Best Nursing Schools in Rogers, Arkansas (2026 Guide)
Choosing the right nursing school in Rogers, Arkansas, can determine your licensure success, clinical confidence, and long-term earning potential. Northwest Arkansas continues to see strong healthcare job growth, making this an ideal time to pursue a nursing degree. This guide compares accredited programs near Rogers, highlights key data such as NCLEX pass performance, and helps you select the right pathway from LPN to BSN.
Key Takeaways
- Northwest Arkansas offers multiple accredited LPN, ADN, and BSN pathways within 5 to 120 miles of Rogers.
- Arkansas State University–Beebe at the Rogers campus is the most geographically convenient public RN option.
- University of Arkansas and Harding University offer strong BSN options with competitive outcomes.
- All schools listed are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
- Associate degree programs typically take 2 years, while traditional BSN programs take 4 years.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools Near Rogers
Each school was evaluated based on:
- Approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Accreditation (ACEN or CCNE)
- NCLEX-RN pass rate performance
- Program flexibility and clinical opportunities
- Reputation in Northwest Arkansas healthcare systems
- Distance from Rogers, AR
Top Nursing Schools in or Near Rogers, Arkansas
SchoolDistance from RogersDegree OptionsAccreditationNotable StrengthArkansas State University – Beebe (Rogers Campus)In RogersADNACENLocal access, strong clinical partnershipsNorthWest Arkansas Community CollegeBentonville (5 miles)LPN, ADNACENAffordable tuitionUniversity of ArkansasFayetteville (30 miles)BSN, RN-BSNCCNEFlagship university, strong reputationHarding UniversitySearcy (120 miles)BSN, ABSNCCNEHigh academic standardsOzarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield, MO (75 miles)ADNACENCross-state option with solid outcomes
1. Arkansas State University – Beebe (Rogers Campus)
Best for: Students seeking a convenient, affordable RN pathway in Rogers.
ASU–Beebe’s Rogers campus delivers an Associate Degree in Nursing designed to prepare students for NCLEX-RN licensure. Because it is physically located in Rogers, this option minimizes commute time and encourages strong ties with local healthcare employers such as Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas.
Program Highlights:
- Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Length: Approximately 2 years after prerequisites
- Clinical rotations at regional hospitals and long-term care facilities
- ACEN accredited and state-approved
This program is ideal for students wanting to enter the workforce quickly and later bridge into an RN-to-BSN program.
2. NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)
Location: Bentonville, AR, about 5 miles from Rogers
NWACC is among the most accessible options for Rogers-area residents. The college offers both Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing pathways, giving students flexibility based on career goals.
Why Choose NWACC:
- Competitive tuition for in-district students
- LPN-to-RN progression pathways
- Modern simulation laboratories
- Strong employer partnerships in Benton and Washington counties
Many graduates secure positions quickly due to regional healthcare demand. Its affordability makes it a strong choice for first-generation college students.
3. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
Distance: Approximately 30 miles south of Rogers
The University of Arkansas offers a respected Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through its Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. As the state’s flagship university, it provides extensive clinical placements and research opportunities.
Program Options:
- Traditional BSN
- Accelerated BSN for second-degree students
- Online RN-to-BSN completion track
Advantages:
- CCNE-accredited curriculum
- Competitive licensure exam outcomes
- Career networking and graduate school pathways
If your goal includes leadership, graduate education, or specialized nursing fields, a BSN from the University of Arkansas offers strong long-term flexibility.
4. Harding University
Location: Searcy, Arkansas
While farther from Rogers, Harding University earns statewide recognition for academic rigor and nursing excellence. It offers both traditional and accelerated BSN options.
What Sets Harding Apart:
- Selective admission process
- Strong faculty-to-student engagement
- Faith-based educational environment
This option is best suited for students seeking a private university experience with high academic expectations.
