University of Arkansas - Little Rock

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

The UALR Department of Nursing offers an associate of science degree RN program. The course of study includes 31 credit hours in liberal arts and sciences and 34 credit hours in nursing.

A traditional (fall, spring, fall, spring) and a traditional accelerated (fall, spring, summer, fall) option is available for those students seeking initial licensure. A transition (fast-track) option is available for LPN/LPTNs, and qualified paramedics. All options offer the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to the competent nurse and are taught in settings ranging from the classroom, campus skills laboratories to major area hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other health care facilities. The graduate is prepared to enter professional practice in setting such as hospitals, long term care facilities, physicians offices, and community settings.

Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the National Council Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Students who are considering a career in nursing should be aware that no application for initial Registered Nurse (RN) licensure will be considered by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing without state and federal criminal background checks by the Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall refuse to issue the RN license to any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any offense listed in Act 1208 of 1999. For details, refer to the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act Sub-Chapter on Licensing. The UALR Department of Nursing requires annual drug screens and state/national criminal background checks. Clinical agencies used for nursing laboratory may require additional criminal background checks, scheduled drug screening, and/or random drug screens for nursing students. Results of agency screening may prohibit participation in clinical. Nursing students prohibited from participation in laboratory at a clinical agency will not be permitted to maintain enrollment in the nursing program. The UALR Department of Nursing will conduct Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screenings on all fully admitted ASN students.

BSN Program Details

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program offers RN graduates of either an associate of science or a diploma program an avenue to pursue an advanced degree while continuing employment. The course work for the BSN completion program builds on the curriculum foundation of the core Registered Nurse program.

Nursing courses are hybrid and consist of on-line delivery with scheduled faculty-student-class meetings either on-line or face-to-face based on the needs of the individual course and the schedule of the student. The general education courses required of the BSN completion program are available at UALR in an on-line or traditional classroom format. Due to the format of the nursing courses and some support courses, you will need consistent computer/internet access.

Three of the nursing core courses have practicums. The course work for the practicums will include completion of projects, presentations, papers etc. linked to the focus of the particular courses. Time utilized for development and implementation of practicum assignments are considered practicum hours. All practicum courses have 3 credits assigned for theory and 2 credits assigned for the practicum.

We anticipate that many of your ideas for projects will have originated from your current or previous practice role. You will not use your regularly scheduled work hours to work on individual or group course projects, as this may potentially have an adverse effect on your paid job responsibilities. If your selected project involves a presentation, teaching component, or any other project that will be shared at your place of employment, you will need to obtain approval from your employer. We will provide you with a simple approval form for your use.

We will schedule advising times as indicated and will place information on-line regarding on-line orientation and technology requirements. Faculty will also be available for support and guidance.