Best Nursing Schools in Nashville, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• Nashville, Arkansas offers access to accredited nursing programs through nearby community colleges and universities within driving distance.
• The most accessible option is the Licensed Practical Nurse and Associate Degree in Nursing pathway at UA Cossatot’s Nashville campus.
• Students can pursue LPN, ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees through regional partnerships and online or hybrid programs.
• Arkansas requires graduation from a state board-approved program and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN for licensure.
• Graduates benefit from employment opportunities with regional healthcare providers such as Howard Memorial Hospital and Christus St. Michael Health System.

Why Study Nursing in Nashville, Arkansas?

Nashville, Arkansas is a small but strategically located city in Howard County, offering aspiring nurses access to accredited nursing education without relocating to a major metro area. While Nashville itself has limited standalone nursing schools, students can enroll in high-quality programs at nearby institutions within 30 to 90 minutes.

Nursing demand remains strong in southwest Arkansas. According to workforce projections from the Arkansas Department of Commerce, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses remain among the most in-demand healthcare roles statewide. Local employers include:

• Howard Memorial Hospital in Nashville
• Christus St. Michael Health System in Texarkana
• CHI St. Vincent facilities
• Regional clinics and long-term care centers

This local healthcare network provides valuable clinical placements and employment pathways for nursing graduates.

Top Nursing Schools Near Nashville, Arkansas

1. UA Cossatot – Nashville Campus

Location: Nashville, AR
Program Levels: LPN, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

UA Cossatot is the most accessible nursing school physically located in Nashville. The college offers a practical nursing program and a registered nursing pathway that prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN.

Why It Stands Out:

• Local campus with community-centered instruction
• Strong clinical partnerships with Howard Memorial Hospital
• Affordable in-district tuition rates
• Career-focused curriculum with hands-on training

This is the primary option for students seeking to begin their nursing career in Nashville without commuting long distances.

2. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT)

Distance from Nashville: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Program Levels: ADN, LPN-to-RN pathway
Accreditation: Arkansas Board of Nursing approved

UAHT provides a robust Associate Degree in Nursing program designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is competitive and integrates classroom learning with hospital-based clinical rotations.

Key Advantages:

• Structured admission process with clear prerequisites
• Clinical rotations in larger regional healthcare systems
• Strong NCLEX success performance trends
• Seamless transfer pathways to BSN programs

3. Southern Arkansas University (SAU) – Magnolia

Distance from Nashville: Approximately 50 minutes
Program Levels: BSN, RN-to-BSN
Accreditation: Accredited and state board-approved

For students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, SAU offers a comprehensive four-year BSN program. The university environment provides expanded academic resources, leadership training, and research exposure.

Best For:

• Students seeking long-term career advancement
• Future nurse leaders or those planning graduate education
• Graduates aiming for magnet hospitals or specialized care settings

4. Henderson State University – Arkadelphia

Distance from Nashville: Approximately 90 minutes
Program Levels: BSN
Accreditation: Fully accredited nursing program

This option is ideal for students who prefer a university atmosphere combined with extensive clinical training opportunities.

Program Comparison at a Glance

SchoolDistanceDegree LevelsBest ForUA CossatotIn NashvilleLPN, ADNAffordable local startUA Hope-Texarkana30–40 minutesADNStrong hospital accessSouthern Arkansas University50 minutesBSN, RN-to-BSNCareer growthHenderson State University90 minutesBSNUniversity experience

Understanding Arkansas Nursing Licensure Requirements

To become licensed in Arkansas, nursing graduates must:

1. Complete a program approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
2. Apply for licensure through the state board.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses or NCLEX-PN for practical nurses.
4. Complete a state and federal background check.

Choosing a board-approved program is essential. All schools listed above meet state regulatory standards.

Admission Requirements

Though requirements vary, most nursing programs near Nashville require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 to 3.0
• Entrance exams such as TEAS
• Background check and immunization records

Applicants should begin completing prerequisites at least one year prior to applying due to competitive admissions.

Tuition and Financial Considerations

Community colleges like UA Cossatot and UAHT offer lower tuition rates compared to four-year universities. In-district students typically pay significantly reduced per-credit costs.

Financial aid options include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Institutional nursing scholarships
• Employer tuition reimbursement for working CNAs or LPNs

Students should also consider commuting costs if enrolling outside Nashville.

Clinical Training and Local Employment Opportunities

One advantage of studying near Nashville is hands-on clinical training within the local healthcare system. Students may complete rotations in:

• Medical-surgical units
• Long-term care facilities
• Emergency and outpatient services
• Community health settings

Howard Memorial Hospital serves as a key site for clinical experience and potential employment after graduation. Regional nurses often begin in hospitals and later transition into specialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or emergency care.

Online and Hybrid Options

Students who need flexibility can pursue hybrid and online options, particularly for RN-to-BSN pathways. Many Arkansas universities offer coursework online while requiring in-person clinical placements in approved facilities near Nashville.

This model is ideal for working LPNs or RNs seeking advancement without relocating.

Choosing the Right Nursing Program in Nashville

When selecting a nursing school, consider the following:

• Career Goals: ADN programs allow faster workforce entry, while BSN programs offer long-term mobility.
• Commute: Calculate weekly driving time and fuel costs.
• NCLEX Preparation: Ask about first-time pass rates.
• Clinical Sites: Confirm local placement opportunities.
• Transfer Options: Ensure credits apply toward future BSN or MSN programs.

The best nursing school in Nashville ultimately depends on your timeline, budget, and professional aspirations.

Career Outlook for Nurses in Southwest Arkansas

Registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive wages relative to cost of living. Entry-level salaries vary by facility, while experienced RNs and BSN-prepared nurses typically command higher compensation and leadership roles.

Growth areas include:

• Rural healthcare services
• Chronic disease management
• Geriatric care
• Outpatient services

For residents of Nashville, completing nursing school locally or nearby offers a practical and cost-effective pathway into a stable and respected profession with strong regional demand.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Nashville, Arkansas

What nursing programs can you start in Nashville, Arkansas?

You can begin as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at UA Cossatot’s Nashville campus. From there, you can later bridge into BSN and MSN programs through nearby or online schools.

How close are other nursing schools to Nashville, Arkansas?

UA Hope-Texarkana is about 30–40 minutes away, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia is about 50 minutes away, and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia is about 90 minutes away by car.

What are the basic admission requirements for nearby nursing programs?

You usually need a high school diploma or GED, required science prerequisites, a minimum GPA of about 2.5–3.0, an entrance exam such as the TEAS, and a background check with immunization records.

How do you get an LPN or RN license in Arkansas?

You must graduate from an Arkansas State Board of Nursing–approved program, apply to the Board for licensure, pass the NCLEX-PN for LPN or NCLEX-RN for RN, and complete state and federal background checks.

Are there online or hybrid nursing options if you live in Nashville?

Yes. Many Arkansas schools offer online or hybrid RN-to-BSN and advanced programs. You complete most theory courses online while doing required clinical hours at approved facilities near Nashville.

Where can you work after nursing school in the Nashville area?

You can apply to Howard Memorial Hospital in Nashville, Christus St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, CHI St. Vincent facilities, local clinics, and long-term care centers across southwest Arkansas.