Nursing

BRTC LPN-to-RN Bridge students enjoying a clinical day at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, touring the helipad and Angel One.

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The BRTC  Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing programs have been recognized as outstanding nursing education programs in the state of Arkansas.

We support the mission of Black River Technical College through our intentional presence in all we do to innovatively educate our diverse students by utilizing modern technology & evidence-based practice while emphasizing nursing tradition in order to prepare them to have a positive influence on our ever-changing healthcare system today, tomorrow, and in the future.

BRTC Nursing Programs

The Nursing programs are offered solely on the Pocahontas campus.

Nursing Graduates’ Employment

Students who have completed a healthcare certificate or degree from BRTC have successfully gained employment at healthcare facilities such as

  • Arkansas Methodist Medical Center
  • Encompass Health
  • Mid-South Health Systems
  • NEA Baptist Medical Center
  • Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
  • St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center
  • St. Bernards Medical Center
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Local health units
  • Local medical clinics

For More Information

Dana Clay
Allied Health Academic Advisor
(870) 248-4150
danac@blackrivertech.edu.

How to Apply to a BRTC Nursing Program

If you are interested in a rewarding nursing career, apply now and become a member of your community’s healthcare nursing team. All nursing programs require the student to submit the following:

  • an application to the college if you are not a current student or have not attended BRTC for over 1 year AND
  • an application to the Traditional Registered and/or Practical Nursing program(s) prospective students can dual apply with one application.
    • See program information at bottom of page.

You must be accepted into the program before taking nursing courses. The nursing department will notify you directly. 

According to the Nurse Practice Act §17-87-312,

  • all nursing students are mandated by state law to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI at the student’s expense.
  • Persons convicted of certain crimes may not be eligible to take the state board examination.
  • Completion of this program does not guarantee eligibility to write state board examination according to the Nurse Practice Act §17-87-312.

Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records see: ACA §17-3-102.

For more information on background checks, go to https://www.ark.org/bon/fingerprint/index.php or contact Karen McCumpsey, MNSc, RN, CNE, Assistant Director, Arkansas State Board of Nursing at karen.mccumpsey@arkansas.gov.

Black River Technical College nursing programs meet the minimum requirements for approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Any student whose plan of study is interrupted due to military service obligations while enrolled in an allied health program will be guaranteed readmission upon return. The student will be required to meet the readmission standards set by the program.

Click on the title below for more information about each program.

Practical Nursing ˇClick hereˇ
Technical Certificate

The practical nursing program combines classroom instruction, simulated patient care, and clinical experience to prepare graduates for a successful career in nursing.  After graduation, students are eligible to apply for the national examination (NCLEX-PN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, for licensure as a practical nurse (LPN).

Length of Program: 10.5 months

Practical Nursing Gainful Employment Information

Campus Availability: Pocahontas

Course Availability: Fall

Prerequisites: No prerequisite courses are required for the Practical Nursing program; however, applicants must meet college entrance requirements. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program must take the both a college and nursing  entrance exam administered by the college and must have a high school diploma, or equivalent (GED).

If enrichment courses are required based on the college admission exam,  mandatory tutoring must be completed in the Academic Success Center (ASC) or Adult Education. The number of hours required will be determined by the ASC or Adult Ed Coordinator and the individual exam scores.

Practical Nursing Application

Apply Now

The application period for the Day Practical Nursing program is February 1st-April 1st (Fall enrollment only) Applications will open at 9 am.

There will not be a PN night time program for Fall 2023.(Day Program only offered)

The application must be completed prior to the deadline. No incomplete applications will be accepted. Additional documents that must be submitted to the nursing department include:

    • Transcript(s) from any college(s) attended, other than BRTC.
    • If currently enrolled in college classes elsewhere, please send a current class schedule within one week of the application deadline.
    • Submit a PDF copy of your exam results with your application.
      • The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period).
        • one attempt between January 1- June 30; and
        • one attempt between July 1-December 31.
      • To sign up for the TEAS please email danac@blackrivertech.edu  The TEAS is given on the first Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus only.
      • ATI does offer Remote Proctoring also for additional fees.  BRTC does not schedule these exams, student must contact ATI for this.
    • Letter of Good Standing from any previously attended nursing program, if applicable.
Important:  Once the application period opens, submit your applications in a timely manner. In the event of a tie in scores, the application date and time may be used as a tie-breaker.

