Arkansas Nursing School Celebrates First Graduating Class in Rogers

The tuition-free program is the first of its kind in the country, offering training for medication assistant-certified workers to become licensed practical nurses.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:52am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a nurse's uniform, with medical equipment and supplies glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the clinical education and hands-on healthcare experience of the nursing program graduates.An X-ray view of the clinical training and real-world experience gained by the first graduating class of an innovative nursing program in Arkansas.Little Rock Today

The Arkansas Health Care Association's School of Nursing celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of 22 students in Rogers, Arkansas. The tuition-free program is the first of its kind in the country, sponsored by employers and offering training for medication assistant-certified workers to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The graduates balanced work, life, and school to complete the 10-month program, with many having over 10 years of experience as certified nursing assistants in long-term care facilities across the state.

Why it matters

This innovative nursing program aims to address the critical shortage of LPNs in Arkansas, especially in rural communities, by providing a tuition-free pathway for existing healthcare workers to advance their careers. The program's unique employer-sponsored model and focus on upskilling experienced caregivers is expected to have a significant impact on the state's long-term care workforce.

The details

The Arkansas Health Care Association's School of Nursing is offering tuition-free classes to 71 students across three locations in the state: Little Rock, Rogers, and Jonesboro. The program trains medication assistant-certified workers to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Students in the 10-month program continue working in healthcare while completing their studies, with employers sponsoring their participation.

  • The first cohort of 22 graduates from the Rogers location was recognized on April 14, 2026.
  • The nursing school program was originally presented by Rachel Bunch, president of the Arkansas Health Care Association, in 2023.

The players

Rachel Bunch

President of the Arkansas Health Care Association and founder of the School of Nursing program.

Demtrice Clark

A graduate of the Rogers cohort who overcame self-doubt to complete the program and secure a job with Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab in Fort Smith.

Frysonya Taylor

A graduate of the Rogers cohort who plans to continue working with Legacy Heights Nursing and Rehab after completing the program.

Stephanie Isaacs

Director of the Arkansas Department of Commerce Office of Skills Development, who has overseen the $2.2 million investment in the nursing program.

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What they’re saying

“This is life changing for the people that work in our facilities and their families.”

— Rachel Bunch, President, Arkansas Health Care Association

“The path you have taken will open doors for others who come behind you. Because of this, the program will continue to grow. Because of you, more caregivers will have the chance to become nurses without stepping away from the work that they love.”

— Rachel Bunch, President, Arkansas Health Care Association

“This nursing program was originally presented by Bunch in 2023 with the goal of using $332,000 to support medication assistant-certified students. Now, $2.2 million has been invested into the program, and the money has been well spent with a good return on investment that will continue because the current graduating class will inspire future classes.”

— Stephanie Isaacs, Director, Arkansas Department of Commerce Office of Skills Development

What’s next

The Arkansas Health Care Association plans to continue expanding the nursing program to additional locations across the state, with the goal of training more experienced healthcare workers to become licensed practical nurses and address the critical staffing shortage in long-term care facilities.

The takeaway

This innovative nursing education model, which provides tuition-free training for existing healthcare workers to advance their careers, demonstrates how public-private partnerships and a focus on upskilling can help address workforce challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly in rural and underserved areas.