Southern Arkansas University Nursing School Review

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a four-year public university that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association. The history of the school dates back to as far as 1909 when a competition was set in place to have the Third District Agricultural School located in Magnolia.

Today, it offers a wide range of programs, including nursing courses which range from:

Associate Degree Program in Nursing (ADN)

This is a 4-semester course that is grounded on liberal arts, science and nursing subjects. Students are trained to function at entry level and are exposed to clinical laboratory experiences in various health care sectors. In the first year of the course, students are taught general education courses and in the second specific nursing courses. The ADN Nursing Program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Students that have successfully completed certain subject at the time of application will be given priority rank.

 LPN-RN Transition Program

This course is open to students that are currently licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocation courses (LVNs) and Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurses (LPTN) that want to complete their Associate of Science Nursing Degree. 

This LPN to RN course is specifically structured to allow these professionals to gain the necessary mobility towards qualifications in a leading learning environment. The curriculum can be completed in three semesters with the flexibility of doing the general education courses at Southern Arkansas University or any other accredited university. The course is considered a fast track course, and only professionals with unencumbered licenses can apply. Students interested in this program can choose between a traditional option or a transition option. The former allows them to complete the course in 4 semesters, whereas the latter in three.

BSN Program

Students that are enrolled in this course will be trained to practice as a general specialist. They will be able to perform their roles in various health care setting including with families and the general community.  Students that complete the Nursing Curriculum Support Courses (NCSCs) will be given priority ranking to enter the BSN program. This is a four year course and students that took courses from community colleges will not have the hours transferred as part of their requirement to graduate from Southern Arkansas University.

RN-BSN Program

Registered nurses (RNs) that have current unencumbered licenses are welcome to apply to this course. The full-time program can be completed in two years. The course includes liberal arts, general education and nursing content. Focus is also placed on leadership qualities and roles in the last semester. Registered nurses must be graduates from a NLN accredited associate degree program or diploma program to be considered for admission. They must also ensure that all general requirements regarding vaccinations for Hepatitis B and TB screening are performed. They must also have a CPR certification from the American Heart Association to be considered for admission into the course.

Scholarships for Nursing Students Include:

1)     The MCSA Auxiliary Helen Wright Memorial Scholarship Award Criteria

2)     The Curtis W. Kinard Memorial Scholarship Award Criteria

3)     Lucy A. Ring Memorial Scholarship Criteria

4)     Larkin M. Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Criteria

5)     Dr. Warren S. & Wilma “Billie” Riley Scholarship Award Criteria

6)     Barton Scholarship Criteria

7)     Union County Medical Scholarship Criteria

8)     UAMS Master of Public Health Scholarship Criteria

9)     Dr. J. C. Callaway Memorial Scholarship Fund

10)   The John R. Williamson, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Award

Contact:

Southern Arkansas University
100 East University
Magnolia
AR 71753
Tel: (870) 235-4000

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