RN Programs in Harrison, Arkansas

Get your RN degree in Harrison, Arkansas - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Harrison, Arkansas

Are you considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Harrison, Arkansas? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding what an RN does to exploring local RN programs. Let’s dive in and start your journey toward a rewarding career in nursing!

Why Become an RN in Harrison

Harrison, Arkansas, is a charming city known for its welcoming community and beautiful natural surroundings. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Harrison offers a peaceful lifestyle with plenty of outdoor recreational activities. For more details about the city, check out the official Harrison website.

Becoming an RN in Harrison is a great choice due to the competitive salary and job stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in Arkansas is around $65,000 per year, with a projected job growth of 7% from 2019 to 2029. This makes nursing a promising career path in Harrison!

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet a few prerequisites:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum age requirement (usually 18)
• Completion of entrance exams such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• Background check and immunizations

These prerequisites ensure that you are prepared for the rigorous training and responsibilities of an RN.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs typically include a combination of coursework and clinical training. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Core Courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Nursing Fundamentals
• Specialized Courses: Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology
• Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings

This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience prepares you for the diverse challenges you’ll face as an RN.

RN Training Programs in Harrison, Arkansas

Here are some local schools offering RN programs in and around Harrison:

1. North Arkansas College
   • Location: 1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601
   • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
   • Cost: Approximately $95 per credit hour for in-district students
   • North Arkansas College RN Program
2. Arkansas State University Mountain Home
   • Location: 1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653 (approximately 45 miles from Harrison)
   • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
   • Cost: Approximately $107 per credit hour for in-state students
   • ASU Mountain Home RN Program
3. Northwest Arkansas Community College
   • Location: One College Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 (about 80 miles from Harrison)
   • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
   • Cost: Approximately $75 per credit hour for in-district students
   • NWACC RN Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Harrison

Once you’ve completed your RN program, there are several healthcare facilities in Harrison where you can seek employment:

• North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
  • Location: 620 N Main St, Harrison, AR 72601
  • Description: A full-service hospital with a wide range of medical services and specialties
  • Employment Opportunities
• Harrison Family Practice
  • Location: 724 North Spring Street, Harrison, AR 72601
  • Description: A primary care clinic offering comprehensive healthcare services
  • Harrison Family Practice
• Northwest Regional Health
  • Location: 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, AR 72601
  • Description: A healthcare provider offering specialized medical services
  • Northwest Regional Health

RN Certification Requirements

To practice as an RN in Arkansas, you must meet both state and national certification requirements:

• National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN): Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license.
• Arkansas State Board of Nursing: Apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Meeting these requirements ensures you are fully prepared to provide high-quality care.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Harrison can vary, but here’s a general range:

• Tuition: $75 – $107 per credit hour
• Additional Costs: Books, uniforms, lab fees

Financial aid options are available to help manage these costs:

• Federal and State Grants: Pell Grants, Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Loans: Federal student loans
• Scholarships: School-specific scholarships, nursing scholarships

Be sure to explore all available financial aid options to make your education more affordable.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re an RN moving to Arkansas from another state, you’ll be pleased to know that Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows you to practice in Arkansas without obtaining a new license, provided your home state is also an NLC member. For more details, visit the Nurse Licensure Compact website.

Get Started Today

Ready to embark on your journey to becoming an RN in Harrison, Arkansas? Contact one of the local schools listed above to get more information and start the application process. Your future in nursing awaits!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Harrison RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Harrison?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Arkansas. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Arkansas. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Arkansas.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.