University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas's Nursing program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The program offers a range of tracks for students with various needs. The generic traditional track is designed with no licensing in nursing. The school admits one class of students in this track in the fall. Applications are accepted between the 15th and the 1st of March.

The second track is the LPN to BSN track. Applicants are admitted in the fall semester and applications are accepted between the preceding 15th January and the 1st of March.

The RN to BSN or RN to MSN track is offered online for RN graduates of accredited Associate Degrees or hospital diploma programs.   Both tracks are intended for working RNs with all courses offered online. Periodic visits to the Conway campus will be required for each course. Applications to this track are accepted twice a year.

Admission Requirements:

• Completed application forms
• Nursing pre-requisite courses
• Academic transcripts

The school will send letters of admission status will be sent to all applicants by the 1st of June. Applicants on the waiting list will be offered positions declined by a successful applicant.

Applicants are ranked according to GPA and admission examination score with preference given to UCA pre-nursing students meeting admission requirements.

Applicants offered a position must formally acknowledge acceptance and submit documentation of Varicella immunization, TB skin test, Hepatitis B vaccine, CPR certification, current health insurance and attend all day orientation as per the academic calendar.  Students must arrange  independent means of transportation for clinical experiences.

The University of Central Arkansas Master of Science Program is an online program designed to prepare students to provide expert care in a range of health care settings and to function as leaders and management professionals.

The Adult Nurse Practitioner track is intended for students seeking to specialize as nurse practitioners in the area of adult health. The Family Nurse Practitioner is designed to for advanced practitioners to manage acute, chronic and episodic illness across the life span. The Nurse Educator track is designed for those who pursuing roles in higher education, staff education and patient education with a clinical specialties. The Clinical Nurse Leader option is designed to prepare graduates to work within a healthcare system.

Admission Requirements:

1. Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program
2. Minimum grade point of average of 2.7 on the last 60 hours of credit earned at the undergraduate or graduate level
3. Minimum of a ‘C’ grade or higher on a basic statistics course
4. Meet all requirements for admission to the graduate school
5. Application form
6. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
7. GRE Test scores
8. Current, valid and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse
9. Criminal background check
10. Three professional recommendations
11. Proof of work experience as a registered nurse
12. Personal Statement

Admission to the MSN program is a competitive program with all applications components considered.