Are you looking to launch an impactful and stable healthcare career in just 2 years? Little Rock offers multiple associate degree in nursing (ADN) and diploma programs allowing students to gain essential nursing skills and become registered nurses (RNs) in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional 4 year degrees.
These rigorous 2 year programs combine classroom teaching with extensive clinical rotations across the major hospitals and health systems in central Arkansas. If seeking an accelerated and affordable pathway to sit for RN licensure and enter the rewarding nursing profession, Little Rock has no shortage of quality options.
The Nursing Job Outlook in Arkansas
With over 70,000 licensed RNs in the state, nursing remains one of Arkansas‘ fastest growing and most resilient career fields. In fact, the Arkansas Center for Nursing projects the state will need to replace over 6,500 retiring nurses and add another 11,200 new nurses by 2030 to avoid major shortages, especially in rural areas. This translates to ample employment opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts registered nursing nationally to grow 9% over the next decade, far outpacing other occupations. But certain regions of Arkansas may see double digit growth based on elevated elderly populations and physician/nurse practitioner shortages.
Nurses caring for children also show especially high demand, given Arkansas‘ weak rankings in multiple pediatric health benchmarks. 2 year degree nurses can fill gaps through pediatrics focused clinical training.
Diverse Nursing Career Pathways Through 2 Year Degrees
While advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) garner attention for their high salaries and flexible autonomous practice, many nurses begin as generalist bedside providers. ADN and diploma graduates commonly work in:
- Medical/surgical care
- Labor and delivery
- Post-anesthesia care
- Emergency departments
- Intensive care units
- Psychiatric care
- Rehabilitation
- Community health
- School nursing
Most find employment in hospital settings initially, but roles in ambulatory clinics, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, schools, home health, corporate health, and telephonic triage settings also exist.
Ambitious nurses can also further education through RN-to-BSN and Master‘s programs, becoming certified in specialties like oncology, geriatrics, pediatrics, case management, education, informatics, leadership and more.
Key Differences Between Associate Degree and Diploma Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Typically 5-6 semester program
- Offered at community and 4-year colleges
- Contains some general education coursework
- Graduates earn associate of science in nursing (ASN)
- Credits 100% transferable for RN-to-BSN pathway
Diploma Nursing Program
- Usually an 18-30 month program
- Administered directly by hospital system
- Coursework completely nursing-focused
- Awards diploma in nursing upon completion
- Must complete gen eds before pursuing BSN
Both avenues enable taking the RN licensure exam. ADNs focus more holistically, make for an easier BSN transition, and open possibly working in roles requiring a bachelor‘s degree down the road.
Diplomas concentrate purely on nursing curriculum and direct hospital systems training. This focused approach can be advantageous if hoping to spend an entire career bedside providing patient care rather than climbing ladders.
Little Rock‘s Top Programs
The major 2 year nursing programs in central Arkansas include:
1. Philander Smith College
Highlights: HBCU program with 90%+ NCLEX pass rates, prestigious reputation, small cohort sizes
Format: 5 semester ADN pathway, ASCN accredited
Tuition: Approximately $7,500 per semester, plus fees
Clinicals: Rotations at CHI St. Vincent, UAMS Medical Center, many other central AR sites
Competitiveness: Highly selective, limited class size
Outcomes: Over 600 first-try NCLEX passers last decade, strong job placement locally
2. University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Highlights: Well-ranked public ADN pathway, affordable tuition, accessible admissions
Format: 5 semester ADN curriculum, ACEN accredited
Tuition: Among lowest in-state at ~$135 per credit hour (about $4,000 per semester)
Clinicals: Rotations across 30+ health facilities in central and northwest regions
Competitiveness: Moderately competitive admissions
Outcomes: Consistently high NCLEX pass rates, strong reputation among regional employers
3. CHI St. Vincent Nursing School
Highlights: Established Arkansas diploma program affiliated with CHI St. Vincent Health
Format: Self-paced modular diploma model, between 18-30 months
Tuition: Estimated around $13,000 total for program
Clinicals: Primarily within CHI St. Vincent Hospital and clinics
Competitiveness: Competitive admissions, preference given to CHI employees/volunteers
Outcomes: Recognized for excellence in patient care, hires majority of graduates
4. UAMS College of Nursing
Highlights: Among top ranked nursing schools nationally, robust programming
Format: Ladder approach from LPN to ASN to BSN to MSN. ACEN accredited.
Tuition: In-state ASN tuition around $315 per credit hour
Clinicals: Situated within world-class UAMS Medical Center
Competitiveness: Highly competitive across degree formats
Outcomes: Renowned for research and patient care, over 200 graduates a year
Insights on Admissions Processes
With limited capacity 2 year nursing programs, admissions can be highly competitive. Strong academic histories get your foot in the door, but supplemental application materials and interview performance also weigh heavily, according to local program directors. Developing a relationship with the school can boost chances as well.
Expect prerequisite courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, etc. Most require a 3.0 minimum GPA, CPR certification, background checks, proof of immunizations, around 75th percentile on the TEAS admissions test, letters of recommendation, multi-phase interview process and more.
Application season spans between July and January across schools for fall entry dates, earlier deadlines applying for spring starts. Have all components submitted well before deadlines. Those denied one application cycle are encouraged to observe recommendations for strengthening qualifications and reapply in 6-12 months.
Financing Your Nursing Education
While cheaper than 4 year options, completing ADN and diploma programs still requires wise financial planning. Between tuition, text books, uniforms, testing fees, and other expenses, nursing students in Little Rock ADN programs face $15,000 to $30,000 in total costs depending on school selection. Don‘t let sticker shock deter application though!
Multiple scholarships, grants, federal loans and hospital tuition reimbursement programs exist helping alleviate expenses, including:
- Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) – Full/partial tuition coverage for nurses committing to underserved regions post-graduation
- Hospital Employee Programs – Partial reimbursement for employees/volunteers in exchange for 1-2 year work contracts
- Nightingale Awards – Local Black Nurses Association scholarships totaling $500+ for minority students
Other options include completing ASN/diploma schooling full-time while working hospital roles per diem before/after class and on weekends. Consider exploring all possible funding sources.
Job Prospects for New Associate Degree RNs
Fears of finding employment post-graduation tend to be quickly assuaged based on the sheer demand for nurses nationally and growing needs locally. New ADN/diploma nurses in the Little Rock area can expect:
- Diverse job options across specialties and healthcare settings
- Competitive new graduate nurse salaries – averaging $55,000 – $70,000 here
- Generous sign-on bonuses and student loan repayment assistance
- High satisfaction scores among nurses entering through 2 year pathways
Major health systems show strong preferences for their diploma graduates, while ADN grads shouldn‘t hesitate leveraging alumni connections for job hunting either. New RNs provide crucial bedside care delivery.
Common starter units incorporate medical/surgical floors, emergency departments intensive care, pediatrics, oncology, etc. Most new nurses report adequate orientation support through extensive preceptor mentorship. Be sure asking about residency programs during interviewing. Now‘s an ideal period entering nursing!