Healthcare & Nursing Programs Across the ASU System

The Arkansas State University System is committed to expanding the pipeline of nursing and health professions talent across Arkansas and the Mid-South region. Through comprehensive training opportunities at institutions throughout the ASU System, students gain the skills needed to enter, advance, and lead in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Arkansas State University — College of Nursing & Health Professions (Jonesboro)

 

A-State’s College of Nursing & Health Professions prepares future healthcare leaders with hands on learning, advanced clinical education, and community-centered training. Its mission is to prepare leaders who can meet current and future global healthcare demands and improve health and wellness in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

Programs include:

  • Athletic Training & Exercise Science
  • Communication Disorders
  • Disaster & Emergency Management
  • Health Studies
  • Medical Imaging & Radiologic Science
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Nursing (RN, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Practitioner)
  • Nutrition & Dietetics
  • Occupational & Environmental Safety
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Social Work

Nursing Building Expansion

Congress appropriated $9 million to Arkansas State in February 2026 to build a Healthcare Simulation Building that will help address maternal and infant health workforce shortages and regional health disparities.

Freshman to Physician Pathway

In partnership with the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State, the program
allows qualifying undergraduates to secure early admission to medical school.

Online Programs

A-State Online offers flexible undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership and Education.

 

Henderson State University — Caver College of Aviation, Science & Nursing

Henderson State University delivers high-quality nursing education with small class sizes and strong student support.

Nursing Programs include:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • RN to BSN Online
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Program)

Graduates historically achieve 100% job placement within three months.

Henderson–NYITCOM Pre-Med Pathway

The Henderson Pre-Med Pathway program in cooperation with NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State in Jonesboro  provides a direct route to medical school without requiring MCAT scores.

 

ASU Beebe — Division of Math & Science

The ASU-Beebe Division of Math & Science  prepares students for healthcare careers through hands-on training and foundational coursework.

Programs include:

  • Emergency Medical Services (EMT & Paramedic)
  • Health Information Technology
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician Science
  • Practical Nursing
  • Registered Nursing (LPN/Paramedic to RN)
  • Veterinary Technology

 

ASU Mountain Home — Health Professions

ASU-Mountain Home offers multiple pathways into healthcare careers.

Programs include:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Paramedic Technology
  • Health Professions
  • Nursing (CNA, LPN, RN)
  • Phlebotomy
  • Professional Medical Coding

 

ASU Newport — Health Professions Pathways

ASU-Newport provides hands-on, workforce aligned healthcare training.

Programs include:

  • Registered Nursing (AAS – Traditional Pathway)
  • LPN to RN Transition Pathway
  • Surgical Technology
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Patient Care Tech (CNA)
  • Radiologic Technology

New Health Science Center Planned

Congress appropriated $7.7 million to ASU-Newport in February 2026 to build a Health Science Center in on the Newport campus with a focus on improving maternal and mental health outcomes.

 

ASU Mid-South — Allied Health Sciences

ASU Mid-South trains future frontline healthcare professionals in the West Memphis region.

Programs include:

  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Paramedic Science
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Health Studies
  • Phlebotomy

 

ASU Three Rivers — Health Sciences Division

ASU Three Rivers in Malvern prepares students for success in nursing and allied health careers.

Programs include:

  • Practical Nursing
  • Registered Nursing (LPN/Paramedic to RN)
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Medical Coding
  • Allied Health

New Nursing Education Complex

ASU Three Rivers recently opened a new 27,500 square foot nursing complex expanding capacity for nursing, CNA, and EMT programs.

FAQ: ASU System Nursing & Health Professions Programs

  1. What nursing programs are offered across the ASU System?

The Arkansas State University System offers nursing pathways at multiple campuses, including CNA, LPN, RN, BSN, RN‑to‑BSN, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and advanced online nursing degrees. Each campus provides unique programs designed to meet local and regional workforce needs.

  1. Which ASU campuses offer Registered Nursing (RN) programs?

RN programs are available at A‑State in Jonesboro, ASU‑Beebe, ASU‑Mountain Home, ASU‑Newport, ASU Mid‑South, and ASU Three Rivers. Each program includes hands‑on clinical experience and prepares students for the NCLEX‑RN exam.

  1. Does the ASU System offer online nursing degrees?

Yes. A‑State Online offers several fully online nursing programs, including RN‑to‑BSN, MSN programs, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership and Education.

  1. Can I start with CNA or LPN training and continue to become an RN?

Absolutely. Many ASU campuses—including ASU‑Beebe, ASU‑Mountain Home, ASU Mid‑South, and ASU Three Rivers—offer stackable pathways that allow students to progress from CNA to LPN and from LPN to RN.

  1. What health professions programs are available besides nursing?

The ASU System offers a wide range of healthcare programs, such as Medical Laboratory Technology, Phlebotomy, EMS/EMT, Paramedic Science, Health Information Technology, Radiologic Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Social Work, and more.

  1. Which ASU campus offers EMT and Paramedic training?

EMT and Paramedic programs are offered at ASU‑Beebe, ASU‑Mountain Home, ASU‑Newport, and ASU Mid‑South. These programs prepare students for state licensure and National Registry certifications.

  1. Does the ASU System have medical school pathways?

Yes. A‑State offers the Freshman to Physician Pathway in partnership with the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. Henderson State University also provides the Henderson‑NYITCOM Pre‑Med Pathway, which does not require MCAT scores for admission.

  1. Are there health profession programs designed for working adults?

Yes. Several ASU campuses provide accelerated, hybrid, or online programs—including A‑State Online and the RN‑to‑BSN programs at multiple institutions—making it easier for working adults to advance their careers.

  1. What is the job placement rate for ASU System nursing graduates?

Henderson State University’s nursing program has historically achieved a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation, and many other ASU System programs also report strong placement outcomes due to high regional demand.

  1. How do I apply to an ASU System nursing or health professions program?

Students can apply directly through the website of their chosen ASU System campus. Each program may have specific prerequisites, application deadlines, and admission requirements such as placement scores, background checks, or health clearances.

  1. Does the ASU System offer hands‑on clinical training?

Yes. All nursing and health professions programs across the ASU System include clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, emergency services, or community health settings.

  1. Are scholarships or financial aid available for nursing students?

Financial aid, scholarships, and workforce grants—such as Arkansas Workforce Challenge or regional healthcare scholarships—are available across the system. Many programs also qualify for tuition assistance through local hospital partnerships.