Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing Program Mission Statement
The mission of the SEARK College Practical Nursing program is to prepare students for a career in nursing by providing them with the skills and knowledge to deliver direct nursing care under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The program aims to be a starting point for individuals seeking upward mobility in the nursing profession.
Program Description:
This interdisciplinary practical nursing program is designed to provide a beginning point for individuals seeking upward mobility in the nursing profession. Practical Nursing students are prepared for giving direct and primary nursing care under the immediate supervision of the clinical instructor, staff R.N. Advance Practice Nurse (APN), and/or physicians in the cooperating clinical facilities.
Application Deadlines:
August Admission - 2nd Friday in March
January Admission - 1st Friday in October
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing Program is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Southeast Arkansas College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Acceptance Procedure
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All applicants have an equal opportunity for acceptance; however, class size is limited, and not all applicants are accepted.
Applicants are selected based on the score that they receive on the ‘Practical Nursing Evaluation Rubric form’. The higher the score, the better the chances for the student to get into the program. Based on the above criteria, the top 16-20 applicants will be selected for interviews.
These applicants are then notified by letter and must attend a mandatory preadmission orientation session to the program where they informed of the program requirements and to complete an acceptance packet. They are also afforded the opportunity to ask any questions that they may regarding the program.
Students are required to submit evidence of the following before beginning classes:
- Current C.P.R. Certification (American Heart Association).
- Functional Ability Acknowledgement Form
- Immunization Record (current influenza vaccination, DTaP/Tdap (within the last 10 years), varicella vaccination or titer, and COVID-19 vaccination (or medical/religious waiver)
- PPD. Skin Test or Chest X-Ray
- Hepatitis B Series or Signature on SEARK Vaccination Waiver Claim Form
- Drug Screen
- Criminal Background Check
*The cost of any and all drug screens and the criminal background check is at the student’s expense.
**Students enrolled in Health Professions programs with a clinical component will be assessed a fee for malpractice insurance.
- Admission Requirements
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- High School Diploma (or GED Equivalency)
- Completion of all SEARK admission requirements.
- Current unencumbered State Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
- Provide one or all of the following test scores:
- Reading – (minimum passing scores) Compass scores of 83, Accuplacer score of 78, Next Gen Accuplacer Score of 251,
- Math – (minimum passing scores) Compass 41, Accuplacer 77, Next Gen Accuplacer Score of 256,
- English – (minimum passing scores) Compass score 80, classic Accuplacer 83, Next Gen Accuplacer score 251; or
- Minimum ACT score of 19 in each section; or
- Completion of 15 semester hours of general education applicable to the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Completion of the Program Application for admission prior to the application deadline.
- Provide transcripts from all colleges and/or schools attended.
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a “C” or above.
- A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for all college coursework (excluding development courses).
- Transfer students must provide a Letter of Good Standing from previous nursing school attended.
- Completion of the required nursing program entrance exam: KAPLAN, with a composite score of 60% or above.
The above information must be submitted to:
Southeast Arkansas College
Attn: Practical Nursing Program
1900 Hazel St.
Pine Bluff, AR 71603 - Program Cost (Expenses)
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Practical Nursing Program Expenses - 50 Credit Hours (CH)
Expense Cost Total Cost In-State Tuition $120.00 per CH $6,000.00 Out-of-State Tuition $240 per CH $12,000.00 Technology Fee $15 per CH $750.00 College Services Fee $10 per CH $500.00 Infrastructure Fee $8 per CH $400.00 Security Fee $5 per CH $250.00 Lab Fee $30 per Course $150.00 Internet Fee $35 per Course $455.00 Arkansas Assessment Fee $5 per Semester $20.00 Student Activity Fee $20.00 per CH $1,000.00 Professional Fee* $25 per CH $1,250.00 Malpractice Insurance* $13.50 Annually $35.00 Verified Credentials Screening* $125 Annually $125.00 Student Organization Dues* $7.50 per month (11 mo.) $82.50 ASBN Background Check* $40.00 $40.00 NCLEX Application Fee* $100 per Application $100.00 NCLEX-PN Licensure Exam* $200 per Exam $200.00 Kaplan Fees* $70 per semester of core classes $210.00 Total Fees In-State - $11,567.50 Total Fees Out-of-State - $17,567.50 *Fees specific to Health Professions Programs
Other Expenses Cost Total Cost Uniform** $320 Annually $320.00 Books & Supplies** $750 Annually $750.00 Accuplacer $15 each time $15.00 Total Cost $1,085.00 **Expenses are closely estimated and are subject to change at any time.
Total Program Cost In-State $12,652.50 Out-of-State $18,652.50 Random drug screens may be given at any time at the student's expense.
- Program Outcomes
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5-Year Pass Rates for Licensure Exams
Year Tests Taken Passed Percent Passing 2025 7 6 85.7% 2024 5 3 60% 2023 10 10 100% 2022 8 8 100% 2021 1 1 100% - Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records
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In Arkansas, individuals convicted of certain serious offenses are generally ineligible for professional licensure. These offenses include crimes like murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, arson, and various forms of abuse. However, there are exceptions:
- Waivers: Applicants with disqualifying convictions can request a waiver for licensure. Factors such as the age of the offender at the time of the crime, the time passed since the offense, work history, and the nature of the offense are considered.
- Time-Limited Disqualification: If the conviction was not for a violent or sexual offense, and no other crimes have been committed in the last five years, individuals may be eligible for licensure after the disqualification period.
- Permanent Disqualification: Certain severe crimes, such as murder or sexual assault, result in permanent ineligibility for licensure.
- Emergency Actions: Licensing entities can take emergency action against license holders when public safety is at risk.
These regulations ensure that criminal history is carefully considered in professional licensure decisions while allowing for opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances under specific circumstances.
View Arkansas Law ACA §17-3-102 (PDF) here.
View more information on Licensing at the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website.
- Criminal Background Checks for Nursing Licensure
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In Arkansas, all first-time applicants for nursing licenses must undergo a state and national criminal background check as part of the licensure process. This includes:
- Background Check Process: Applicants must submit to a background check conducted by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI, including fingerprinting. They are responsible for any associated fees.
- Notification and Consent: Nursing educational programs must inform applicants about this requirement. Applicants must also sign a release for the board to receive the results.
- Temporary Permit: Applicants can receive a nonrenewable temporary permit to practice nursing while waiting for background check results. The permit is valid for up to six months.
- Confidentiality: The results of the background check are confidential and only accessible by the applicant or their authorized representative. The Arkansas State Police maintains custody of the records.
- Next Generation Identification: The board may participate in programs to receive notifications of arrests after the initial background check, and applicants may be enrolled in a system to avoid re-fingerprinting.
This process ensures that applicants meet both state and federal standards for licensure while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
View Arkansas Code § 17-87-312 (PDF) here.
View the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Website on Background Checks here.
Quick Links
PN Student Handbook (PDF)
Health Professions Handbook (PDF)
For More Information, Contact:
Program Director: Patricia Washington
Phone: (870) 850-3115
Email: pwashington@seark.edu