Key Takeaways
- Manila, Arkansas does not have a four-year university within city limits, but several highly ranked nursing schools are located within a 30 to 120-minute drive.
- Top options near Manila include Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, and Arkansas Northeastern College.
- Programs range from Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with strong NCLEX pass rates statewide.
- Arkansas registered nurses earn an average salary of approximately $65,000 per year, with strong demand across Mississippi County and Northeast Arkansas.
- Choosing an accredited program with solid clinical partnerships and high first-time NCLEX pass rates is critical for long-term success.
Why Study Nursing Near Manila, Arkansas?
Manila is a close-knit community in Mississippi County, located in Northeast Arkansas. While the city itself does not host a major nursing college, it is strategically positioned near several reputable institutions that prepare students for careers as LPNs, RNs, and BSN-prepared nurses.
Healthcare demand in Northeast Arkansas is steady. Facilities such as Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, and regional clinics across Mississippi County rely heavily on locally trained nurses. Many schools in the area offer clinical rotations at these sites, giving students valuable hands-on experience and local networking opportunities.
Top Nursing Schools Near Manila, AR
The following schools consistently rank among the best options within driving distance of Manila based on accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, affordability, and clinical training opportunities.
SchoolLocationPrograms OfferedApprox. Distance from ManilaArkansas State UniversityJonesboro, ARBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN~45 milesBlack River Technical CollegeParagould, ARADN, LPN~35 milesArkansas Northeastern CollegeBlytheville, ARADN, LPN~20 milesThree Rivers CollegePoplar Bluff, MOADN, LPN~55 miles
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
Arkansas State University (A-State) is one of the most respected nursing schools in Northeast Arkansas. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Why it stands out:
- Consistently strong NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Modern simulation labs and research-based curriculum
- Direct entry BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways
- Clinical placements at leading regional hospitals
For Manila residents seeking a four-year degree with long-term career growth potential, A-State is often the top choice.
Black River Technical College (Paragould, AR)
Black River Technical College offers both Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs. It provides a smaller campus environment with personalized instruction.
Best for: Students seeking an affordable pathway to RN licensure in two years or less.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, depending on the program track.
Arkansas Northeastern College (Blytheville, AR)
Located closest to Manila, Arkansas Northeastern College is a convenient and cost-effective option. Its ADN and LPN programs prepare students for immediate workforce entry.
Advantages:
- Close proximity to Manila
- Competitive tuition rates
- Strong ties to local healthcare providers
- Clinical placements in Mississippi County facilities
Nursing Programs Available to Manila Students
Practical Nursing (LPN)
LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN and may work in long-term care facilities, clinics, and physician offices.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN takes approximately two years. This pathway prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses. It is the fastest route to RN licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN requires about four years of study. Many employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, particularly in hospital settings. RN-to-BSN programs allow working nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree online while employed.
Admission Requirements
While each school has unique standards, most nursing programs near Manila share similar prerequisites:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition, and Math
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Entrance exam such as TEAS
- Background check and drug screening
BSN programs may have more competitive admissions and larger prerequisite credit requirements.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Accreditation
Before enrolling, verify that your chosen program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Accreditation from ACEN or CCNE ensures the curriculum meets national standards.
NCLEX pass rates are one of the strongest indicators of program quality. High-performing programs often report first-time pass rates above 85 percent. Prospective students should request recent pass rate data directly from the nursing department.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Community colleges such as Arkansas Northeastern College and Black River Technical College typically offer the most affordable tuition for Manila students. Costs vary depending on residency and credit hours.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
- Federal student loans
- Healthcare workforce grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement
Students planning to work locally after graduation should also explore hospital-sponsored scholarship programs in Mississippi County and Jonesboro.
Local Career Outlook for Nurses
Arkansas continues to experience steady demand for qualified nurses. According to federal labor data, registered nurses in Arkansas earn an average annual salary near $65,000, with higher wages possible in hospital settings and specialized roles.
Key employers near Manila include:
- Great River Medical Center, Blytheville
- St. Bernards Medical Center, Jonesboro
- NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
- Regional long-term care and rehabilitation centers
Many graduates from area programs secure employment within months of licensure due to established clinical partnerships.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School Near Manila
Selecting the best nursing school involves more than just location. Use this checklist to make a confident decision:
- Is the program accredited and state-approved?
- What is the most recent NCLEX first-time pass rate?
- How close are clinical sites to your home?
- What are the total program costs including fees and supplies?
- Are bridge programs available if you want to advance later?
Students who plan to eventually pursue advanced roles such as nurse practitioner should strongly consider starting with a BSN program or choosing an ADN program that offers a seamless RN-to-BSN transition.
Online and Bridge Options for Working Adults
For LPNs and working RNs in Manila, bridge programs provide upward mobility without starting from scratch. Many Arkansas institutions offer:
- LPN-to-RN transition programs
- RN-to-BSN online degrees
- Part-time and evening schedules
Online coursework combined with local clinical placements allows students to balance employment and education efficiently.
What Makes a Program “Best” for Manila Students?
The best nursing school is not simply the highest-ranked statewide institution. It is the one that aligns with your budget, commute, career goals, and learning style.
For many Manila residents, Arkansas Northeastern College provides convenience and affordability. For those seeking broader career advancement and hospital leadership opportunities, Arkansas State University may be the stronger long-term investment. Carefully comparing outcomes, support services, and flexibility will ensure you choose a program that sets you up for licensure and career success.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools Near Manila, Arkansas
Are there any nursing schools in Manila, Arkansas?
No, Manila does not have a four-year university or a nursing school in town. However, you are within 20–60 minutes of several colleges that offer LPN, ADN, and BSN nursing programs, including Arkansas Northeastern College, Black River Technical College, and Arkansas State University.
What types of nursing programs can you take near Manila?
Near Manila you can enroll in Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Some schools also offer LPN-to-RN and RN-to-BSN bridge options with online coursework and local clinicals.
How long does it take to become a nurse near Manila, AR?
If you choose an LPN program, you can usually finish in 12 to 18 months. An ADN program to become an RN takes about two years, and a traditional BSN program takes around four years of full-time study, not counting any prerequisites you may need.
What are the basic admission requirements for nursing programs near Manila?
Most nearby programs ask you to have a high school diploma or GED, complete prerequisite courses like Anatomy and Physiology, English, and Math, meet a minimum GPA, pass an entrance exam such as the TEAS, and complete a background check and drug screen. BSN programs may have higher GPA and course requirements.
How much do registered nurses earn in Arkansas near Manila?
Registered nurses in Arkansas earn about $65,000 per year on average, based on recent federal labor data. Pay can be higher in hospitals and specialized units in places like Blytheville and Jonesboro, especially with experience or a BSN degree.
How can you tell if a nursing program near Manila is good?
You should check that the program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN or CCNE, review recent first-time NCLEX pass rates (aim for 85% or higher), look at total costs, and ask where students complete clinicals. These factors help you compare program quality and fit.
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