Nursing at SAU Tech

Start Your Career as an LPN or RN

Southern Arkansas University Tech offers comprehensive nursing pathways to help you launch or advance your career in healthcare. Whether you're just starting or you're already a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ready to become a Registered Nurse (RN), SAU Tech provides the hands-on training, classroom instruction, and clinical experience you need to succeed.

Our Practical Nursing (PN) and LPN-to-RN transition programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and designed to prepare students to pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exams and enter the workforce with confidence.


Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science, Technical Certificate, Certificate of Proficiency

Transferability: Multiple options for transfer→

Format: In-Person

Financial Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Loans →

Nursing Program Overview

Practical Nursing (LPN Program)

  • Credential Earned: Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing
  • Format: In-person instruction with classroom learning, simulation labs, skills labs, and clinical rotations
  • Licensure: Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN

LPN Program Entrance Requirements:

  1. Complete program application
  2. Submit all required documentation
  3. Must be selected for admission


Registered Nursing (RN Program)

  • Credential Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-RN)
  • Format: In-person instruction with clinical experiences
  • Licensure: Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN

RN Program Entrance Requirements:

  1. Complete program application
  2. Completed and passed all prerequisite courses and TEAS exam
  3. Must be selected for admission

Learn How To Apply To The SAU Tech Nursing Program

2026 Admissions Cycle Period: January 14 – June 2, 2026

The deadlines for the Nursing Applications have passed. Acceptance and denial letters will be sent out within the month.

Steps to Apply To The SAU Tech Nursing Program:

0

Visit the website

www.sautech.edu/programs-degrees/nursing

1

Apply to SAU Tech

Select “Apply to SAU Tech” (if not currently a student)

2

Complete Nursing Application

Select “Apply to Nursing Program” - For PN and RN programs

3

Choose Your Program

LPN application or RN application. Read instructions and sign attestation form

4

Complete Prerequisites

Courses with a “C” or better. Submit all transcripts

5

Take the TEAS Exam

Create account and schedule test. Select “Nursing Student”

6

Prepare a Resume

For both PN and RN programs

7

RN Applicants Only

Complete work history form

1

Apply to SAU Tech

Select “Apply to SAU Tech” (if not currently a student)

2

Complete Nursing Application

Select “Apply to Nursing Program” - For PN and RN programs

3

Choose Your Program

LPN application or RN application. Read instructions and sign attestation form

4

Complete Prerequisites

Courses with a “C” or better. Submit all transcripts

5

Take the TEAS Exam

Create account and schedule test. Select “Nursing Student”

6

Prepare a Resume

For both PN and RN programs

7

RN Applicants Only

Complete work history form

8

Previous Nursing Program (if applicable)

Submit letter of good standing

About the TEAS Exam

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is required for all Practical Nursing applicants. Testing must be completed within the application window and is used as part of the competitive admission process.

Learn more about preparing for the TEAS exam or schedule your testing through SAU Tech’s testing center.→

0

Visit the website

www.sautech.edu/programs-degrees/nursing

1

Apply to SAU Tech

Select “Apply to SAU Tech” (if not currently a student)

2

Complete Nursing Application

Select “Apply to Nursing Program” - For PN and RN programs

3

Choose Your Program

LPN application or RN application. Read instructions and sign attestation form

4

Complete Prerequisites

Courses with a “C” or better. Submit all transcripts

5

Take the TEAS Exam

Create account and schedule test. Select “Nursing Student”

6

Prepare a Resume

For both PN and RN programs

7

RN Applicants Only

Complete work history form

8

Previous Nursing Program (if applicable)

Submit letter of good standing

Flexible Pathways in Nursing

SAU Tech supports students at different stages of their nursing journey:

Career Outlook For Nursing

Nursing professionals are in high demand in Arkansas and across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Labor:

  • CNAs care for residents/clients in nursing home, or other medical facility, under direction of nursing and medical staff.
  • LPNs are needed in clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospitals
  • RNs qualify for a wider range of clinical roles and higher earning potential

Each career path offers job stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Job Outlook

Program Learning Outcomes

SAU Tech’s nursing programs are designed to prepare graduates for employment in healthcare or continued study in nursing and health sciences.



Graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate clinical and academic knowledge in the natural and health sciences
  • Apply critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning to patient care
  • Communicate effectively in professional healthcare settings
  • Provide compassionate, culturally competent care to diverse populations

Ready to Begin Your  Nursing Journey?

Questions about the program or application process? Contact our Nursing Department to speak with an advisor today.

Get In Touch

  • Practical Nursing
  • Faculty: Brianna Covington, bcovingt@sautech.edu; Madison Ray, mray@sautech.edu
  • Registered Nursing (AAS)
  • Faculty: Brenda Juniel, bjuniel@sautech.edu; Terry Millican, tmillican@sautech.edu
  • All Allied Health Programs
  • Advisor: Vontisha Murphy, vmurphy@sautech.edu, 870-574-4585
  • Dean: Shelley Young, syoung@sautech.edu, 870-574-4475