More Arkansas citizens now have health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which means the demand for experienced licensed practical nurses is continually expanding. Furthermore, federal legislation has changed the way health institutions give patient care, emphasizing prevention and chronic disease management, which has increased the demand for highly skilled LPNs. The following information delves into the area of practical nursing in Arkansas. Those contemplating this career option can learn about state licensure requirements, earning potential, and job prospects in specific areas of the state.

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What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with doctors and registered nurses to perform health care tasks, such as measuring vital signs and observing patients. To become an LPN, you need to complete a practical nursing training program and pass a licensing exam. Keep reading to find out more about what an LPN does.View Schools

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with doctors and registered nurses to perform health care tasks, such as measuring vital signs and observing patients. To become an LPN, you need to complete a practical nursing training program and pass a licensing exam. Keep reading to find out more about an LPN job description.

What Does an LPN Do?

Also called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), LPN duties include providing basic care and assistance for sick, injured, disabled, and other patients in a variety of settings. Every state has its own regulations regarding the duties of an LPN, and thus your exact job description will depend on the state in which you are employed. Doctors and registered nurses will supervise your work, which may include:

• Measuring vital signs
• Collecting fluid samples
• Administering intravenous medications
• Dressing wounds
• Maintaining patient records
• Observing patients’ reactions to medications
• Assisting patients with personal hygiene
• Teaching families to care for sick or injured relatives

Fast Track Lpn Programs In Arkansas

Nursing is a great career for anyone who wants to work with others and provide care to those in need, and a practical nursing program can offer a fast track to this type of work. State-approved programs can be found at community colleges and technical schools across Arkansas. Although there are several programs from which to choose, not all will be the best fit for every nursing student. The search tool below helps users filter through and compare options to find the LPN program that’s right for them. 

Applying for an LPN License in Arkansas

In order to legally work as an LPN, all professionals must obtain a license in their state of employment. Requirements for licensing differ from state to state. This section reviews what is required to obtain an LPN license specifically in Arkansas, as well as how to keep that license active.

Basic Eligibility

• Complete and submit an online application two months before graduating from nursing school
• Have a valid social security number
• Have a physical, mailing, and valid email address for communication from the Board

Education & Training Requirements

In order to work as a practical nurse, the Nurse Practice Act mandates that prospective LPNs be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. To be eligible for licensure by examination, applicants must complete a Board-approved accredited practical nursing program. Certain exceptions may be made such as if an individual completed part of an RN program, graduated from an approved RN program and failed the NCLEX-RN exam, or graduated from a Board-approved LPTN program after March 18, 1980.

Additional Requirements

• Pay non-refundable application fee to the Board of Nursing
• Submit fingerprint card to undergo criminal background check
• Arrange to have official transcripts from nursing school sent directly to the Board
• Arrange for the director of your nursing program to verify graduation by submitting a secure electronic verification form (applicable to out of state programs only)

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Top LPN Programs in Arkansas

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1

Northwest Technical Institute

LocationSpringdale, AR2

University of Arkansas

LocationFayetteville, AR3

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

LocationHelena, AR4

Arkansas Northeastern College

LocationBlytheville, AR5

Arkansas State University-Newport

LocationNewport, AR6

North Arkansas College

LocationHarrison, AR7

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

LocationDe Queen, AR8

University of Arkansas Community College

LocationTexarkana, AR9

Baptist Health Schools

LocationLittle Rock, AR10

Ozarka College

LocationMelbourne, ARView More

How to Renew a License

In Arkansas, nurses are required to renew their licenses every two years. Renewal dates are based on the applicant’s year of birth. For example, those born in even-numbered years will have an even year expiration date and those born in odd-numbered years will have an odd-numbered year expiration date. In addition, the expiration date of licenses is always the last day of the applicant’s birth month and licenses must be renewed within the 60-day period before the expiration date.

To renew an active license, LPNs must complete 15 contact hours of Continuing Education (CE) from a Board-approved provider. Individuals will be required to list all CE that has been fulfilled and also submit verification, such as copies of certificates, transcripts, or certification information. Licenses must be renewed by midnight. Licenses considered expired can be renewed online (provided it has been expired for less than five years); however, an additional five hours of CE will be required, as well as a $100 late fee (in addition to the regular renewal fee of $65).

LPN Salary in Arkansas

The job outlook and salaries of licensed practical nurses depend on where in the state they work. This section explores LPN job opportunities and salaries in Arkansas, as well as how these numbers measure up against national averages.ADVERTISEMENT

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Employment Trends for LPNs in Arkansas

According to a 2014 Health Professions Manpower report from the Arkansas Department of Health, the state’s 13,963 active LPNs accounted for 28 percent of Arkansas’s nursing population. LPNs could be found in all regions across the state, with the largest concentrations in Northwest and Central Arkansas. Take a look at the data below for a closer look at the state’s practical nursing field.

