About ARNEC

 

What is arnec?

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium is a co-operative effort of four two-year colleges:

what does ARNEC do?

ARNEC offers an LPN/LVN-to-RN transition program. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, which prepares them to apply for RN licensure and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. ARNEC strives to provide a high-quality, comprehensive, accessible, and affordable Registered Nursing program to students in rural Arkansas.

why was ARNEC created?

Many LPNs/LVNs want to advance their nursing career. ARNEC was created to provide the opportunity for LPNs/LVNs in rural areas of Arkansas to receive their RN education close to home and assist in decreasing the shortage of RNs in these areas.

Becoming an RN allows for:

  • Work in a wide variety of settings

  • Increased opportunities for higher pay

  • Roles in nursing leadership and responsibility

 

ARNEC is approved through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Below is the link to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website.

 The ARNEC Program NCLEX Education Code is US39406000 , Nashville, AR

Arkansas State Board of Nursing Website

How is ARNEC APPROVED?

General ARNEC Program Information

Classes begin in January and students graduate in December. ARNEC combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences to educate students on the roles, knowledge base, and responsibilities of RNs. Nursing lectures are delivered  by real-time streaming to each campus two afternoons/evenings per week. Tests are computerized and may be taken at varying times throughout the week. There are readings and assignments required to be completed outside of class and clinical. Most clinical experiences are scheduled for weekends.

This program meets the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for an RN program. Due to the strenuous nature of the nursing curriculum, the admitting institution reserves the right to determine eligibility of any student to enroll or continue in the nursing program. Eligibility is determined by the faculty’s evaluation of the student’s required general education curriculum GPA, and the score on the pre-entrance exam. 

Applicants: All general education courses, except for one, must be completed by the application deadline (August 31st). The one remaining course must be completed by December, before classes begin. Students must have all general education requirements completed by the time classes begin in January. 

If an applicant failed in a generic RN program, then later successfully completed an LPN/LVN/LPTN program, the applicant will be eligible to apply to the ARNEC program.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Students can complete the application here, beginning January 1st.

How do I apply to the ARNEC program?

When are applications accepted?

The application period is open from January 1st to August 31st for a start date the following January.

If you are eligible, the school you select to attend will notify you via email with instruction on how to sign up and take the pre-entrance exam. If you have not been contacted regarding the pre-entrance exam by August 31, you need to contact the school you wish to attend for clarification.

How do I schedule to take the pre-entrance exam?

 

All applicants will receive notification via mail or email by early November detailing their admission status.

How will I know if I was accepted into the program?

Some students maintain full-time status while others have choose to decrease their work hours. The decision regarding employment status is up to the student. However, students must allow time for class, clinic, and all assignments  to be successful in the program.

Will I be able to work full-time or part-time while in the ARNEC program?

Depending on your institution, clinical days will take place either one Saturday or Sunday each week or a Saturday-Sunday combination every other weekend, at varying times. Clinical sites are chosen in an attempt to remain as close to your community as possible, while still providing you with opportunities to learn and practice the roles and responsibilities of an RN.

How are clinicals planned?

ARNEC accepts applications from students completing a PN/VN program. If granted admission, the student must show proof of their LPN/LVN license by the first day of class in January. If the student cannot do so, they must withdraw from the program.

Can I apply if I haven’t completed my PN/VN program yet?

Applicants who were enrolled in, but did not complete, another registered nursing program may apply to ARNEC. You must have successfully completed an LPN/LVN program and have a valid unencumbered license when classes begin. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be provided.

Can I apply to ARNEC if I was unsuccessful in another RN program?

ARNEC strongly encourages applicants to prepare for the pre-entrance exam by studying an NCLEX-PN review book.

How can I prepare/study for the pre-entrance exam?

 
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ARNEC MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium is to provide a quality, comprehensive, accessible, and affordable registered nursing program to students in rural Arkansas.  Through the associate degree programs offered at participating institutions, ARNEC seeks to instill the value of educational progression and lifelong learning.  ARNEC is committed to providing LPN and LVN students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful entry into registered nursing practice.