New Pathway Opens for Healthcare Workers
In response to the growing shortage of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Arkansas, the Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) has launched a new nursing school aimed at upskilling existing healthcare employees. The school, with campuses in Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Rogers, marks a first-of-its-kind initiative by a long-term care provider in the United States. The Arkansas Health Care Association represents about 95% of licensed nursing homes in the state and is stepping up to bridge a long-standing staffing gap affecting nursing facilities.
The initiative offers certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and medical assistants the opportunity to advance their careers by becoming LPNs. According to Arkansas Health Care Association Executive Director Rachel Bunch, the state has seen a noticeable decline in LPNs graduating from traditional programs in recent years. “There’s been a workforce shortage since before the pandemic, of course, but the pandemic created a larger gap. We’ve seen a lot of nurses retire, and we’re not filling those workforce roles as quickly as they’re created,” Bunch said.
School Offers Flexibility and Affordability
One of the unique aspects of the Arkansas Health Care Association nursing school is its employer-sponsored model, which allows students to pursue education while maintaining their current jobs. This design makes the program both affordable and accessible, especially for working adults. “Instead of hiring brand new nurses, which we already do, we’re looking for ways to upskill current employees,” Bunch added. “We are taking entry-level healthcare workers and helping them climb the career ladder.”
Sylvenia Pringle, a medical assistant at Superior Health & Rehab in Conway and a student in the new program, shared her enthusiasm: “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, but personal circumstances just got in the way. So, whenever this opportunity came, I agreed to it. I’m very excited. I know it won’t be easy, but it’s doable, and I’m just happy to be here.”
With each campus enrolling 24 students per cycle, the school is expected to produce a total of 72 new LPNs annually. Each training cycle runs for about 10 months, with students balancing hands-on work experience and classroom learning.
Leaders Applaud Workforce Initiative
To mark the school’s official opening, a celebratory event was held in Little Rock on Wednesday, attended by top state officials, including the lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, and president of the senate. Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge commended the initiative for addressing the state’s healthcare challenges head-on.
“Whether you’re a young mom balancing work and family, a second-career Arkansan looking for a fresh start, or someone who’s been faithfully working in a long-term care facility for years, this school was built for you,” Rutledge said. “By 2037, we are only projected to meet 64 percent of the demand for LPNs. But Arkansas Health Care Association isn’t waiting to fall behind, we’re taking action now.”
The urgency of the program is clear, as the first group of students began classes just one day before the grand opening ceremony.
