Arkansas LPN Programs

Jobs in nursing are almost always in demand. This is thanks to the steady increase in retirees, and the fact that a certain percentage of the population is always sick. Licensed practical nurses, also known as vocational nurses, satisfy a variety of roles that are too commonplace for a doctor’s attention, and working with an LPN is much cheaper and more practical than paying a doctor to stay for an hour or more. Nursing is a viable field of business for the average person, because it often requires no more than a 2-year degree and there are so many career options. Hospitals, nursing homes, and care centers all hire qualified practical nurses, and even in this economy there is often a shortage in the local labor market.

Arkansas is not the most populous state, and in fact parts of it are still underdeveloped and impoverished. There is presently stiffer competition in Arkansas for potential nurses, and the outlook may become even more competitive if the social security budget gets cut. The minimum education requirement at most institutions is a 2-year degree, but most practical nursing programs only take one year to complete. LPN careers afford similar (if not better) salaries and benefits than most career positions that can be obtained using an Associate’s degree.

Generally speaking, the more education and credentials that a nurse enjoys, the easier it is to find a job. Experience is also a factor, and it may be that a hospital prefers a community college graduate with 10 years of experience over a university graduate with no experience outside internship. That being said, attending a university usually provides greater advantages when all other aspects are equal. It is possible to meet other students and teachers, and generally become acquainted with the future of the industry. These contacts are valuable for a person’s professional future, and might even translate into better jobs. There are many career and education advancement programs for LPNs seeking to take their careers one step further.

Arkansas still needs nurses, because it has its share of retirees. Most of them will be able to afford nursing care for at least a while, and it is cheaper to be taken care of in the home than in a private care facility. Home-care is also easier on an aging body, since the surroundings are familiar and there is not the stress of physically moving back and forth. At the very least, since nurses are needed throughout the country, any qualified nurse can move about the country seeking travel LPN jobs.

The future for medicine is always a bright one, because there will always be someone who needs medical services. With obesity on the rise and an increasing number of prescription drugs and declared diseases for children, there will always be a large market across the country. Even foreign companies will solicit graduates to move and work for them.

List of LPN Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Arkansas schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Arkansas state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Arkansas

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Arkansas

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Arkansas as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.