
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 Practical Nursing program is offered solely on the Pocahontas campus.
- As a founding member of the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC), the LPN-to-RN Bridge program is offered on both the Pocahontas and Paragould campuses.
- BRTC offers a traditional Registered Nursing program on the Pocahontas campus and at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould!
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 AND
- an application to the traditional registered nursing and/or practical nursing program(s)
- Or an application to the LPN-to-RN Bridge program* (ARNEC) *must be a LPN or currently enrolled in a practical nursing program to apply.
You must be accepted into the program before taking nursing courses.
Black River Technical College nursing programs meet the minimum requirements for approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Click on the title below for more information about each program.
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
Practical Nursing Application
The application period for the Practical Nursing program is February 1st-April 1st (Fall enrollment only)
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 paper copy of your exam results by the end of the semester. The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period). You will receive information on TEAS test dates via email approximately one week after the application has been received.
- Letter of Good Standing from any previously attended nursing program, if applicable.
Practical Nursing Degree Plan
Practical Nursing Program Admission Information
Prospective students will be required to:
- complete an application for the nursing program
- 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 on a scheduled date
- Entrance Exam:
- Students must score an overall minimum of 58.7% on the TEAS* to be eligible for the program.
- The TEAS exam score is not required prior to the application deadline.
- Nursing entrance test dates will be provided via email approximately one week following the submission of the application.
- The exam is approximately $65.00.
- The exam must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period).
- To purchase a TEAS study guide for the entrance exam see www.atitesting.com.
- 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.
- Selection Process
- Letters will be sent for acceptance, alternate, or denial.
- Up to 24 of the top-scoring applicants are accepted into the program and 5 alternates are chosen.
- Selection is based on the TEAS scoring only; with a minimum of 58.7% to be a qualified applicant.
- 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.
- 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 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.
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 and Paragould (Arkansas Methodist Medical Center)
Course Availability: Fall and Spring
†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 MTH 1213L Math for Healthcare Professionals with Lab (4 credit hour course).
Traditional Registered Nursing Application
The application period for the Traditional Registered Nursing program is open February 1st -April 1st (Fall enrollment) and September 1st-October 31st (Spring enrollment).
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 paper copy of your exam results by the end of the semester. The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period). You will receive information on TEAS test dates via email approximately one week after the application has been received.
- Letter of Good Standing from any previously attended nursing program, if applicable.
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 on a scheduled date
- 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.
- A student may be lacking no more than 2 courses at the time of application, neither may be Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab. All remaining courses must be completed prior to the start of the program courses.
Selection for the program is based on the following:
- Entrance Exam:
- Students must score an overall minimum of 58.7% on the TEAS* to be eligible for the program.
- The TEAS exam score is not required prior to the application deadline.
- Nursing entrance test dates will be provided via email approximately one week following the submission of the application.
- The exam is approximately $65.00.
- The exam must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection (limit one attempt in a 6-month period).
- To purchase a TEAS study guide for the entrance exam see www.atitesting.com.
- 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.
- Selection Process
- Letters will be sent for acceptance, alternate, or denial.
- Up to 24 of the top-scoring applicants are accepted into the program and 5 alternates are chosen.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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 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.
Associate of Applied Science – Registered Nursing
Classroom theory instruction is delivered Tuesday and Thursday evenings utilizing a web-based format. Students complete clinical requirements on weekends and occasional weekdays. Graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN examination upon approval from their respective State Board of Nursing. Additional information can be found at www.arnec.org.
Length of Program: 12 months
Campus Availability: Pocahontas and Paragould (BRTC Campus)
Course Availability: Spring
Applications for the ARNEC program are due by August 31st!
ARNEC Registered Nursing Application
LPN-to-RN Bridge Registered Nursing Degree Plan
- Degree Plan 2020-2021
- Degree Plan 2019-2020
- Degree Plan 2018-2019
- Degree Plan 2017-2018
- Degree Plan 2016-2017
LPN-to-RN Bridge Registered Nursing Program Admissions Information
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 Navy scrubs & 1 white lab coat) $150
- † 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) $150
- †Book package for the program $550+
- *Liability insurance $16
- *CPR/First Aid card $5
- *ATI online modules package $230
- *Drug screen $35
- *Simulation fee $20
Second Semester
- *Liability insurance $16
- *Drug screen $35
- *ATI online modules package $230
- *Simulation fee $20
Third Semester
- ASBN License $100
- Temporary RN license $30
- *Liability insurance $16
- *ATI online modules package $230
- *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 66 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.