Best Nursing Schools in Springdale, Arkansas (2026 Guide)
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most stable career paths in Arkansas. With Northwest Arkansas experiencing continued population growth, demand for qualified registered nurses and licensed practical nurses remains strong across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) offers one of the strongest Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathways near Springdale with solid NCLEX preparation.
- The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville provides a highly respected BSN program with competitive outcomes and clinical partnerships.
- North Arkansas College and regional institutions offer cost-effective ADN and LPN-to-RN options.
- Most accredited programs in the area report strong NCLEX pass rates and structured clinical training in major Springdale-area healthcare systems.
- Tuition, accreditation, hands-on training, and NCLEX success rates should be primary ranking criteria when choosing a nursing school.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools
To identify the top nursing schools serving Springdale, Arkansas, we evaluated programs using the following criteria:
- Accreditation by ACEN or CCNE
- NCLEX-RN pass rates and state board reputation
- Clinical partnerships in Northwest Arkansas
- Tuition and affordability for in-district students
- Program flexibility, including bridge and online options
All schools listed below are regionally accredited and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Top Nursing Schools Near Springdale, Arkansas
1. Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) – Bentonville, AR
Degree Options: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Program Length: 2 years
Best For: Affordable RN preparation close to Springdale
Located just 15–20 minutes from Springdale, NWACC is one of the most popular nursing schools in the region. Its ADN program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce as registered nurses.
Why NWACC Stands Out:
- Strong clinical partnerships with Northwest Medical Center and area healthcare systems
- Modern simulation labs
- Competitive NCLEX pass rates
- Lower tuition for in-district students
Many graduates continue their education through RN-to-BSN programs after gaining clinical experience.
2. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
Degree Options: Traditional BSN
Program Length: 4 years
Best For: Students seeking a direct Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas is widely regarded as one of the strongest nursing programs in the state. Located approximately 20 minutes from Springdale, it provides a comprehensive, research-based BSN education.
Program Highlights:
- CCNE-accredited BSN program
- Structured clinical rotations in hospitals across Northwest Arkansas
- High academic standards and competitive admission
- Strong preparation for leadership and graduate study
This program is ideal for students aiming for hospital-based RN roles, management positions, or advanced practice nursing in the future.
3. North Arkansas College – Harrison, AR
Degree Options: ADN, LPN-to-RN
Program Length: 2 years (ADN)
Best For: Students willing to commute for lower-cost options
Located about an hour from Springdale, North Arkansas College offers a well-established Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program integrates classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.
Advantages:
- Affordable tuition
- LPN-to-RN transition track
- Strong workforce placement in regional hospitals
This option may appeal to students looking for smaller class sizes and close faculty interaction.
4. Baptist Health College Little Rock (Online RN-to-BSN Pathway)
Degree Options: RN-to-BSN
Program Length: 12–18 months
Best For: Working RNs in Springdale seeking advancement
While not physically located in Springdale, online RN-to-BSN programs like Baptist Health College provide flexible options for registered nurses who completed an ADN locally.
These programs allow nurses to continue working while completing upper-division coursework online, often with minimal campus requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
SchoolDegree OfferedApprox. LengthLocation from SpringdaleBest ForNWACCADN2 Years15–20 MinutesAffordable RN PathUniversity of ArkansasBSN4 Years20 MinutesDirect Bachelor's DegreeNorth Arkansas CollegeADN, LPN-RN2 Years1 HourCost SensitivityBaptist Health (Online)RN-BSN12–18 MonthsOnlineWorking RNs
Cheapest Nursing School Near Springdale
For students seeking the lowest tuition, Northwest Arkansas Community College typically offers the most affordable in-district ADN pathway. Community colleges generally cost significantly less than four-year universities while still preparing graduates for the same NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arkansas state scholarships
- Healthcare employer tuition reimbursement
- Work-study programs
NCLEX Pass Rates and Outcomes
When choosing a nursing program, NCLEX-RN pass rate is one of the most important indicators of quality. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing publishes annual data for approved programs.
Strong programs in Northwest Arkansas consistently report first-time NCLEX pass rates near or above the national average. Prospective students should request the latest three-year average from each school to evaluate stability and performance trends.
Admission Requirements for Springdale Nursing Programs
Although each school differs slightly, most programs near Springdale require:
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite sciences such as Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Immunization documentation
BSN programs are generally more competitive than ADN programs and may use a points-based admission system.
Clinical Training in Springdale and Northwest Arkansas
One major advantage of studying nursing near Springdale is access to growing regional healthcare facilities. Students commonly complete clinical rotations at:
- Northwest Medical Center – Springdale
- Washington Regional Medical Center – Fayetteville
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas – Rogers
- Local rehabilitation and long-term care centers
These rotations provide experience in medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency care, and community health.
Choosing the Right Nursing Pathway
ADN vs BSN in Springdale
An ADN typically takes two years and allows graduates to enter the workforce quickly. A BSN takes four years but can increase earning potential and open doors to management roles.
Many employers in Northwest Arkansas now prefer or require a BSN within several years of hire, making ADN-to-BSN pathways increasingly popular.
LPN-to-RN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses can accelerate their education through bridge programs, reducing duplication of coursework and clinical hours.
RN-to-BSN Online Programs
Working RNs in Springdale often enroll in online RN-to-BSN programs to meet employer advancement requirements while maintaining income and flexibility.
What to Ask Before Enrolling
- What is the school’s three-year average NCLEX pass rate?
- How competitive is admission?
- What are total estimated program costs including books and fees?
- Where are clinical rotations located?
- Are there partnerships with local hospitals for employment placement?
Selecting the best nursing school in Springdale, Arkansas ultimately depends on your career timeline, budget, and long-term goals. By focusing on accreditation, outcomes, affordability, and clinical opportunities, you can confidently choose a program that prepares you for licensure and long-term success in the nursing profession.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Springdale, Arkansas
What is the best type of nursing degree to start with near Springdale?
If you want to start working sooner, an ADN from NWACC or North Arkansas College is a good option. If you want more long-term career growth, a BSN from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is a strong choice.
Which nursing school near Springdale is usually the most affordable?
Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is often the lowest-cost option for in-district students seeking an ADN. Community college tuition is usually lower than most four-year universities in the region.
How long does it take to become an RN in the Springdale area?
An ADN program takes about 2 years once you start nursing courses. A traditional BSN program at the University of Arkansas takes about 4 years from freshman year to graduation.
Do Springdale-area nursing programs have good NCLEX pass rates?
Most accredited programs near Springdale report NCLEX pass rates close to or above the national average. You should ask each school for its most recent three-year NCLEX-RN pass rate to compare results.
Can you complete a BSN while working as an RN in Springdale?
Yes. Many RNs complete an online RN-to-BSN program, such as the one from Baptist Health College Little Rock, while working. These programs are designed for working nurses and are mostly online.
Where will you complete clinicals if you study nursing near Springdale?
You will usually complete clinical rotations at Northwest Medical Center–Springdale, Washington Regional in Fayetteville, Mercy Hospital in Rogers, and nearby rehab and long-term care centers.
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