Key Takeaways
- There are no accredited nursing schools located directly in Lonoke, Arkansas, but several top-rated programs are within a 20 to 35 minute commute.
- The best options include programs in Little Rock, Jacksonville, Searcy, and North Little Rock with strong NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships.
- Students can pursue ADN, LPN, BSN, and graduate-level degrees depending on career goals and timeline.
- Accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, tuition, and hospital partnerships are the most important selection criteria.
- Central Arkansas offers strong job growth for nurses due to expanding hospital systems and an aging population.
Nursing Education Opportunities Near Lonoke, Arkansas
While Lonoke does not currently host its own accredited nursing school, its central location provides convenient access to several respected institutions in Central Arkansas. Most programs are located within a 30 minute drive, making commuting realistic for working adults and recent high school graduates.
Lonoke sits between Little Rock and Searcy, two regional hubs for healthcare education and employment. This proximity provides students access to larger hospital systems, clinical placements, and long-term career opportunities while maintaining the lower cost of living found in Lonoke County.
Top Nursing Schools Within Commuting Distance of Lonoke
1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – Little Rock
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 30 minutes
Programs Offered: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
UAMS is widely regarded as the premier nursing institution in Arkansas. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program consistently reports strong NCLEX pass rates, often above state averages. As Arkansas’ only academic health sciences university, UAMS provides unmatched clinical exposure through its teaching hospital and specialty clinics.
This school is ideal for students seeking advanced practice roles, leadership positions, or research-based careers. Tuition is higher than community colleges, but the return on investment is strong due to graduate outcomes and statewide recognition.
2. Arkansas State University–Beebe (ASU-Beebe)
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 25 minutes
Programs Offered: LPN, ADN, LPN-to-RN
Accreditation: Accredited by the ACEN
ASU-Beebe is a top choice for Lonoke residents seeking an affordable pathway into nursing. Its Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce in approximately two years.
The school has strong ties to local healthcare providers in Central Arkansas, which improves clinical placement opportunities. Graduates often secure employment in community hospitals and long-term care facilities shortly after licensure.
3. Baptist Health College Little Rock
Distance from Lonoke: About 30 minutes
Programs Offered: Practical Nursing, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Accreditation: ACEN accredited
Baptist Health College offers hands-on, hospital-centered learning. Because it is directly aligned with Baptist Health Medical Center, students gain immediate exposure to real clinical environments.
This structure benefits students who prefer structured schedules and immersive clinical hours. Job placement rates are strong due to direct connections with the Baptist Health system.
4. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock)
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 30 minutes
Programs Offered: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
UA Little Rock is ideal for students who already hold a degree or want a four-year campus experience. The accelerated BSN option is particularly attractive to career changers and can be completed in as few as 15 months.
Its urban location provides access to multiple clinical sites across Central Arkansas.
5. Harding University – Searcy
Distance from Lonoke: 30 to 35 minutes
Programs Offered: BSN, MSN
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Harding University offers a faith-based nursing education with small class sizes and high faculty engagement. NCLEX pass rates are consistently competitive statewide.
Students seeking personalized instruction and private university resources may find Harding an excellent fit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
SchoolDegree OptionsApprox. DistanceAccreditationBest ForUAMSBSN, MSN, DNP30 minCCNEAdvanced practice, leadershipASU-BeebeLPN, ADN25 minACENAffordable RN pathwayBaptist Health CollegeLPN, AAS30 minACENHospital-based trainingUA Little RockBSN, Accelerated BSN30 minCCNECareer changersHarding UniversityBSN, MSN35 minCCNEPrivate university experience
How to Choose the Best Nursing School Near Lonoke
1. Verify Accreditation
Choose programs accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Accreditation ensures eligibility for federal financial aid and licensure.
2. Review NCLEX Pass Rates
Arkansas nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. Schools with consistently high pass rates often provide stronger academic preparation.
3. Compare Total Cost
Community colleges typically offer lower tuition, while universities provide expanded career pathways. Consider commuting costs, books, fees, and lost income if attending full-time.
4. Evaluate Clinical Partnerships
Top employers near Lonoke include Baptist Health, UAMS Medical Center, CHI St. Vincent, and Unity Health. Programs with direct hospital affiliations may improve job placement prospects.
Admissions Requirements
Though each school varies slightly, most Central Arkansas nursing programs require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as Anatomy and Physiology
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Entrance exams such as TEAS
- Background check and immunization records
Competitive programs may also use interviews or point-based ranking systems for admission.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Lonoke Nursing Students
Nursing students in Lonoke can access:
- Arkansas Future Grant for high-demand fields
- Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
- Hospital-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs
- Federal Pell Grants and student loans
Some regional hospitals offer loan repayment assistance in exchange for employment commitments after graduation.
Job Outlook for Nurses in Central Arkansas
The demand for registered nurses in Arkansas continues to grow due to healthcare expansion and an aging population. According to labor data, registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive salaries relative to the state’s cost of living.
Lonoke’s proximity to Little Rock significantly increases employment opportunities. Graduates may find positions in acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and specialty practices.
Online and Hybrid Nursing Options
Several nearby institutions offer hybrid pathways, particularly for RN-to-BSN students. These programs combine online coursework with in-person clinical placements, making them flexible for working nurses.
Fully online pre-licensure programs are rare due to clinical requirements, so students should plan for hands-on training in local healthcare facilities.
Application Timeline and Next Steps
Most nursing programs in Central Arkansas accept applicants once or twice per year. It is recommended that prospective students:
- Complete prerequisite courses early
- Take the TEAS exam at least three months before application deadlines
- Apply to multiple programs to increase acceptance odds
- Attend information sessions or campus tours
Because nursing programs are competitive, planning 6 to 12 months in advance significantly improves your chances of acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools Near Lonoke, Arkansas
Are there any accredited nursing schools in Lonoke, Arkansas?
No, there are no accredited nursing schools located directly in Lonoke. Your closest options are in Little Rock, Jacksonville, Beebe, North Little Rock, and Searcy, all within about a 20 to 35 minute drive.
What types of nursing degrees can you earn near Lonoke?
You can earn LPN, ADN, AAS in Nursing, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees at schools within commuting distance, depending on the campus you choose and your career goals.
How do you choose the best nursing school near Lonoke?
Focus on accreditation (ACEN or CCNE), NCLEX pass rates, total program cost, commute time, and the quality of clinical partnerships with hospitals such as Baptist Health, UAMS Medical Center, CHI St. Vincent, and Unity Health.
What are the basic admission requirements for nearby nursing programs?
Most programs require a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses like Anatomy and Physiology, a minimum GPA, an entrance exam such as the TEAS, and a background check with up-to-date immunizations.
What financial aid is available for Lonoke nursing students?
You may qualify for the Arkansas Future Grant, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, federal Pell Grants and loans, and hospital tuition help or loan repayment programs that exchange financial support for work commitments after graduation.
Is the job outlook good for nurses in Central Arkansas?
Yes. Central Arkansas has steady demand for nurses due to growing hospital systems and an aging population, and Lonoke’s location near Little Rock and Searcy gives you access to hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and specialty practices.
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