Lamar, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• Lamar, Arkansas does not have a standalone nursing school, but several accredited programs are located within commuting distance.
• Top options near Lamar include Arkansas Tech University, University of the Ozarks, and Arkansas State University–Beebe.
• Most students choose between ADN and BSN pathways, with BSN increasingly preferred by major healthcare employers.
• Look for ACEN or CCNE accreditation and strong NCLEX-RN pass rates when comparing programs.
• Local employers such as Johnson Regional Medical Center create strong clinical and job placement opportunities.

Where Can You Study Nursing Near Lamar, Arkansas?

Lamar is a small city in Johnson County, so aspiring nurses typically attend programs in nearby communities such as Clarksville, Russellville, or further within central Arkansas. Fortunately, students have multiple accredited options within a reasonable commuting distance.

1. Arkansas Tech University – Russellville

Distance from Lamar: Approximately 25 miles
Degree Options: BSN, RN to BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

Arkansas Tech University is widely regarded as one of the strongest public universities in the River Valley region. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and hands-on clinical training.

Why it stands out:

• Consistently competitive NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Clinical placements at regional hospitals and healthcare systems
• Modern nursing simulation labs
• Strong reputation among Arkansas healthcare employers

This program is ideal for high school graduates seeking a traditional four-year BSN or current RNs aiming to advance their credentials.

2. University of the Ozarks – Clarksville

Distance from Lamar: Approximately 12 miles
Degree Options: BSN
Accreditation: CCNE

Located just a short drive from Lamar, the University of the Ozarks offers a liberal arts–centered nursing program. Small class sizes and personalized instruction make it attractive for students who prefer individualized attention.

Program Highlights:

• Low student-to-faculty ratios
• Community-based clinical experiences
• Focus on communication and leadership skills

Students benefit from proximity to home while accessing clinical sites throughout the Arkansas River Valley.

3. Arkansas State University–Beebe

Distance from Lamar: Approximately 90 miles (Little Rock area)
Degree Options: ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
Accreditation: ACEN

For students seeking a cost-effective path to becoming a Registered Nurse, ASU–Beebe offers a respected Associate Degree in Nursing. ADN programs typically take two years and prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

This option appeals to students who want to enter the workforce quickly and may later pursue an RN to BSN bridge program.

4. Other Notable Arkansas Nursing Programs

Depending on relocation flexibility, students may also consider:

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
• University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
• North Arkansas College

These institutions offer strong statewide reputations and expanded specialty pathways.

Comparing Nursing Schools Near Lamar

School Degree Type Accreditation Approximate Distance Best For Arkansas Tech University BSN CCNE 25 miles Comprehensive 4-year education University of the Ozarks BSN CCNE 12 miles Small class experience ASU–Beebe ADN ACEN 90 miles Faster entry into workforce

What to Look for in a Nursing Program

1. Accreditation

Ensure the program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by either CCNE or ACEN. Accreditation impacts licensure eligibility, financial aid access, and future graduate study.

2. NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Ask each school for its most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. High-performing programs often maintain pass rates above the national average. This is one of the strongest indicators of educational quality.

3. Clinical Partnerships

Lamar-area students benefit from clinical placements at facilities such as:

• Johnson Regional Medical Center
• River Valley Medical Center
• Local long-term care and rehabilitation facilities

Strong clinical networks often translate into job offers after graduation.

4. Tuition and Financial Aid

Public universities in Arkansas typically offer more affordable in-state tuition. Community colleges offering ADN programs are often the most cost-effective option.

Students should explore:

• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Hospital-sponsored tuition reimbursement
• Federal FAFSA grants and loans

BSN vs ADN: Which Path Is Right for You?

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

• Typically 2 years
• Lower upfront cost
• Qualifies graduates to take NCLEX-RN
• Strong option for rural workforce entry

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Typically 4 years
• Preferred by many hospitals
• Better long-term advancement potential
• Required for leadership and graduate study

Many Lamar-area students start with an ADN and complete an RN to BSN online while working.

Nursing Career Outlook in the Lamar Region

Registered Nurses remain in high demand across Arkansas. Rural communities, including Johnson County, consistently seek qualified RNs to serve aging populations.

Projected advantages:

• Stable employment demand
• Competitive regional salaries relative to cost of living
• Opportunities in hospitals, schools, home health, and long-term care

Graduates who remain in the River Valley region often find strong community ties and long-term career stability.

Admissions Requirements Overview

Although exact standards vary, most programs near Lamar require:

• Minimum GPA between 2.75 and 3.0
• Completion of prerequisite science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology
• Background check and drug screening
• Entrance exam such as TEAS

Applying early and meeting with an academic advisor significantly improves acceptance chances, as nursing cohorts are competitive.

Online and Hybrid Options for Lamar Students

While pre-licensure nursing programs require in-person clinical training, many RN to BSN programs in Arkansas offer online coursework. This flexibility allows working nurses in Lamar to advance their education without relocating.

Hybrid options combine online lectures with scheduled in-person skills labs and supervised clinical hours.

How to Choose the Best Nursing School for You

1. Determine your desired degree path, ADN or BSN.
2. Compare accreditation and NCLEX pass rates.
3. Evaluate commute time and clinical locations.
4. Calculate full program cost after financial aid.
5. Visit campus and speak with current students if possible.

Choosing a nursing school is both a financial and career decision. For Lamar residents, nearby institutions like Arkansas Tech University and University of the Ozarks provide accessible, high-quality pathways into one of healthcare’s most stable and rewarding professions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Lamar, Arkansas

Does Lamar, Arkansas have its own nursing school?

No. Lamar does not have a standalone nursing school. You will need to attend nearby programs in cities like Clarksville, Russellville, or other parts of central Arkansas.

What are the closest accredited nursing programs to Lamar?

The closest accredited options are the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville (about 12 miles), Arkansas Tech University in Russellville (about 25 miles), and Arkansas State University–Beebe (about 90 miles) for an ADN program.

Should you choose an ADN or a BSN near Lamar?

Choose an ADN if you want a lower-cost, shorter path to become an RN. Choose a BSN if you want more long-term career options and prefer a degree many hospitals now favor. Some students start with an ADN and later complete an online RN to BSN.

What should you look for in a nursing school near Lamar?

You should check for ACEN or CCNE accreditation, Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval, strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, solid clinical partners like Johnson Regional Medical Center, and total program cost after financial aid.

Can you study nursing online if you live in Lamar?

Pre-licensure nursing programs are not fully online because you must complete in-person clinical hours. However, if you are already an RN, you can finish an RN to BSN program mostly online while living and working in Lamar.