Across the country, providers and long term care professionals are constantly thinking outside the box to find innovative ways to fill the workforce pipeline. Faced with a growing shortage of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) across their state, the Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) is launching a new, innovative way for providers to find passionate caregivers to join their teams. This summer, AHCA officially opened its new School of Nursing, with three campuses in Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Rogers.

The AHCA School of Nursing aims to train 70 LPNs in its first year and is exclusively available to employees working in AHCA member skilled nursing facilities. The program assists participants to climb the career ladder from certified nursing assistant (CNA) to medication assistant-certified (MA-C) to LPN.

Why Arkansas Built Its Own Nursing School

Traditional nursing programs in Arkansas have struggled to graduate enough LPNs to meet the needs of long term care providers. In response, AHCA formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit consortium to establish its own Practical Nursing program, authorized under state law.

To qualify, candidates must be nominated by leadership at their own facility. Classes are structured to accommodate working professionals, with instructions held Tuesday through Thursday, allowing students to continue working part-time as they pursue their education.

A Climbable Career Ladder

The School of Nursing builds on the success of AHCA’s MA-C program, which has already graduated over 400 students since July 2023. This program addressed the growing need for MA-Cs in SNFs. But many of those MA-Cs wanted to keep climbing.

The new LPN program helps bridge the gap between certification and licensure, while keeping talent in the long term care field and promoting upward mobility.

Investing in the Future

AHCA is exploring apprenticeship funding and additional grant opportunities to sustain and grow the model. Plans are already underway to expand enrollment and add new locations.  

This innovative approach is already making an impact and could serve as a national model for how long term care providers can grow their workforce from within.