Top Locations for Employment

AREA	TOTAL EMPLOYMENT (2014)
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway	3,060
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area	1,620
East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area	1,280
Fort Smith AR-OK	1,240
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers AR-MO	1,110

AREA	TOTAL EMPLOYMENT (2014)
West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area	940
Central Arkansas nonmetropolitan area	890
Jonesboro	580
Pine Bluff	480
Hot Springs	410

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Employment of LPNs in Arkansas

2012 12,280

2022 14,800

Average Annual Openings 550

Source: Projections Central

Resources for Arkansas LPNs

Arkansas – American Psychiatric Nurses Association

The local chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association provides support for professionals who specialize in this area of the field. Psychiatric nurses in Arkansas can participate in forums and networking events, contribute to industry research, and affect policy that helps them perform their jobs.

Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists in Arkansas can attend meetings and get news about the profession through this organization. In addition, the association provides scholarships and lobbies on behalf of nurses.

Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurses’ Association

This organization educates the state’s LPNs on the news that affects their work, such as Arkansas nursing legislation. In addition, the Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurses’ Association organizes events to help educate the workforce.

Arkansas Nurses Association

The Arkansas Nurses Association is the voice for nursing professionals in the state. The organization promotes professional development through continuing education and events that allow nurses to learn and connect with each other. In addition, the association provides advocacy support to ensure that the needs of nurses are being met.

Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association

The Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association promotes excellence among nurse practitioners. The organization provides a career center, professional events, and news about the field.

Arkansas Nursing Students’ Association

This is the Arkansas chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. The organization supports the needs of nursing students by providing resources to help them succeed in school, as well as thrive in their future careers.

Arkansas School Nurses Association

The Arkansas chapter of the National Association of School Nurses helps to promote the wellness of schoolchildren by advocating for quality nurse training. Members can receive news about the industry, participate in events, and get job leads.

Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Nurses in Arkansas receive their licenses through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. In addition to issuing licenses, this agency is responsible for approving education programs and enforcing state rules that nursing professionals must adhere to.

Nursing Programs – NCLEX Pass Rates

This data, which was compiled by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, includes the NCLEX pass rates for LPN programs around Arkansas from 2011 to 2015.

PN Approved Programs

This site lists practical nursing programs that are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

lpn programs starting in january

The practical Nursing program at Centennial College will offer you the in-depth knowledge, skills and judgement required in today’s complex health care environment.

Curriculum in this Practical Nursing program is based on the:

• College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Practice Standards and Guidelines
• National Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Registered Practical Nurses (updated 2020)
• Practical Nursing Program Standard for Ontario Practical Nursing Programs (Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development)

The offering also meets competencies that will reflect the evolving and expanding role of the practical nurse as provided by the Nursing Act and the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). These competencies will include learning to provide safe, competent and ethical care using resources and technologies for an increasingly complex client population. The Practical Nursing program will also serve as preparation to practice autonomously in a variety of settings.

Program Highlights

• Practical Nursing program faculty members have extensive clinical and in-classroom teaching expertise.
• Classroom instruction will be supplemented by independent study, multimedia support and ongoing clinical experience.
• Some courses in the program will be delivered through a combination of classroom and online instruction (blended courses).
• Small group instruction in clinical and laboratory settings will utilize the latest technology, such as computerized simulation.
• The School of Community and Health Studies’ nursing lab recreates an actual hospital floor, complete with nursing stations and operating room facilities.
• You’ll gain the edge over the competition by working within the advanced clinical simulation facilities and using highly realistic computerized “patients”.
• The program will allow you to immerse yourself in the nursing field through a variety of acute, rehabilitation and long-term care agencies with industry-leading health care providers.
• Effective January 4, 2022 all graduates of Practical Nursing programs within Ontario will be required to take the new REx-PN Registration Exam.

Upon completion of the program, graduates have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Therapeutically communicate with clients and members of the health care team;
• Assess clients across the life span in a systematic and holistic manner;
• Plan safe and competent nursing care based on a thorough analysis of available data and evidence-informed practice guidelines;
• Select and perform nursing interventions using clinical judgment in collaboration with the client and, where appropriate, the health care team, that promote health and well-being, prevent disease and injury, maintain and/or restore health, promote rehabilitation, and/or provide palliation;
• Evaluate the outcomes resulting from all interventions in the nurse-client interaction and modify the plan of care as required;
• Act equitably and justly with clients and members of the health care team;
• Adapt to a variety of health care settings using different leadership skills and styles as appropriate to each setting;
• Contribute to creating a healthy and safe work environment in a variety of health care settings;
• Practice in a self-regulated, professional and ethical manner, complying with relevant legislation and with the standards of both the regulatory body and the practice setting to provide safe and competent client care.

Please note: The Practical Nurse Diploma program at Centennial College is currently approved (Category 2) by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as registered practical nurses in Ontario.