ASN Program
The UALR Department of Nursing offers an associate of science degree RN program. The course of study includes 31 credit hours in liberal arts and sciences and 40 credit hours in nursing.
A traditional and a traditional accelerated option is available for those students seeking initial licensure. A transition (fast-track) option is available for LPN/LPTNs, and qualified paramedics. All options offer the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to the competent nurse and are taught in settings ranging from the classroom, campus skills laboratories to major area hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other health care facilities. The graduate is prepared to enter professional practice in setting such as hospitals, nursing homes, physicians offices, and community settings.
The program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC street address and phone number are:
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
On completion of the curriculum, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the National Council Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Information regarding the comparison of nursing programs (tuition, fees, and length of programs) may be obtained from NLNAC.
Students who are considering a career in nursing should be aware that no application for initial Registered Nurse (RN) licensure will be considered by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing without state and federal criminal background checks by the Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall refuse to issue the RN license to any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any offense listed in Act 1208 of 1999. For details, refer to the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act Sub-Chapter on Licensing. Persons requesting initial licensure may request a waiver from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Clinical agencies used for nursing laboratory may require criminal background checks, scheduled drug screening, and/or random drug screens for nursing students. Results of agency screening may prohibit participation in clinical. Nursing students prohibited from participation in laboratory at a clinical agency will not be permitted to maintain enrollment in the nursing program.