UA Little Rock School of Nursing Earns Accreditation Through 2030
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Nursing has received continued full approval for its Associate Degree Program from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) through 2030, following a comprehensive review that identified no program deficiencies.
Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing, said the approval highlights the collective efforts of the program’s faculty, staff and students.
“I am extremely proud of the School of Nursing for achieving a perfect review from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing,” Davidson said. “Without the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students, this would not be possible.”
The UA Little Rock School of Nursing is the largest academic program at the university, serving more than 1,000 students annually. In addition to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an LPN/Paramedic-to-RN pathway, and an RN-to-BSN completion program designed for working registered nurses seeking to advance their education.
Students complete approximately 30,000 hours of simulation training each year in the Pat Walker Center for Nursing. The center features a 22-bed on-campus simulation hospital, the Center for Simulation Innovation (CSI), and the Innovation Station Lab — the first virtual reality simulation lab in Arkansas dedicated to nursing education. In 2023, CSI received the Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, making it the only simulation lab in Arkansas to earn the distinction.
Judy Staley, assistant professor and Walker director of simulation, said immersive training experiences are essential to preparing today’s nurses.
“Healthcare is constantly evolving, and our students need opportunities to practice clinical judgment, teamwork, and decision-making in realistic environments before they enter patient care settings,” Staley said. “Simulation allows us to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, ensuring our graduates are confident, competent, and ready to serve across Arkansas.”
In addition to state approval, the School of Nursing maintains continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for both its associate and baccalaureate degree programs.
Through continued state approval, national accreditation, and a commitment to innovative, hands-on training, the UA Little Rock School of Nursing remains a leader in preparing nurses who meet the evolving healthcare needs of Arkansas and beyond.To learn more about nursing at UA Little Rock, visit https://ualr.edu/nursing.