Upon acceptance into the program, you will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check.  Please note, a positive criminal background check may prevent you from being able to attend clinical and therefore, prevent you from being able to meet the program requirements.

Practical Nursing Degree Plan

Practical Nursing Program Admission Information

Prospective students will be required to:

  • complete an application for the nursing program–Will receive an email from DANA CLAY within one week, if not please contact her at
  • electronically sign the PN application to acknowledge understanding of the Nurse Practice Act Annotated Code 17-87-312  and 17-3-102 regarding criminal offenses and licensure.
  • possess physical and mental abilities essential for safe and effective client care
  • pass random drug screens once enrolled in and throughout the PN program
  • take the nursing entrance exam prior to submitting application.
  1. Entrance Exam:
    • Students must score an overall minimum of 58.7% on the TEAS* to be eligible for the program.
    • The TEAS 7 exam score is required with the application starting January 1, 2023.
    • The exam is approximately $65.00.
    • To purchase a TEAS study guide for the entrance exam see www.atitesting.com.
    • Submit a PDF copy of your exam results with your application–Starting 1/1/2023.
      • The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period).
        • one attempt between January 1- June 30; and
        • one attempt between July 1-December 31.
      • To sign up for the TEAS please email danac@blackrivertech.edu  The TEAS is given on the first Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus Only.
      • BRTC does not allow exams via  Remote Proctoring for ATI.  All exams must be taken at a testing center with a live proctor present in the room.
  2. Meet & Greet:
    • The date will be provided via email approximately one week following the submission of the application.
    • This event is for the applicant and their support group, i.e. spouse, significant other, parents, children, family members, friends, etc.
  3. Selection Process
    1. Letters (email) will be sent for acceptance, alternate, or denial.
    2. Up to 24 of the top-scoring applicants are accepted into the program and 5 alternates are chosen.
    3. Selection is based on the TEAS scoring only; with a minimum of 58.7% to be a qualified applicant.
    4. Students must return the formal acceptance to the nursing department by the date specified or the seat will be forfeited and an alternate will be called.
    5. Anyone receiving a letter of ineligibility or denial who would like additional information may request an appointment.

*The TEAS exam is based on 9-12th-grade science, reading, math, and English language comprehension.  The current ATI TEAS study manual and practice exams are available at www.atitesting.com. The exam consists of 170 questions, 20 of which are non-scored pretest items.  Each of the four test sections has an individual time limit with a total test time of 209 minutes allotted. For more of a description please visit ATI’s website.

For any additional questions please contact the Allied Health Academic Advisor at 870-248-4150.

Practical Nursing Supply List

These are approximate costs only.

  • Class dues $10
  • Student ID $5
  • Criminal background check for clinical sites $65
  • Immunizations $135+
  • †Laptop $300
  • † Uniforms (4 sets of ceil & 1 white lab coat) $240
  • † Shoes (all white, leather) $60
  • † ID badge holder $2
  • † Watch with second hand or digital seconds display $30
  • † Stethoscope $20-$60
  • † Penlight $5
  • † Earbuds for testing $5
  • † Earplugs for testing $5
  • † Nursing Supply Kit (from bookstore) $200
  • †Book package for the program $550+
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *CPR/First Aid card $5
  • *ATI online modules package $171
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *Simulation fee $20

Second Semester

  • Class dues $10
  • † Uniforms (2 sets of ceil) $100
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *ATI online modules package $171
  • *Simulation fee $20

Third Semester

  • ASBN License $100
  • Temporary LPN license $30
  • † Uniform (1 set of ceil scrubs & 1 white scrub top) $75
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *ATI online modules package $171
  • *Simulation fee $20
  • *Pearson Vue NCLEX registration $200
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *Composite picture sitting fee $20
  • *Graduation pin and lamp $65
  • *Livescan Fingerprinting $15
  • Criminal Background Check for ASBN $38.50

*These items are assessed as fees.

This program is 42 credit hours in length. College fees and tuition costs listed here.

† These items are eligible to be charged to the bookstore for those receiving financial aid.

The required immunizations can be received from your primary care provider or county health department. More information regarding immunizations will be provided at Meet and Greet.

 

Registered Nursing-Traditional Program ˇClick hereˇ

Associate of Applied Science – Registered Nursing
The registered nursing program combines classroom instruction, simulated patient care, and clinical experience to prepare graduates for a successful career in nursing.  After graduation, students are eligible to apply for the national examination (NCLEX-RN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, for licensure as a registered nurse (RN).

