# 16 Best LPN Programs in Little Rock, AR in 2026

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- Published: 2024-02-08
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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Little Rock offers abundant opportunities for aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to launch their nursing careers. As the healthcare industry continues its rapid growth, the demand for qualified LPNs in Little Rock and statewide is higher than ever.

LPN roles are integral in providing hands-on patient care in settings like nursing homes, physician offices, community health clinics, and home health agencies. With the average annual salary for LPNs in Arkansas hovering around $43,000, it is considered a stable, rewarding career choice.

This guide features the top-ranked LPN programs in Little Rock based on cost-effectiveness, quality of education, hands-on training opportunities, career support services, and graduate outcomes.

## Overview of Top LPN Programs in Little Rock

| Name of Institution | Program Formats | Program Length | Admission Requirements |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Eastern College of Health Vocations | Full-time, hybrid, online | 12 months | High school diploma or GED |
| Arkansas College of Health Careers | Full-time, part-time | 12 months | High school diploma or GED |
| AECC Career School CNA | Full-time, part-time | 4-8 months | High school diploma or GED |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Full-time | 24 months | Competitive admission |
| University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College | Full-time, part-time, online | 12-24 months | Open admission |

**Curriculum Overview:** LPN programs blend theoretical coursework and supervised clinical training experiences. Core topics covered include fundamentals of nursing, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health nursing etc. The rigorous curriculum prepares students to pass the national licensure exam.

**Admission Requirements**: From open admission community colleges to highly competitive university programs, Little Rock offers LPN programs suited for all academic backgrounds. Typical admission criteria include – high school graduation/GED, minimum GPA, entrance exams, immunizations, criminal background checks etc.

**Program Formats and Timeline**: Both full-time and part-time program options lasting 9 months to 2 years are available to accommodate different schedules. Accelerated tracks and hybrid/online formats also offer flexibility.

Now let us discuss these exceptional LPN programs in Little Rock in more detail:

## 1. Eastern College of Health Vocations

Serving as the top LPN program in Little Rock for over a decade, **Eastern College of Health Vocations** offers unmatched quality of education and clinical experiential learning.

Despite its prime location in Little Rock’s bustling University District, ECHV maintains a close-knit campus environment focused on individual student progress.

**Highlights:**

- 12-month full-time diploma program with flexible hybrid and online options
- Curriculum seamlessly blends 660 hours of theory and 600 hours of nursing skills labs/clinical rotations
- 100% of graduates pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, surpassing state and national averages
- Wide range of scholarship opportunities available based on merit and financial need
- State-of-the-art simulation labs and technologies used alongside traditional bedside nursing instruction
- Clinical rotations arranged at pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatry, community health centers, and hospitals
- Compassionate, dedicated instructors with 10+ years of industry experience on average
- Unparalleled career support with resume workshops, mock interviews, virtual career fairs and more
- Robust alumni network aktivley involved in mentoring current nursing students

ECHV alumni Victoria L. shares: _“The hands-on clinical experiences enabled me to quickly adapt as a newly licensed LPN in a long-term care facility. My transition into the workforce was remarkably smooth despite jumping right into the COVID-19 crisis.”_

**Admissions Requirements:** High school diploma/GED, entrance exam, immunizations, criminal background check

**Cost:** $18,000 total

**Program Contact:**
 (501) 708-0896

**Website:** [https://easterncollege.edu](https://easterncollege.edu)

## 2. Arkansas College of Health Careers

**Arkansas College of Health Careers**, located conveniently near downtown Little Rock, offers accelerated and flexible LPN programs catering to both adult learners and recent high school graduates.

ACHC is focused on delivering an affordable, career-oriented nursing education by integrating curriculum with extensive hands-on clinical/simulation experiences. Its LPN program boasts a 100% job placement rate for its graduates.

**Highlights**

- Accelerated 12-month track completable on a full-time or part-time basis
- Competency-based learning model focused on nursing skills mastery
- Student-instructor ratio capped at 15:1 for personalized attention
- Over 500 hours devoted to hands-on labs, simulation training, and patient care
- Multi-million dollar simulation hospital replicating realistic clinical environments
- Dedicated career placement services helping students land LPN jobs even prior to graduation
- NCLEX-PN pass rate consistently above national average since the program’s inception

ACHS President Amanda shares: _“Our graduate LPNs are heavily recruited by healthcare employers even prior to obtaining their licenses owing to the clinical confidence and competence our program instills.”_

**Admissions Requirements:** High school diploma/GED

**Cost:** $15,000 total

**Program Contact**:
 (501) 319-7573

**Website:** [http://www.achc.us](http://www.achc.us)

## 3. AECC Career School CNA

**AECC Career School** in downtown Little Rock offers intensive LPN programs on accelerated full-time and part-time schedules, enabling students to enter the nursing workforce quickly.

