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.
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
Program Faculty
Blaine Snyder
Program Chair
Health Sciences and Wellness
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 508-8500 ext 6350
rsnyder2@atu.edu
Tangela Felkins
Instructor
Health Sciences and Wellness
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6203
tmelton@atu.edu
Jason Basinger
Instructor
Health Sciences and Wellness
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 508-8500 ext 6202
jbasinger@atu.edu
Amanda Boen
Instructor
Health Sciences and Wellness
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6200
aboen@atu.edu
Gidget Steele
Instructor
Health Sciences and Wellness
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6204
dsteele1@atu.edu
Brianna Watkins
Instructor
Health Sciences and Wellness
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6657
bwatkins10@atu.edu