Length of Program: 2 Years

Campus Availability: Pocahontas

Course Availability: Fall and Spring

  • BIOL 2004 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
  • BIOL 2104 Microbiology with Lab
  • BIOL 2414 Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
  • ENG 1003 Freshman English I
  • ENG 1013 Freshman English II
  • MTH 1213 Math for Healthcare Professionals†
  • NRS 2203 Basic Human Nutrition
  • PSY 2513 Introduction to Psychology

†Prerequisite: Each student must meet the criteria under either (a),  (b), or (c) as follows:

(a) Mathematics section: ACT score of 16 or above, Next Gen ACCUPLACER score of 248 or above; or

(b) the student must have earned a grade of “C” or higher in MATH 0043 Foundations of College Algebra; or

(c) transfer into BRTC and be eligible to register for College Algebra or the student will be required to enroll in MATH-0001 Math Enrichment (1 credit hour course). College Algebra will not substitute for this course, this is Pharmacology math.

Traditional Registered Nursing Application

Apply Now

 

The application period for the Traditional Registered Nursing program is open February 1st -April 1st (Fall enrollment) and September 1st-October 31st (Spring enrollment).  Applications will open at 9 am.

The application must be completed prior to the deadline. No incomplete applications will be accepted. Additional documents that must be submitted to the nursing department include:

    • Transcript(s) from any college(s) attended, other than BRTC. *If a current student at BRTC we will have access to this and you do not have to send in these again.
    • If currently enrolled in college classes elsewhere, please send a current class schedule within one week of the application deadline.
    • The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period).  TEAS exams are given the first Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus.
      • one attempt between January 1- June 30; and
      • one attempt between July 1-December 31.
    • Letter of Good Standing from any previously attended nursing program, if applicable.
Important:  Once the application period opens, submit your applications in a timely manner. In the event of a tie in scores, the application date and time may be used as a tie-breaker.

Upon acceptance into the program, you will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check.  Please note, a positive criminal background check may prevent you from being able to attend clinical and therefore, prevent you from being able to meet the program requirements.

Traditional Registered Nursing Degree Plan

Traditional Registered Nursing Program Admissions Information

Prospective students will be required to:

  • complete an application for the nursing program
  • electronically sign the RN application to acknowledge understanding of the Nurse Practice Act Annotated Code 17-87-312 and 17-3-102 regarding criminal offenses and licensure.
  • possess physical and mental abilities essential for safe and effective client care
  • have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • pass random drug screens once enrolled in and throughout the RN program
  • attend orientation on the scheduled date(s)
  • take the nursing entrance exam
  • complete all pre-professional curricula with a grade of “C” or higher
    • If a student has received D or F in a prerequisite and has not retaken course with a “C” or higher, they are ineligible for the selection process, even if they are registered to retake the course over break/summer.
    • Students applying in Spring for Fall term admittance, may be lacking up to 2 courses at the time of selection in May, neither may be Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab.  If the applicant is selected, the courses lacking must be completed over summer terms with a C or higher prior to starting in Fall term.
    • Students applying in the Fall term for Spring admittance must have all 8 prerequisite courses complete at the time of selection in December.

Selection for the program is based on the following: 

  1. Entrance Exam:
    • Students must score an overall minimum of 58.7% on the TEAS 7* to be eligible for the program.
    • The TEAS 7 exam score is required with the application starting January 1, 2023.
    • The exam is approximately $65.00.
    • To purchase a TEAS study guide for the entrance exam see www.atitesting.com.
    • Submit a PDF copy of your exam results with your application starting 1/1/2023.
      • The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period).
        • one attempt between January 1- June 30; and
        • one attempt between July 1-December 31.
      • To sign up for the TEAS please email danac@blackrivertech.edu  The TEAS is given on the first Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus Only.
      • BRTC does not allow exams via  Remote Proctoring for ATI.  All exams must be taken at a testing center with a live proctor present in the room.
  2. Meet & Greet:
    • The date will be provided via email approximately one week following the submission of the application.
    • This event is for the applicant and their support group, i.e. spouse, significant other, parents, children, family members, friends, etc.
  3. Selection Process
    1. Letters will be sent for acceptance, alternate, or denial.
    2. Up to 32 of the top-scoring applicants are accepted into the program and 5 alternates are chosen.
    3. Selection is based on the TEAS score as well as the GPA in the prerequisite courses
      • Prerequisite course GPA multiplied by 20; a maximum of 80 points (4.0 GPA x 20=80)
      • *TEAS Score=maximum score of 100 points (minimum score required 58.7% to be eligible for the program)
    4. Students must return the formal acceptance to the nursing department by the date specified or the seat will be forfeited and an alternate will be called.
    5. Anyone receiving a letter of ineligibility or denial who would like additional information may request an appointment.