5. Ozarks Technical Community College
Location: Springfield, Missouri
For students near the Missouri border, OTC provides an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing. Though out-of-state tuition may apply, its proximity and program stability make it worth considering.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Northwest Arkansas
The demand for registered nurses in Arkansas continues to grow due to:
- Population growth in Benton and Washington counties
- Expansion of hospitals and specialty clinics
- An aging workforce nearing retirement
Registered nurses in Arkansas typically earn competitive salaries relative to the region’s cost of living. BSN-prepared nurses often qualify for leadership and specialized roles, increasing earning potential.
Choosing the Right Nursing Program in Rogers
Step 1: Decide Your Entry Level
- LPN: Fastest entry into nursing, typically 12–18 months
- ADN (RN): 2-year pathway to RN licensure
- BSN: 4-year degree with broader advancement options
Step 2: Verify Accreditation
Always confirm that the program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN or CCNE. This ensures eligibility for licensure and future graduate study.
Step 3: Compare Commute and Clinical Access
Schools located in Rogers or Bentonville offer the most convenient access to regional hospitals, reducing travel time during intensive clinical rotations.
Step 4: Evaluate Admission Competitiveness
Many nursing programs require:
- A minimum GPA, often 2.5 to 3.0 or higher
- Completion of science prerequisites such as Anatomy and Physiology
- Entrance exams such as TEAS
Campus vs Online Nursing Options
Entry-level nursing programs require clinical hours, meaning they cannot be fully online. However:
- RN-to-BSN programs are frequently offered online.
- Hybrid formats combine online theory with in-person labs.
This flexibility helps working nurses in Rogers advance their credentials without leaving employment.
Financial Aid and Tuition Considerations
Public community colleges such as NWACC and ASU–Beebe typically offer lower in-district tuition rates. Students may qualify for:
- Federal financial aid through FAFSA
- Arkansas state grants
- Healthcare employer tuition reimbursement programs
Applying early increases scholarship eligibility and admission chances.
Final Thoughts on Nursing Schools in Rogers, Arkansas
The best nursing school for you depends on your career goals, budget, academic readiness, and commute preferences. Students seeking convenience should prioritize options within Rogers and Bentonville, while those aiming for leadership roles may benefit from pursuing a BSN at the University of Arkansas or Harding University.
Every program listed here meets Arkansas licensure standards and provides a pathway into one of the most stable and in-demand careers in Northwest Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Rogers, Arkansas
What nursing degrees can you earn near Rogers, Arkansas?
Near Rogers you can earn an LPN, ADN (RN), or BSN. NWACC offers LPN and ADN, ASU–Beebe in Rogers offers an ADN, and the University of Arkansas and Harding University offer BSN and accelerated BSN options, plus RN-to-BSN for current RNs.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Rogers, Arkansas?
An LPN program usually takes 12–18 months, an ADN program about 2 years after prerequisites, and a traditional BSN about 4 years. An accelerated BSN for students with a prior degree can take as little as 12–18 months once admitted.
Which nursing school is closest to Rogers, Arkansas?
Arkansas State University–Beebe at the Rogers campus is located in Rogers and is the closest public RN option. NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville is about 5 miles away and also serves many Rogers students.
Are nursing programs near Rogers accredited and state approved?
Yes. The programs listed are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. ASU–Beebe, NWACC, and Ozarks Technical Community College hold ACEN accreditation, while the University of Arkansas and Harding University are CCNE accredited.
Can you study nursing online if you live in Rogers, Arkansas?
Entry-level LPN, ADN, and BSN programs require in-person clinical hours, so they are not fully online. However, RN-to-BSN completion programs often use online or hybrid formats, which lets you work as an RN in Rogers while finishing your degree.
How can you lower the cost of nursing school in Rogers, Arkansas?
You can reduce costs by choosing in-district community colleges like NWACC or ASU–Beebe, filing the FAFSA for federal aid, applying for Arkansas state grants and nursing scholarships, and asking local healthcare employers about tuition help or reimbursement programs.
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