The Practical Nursing program of ATU-Ozark Campus integrates theory with clinical practice. Theoretical content is based on the concept of holism in which the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being is considered. Clinical experiences will be obtained in the following health care service areas: adult health, maternal-child, mental health, geriatrics, pediatrics.
The Practical Nursing program has continued full approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
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.
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 at the Russellville campus. This degree prepares the graduate to sit for the 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.
Required Academic Prerequisites
(All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better before the start of the LPN program)
Important Academic Year Information: Students completing the additional AAS general education coursework during the 2026–2027 academic year will complete the courses listed above.
Beginning with the 2027–2028 academic year, Introduction to Computers will no longer be required. U.S. History will replace Introduction to Computers, and an American Government course will also be required.
Additional Application Requirements:
(All additional application documents must be submitted by the March 1st application
deadline.)
If any of your prerequisites courses were taken at another institution, please have official transcripts sent to ATU-Ozark as soon as possible.
All applicants will receive an email after the March 1st application deadline with the details about the Closed TEAS test dates and instructions on how to register for the test.
Applicants must meet ALL the following requirements to be eligible for competitive ranking:
Competitive Ranking System (Maximum 70 Points)
TEAS Score (Maximum 50 Points)
90-100% = 50 Points
80-89% = 45 Points
70-79% = 40 Points
60-69% = 35 Points
Healthcare Certification Bonus (Maximum 20 Points) - Not required for admission, but applicants can earn up to 20 additional points if they hold one or more of the listed healthcare certifications. To receive these points, the Certification Verification Form included in the application packet must be completed and submitted to the Allied Health Administration Assistant by the March 1 application deadline.
Note: Certified Medication Assistant (CMA/MA-c) is not the same as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Also, applicants must have a valid certification. Completing the course alone does not qualify for the bonus points.
| Certification (Current & Active) | Points |
| Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | 20 |
| Certified Medication Assistant (CMA/MA-c) | 10 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 7 |
| Phlebotomy Certification | 5 |
Stacking Rules
*Certified Medical Assistant will not stack with any other certifications listed.
May stack Phlebotomy + CNA
May stack Phlebotomy + Certified medication assistant
CNA + Certified Medication Assistant may NOT be stacked
Certification bonus capped at 20 total points
Example Score
TEAS Score of 63 = 35 points
Phlebotomy Certificate: 5 points
Total Application Score: 40 points
Tie Breaker Policy
IMPORTANT: Click Here for Additional Documents Required for Online Application
(479) 508-3325
alliedhealth@atu.edu
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