Practical Nursing

Associate Degree | Ozark Campus | In-Person

The Practical Nursing program prepares students for the entry-level of nursing (LPN). It is a 15-month program (three semesters) that meets the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing by utilizing a combination of theory and clinical skills. The degree prepares the graduate to sit for licensure in Practical Nursing. Students will have a variety of clinical experiences: adult health, medical/surgical, maternal child, mental health, geriatrics and pediatrics. The program theory is based upon the concept of holism, in which the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being is considered. Area hospitals, clinics, long-term care, mental health units, pediatric, adolescent facilities, public schools and correctional facilities are utilized for the clinical experiences.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to submit applications to write the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

Healthcare facilities
Nursing skills laboratory
Participation in community flu clinics
Public school health screenings

Skills You Will Learn

Assessment
Communication
Critical thinking
Documentation
Medication administration
Newborn care
Patient Teaching
Postpartum care
Teamwork
Vital signs
Wound care

About This Degree

TUITION

Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.

The AR Futures grant could cover your expenses for this credential. Check credential eligibility.

Calculate Tuition

CAREER OPTIONS

You could work as a(n):

LPN at area hospitals
LPN at a rehabilitation facility
LPN at a doctor's office
LPN at a mental health facility

Alumni of our program work at:

Arkansas Department of Health
Baptist Health
Mercy Hospital and Community Clinics
Ozark Nursing Home
Ozark Public School
Valley Behavioral

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

View the links below to better understand the courses, the course timeline, and who your faculty will be when you enroll as an ATU student.

Credentials that stack with this degree:

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN RN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN RN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN RN)

Point of Pride

ATU-Ozark Practical Nursing has a 97.3% pass rate for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam in 2019-2020.

IT'S TIME TO STEP UP

Find out how we will empower you to meet every challenge head-on.

Apply to Ozark Campus Visit Request Information Explore other degrees

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

March 1: CVT, PTA, PN, MA, RN, OTA application deadline

October 1: PN and EMTP application deadline

Application Packet - Paper (instructions, application, and forms to be mailed in or submitted to the office in person)

Online Application Form (please read instructions linked below first)

The Practical Nursing Department of Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus accepts beginning students in August and January of each year. The program consists of three semesters. To meet the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, the Practical Nursing Program will utilize clinical days of 8-12 hours during certain semesters of the school year.

The Ozark Campus offers a Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing (48 hours) and an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health with an option in Practical Nursing. The AAS in Allied Health with an option in Practical Nursing is intended to be a "feeder program" to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at the Ozark Campus, or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Russellville campus. This degree prepares the graduate to sit for licensure in Practical Nursing and does not result in a Registered Nursing credential.

The program requires the students to achieve an average of 80% or above in each of the subject areas and clinical components to successfully complete the program.

The Practical Nursing Program integrates theory with clinical practice. Nursing students have clinical experiences in the following health care service areas: Adult health, maternal child, mental health, geriatrics and pediatrics. Theory is based on the concepts of holism, in which the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being is considered. Area hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health units and pediatric and adolescent facilities are utilized for the clinical experiences.

Students enrolled in the program are members of the Arkansas Licensed Practical Nursing Association (ALPNA), taking part in the spring competitive events and fall education workshop. Workshops, conferences and seminars are used to enhance the educational experience.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to submit an application to write the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. State and FBI background checks are required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing when applying to take the licensure exam. Applicants may be denied permission to write based on background check results.

ACCREDITATION

The Arkansas Tech University- Ozark Campus Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (Address: 1123 S University Ave, Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72204), Phone: (501) 686-2700.

CONTACT

(479) 508-8500 ext. 6503
alliedhealth@atu.edu