Little Rock, AR — (Contributed) — June 5, 2025 — The Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) announced the launch of its AHCA School of Nursing, which supports staffers within member facilities in pursuing a Practical Nurse (LPN) license and is the first of its kind in the United States.
“We are proud to lead the nation with this innovative initiative. Our program creates a structured advancement path for members of the AHCA School of Nursing consortium and will help fill the critical gap in LPN staffing within nursing facilities in Arkansas,” said AHCA School of Nursing president Rachel Bunch. “The launch of our nursing school is the result of years of diligent planning and support from our state legislators. We are thrilled to offer this program to the hard-working employees in member facilities who seek higher education opportunities.”
Through the program, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) within member facilities can take courses to advance to an MA-C role. Then, MA-Cs can apply to the AHCA School of Nursing to become an LPN.
Before being admitted into the AHCA School of Nursing, LPN students passed pre-requisite courses provided through Ozarka College. The initial phase of the AHCA School of Nursing will have locations in Jonesboro, Little Rock and Rogers. There will be 71 students in the first year with classes beginning in June.
“Upskilling our existing workforce is one of the brightest pathways we can pave for Arkansas’ future,” said Arkansas chief workforce officer Mike Rogers. “Too often, dedicated employees are held back by financial barriers that make career advancement seem unattainable. This initiative breaks down those barriers and offers a ladder of opportunity.”
Roughly 93% of Medication Assistant-Certified staffers (MA-Cs) express interest in advancing their nursing careers, but only 5.8% do so. Scheduling conflicts and financial constraints are major factors in this statistic. The AHCA School of Nursing directly addresses these hurdles by offering flexible scheduling and affordable tuition subsidized through public and private funding.
The Health Resources and Services Administration projects that by 2037, there will only be enough LPNs across the United States to meet 64% of the need. In Arkansas, a growing population of seniors emphasizes the need for long-term sustainability to support our older generations. Statewide, Arkansans over 60 are projected to make up more than 26% of the population by 2030 — up from 20.9% in 2012.
“Addressing the nursing shortage is about so much more than filling jobs – it’s about enhancing the quality of life for Arkansans,” said House Speaker Brian Evans. “I’m proud to support innovative, problem-solving solutions like the AHCA School of Nursing, which will make a positive impact on the dedicated staff members within nursing facilities and the patients and families who rely on them for care.”
“State legislators who champion our mission make it possible to ensure nursing facility residents receive the high-quality care they deserve,” added Bunch. “Their continued dedication to addressing the critical nursing shortage is a win for all Arkansans.”
About Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing
The Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing is dedicated to educating and mentoring healthcare professionals. Through the program we incorporate our core values of Integrity, Connection, Dignity and Quality as we prepare graduates to demonstrate competency within the scope of practical nursing and to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism.