Registered Nursing Admission Criteria

RN Prerequisites: Students are required to complete the following general education requirements with a “C” or better prior the start of the RN program. Entrance exam scores determine acceptance to the program.
General Education Requirements
Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
Composition I
College Algebra, OR Quantitative Literacy, OR Pharmacology/Dosage Calculations (must be approved if taken at another institution)

RN Co-Requisites: Students are required to complete the following general education requirements with a “C” or better prior to the beginning of the final semester to the RN program.
General Education Requirements
Microbiology with lab
Composition II
General Psychology
Computer Applications OR Fundamentals of Information Technology

Entrance Examination: 

  • Pre-register at Testing Services for the Entrance Exam (see below for test dates and times). You may only test two times per admission deadline. No rescheduling is allowed for testing. Need experience with computer calculator.

  • Must bring photo identification and contact Student Affairs for payment information.

  • Should allow 2 to 2 ½ hours to take exam.

  • Are encouraged to obtain and study Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Review.

  • Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam scores expire after one year. 

Classes that Start in January

  • Class times will be Tuesday and Thursdays from 1:00pm - 6:30pm. Clinical is on Saturday and Sunday, every other weekend. 

  • Must take the RN Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam at any certified testing location. Testing is in the months of August and September, see testing schedule for exact dates. Students can take it up to two times.

  • The exam will include Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, English Language, and Anatomy and Physiology. A minimum score of 65% in the overall composite score must be obtained to be eligible for admission into the RN program. (70% is recommended) Critical-thinking will be used as the tie-breaker.

  • After taking the Kaplan Entrance Exam and getting the minimum score required, you must complete the LPN-RN Nursing Application by 5:00 pm on the 2nd Thursday in September.

  • Mandatory Meeting: If score requirements are met, you must attend the mandatory meeting on the 3rd Friday in September. Times will be provided in the application.

Classes that Start in August

  • Class times will be Monday and Wednesdays from 8:00am - 2:30pm. Clinical is on Saturday and Sunday, every other weekend. 

  • Must take the RN Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam at any certified testing location. Testing is in the months of March and April, see testing schedule for exact dates. Students can take it up to two times.

  • The exam will include Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, English Language, and Anatomy and Physiology. A minimum score of 65% in the overall composite score must be obtained to be eligible for admission into the RN program. (70% is recommended) Critical-thinking will be used as the tie-breaker.

  • After taking the Kaplan Entrance Exam and getting the minimum score required, you must complete the LPN-RN Nursing Application by 5:00 pm on the 2nd Thursday in April. 

  • Mandatory Meeting: If score requirements are met, you must attend the mandatory meeting on the 3rd Friday in April. Times will be provided in the application 

**The minimum overall score met does not guarantee placement**

Requirements

  • Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Paramedic or individual who is pending licensure as a Practical Nurse or paramedic (must pass the national exam within 60 days of starting the program).

  • If previously enrolled in an RN program in another School of Nursing, must submit a letter of eligibility to return to Nursing School from the previously enrolled program.

  • Paramedics must also submit: proof of certification from the Arkansas Department of Health as an Arkansas paramedic and proof of registration with the National Registry of EMT’s as a paramedic, if selected into the nursing program.

  • Must provide proof of English language proficiency if not from an English-speaking country. Students should submit official documentation showing completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 500 (paper based), 173 (computer based), 61 overall (internet based) or better or proof of graduation from high school within the United States, GED, or post-secondary education within the United States with the admission application.  

Admission Procedures
Students must complete all the College's required entrance/admission procedures as outlined in the catalog/website, New Student Application Instruction and submit to Student Affairs. (501-337-5000 EXT 0282) 
 
Immunization Requirements
Students are required to provide documentation of the following immunizations once receiving their acceptance/alternate letters.

  • Varicella (2 doses) or Titer

  • Hepatitis B (3 doses) or Titer

  • MMR (2 doses) or Titer

  • Tdap within the last 10 years

  • Covid Vaccination

  • Flu Vaccination during flu season per CDC, October through the end of March

  • TB Skin Test must last the entire length of the program

  • CPR Card; must be American Heart Association for Health Care Providers must last the entire length of the program