Best Nursing Schools in Morrilton, Arkansas

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Courses and Subjects

Key Takeaways

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) is the primary accredited nursing school in Morrilton and offers a highly regarded Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
Programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure.
Students benefit from local clinical partnerships, affordable tuition, and strong career placement prospects in Conway County and Central Arkansas.
Within 25 miles, additional nursing pathways are available in Conway and Russellville for students seeking BSN or advancement options.
Careful attention to admission prerequisites, GPA requirements, and clinical readiness is essential for acceptance.

Why Choose Morrilton, Arkansas for Nursing School?

Morrilton offers a focused, community-driven healthcare education environment. Located in Conway County along the Arkansas River, it provides access to regional medical centers, long-term care facilities, and community health clinics that serve as clinical training sites.

Students seeking smaller class sizes, affordable in-state tuition, and direct workforce pipelines often find Morrilton an ideal launching point into nursing. Unlike large metro programs that can be highly competitive, Morrilton programs emphasize personalized instruction and strong faculty mentorship.

Top Nursing School in Morrilton

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM)

Location: Morrilton, AR
Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Primary Program: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)

UACCM is the leading and most established nursing education provider in Morrilton. Its Associate of Applied Science in Nursing prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter practice as Registered Nurses.

Program Overview

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Program Length: Typically 4 semesters after prerequisites
Credit Hours: Approximately 60 to 72 total credits including general education
Licensure Preparation: Qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework before entering the nursing sequence. Common requirements include:

Completion of prerequisite courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II, English Composition, and College Algebra
Minimum GPA requirement, often 2.5 or higher in prerequisite courses
Entrance exam scores such as ATI TEAS, depending on current admissions policy
Background check and drug screening prior to clinical placement

Clinical Training and Local Partnerships

One of UACCM’s key strengths is its community-based clinical experience. Students complete hands-on rotations at healthcare facilities in and around Morrilton, including:

Conway Regional Health System
Local long-term care and rehabilitation centers
Community clinics and outpatient facilities

These partnerships enhance workforce placement, allowing many students to receive job offers before graduation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UACCM offers competitive in-state tuition rates compared to four-year universities. Arkansas residents typically pay significantly less per credit hour than at larger public institutions.

Students may qualify for:

Federal Pell Grants
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
Workforce Challenge Scholarships for high-demand fields like nursing
Federal student loans and institutional scholarships

Nursing Schools Within 25 Miles of Morrilton

While Morrilton’s primary option is UACCM, students seeking additional pathways such as BSN degrees may consider nearby institutions.

SchoolDistance from MorriltonDegree OptionsProgram TypeUACCMLocated in MorriltonAAS in NursingCommunity CollegeUniversity of Central Arkansas (Conway)~25 milesBSN, RN-to-BSNPublic UniversityArkansas Tech University (Russellville)~25 milesBSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSNPublic University

Students commonly complete an ADN at UACCM and later pursue an RN-to-BSN program at a four-year institution. This pathway reduces total education costs while preserving long-term earning potential.

ADN vs. BSN: Which Path Is Right for You?

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Faster entry into the workforce
Lower tuition cost
Ideal for students seeking immediate RN employment in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Expanded leadership and research training
Preferred by many hospitals for Magnet status
Higher long-term salary potential
Foundation for nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles

In Arkansas, many healthcare employers hire ADN-prepared nurses with the expectation that they complete a BSN within a specified timeframe.

NCLEX Preparation and Outcomes

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the essential milestone for becoming a licensed Registered Nurse. Arkansas nursing programs, including those in Morrilton, align curriculum with national standards and state regulations.

Strong programs offer:

Integrated NCLEX-style testing throughout coursework
Comprehensive review sessions before graduation
Simulation labs with real-world clinical scenarios

Prospective students should review the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for the most current NCLEX pass rate reports when comparing programs.

Career Outlook for Nurses in Central Arkansas

Healthcare continues to be one of Arkansas’s fastest-growing employment sectors. Registered Nurses in Central Arkansas work in:

Regional hospitals
Primary care clinics
Long-term care facilities
Home health agencies
Public health departments

With an aging population and ongoing rural healthcare needs, demand remains steady. Morrilton graduates are well positioned for employment in Conway, Russellville, Little Rock, and surrounding communities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

1. Complete Prerequisites

Start by enrolling in foundational science and general education courses. Maintain a strong GPA to increase admission competitiveness.

2. Take the Required Entrance Exam

Prepare using official ATI TEAS study materials if required. Competitive scores improve acceptance odds.

3. Submit a Competitive Application

Ensure transcripts, immunization records, and background screening documentation are complete and submitted before deadlines.

4. Secure Financial Aid Early

Complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens. Research Arkansas-specific scholarships tailored to healthcare students.

5. Prepare for Clinical Placement

Maintain CPR certification and comply with health screening requirements to avoid delays once admitted.

How to Choose the Best Nursing School in Morrilton

When evaluating your options, prioritize the following:

State approval and accreditation
NCLEX-RN pass rates
Total program cost
Clinical placement strength
Transfer pathways to BSN programs

For most students in Morrilton, UACCM provides the strongest balance of affordability, community integration, and licensure preparation. For those with long-term leadership or specialized nursing goals, pairing an ADN with a future BSN completion program offers the best of both worlds.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Morrilton, Arkansas

What nursing programs does UACCM in Morrilton offer?

UACCM offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) that prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a Registered Nurse. You complete general education and nursing courses over about four semesters after prerequisites.

Is UACCM’s nursing program accredited and approved for RN licensure?

Yes. UACCM’s nursing program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and the curriculum is designed to qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure in Arkansas.

What are the basic admission requirements for UACCM’s nursing program?

You typically need to complete prerequisites like Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition, and College Algebra with at least a 2.5 GPA, meet any ATI TEAS score requirements, and pass a background check and drug screen before clinicals.

Can you start with an ADN at UACCM and later earn a BSN?

Yes. Many students complete the ADN at UACCM, begin working as RNs, and then move into RN-to-BSN programs at nearby schools such as the University of Central Arkansas or Arkansas Tech University, often online or part-time.

What kind of clinical experience will you get in Morrilton?

You complete hands-on clinical rotations at area hospitals, long-term care centers, and clinics, including facilities like Conway Regional Health System and local rehabilitation and community health sites.

How affordable is nursing school in Morrilton compared with four-year universities?

UACCM’s in-state tuition is generally lower than that of four-year public universities. You can often reduce costs further with the FAFSA, Pell Grants, Arkansas Academic Challenge, Workforce Challenge, and institutional scholarships.

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