Arkansas Health Care Association graduates first class of nurses

The Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) announced the graduation of the first class of the AHCA School of Nursing. During graduation ceremonies at three locations across the state, 66 Practical Nurse (LPN) students will receive certificates of course completion and advance to taking their final licensure exam.

Through AHCA’s career advancement program, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) within member facilities can take courses to advance to a medication assistant-certified (MA-C). After enrolling in the AHCA School of Nursing, MA-Cs can complete their LPN coursework in 10 months.

The school is the first of its kind in the country that has been created, operated, and led by a consortium of skilled nursing facilities. The program directly addresses the shortage of LPNs in the state and seeks to counter a trend seen nationwide.

The Health Resources and Services Administration projects that by 2038 there will only be enough LPNs across the United States to meet 70% of the need.

“This graduation marks a life-changing milestone for our students,” said AHCA School of Nursing President Rachel Bunch. “Many of them have balanced full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and rigorous coursework to reach this moment, and their determination is truly inspiring. We designed this program with their realities in mind, offering flexible scheduling and free tuition so that advancing their careers would be possible, not out of reach. This achievement doesn’t just represent a new credential. It opens the door to greater opportunities, financial stability, and an improved quality of life for each graduate and their families.”

Graduation ceremonies will take place this week in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro.

After graduation, students will be eligible to schedule their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exams, which is the last step before fully achieving their LPN licensure. Upon passing the exam, graduates will provide a higher level of care within their member facilities across the state.