Key Takeaways
- Paragould students have access to high-quality nursing programs within a short drive, including Black River Technical College and Arkansas Northeastern College.
- Top pathways include Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN-RN), and LPN to RN bridge programs.
- Accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and clinical partnerships with local hospitals are critical ranking factors.
- Most students in Paragould choose ADN programs for affordability and strong job placement in Northeast Arkansas.
- Financial aid, Arkansas state scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement significantly reduce costs.
Why Study Nursing in Paragould, Arkansas?
Paragould sits in Greene County in Northeast Arkansas, a region with steady healthcare demand and expanding clinical services. While Paragould itself has limited higher education campuses, students benefit from close proximity to accredited nursing programs within 30 to 75 minutes.
Local employers such as Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, St. Bernards Healthcare, and regional long-term care facilities actively recruit graduates from area nursing schools. According to Arkansas workforce projections, registered nurse roles are expected to grow steadily statewide over the next decade, with consistent demand in rural and regional communities.
This guide ranks the best nursing schools near Paragould based on affordability, accreditation, NCLEX performance, program flexibility, and student outcomes.
Top Nursing Schools Near Paragould, Arkansas
SchoolProgram TypesApprox. DistanceAccreditationBest ForBlack River Technical College (BRTC)LPN, ADN, LPN to RN~30 minutesACENAffordable local RN pathArkansas Northeastern College (ANC)ADN~60 minutesACENStrong NCLEX outcomesArkansas State University (A-State)BSN, RN to BSN~30 minutesCCNEFour-year degree seekersThree Rivers College (MO)LPN, ADN~75 minutesACENBorder-state options
1. Black River Technical College (BRTC)
Why It Ranks #1 for Paragould Students
Located in Pocahontas, approximately 30 minutes from Paragould, BRTC offers one of the most accessible and affordable nursing pathways in the region. Its Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN and enter practice in two years.
Programs Offered
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN)
- LPN to RN Bridge Program
What Makes BRTC Stand Out
- ACEN-accredited nursing programs
- Competitive but attainable admissions
- Clinical rotations at regional hospitals and clinics
- LPN to RN bridge option for career advancement
BRTC is ideal for students searching for “Paragould RN programs” who want a short commute and strong job placement in Northeast Arkansas.
2. Arkansas State University (A-State)
Best BSN Option Near Paragould
Located in Jonesboro, just 30 minutes from Paragould, Arkansas State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program accredited by CCNE.
Program Pathways
- Traditional BSN
- Accelerated BSN (for those with prior degrees)
- RN to BSN (online option available)
A BSN can increase earning potential and prepare graduates for leadership or graduate-level nursing education. A-State is particularly attractive for students planning to pursue nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles in the future.
3. Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC)
Affordable ADN in Northeast Arkansas
Located in Blytheville, ANC offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program. Though slightly farther from Paragould, graduates often report strong NCLEX pass rates and supportive faculty.
Why Consider ANC?
- Two-year RN pathway
- Strong clinical partnerships
- Affordable in-district tuition
This is a solid alternative if admissions are competitive at closer campuses.
Choosing the Right Nursing Path in Paragould
LPN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurse programs typically take 12 to 18 months. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN and often work in long-term care or clinics. LPN to RN bridge programs allow advancement later.
ADN Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing programs typically take two years after prerequisites. This is the most common path for Paragould-area students due to affordability and fast workforce entry.
BSN Programs
Bachelor’s programs take four years but may open more leadership, hospital, and specialized care opportunities. Many regional hospitals are increasingly preferring BSN-prepared nurses.
Admissions Requirements
While requirements vary by school, most Paragould-area nursing programs require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, often 2.5 to 3.0
- Prerequisite science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
Competitive applicants often exceed minimum GPA and TEAS benchmarks due to limited cohort sizes.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Estimated Tuition Ranges
- Community College ADN or LPN: $4,000 to $8,000 total program cost
- Public University BSN: $20,000 to $40,000 depending on residency
Funding Options
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
- Nursing-specific workforce grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement from local hospitals
Many Paragould healthcare facilities offer sign-on bonuses or tuition repayment for graduates who commit to employment contracts.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Accreditation Matter
Always verify that your nursing program is accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Accreditation ensures eligibility for federal financial aid and licensure.
Strong NCLEX pass rates indicate effective instruction and clinical preparation. Before enrolling, request the school’s most recent first-time NCLEX pass rate and compare it to the Arkansas state average.
Clinical Training and Local Partnerships
Hands-on clinical experience is essential. Schools near Paragould typically partner with:
- Arkansas Methodist Medical Center
- St. Bernards Medical Center
- Regional rehabilitation and long-term care facilities
- Rural health clinics
These partnerships increase job placement opportunities after graduation.
Job Outlook for Nurses in Paragould and Greene County
Healthcare remains one of the most stable industries in Northeast Arkansas. Registered nurses in Arkansas earn competitive regional salaries, with higher earnings in hospital settings and specialized units.
Rural healthcare expansion and aging populations continue to drive demand for LPNs and RNs in the area. Graduates from nearby accredited programs typically find employment quickly after passing the NCLEX.
How to Choose the Best Nursing School for You
- Compare commute times and campus locations.
- Review NCLEX pass rates and graduation outcomes.
- Confirm accreditation status.
- Calculate total program cost, not just tuition per credit.
- Ask about clinical placement guarantees.
- Consider long-term goals such as pursuing a BSN or advanced degree.
For most Paragould students, Black River Technical College and Arkansas State University offer the strongest combination of affordability, accessibility, and career mobility. The right choice depends on whether you want to enter the workforce quickly through an ADN pathway or build toward advanced nursing leadership with a BSN.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Paragould, Arkansas
What are the closest nursing schools to Paragould?
Black River Technical College (about 30 minutes), Arkansas State University in Jonesboro (about 30 minutes), Arkansas Northeastern College (about 60 minutes), and Three Rivers College in Missouri (about 75 minutes) are the main options near Paragould.
What nursing programs can you study near Paragould?
You can choose from Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN-RN), LPN to RN bridge programs, traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN options at nearby schools.
How much does nursing school cost near Paragould?
Community college LPN or ADN programs usually range from about $4,000 to $8,000 for the full program. Public university BSN programs typically range from about $20,000 to $40,000, depending on your residency and fees.
What financial aid is available for Paragould nursing students?
You can apply for Federal Pell Grants, the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, nursing workforce grants, and possible employer tuition help or sign-on bonuses from local hospitals and clinics.
Why are NCLEX pass rates and accreditation important?
Accreditation from ACEN or CCNE helps you qualify for financial aid and RN or LPN licensure. Strong NCLEX pass rates show that a program prepares students well to pass the licensing exam and start working safely as nurses.
What nursing path do most Paragould students choose?
Most students in the Paragould area start with an ADN program at a community college because it is more affordable and offers a quicker route to RN jobs in local hospitals and clinics.
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