*The TEAS exam is based on 9-12th-grade science, reading, math, and English language comprehension.  The current ATI TEAS study manual and practice exams are available at www.atitesting.com. The exam consists of 170 questions, 20 of which are non-scored pretest items.  Each of the four test sections has an individual time limit with a total test time of 209 minutes allotted. For more of a description please visit ATI’s website.

For any additional questions please contact the Allied Health Academic Advisor at 870-248-4150.

Traditional Registered Nursing Supply List

These are approximate costs only.

First Semester

  • Class dues $20
  • Student ID $5
  • Criminal background check for clinical sites $65
  • Immunizations $135+
  • †Laptop $300
  • † Uniforms (4 sets of Caribbean blue & 1 white lab coat) $240
  • † Shoes (all white, leather) $60
  • † ID badge holder $2
  • † Watch with second hand or digital seconds display $30
  • † Stethoscope $20-$60
  • † Penlight $5
  • † Earbuds for testing $5
  • † Earplugs for testing $5
  • † Nursing Supply Kit (from bookstore) $250
  • †Book package for the program $550+
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *CPR/First Aid card $5
  • *ATI online modules package $250
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *Simulation fee $20

Second Semester

  • Class dues $20
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *ATI online modules package $250
  • *Simulation fee $20

Third Semester

  • ASBN License $100
  • Temporary RN license $30
  • † Uniform (1 white top) $25
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *ATI online modules package $250
  • *Simulation fee $20
  • *Pearson Vue NCLEX registration $200
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *Composite picture sitting fee $20
  • *Graduation pin and lamp $65
  • *Livescan Fingerprinting $15
  • Criminal Background Check for ASBN $38.50

*These items are assessed as fees.

This program is 70 credit hours in length. College fees and tuition costs listed here.

† These items are eligible to be charged to the bookstore for those receiving financial aid.

The required immunizations can be received from your primary care provider or county health department. More information regarding immunizations will be provided at Meet and Greet.

Registered Nursing-LPN-to-RN Bridge (Transition) Program ˇClick hereˇ

Associate of Applied Science – Registered Nursing

BRTC’s LPN-to-RN Bridge program is a twelve-month transition program for the Licensed Practical Nurse.
This pathway was created to provide LPN’s/LVN’s with the opportunity to take the next step towards advancing their careers in nursing by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing degree, which prepares them to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Classroom theory instruction is delivered Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  Students complete clinical requirements on weekends and occasional weekdays. Graduating from a nursing program does not ensure that a student will be deemed eligible to take the NCLEX. Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN is dependent upon successful completion of the nursing program and approval from the State Board of Nursing in which the student resides.

Length of Program: 12 months

Campus Availability: Arkansas Methodist Medical Center and the Paragould BRTC Campus. Clinical experiences are contracted with locations in NE Arkansas and SE Missouri. Clinical site placement will vary and is based upon optimal learning experiences.

Course Availability: Spring Admissions only

 

Applications for the program are scheduled to open September 1st at 9 am and close October 31st.

Apply Now

Important:  Once the application period opens, submit your applications in a timely manner. In the event of a tie in scores, the applicant who applied first will be chosen.

The application period for the LPN to Registered Nursing program is open September 1st-October 31st (Spring enrollment).  Applications will open at 9 am.

The application must be completed prior to the deadline. No incomplete applications will be accepted. Additional documents that must be submitted to the nursing department include:

    • Transcript(s) from any college(s) attended, other than BRTC. *If a current student at BRTC we will have access to this and you do not have to send in these again.
    • If currently enrolled in college classes elsewhere, please send a current class schedule within one week of the application deadline.
    • The National League for Nursing, Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) score must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection.  NACE I exams are given the second Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus starting Jan 2024.  Contact Dana Clay to sign up for your exam. Applicants will be given Fall 2023 dates when they apply via email. 
    • Letter of Good Standing from any previously attended Registered Nursing program.

