Best Nursing Schools in Warren, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• Warren, Arkansas does not have a four-year university within city limits, but several accredited nursing programs are available within a 45–90 minute commute.
• South Arkansas College, University of Arkansas at Monticello, and Southeast Arkansas College are the most accessible options for ASN, LPN, and BSN pathways.
• All recommended programs hold proper accreditation and prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN licensure exams.
• Registered nurses in Arkansas earn a median salary of approximately $65,000 per year, with strong demand in rural counties like Bradley County.
• Online and hybrid RN-to-BSN options provide flexibility for working LPNs and RNs in Warren.

Nursing Education Options Near Warren, Arkansas

Warren is located in Bradley County in southeastern Arkansas. While the town itself does not host a standalone nursing college, several reputable, accredited programs are within driving distance. For prospective students, the key factors to evaluate are accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, program cost, commute time, and clinical placement opportunities.

Below are the top nursing schools accessible from Warren, Arkansas.

Top Nursing Schools Accessible from Warren

1. University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM)

Distance from Warren: Approximately 20 miles (25–30 minutes)
Programs Offered: LPN to RN, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN), RN to BSN
Accreditation: ACEN accredited, approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

UAM is the closest university-level nursing option for Warren residents. The AASN program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN examination. The university’s small class sizes and rural healthcare partnerships give students hands-on clinical experience in local hospitals and clinics.

Admissions Highlights:

• Completion of prerequisite science courses (Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology)
• Minimum GPA requirements
• Entrance exam such as ATI TEAS

Why It Stands Out: UAM provides a direct pathway from practical nursing to registered nursing and offers an affordable tuition structure for in-state students.

2. South Arkansas College (SouthArk) – El Dorado, AR

Distance from Warren: Approximately 55 miles (1 hour)
Programs Offered: Practical Nursing (PN), Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited

SouthArk has built a strong regional reputation for training skilled nurses in southern Arkansas. Graduates consistently perform well on licensure exams, and the college has active partnerships with regional hospitals.

Program Features:

• One-year LPN program
• Two-year RN program
• Clinical rotations in medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, and mental health

SouthArk is ideal for Warren students seeking a structured, affordable pathway into nursing without relocating far from home.

3. Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) – Pine Bluff, AR

Distance from Warren: Approximately 75 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)
Programs Offered: PN, AASN (RN)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited

SEARK offers both daytime and selected flexible scheduling options. The college emphasizes community-based training and workforce readiness.

Advantages:

• Competitive tuition rates
• Modern simulation labs
• Strong employer connections in southeast Arkansas

4. Online and Hybrid BSN Programs for Warren Residents

Many Warren nurses begin with an ASN or LPN and later complete an online RN-to-BSN. Accredited Arkansas institutions offering flexible online pathways include:

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
• Arkansas State University
• Harding University

These programs typically require an active RN license and allow working nurses to complete a BSN in 12 to 18 months.

Program Comparison

SchoolDistance from WarrenProgramsApprox. LengthBest ForUAM20 milesAASN, LPN-RN, RN-BSN2 yearsLocal students seeking minimal commuteSouthArk55 milesPN, AASN1–2 yearsAffordable LPN or RN pathwaySEARK75 milesPN, AASN1–2 yearsStudents wanting larger clinical networks

Accreditation and NCLEX Pass Rates

Choosing an accredited nursing program is critical. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing regulates programs statewide, and national accreditation agencies such as ACEN ensure educational quality.

Prospective students should review:

• First-time NCLEX pass rates
• Graduate job placement rates
• Program retention statistics

Most reputable Arkansas nursing programs report competitive pass rates that align with or exceed state averages, which typically range from 80 to 90 percent for RN candidates.

Admissions Requirements

Although requirements vary by school, most programs near Warren require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite coursework
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
• Entrance exam (often ATI TEAS)
• Background check and immunization records

Application deadlines are generally once per year, so early planning is essential.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Community college nursing programs in Arkansas are among the most affordable in the region. In-state tuition for associate degree programs typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per year, excluding books and fees. University-based BSN programs may cost more but often provide broader career opportunities.

Warren students can explore:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Workforce grants for high-demand healthcare careers
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs

Career Outlook for Nurses in Warren and Bradley County

Nursing remains one of the most stable healthcare careers in Arkansas. According to federal labor data, registered nurses in Arkansas earn median annual wages around $65,000, with opportunities in:

• Bradley County Medical Center
• Local long-term care facilities
• Rural health clinics
• Home health agencies

Rural counties often experience nursing shortages, increasing job security for local graduates.

Choosing the Right Nursing Pathway

For many Warren residents, the most efficient route is:

1. Complete an LPN or ASN program at UAM or SouthArk.
2. Pass the NCLEX exam and begin working locally.
3. Enroll in an online RN-to-BSN program for career advancement.

This step-by-step strategy allows students to earn income while advancing academically.

What to Look For Before Enrolling

• Verified accreditation and state approval
• Strong clinical placement partnerships
• Transparent NCLEX pass rates
• Affordable tuition and financial aid access
• Flexible scheduling options if you plan to work

By focusing on accredited, regionally respected programs within commuting distance, Warren residents can launch rewarding nursing careers without relocating or incurring excessive debt.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools near Warren, Arkansas

Are there any nursing schools in Warren, Arkansas?

No, Warren does not have its own nursing school. Your closest options are the University of Arkansas at Monticello (about 20 miles away), South Arkansas College in El Dorado, and Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff.

Which nursing degrees can you earn near Warren?

Near Warren, you can earn a Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate, an Associate degree in Nursing (AASN/ASN) to become an RN, and RN‑to‑BSN completion degrees through online or hybrid programs from Arkansas universities.

Are the nursing programs near Warren accredited?

Yes. UAM, SouthArk, and SEARK nursing programs are accredited by ACEN and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, so they prepare you for the NCLEX‑RN or NCLEX‑PN exams.

How much do registered nurses earn in Arkansas?

Registered nurses in Arkansas earn a median salary of about $65,000 per year, based on recent federal labor data. Rural areas like Bradley County often have steady demand for RNs and LPNs.

Can you complete a BSN while living and working in Warren?

Yes. You can start with an LPN or ASN at UAM, SouthArk, or SEARK, then complete an online RN‑to‑BSN program through schools like UAMS, Arkansas State University, or Harding University while you keep working.