Key Takeaways
- Wynne, Arkansas does not currently have a standalone four-year nursing university, but several accredited nursing programs are available within commuting distance.
- Arkansas State University Mid-South, East Arkansas Community College, and Arkansas State University campuses are top options for aspiring LPNs and RNs near Wynne.
- All schools listed are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, a non-negotiable requirement for NCLEX eligibility.
- Program cost, commute time, NCLEX pass rates, and clinical partnerships should guide your decision.
- Students can complete LPN, ADN, BSN, and even MSN pathways within 30 to 90 minutes of Wynne.
Nursing Programs Near Wynne, Arkansas: A Local Guide
If you are searching for the best nursing schools in Wynne, Arkansas, your top priorities are likely accreditation, affordability, and job outcomes. While Wynne itself has limited in-city options, several respected nursing programs are located within a practical commuting radius.
This guide focuses specifically on nursing programs near Wynne, AR, including program types, tuition considerations, accreditation status, and career outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
Top Nursing Schools Within Commuting Distance of Wynne, AR
Arkansas State University Mid-South (West Memphis, AR)
Distance from Wynne: Approximately 45 minutes
Programs Offered: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
ASU Mid-South is one of the closest and most practical options for Wynne residents seeking an RN license. The Associate Degree in Nursing prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce quickly.
Highlights:
- Strong clinical partnerships in the eastern Arkansas and Memphis metro area
- Competitive tuition compared to four-year institutions
- High job placement rates within regional hospitals and clinics
Best For: Students who want a cost-effective pathway to RN licensure and plan to begin working within two years.
East Arkansas Community College (Forrest City, AR)
Distance from Wynne: Approximately 30 minutes
Programs Offered: Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
East Arkansas Community College is one of the closest nursing schools to Wynne. Its LPN and ADN pathways make it ideal for students who want flexibility. Many students begin as LPNs and later bridge to RN programs.
Highlights:
- Affordable in-district tuition
- Smaller class sizes with hands-on instruction
- Clear LPN-to-RN advancement pathway
Best For: Students looking for the lowest commute time and strong community-focused training.
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
Distance from Wynne: About 1 hour
Programs Offered: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Arkansas State Board approval
For students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or graduate-level education, Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is a leading option. The BSN prepares graduates for broader career opportunities and leadership roles.
Highlights:
- Traditional and RN-to-BSN tracks
- Access to advanced lab technology and simulation centers
- Higher long-term earning potential for BSN graduates
Best For: Students aiming for hospital leadership, public health roles, or graduate education.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Nursing Schools Near Wynne
SchoolDistanceDegree OptionsBest ForApprox. Completion TimeEast Arkansas Community College30 minsLPN, ADNAffordable, close commute1 to 2 yearsASU Mid-South45 minsADNRN preparation2 yearsArkansas State University1 hourBSN, MSNAdvanced career growth4 years BSN
What to Look for in a Nursing School Near Wynne
1. Arkansas State Board Approval
Only graduates of board-approved programs can sit for the NCLEX. Always verify approval status directly through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
2. NCLEX Pass Rates
High first-time pass rates often reflect strong faculty support and rigorous coursework. Ask each school for its most recent statistics.
3. Clinical Placement Opportunities
Schools near Wynne often partner with hospitals in West Memphis, Forrest City, Jonesboro, and Memphis. Strong clinical networks improve both confidence and job placement prospects.
4. Program Flexibility
If you are working or have family obligations, ask about hybrid or part-time options. RN-to-BSN programs are often partially online.
5. Total Cost, Not Just Tuition
Factor in commuting costs, uniforms, textbooks, background checks, and testing fees. Community colleges typically offer the most affordable pathways.
Nursing Career Outlook in Eastern Arkansas
According to workforce data for Arkansas, registered nurses remain in high demand statewide. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies actively recruit licensed nurses in Cross County and surrounding areas.
Salary varies based on education level:
- LPN: Entry-level wages, typically lower but faster entry into workforce
- RN with ADN: Competitive regional salary
- BSN-prepared RN: Higher earning potential and leadership eligibility
Many healthcare employers in the region support tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing higher degrees.
How to Apply to Nursing Schools Near Wynne
Step 1: Complete Prerequisites
Most ADN and BSN programs require anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, and general psychology.
Step 2: Pass Required Entrance Exams
Some schools require TEAS or similar standardized testing. Prepare early to improve your acceptance chances.
Step 3: Submit Background Checks and Immunizations
Clinical placements require health clearances and criminal background screening.
Step 4: Apply Early
Nursing programs can be competitive, especially at community colleges with limited seating.
LPN vs RN vs BSN: Which Path Is Right for You?
LPN Program
- Fastest route into nursing
- Ideal for students who need income quickly
Associate Degree in Nursing
- Two-year pathway to RN
- Strong return on investment
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Broader clinical training
- Preferred by many hospitals
- Gateway to graduate school
If you are based in Wynne, many students begin at East Arkansas Community College or ASU Mid-South and later complete an RN-to-BSN program online through Arkansas State University.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Wynne Nursing Students
Students attending nursing programs near Wynne can access:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
- Workforce-based healthcare scholarships
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
Contact each college’s financial aid office for application deadlines and institutional awards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs Near Wynne, Arkansas
Does Wynne, Arkansas have its own nursing school?
No. Wynne does not have a standalone four-year nursing university. You can, however, commute to nearby colleges such as East Arkansas Community College, Arkansas State University Mid-South, and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro for LPN, ADN, BSN, and MSN programs.
How far are the closest nursing programs from Wynne?
East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City is about 30 minutes away, Arkansas State University Mid-South in West Memphis is about 45 minutes away, and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is about 1 hour from Wynne.
What nursing degrees can you earn within driving distance of Wynne?
Within 30 to 90 minutes of Wynne, you can complete an LPN certificate, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and graduate options such as an MSN at Arkansas State University.
How do you know if a nursing program near Wynne is approved?
You should confirm that the program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. All schools listed in this guide have state board approval, which is required before you can sit for the NCLEX exam.
What should you look at when comparing nursing schools near Wynne?
You should compare Arkansas State Board approval, NCLEX pass rates, total program cost, commute time, clinical placement sites, and whether the schedule fits your work or family needs.
Can you start as an LPN near Wynne and later become an RN or BSN?
Yes. You can start in an LPN program at East Arkansas Community College, then move into an LPN-to-RN bridge or ADN program and later complete an RN-to-BSN program, often through Arkansas State University or another online BSN option.
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