ROGERS – A significant event took place at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, celebrating the first-ever graduates of a unique nursing program. Rachel Bunch, president of the Arkansas Health Care Association’s School of Nursing, highlighted how this program stands apart from others across the country.
This groundbreaking initiative offers tuition-free education to 71 students in Arkansas, including locations like Little Rock and Jonesboro. What makes this program special is that it is employer-sponsored and part of the state’s long-term care association.
The focus is on training Certified Medication Assistants (CMAs) to elevate them to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). As Bunch noted, the students are already working in healthcare, gaining valuable on-the-job experience while studying.
During the ceremony, family and friends filled the ballroom to celebrate the achievement of 22 graduates. Each student was honored with a pinning ceremony, a symbolic gesture of their hard work.
Graduate Demtrice Clark shared his journey of self-discovery. Hired in healthcare seven years ago, he struggled with self-doubt. However, support from peers and mentors transformed his mindset. He likened the program’s early days to being in an unfamiliar classroom, but perseverance paid off. Clark plans to continue his work at Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab in Fort Smith.
Another graduate, Frysonya Taylor, discovered the program through her job at Legacy Heights Nursing and Rehab. She described the training as challenging but ultimately rewarding. Taylor aims to build her career as an LPN before possibly furthering her education down the line.
Stephanie Isaacs from the Arkansas Department of Commerce Office of Skills Development noted the program’s impressive growth. Initially presented in 2023 with a budget of $332,000, it has now received $2.2 million in investments, yielding a strong return on this investment, including future success stories.
Data shows that moving from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to CMA can lead to a 17% wage increase, and advancing to LPN can result in a remarkable 72% increase. Bunch remarked that this program is life-changing for the students and their families.
Interestingly, 78% of LPN students hold only a high school diploma as their highest education level. Over half have been CNAs in long-term care for a decade or more. Bunch praised their dedication to serving Arkansas’s elders and rural communities.
The school directly addresses the critical shortage of LPNs in nursing facilities, with programs in key locations. “The path you’ve chosen will inspire more to follow,” Bunch told graduates, emphasizing that their success will pave the way for future caregivers seeking similar opportunities.
This program reflects a growing trend in healthcare education, where non-traditional pathways help fill staffing gaps while empowering workers to advance their careers. As the healthcare landscape evolves, initiatives like this demonstrate the potential of investing in community-driven, accessible education.
For more insights on nursing education and career pathways, visit the Arkansas Health Care Association’s website or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for industry data.
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