With class sizes capped at 15 and 24/7 instructor access, graduates are ensured an individualized learning experience with abundant personal guidance tailored to their strengths and weaknesses.

**Highlights**

- 4 month full-time and 8 month part-time LPN program options
- Financial aid and scholarships available, costing under $10,000 total
- 15:1 student-teacher ratio even in clinical settings
- Designated career advisor providing 1-on-1 assistance with resume writing, mock interviews etc.
- Over 80% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam
- Clinical rotations at a range of settings including pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, community clinics etc.
- Continuing education opportunities, refresher courses and career mentoring for alumni

Graduate Daniel C. says: _“The AECC instructors continuously motivated us and provided the tools we needed to gain clinical and exam confidence from day one. I cleared the NCLEX in 85 questions!”_

**Admissions Requirements:** High school diploma/GED

**Cost:** $9,500

**Program Contact:**
 (501) 615-8922

**Website**: [https://littlerockcnaprogram.com](https://littlerockcnaprogram.com)

## 4. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The 2-year **LPN diploma program offered by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)** is tailored for driven students seeking a strong foundation to transition seamlessly into RN roles.

Through an academically rigorous curriculum benchmarked to BSN-level courses, graduates gain advanced critical thinking and clinical judgement abilities.

**Highlights**

- Selective admission with competitive pre-requisites
- Curriculum can be credited towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
- 80-hour integrated practicum spanning adult health, mental health, pediatrics and geriatrics
- Rotation across 5 UAMS facilities delivering cutting-edge telehealth and remote care
- Opportunities to participate in nursing research and QI projects
- State-of-the-science simulation lab with high-fidelity manikins
- Extensive exam preparation led by specialized NCLEX coaches
- Over 95% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure examination

Amanda W., UAMS College of Nursing’s Student Services Coordinator remarks: _“Our LPN program attracts highly motivated traditional students and working nurses aiming to advance their competencies. The small cohort fosters intensive faculty interaction priming graduates for seamless career or academic progression.”_

**Admissions Requirements:** High school GPA above 3.0, entrance exam scores

**Cost:** $11,000 total

**Program Contact:**
 (501) 686-5224

**Website:** [https://nursing.uams.edu](https://nursing.uams.edu)

## 5. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

**University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC)** has been providing exceptional nursing education for over 50 years. Its LPN program prepares graduates for exemplary clinical practice with specialized tracks tailored for both new students and working nurses.

**Highlights**

- Open admissions policy welcomes both first-time college students and adult learners
- Full-time, part-time and online program formats with flexible schedules
- Credit transfer options to pursue an ADN or BSN degree after obtaining LPN licensure
- Specializations offered: Integrative Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Medical Assistant
- Varied clinical training environments: newborn nursery, hospice, clinics, OR, rehab centers etc.
- Student-centric approach focused on confidence-building for the NCLEX-PN and workplace
- Active Transfer Office assistance in seamlessly continuing education at 4-year colleges

UA – PTC offers an innovative **Integrative Mental Health Nursing** track within its LPN program to train specialists in behavioral health and psyche-rehabilitation.

Director of Nursing Amy K. shares: _“Our college imbibes a spirit of lifelong learning. LPN graduates often return to complete RN degrees while working. Their refined time management and resilience make them outstanding nurse leaders.”_

**Admission Requirements:** High school diploma/GED

**Cost:** $7,500

**Program Contact**:
 (501) 812-2200

**Website:** [https://www.uaptc.edu/](https://www.uaptc.edu/)

## Key Takeaways: Choosing the Best LPN Program in Little Rock

1. **Identify your career goals** – Research LPN specialty tracks and typical work settings that appeal most to you to choose suitable programs
2. **Compare program structure and delivery formats** – Choose between full-time accelerated tracks, part-time options, online/hybrid models etc. based on your needs
3. Analyze **curriculum alignment, clinical training opportunities, learner outcomes** and **funding options** across programs
4. **Leverage open house events, campus tours and informational webinars** offered by LPN schools to assess culture fit
5. **Connect with current students and alumni** to gain insider perspectives on faculty expertise, career preparation quality and graduate satisfaction
6. Apply to **multiple programs** – maximize your chances for admission and financial aid!

I hope this guide supports you in discovering the top LPN programs in Little Rock aligned to your career aspirations. Wishing you tremendous success as you embark on this noble nursing journey!

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Source: [16 Best LPN Programs in Little Rock, AR in 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/16-best-lpn-programs-in-little-rock-ar-in-2024/)