Arkansas Health Care Association Launches Three New Nursing Schools: A Game-Changer for Future Healthcare Heroes

On June 18, the Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) celebrated a significant milestone in Little Rock: the launch of one of its three new nursing schools. This initiative is the first of its kind in the U.S. and aims to build a stronger workforce for the nursing home industry.

Over 75 people attended, including many state legislators. The school in Little Rock will serve LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) students from central Arkansas. Additional facilities will open in Rogers and Jonesboro.

Through this program, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can take classes to step up to a Medication Assistant-Certified (MA-C) role. From there, MA-Cs can apply to become LPNs at the AHCA School of Nursing, which offers a clear path for career advancement.

As the demand for nurses rises, the journey from CNA to LPN can be challenging due to time constraints. In Arkansas, CNAs earn an average of $17.13 an hour, while MA-Cs make $20.07, and LPNs earn around $29.60. Many CNAs express a desire to advance; research shows that about 93% of MA-Cs want to pursue further education, but only 5.8% actually make the leap. Scheduling conflicts and financial challenges are major roadblocks. That’s where the AHCA School of Nursing steps in, offering flexible schedules and affordable tuition, subsidized by both public and private funds.

The urgency to address the nursing shortage is underscored by projections from the Health Resources and Services Administration. By 2037, the U.S. will meet only 64% of its LPN needs. In Arkansas, the senior population is anticipated to grow substantially; by 2030, those over 60 are expected to represent over 26% of residents, marking a notable rise from 20.9% in 2012.

House Speaker Brian Evans highlighted that tackling the nursing shortage isn’t just about filling positions. It’s about improving the overall quality of life for Arkansans. The AHCA School of Nursing is seen as a promising solution to positively impact both staff in nursing facilities and the families relying on them for care.

Rachel Bunch, President of the AHCA School of Nursing, expressed pride in the program. She emphasized that it took years of planning and support from lawmakers to bring this vision to life. “Our initiative provides much-needed paths for advancement, helping fill the staffing gap in nursing facilities across Arkansas,” she stated.

Before entering the AHCA School of Nursing, prospective LPN students must complete prerequisite courses through Ozarka College. This year, 71 students will begin their journey across the three campuses starting this June.

The commitment from state legislators has been crucial in addressing the pressing nursing shortage, benefiting both nursing facility residents and the dedicated caregivers who serve them.

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