Prospective students will be required to:

  • complete an application for the LPN to RN nursing program
  • electronically sign the application to acknowledge understanding of the Nurse Practice Act Annotated Code 17-87-312 and 17-3-102 regarding criminal offenses and licensure.
  • possess physical and mental abilities essential for safe and effective client care
  • have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • pass random drug screens once enrolled in and throughout the LPN to RN program
  • attend orientation on the scheduled date(s)
  • take the nursing entrance exam
  • hold an unencumbered LPN license.  If a student is currently attending a Practical Nursing program and will be complete at the end of the Fall term, they are allowed to apply.  Their acceptance will be contingent on successfully taking the NCLEX-PN by a set deadline.
  • complete all pre-professional curricula with a grade of “C” or higher
    • If a student has received D or F in a prerequisite and has not retaken course with a “C” or higher, they are ineligible for the selection process, even if they are registered to retake the course over break/summer.
    • Students applying for admittance must have all 8 prerequisite courses complete at the time of selection in December.

Selection for the program is based on the following: 

  1. Entrance Exam:
    • The NACE I:  exam score is by the deadline given to students prior to selection.
    • The exam is approximately $75.00.
    • Submit a PDF copy of your exam results to the Academic Advisor for Nursing & Allied Health.
      • The NACE I must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection.
      • NACE may only be taken twice in a 12 month period and must be 30 days apart.
      • Only the NACE I: Foundations of Nursing is accepted. This version was released in July 2023.
      • To sign up for the NACE I please email danac@blackrivertech.edu  The NACE I  is given on the second Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus Only.
      • BRTC does not allow exams via remote proctoring entrance exams.  All exams must be taken at a testing center with a live proctor present in the room.
  2. Meet & Greet:
    • The date will be provided via email approximately one week following the submission of the application.
    • This event is for the applicant and their support group, i.e. spouse, significant other, parents, children, family members, friends, etc.
  3. Selection Process
    1. Up to 24 applicants are accepted each Spring.
    2. Applications are ranked according to prerequisite course GPA and NACE I scoring.
    3. The ranking formula is as follows:
      • 27 or 28 credit hours prerequisite GPA score X 10 + NACE I score
      • maximum is 40 points for prerequisites GPA (4.0 X 10= 40) 
      • maximum is 100 points on NACE I 
      • therefore, overall maximum score is 140 points
    4. Emails are sent to those accepted. The formal acceptance letter must be returned via email by the specified date to retain acceptance.
    5. Emails will be sent to those deemed as alternates, denied, or ineligible.
    6. Alternates are chosen in the event of vacancies due to nonacceptance. Five (5) alternates are chosen based on score. Alternates may be offered admission up to the Friday before classes begin.
    7. Upon acceptance into the program, a criminal background check is required.
    8. A criminal background history may deem the student ineligible to attend clinical rotations. A student who is unable to attend clinicals will not meet course and program learning outcomes, and therefore will not be admitted.
    9. Applicants may make an appointment for academic advising, review of selection scoring, or council regarding a criminal background history.

LPN-to-RN Bridge Registered Nursing Degree Plan

 

LPN-to-RN Bridge Registered Nursing Program Supply List

First Semester

  • Student ID $5
  • Criminal background check for clinical sites $65
  • Immunizations $135+
  • † Uniforms (2 sets of scrubs & 1 white lab coat) $220
  • † Shoes (all white, leather) $60
  • † ID badge holder $2
  • † Watch with second hand or digital seconds display $30
  • † Stethoscope $20-$60
  • † Penlight $5
  • † Earbuds for testing $5
  • † Earplugs for testing $5
  • † Nursing Supply Kit (from bookstore) $Check back soon!
  • †Book package for the program $Check back soon
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *CPR/First Aid card $5
  • *ATI online modules package $Check back soon!
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *Simulation fee $20

Second Semester

  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *ATI online modules package $Check back soon!
  • *Simulation fee $20

Third Semester

  • ASBN License $100
  • Temporary RN license $30
  • *Liability insurance $16
  • *ATI online modules package $Check back soon!
  • *Simulation fee $20
  • *Pearson Vue NCLEX registration $200
  • *Drug screen $35
  • *Composite picture sitting fee $20
  • *Graduation pin and lamp $65
  • *Livescan Fingerprinting $15
  • Criminal Background Check for ASBN $38.50

*These items are assessed as fees.

This program is  credit hours in length. College fees and tuition costs listed here.

† These items are eligible to be charged to the bookstore for those receiving financial aid.

The required immunizations can be received from your primary care provider or county health department. More information regarding immunizations will be provided at Meet and Greet.

 

Update 09.11.2023 DC