Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Arkansas State University Three Rivers in Malvern is a public college that houses nursing in its Health Sciences Division. Students can enter through a 12 month Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program, move into the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) through the LPN/Paramedic to RN track, or complete ADN level RN coursework after the listed prerequisites and co requisites are met. Across the nursing options, the school outlines a structured progression model with required minimum course grades and standardized testing built into courses.

For budgeting, the school posts an approximate cost breakdown for the Associate Degree in Nursing plan of study totaling about $10,796 across three semesters. That figure includes tuition and fees by semester (12, 9, and 12 credit hours), $700 per semester in nursing fees, and typical add-ons such as immunizations (estimated $400), required program subscriptions (listed items include PreCheck/Sentry MD, Care Learning, and Exam Soft), and books (estimated $1,200 across the program). Applicants should also plan for background checks, fingerprinting, and required drug screening, since these are tied to clinical participation and progression.

The Practical Nursing program is a 40 credit hour plan that runs in Spring, Summer, and Fall, with Malvern cohorts starting in January and August and a stated Malvern cohort limit of 50 students. The RN pathway described for LPNs or paramedics is also structured as a 12 month sequence with January and August starts and a stated limit of 50 students, with classes meeting twice a week and clinical scheduled on Saturday and Sunday every other weekend. Clinical placement comes with compliance requirements such as immunizations, CPR credentials, and state and national background checks, with the note that loss of clinical access can prevent progression.

NCLEX performance is one data point to weigh. Arkansas State University Three Rivers reports an average weighted NCLEX RN pass rate of 87.3% compared with the 2024 Arkansas average of 91.1%, and an average weighted NCLEX PN pass rate of 88.5% compared with the 2024 Arkansas average of 92.4%.

The Malvern campus is located at One College Circle in Malvern (72104), a short drive from the Interstate 30 corridor that connects Hot Springs and Little Rock. Students should plan for personal transportation to clinicals, since the program notes transportation is not provided.