Arkansas nursing program celebrates first graduating class

The innovative program allows certified nursing assistants to become licensed practical nurses at no cost.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:49am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate structure of a nurse's uniform, with the fabric and buttons glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the dedication and inner strength of healthcare workers.An X-ray view of a nurse's uniform highlights the hidden complexities and inner strength of healthcare workers, as a new program in Arkansas empowers nursing assistants to advance their careers.Rogers Today

The Arkansas Health Care Association is celebrating the graduation of the first class from its new School of Nursing program. The 21 students in the Rogers cohort, who currently work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or medical assistants, have completed a 10-month program to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) at no cost to them. The program is designed to address Arkansas' nursing shortage while creating new opportunities for healthcare workers already in the field.

Why it matters

The program aims to remove common barriers to nursing education, including tuition costs and inflexible schedules, in order to expand the pool of licensed practical nurses in Arkansas. With the state's aging population, the need for more nurses is critical, and the program provides a pathway for CNAs and medical assistants to advance their careers and earn higher wages.

The details

The Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing program is unique, as it is the only one of its kind in the country. It allows CNAs working in long-term care facilities to continue their jobs while completing the 10-month LPN program. Students must be nominated for the program, which is offered at no cost to them. Upon graduation, they are guaranteed a job at the same facility where they previously worked as a CNA, and they can expect to see a 70% increase in their wages.

  • The first graduating class from the Rogers cohort walked the stage on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The school also held graduations for its Little Rock and Jonesboro cohorts this week.

The players

Brandi Smith

A graduate of the program who began working as a CNA in 2011 and is currently a medical assistant in a rehab facility. She is now an LPN after completing the 10-month program.

Hannah Bunch

The president of the Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing, which designed the program to address the state's nursing shortage and create new opportunities for healthcare workers.

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What they’re saying

“No matter what it was, school was first, and you just made it happen with a positive attitude and know that you were making your dream come true.”

— Brandi Smith, Graduate

“We are healthcare providers, and we see that the shortage of nurses is real. We also see that the aging population continues to grow.”

— Hannah Bunch, President, Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing

What’s next

Graduates will soon sit for their NCLEX exam, the final step to becoming licensed practical nurses.

The takeaway

This innovative program in Arkansas is providing a unique pathway for certified nursing assistants and medical assistants to become licensed practical nurses, addressing the state's nursing shortage while creating new opportunities for healthcare workers to advance their careers and earn higher wages.